Who Pays For The Medical Bills From A Car Accident? If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, medical bills can add up quickly. You may be wondering who will pay for these bills, especially if you aren’t at fault. In Texas, which is not a “no-fault” state, the answer is simply that it can vary. It depends on whose fault the accident was and what kind of insurance you have.
First, You Pay
As a general rule, you must first incur the payments for any medical bills from an accident, even if you weren’t at fault. The law doesn’t require the individual at fault to pay for your bills on what’s called an “ongoing basis.” Instead, a court can later require payment for “damages,” which includes any medical bills related to the accident.
If you have medical pay, or “med pay,” insurance coverage, which is completely optional in Texas, your insurance company will pay for medical expenses up to the amount agreed upon in your plan. This is usually less than $10,000. After bills exceed this amount, you pay for them out of pocket.
Determining Fault
If you were injured in an accident, the at-fault driver’s car insurance company will be required to reimburse you for medical expenses as a part of damages. Damages can include car repairs, lost income, emotional distress and more, in addition to medical expenses.
Unfortunately, you will be paying for your own medical bills if you were at fault in an accident, unless you have med pay coverage. Your insurance company will be responsible for reimbursing the other driver for damages.
Going to Court
In most cases, personal injury lawsuits end in a settlement outside of court, which saves both parties time and money. If the fault is disputed, however, you and your car crash attorney may end up in court fighting for your right to proper compensation. That’s why it’s important to call a personal injury lawyer as soon as you can following a car accident that results in even a small injury.
Need a Lawyer?
The lawyers at Cesar Ornelas Law are experienced personal injury attorneys committed to helping you. If you’re injured in a car accident, count on Cesar Ornelas Law to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation to review your case.
