Who Pays Medical Bills in a Car Accident Case: Understanding Medical Provider Payments in Arizona
The Basics of Medical Bill Payment in Car Accident Cases
A very frequent question I’m asked in car accident cases is: who pays medical bills in a car accident case?
The answer is straightforward, but in real life, it might get confusing.
The Clear Answer: At-Fault Driver’s Insurance
The clear answer is the driver who hit you and their insurance company must pay for your medical care. The driver’s insurance company will pay your:
- Ambulance bill
- Hospital bill
- Hospital doctor’s bills
- X-ray and MRI bills
How Medical Bills Are Paid in Car Accident Cases
How the at-fault driver pays you is where it gets a bit confusing.
Scenario 1: Your Health Insurance Pays Initially
First, you probably know that when you first get to the hospital, they will ask for your health insurance card.
It is possible that your healthcare insurance will pay your medical providers. In this scenario, at the end when your car case settles, your healthcare insurance will get their money back in what’s called subrogation.
Scenario 2: Medical Providers Wait for Payment
Second, if your healthcare insurance does not pay for your medical care (often with chiropractic care), then usually the medical provider will treat you and wait for payment.
The medical provider waits for payment until you settle the case. Then after you settle, you pay the medical provider.
The Critical Point: You’re Responsible for Paying Medical Bills from Your Settlement
This last point is critical. After you settle an accident, you’re going to get a lump sum check. From that lump sum, you will have to pay the medical providers.
In other words, the insurance company for the at-fault driver does not pay the medical providers directly.
In practice, this is usually illustrated when my clients get their checks and ask, “Have the doctors already been paid?” My answer is usually no; you are responsible for the bills.
Negotiating Reduced Medical Bills
With that said, 99% of the time, my firm will help you negotiate a reduced bill with the medical providers.
Get Help with Your Car Accident Medical Bills
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Arizona, don’t navigate the complex world of medical bills alone. Contact me at The Law Offices of Derron D. Woodfork for a free consultation.
Derron Woodfork