When you are injured in a car accident, one of the first questions that comes to mind is, “Who pays for my medical bills?” In Los Angeles, where traffic congestion and collisions are unfortunately common, understanding who is financially responsible can mean the difference between peace of mind and overwhelming debt. This blog discusses how medical bills are handled under California law and your options if you are hurt in a crash.
Who Pays Medical Bills in a Car Accident in California?
California has long followed a fault-based insurance system, meaning the driver who causes a car accident is financially responsible for the injuries and damages sustained by others. Under current law, all registered motor vehicle owners in the state must carry minimum liability insurance to ensure that accident victims can be compensated.
These minimum requirements include:
- $15,000 for injury or death to one person
- $30,000 for injury or death to more than one person
- $5,000 for property damage
Theoretically, if another driver causes an accident, their insurance is responsible for paying your medical bills. However, in practice, those bills are not covered immediately. Insurance investigations, fault determinations, and negotiations often delay reimbursement. As a result, injured parties may be forced to pay upfront and seek reimbursement later.
Your Coverage Options: At-Fault Insurance, Med Pay, and Health Insurance
Liability Insurance from the At-Fault Driver
In an ideal scenario, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance will eventually reimburse you for your medical bills. This includes hospital visits, surgery, physical therapy, and other medically necessary treatment resulting from the crash. Under California Insurance Code §11580.1 and Vehicle Code §16056, drivers are required to carry minimum liability coverage as follows:
- $15,000 for injury or death to one person
- $30,000 for injury or death to more than one person
- $5,000 for property damage
You may need to explore additional options if your medical bills exceed the at-fault driver’s coverage.
Medical Payments Coverage (Med Pay)
Many California drivers carry optional Medical Payments Coverage, often called Med Pay. This insurance helps cover medical costs for you and your passengers, regardless of who was at fault. Med Pay is beneficial because it typically pays out quickly and does not require a liability determination. Med Pay can cover deductibles, ambulance costs, hospital stays, and more.
Health Insurance
Your health insurance may step in if you do not have Med Pay or your policy limits have been exhausted. Health insurance providers will usually cover treatment, but may later seek reimbursement if you receive a settlement. This process is called subrogation. While it helps you get treated quickly, it can also reduce your net compensation if not appropriately managed.
Having an attorney during this process ensures that all reimbursements and negotiations are handled fairly and in your best interest.
Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers: What Now?
Not all drivers in Los Angeles carry sufficient insurance. Some do not carry any at all. Suppose you are hit by someone who is uninsured or whose coverage is not enough to pay your full medical expenses. In that case, your policy can provide support through Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
UM coverage kicks in when the other driver has no insurance. It can cover medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to your injury.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage
UIM coverage applies when the at-fault driver has some insurance but not enough to cover all your expenses. In such cases, your UIM policy may bridge the gap.
These policies are not mandatory in California but are strongly recommended. They can be the difference between being made whole or being left with significant debt.
When to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit to Recover Medical Costs
If insurance is insufficient or liability is disputed, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit. This legal action can help you recover damages that include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income due to inability to work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Filing a lawsuit also allows you to take control of your case rather than waiting on an insurance company to offer a settlement that may not fully compensate you. It is essential to act within California’s statute of limitations, generally two years from the date of the accident.
Working with a skilled car accident attorney in Los Angeles ensures your lawsuit is filed correctly and backed by substantial evidence, from police reports to medical records and witness statements.
Secure the Compensation You Deserve with LA Injury Lawyers
At LA Injury Lawyers, we deliver results that speak volumes. Our mission is to achieve justice for every client, no matter the complexity of the claim. With a proven track record of success, we work relentlessly to bring our clients peace of mind and the compensation they deserve.
Why Choose LA Injury Lawyers?
- Free Evaluation
- Over $100 Million Recovered
- Top Rated Attorneys
- Trial-Tested Experience: Decades of handling personal injury cases across Los Angeles
We provide aggressive, compassionate legal representation tailored to the unique needs of injury victims. Every case is treated with personalized attention and strategic focus.
Recent Results:
- $11 Million Settlement – Brain injury victim
- $10 Million Settlement – Car accident victim
- $8.2 Million Settlement – Motorcycle accident victim
- $7 Million Settlement – Back injury victim
If you are overwhelmed by medical bills after a car accident, let LA Injury Lawyers advocate for you. We will guide you through every step and fight to maximize your compensation. You do not have to navigate the process alone. We fight for your right to full and fair compensation. Our experienced attorneys have helped countless clients in Los Angeles recover the costs of their medical treatment and rebuild their lives
We are here to make sure you do not face the burden of accident-related medical bills alone. Call us today to start your path toward justice and recovery.
Schedule your free evaluation today.
Call: (818) 539-5390
Email: in**@*************rs.com
Address: 6200 Canoga Ave Suite 310, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- In a car accident, who pays the medical bills if fault has not yet been determined?
Until liability is established, your Med Pay or health insurance will likely cover initial expenses. Once fault is determined, those providers may seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance. - What happens if I do not have health insurance after a car accident in California?
You may still have options. If you have Med Pay or UM coverage, those can help. Additionally, some healthcare providers work on a lien basis, allowing you to defer payment until your case is resolved. - Does the at-fault driver always pay for medical expenses in Los Angeles?
Yes, but not immediately. Their insurance will only pay after liability is confirmed, and even then, negotiations are common. You may need to front costs until a settlement is reached. - How long does it take to get reimbursed for medical bills after an accident?
It varies. If the case is clear-cut, it may be a few weeks. More complex cases involving litigation can take months. Working with an attorney can help expedite this process. - Should I hire an attorney to help recover medical bills from a car accident?
Absolutely. An attorney can handle negotiations, protect your rights, and ensure that you receive full compensation, especially if there are disputes about liability or the value of your claim.
