How to Get Medical Bills Paid After a Car Accident

How to Get Medical Bills Paid After a Car Accident
By: Roger Fincher | August 7, 2025 | Car accidents
How to Get Medical Bills Paid After a Car Accident

At Fincher Law, we help injured people fight for fair compensation. Our team ensures complete coverage for your medical and other related costs, including lost wages. If you're hurt in a car crash, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Understanding Who Is Responsible for Your Medical Bills

After an auto accident, your medical treatment typically begins immediately. But the payment process is rarely that simple. In most personal injury cases, several parties might be involved in covering your bills.

You may have health insurance, but that doesn’t mean your medical bills are paid without question. Your health insurance company might seek reimbursement later from the at-fault party’s insurance.

Depending on your auto insurance policy, coverages such as personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments (MedPay) may help cover accident-related medical expenses. Every case is different, and without the help of a personal injury attorney, you could be stuck with bills you shouldn’t have to pay.

Kansas Is a No-Fault State (With Exceptions)

Kansas Is a No-Fault State (With Exceptions)

In Kansas, the law follows a no-fault system for personal injuries. This means your own insurance is generally responsible for covering medical bills and other injury-related expenses, regardless of who caused the accident. This coverage is called Personal Injury Protection (PIP).

However, there are exceptions. If your injuries are serious or your medical costs exceed your PIP limits, you may be able to file a claim against the at-fault driver's insurance to cover damages like pain and suffering or lost income.

Kansas also uses a comparative fault rule for these claims. If you’re partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

That’s why it’s important to work with a personal injury lawyer. At Fincher Law, we help injury victims in Kansas understand their rights and recover the full compensation they deserve.

Your Health Insurance Can Cover Costs Temporarily

If you need immediate medical care after a crash, your health insurance coverage can provide assistance. Many people use their private health insurance plan to pay medical bills early on. This allows you to get the treatment you need without delays, including hospital bills, physical therapy, and prescription medications.

However, there’s a catch. Your health insurance company may request reimbursement once your personal injury claim is resolved. This process is called subrogation. While filing a health insurance claim for car accident injuries can be beneficial, it also comes with potential limitations.

Using your health insurance to cover injuries from a car accident presents both advantages and drawbacks worth considering. It helps you avoid out-of-pocket payments upfront. But it can also lead to confusion about what portion of your injury claim belongs to you. An attorney from Fincher Law can help you understand how your healthcare providers, insurance coverage, and settlement are all connected.

Using MedPay Coverage for Immediate Medical Expenses

Using MedPay Coverage for Immediate Medical Expenses

Medical payments coverage—also called MedPay—is optional coverage under your car insurance policy. In Kansas, it helps pay your car accident medical bills quickly, no matter who caused the crash. With this form of insurance, policyholders can mitigate the immediate financial impact of early healthcare expenses.

MedPay can be used for many types of medical care. It often covers ambulance rides, emergency room visits, X-rays, follow-up appointments, and even physical therapy. It may also help cover the costs of medical professionals, such as specialists and chiropractors.

The best part? MedPay doesn’t require you to wait for the at-fault driver’s liability coverage to kick in. It’s available right away and doesn’t require repayment. If you have MedPay, it can significantly reduce the time it takes to pay your bills after a car accident.

The Role of the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance

The Role of the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance

When it comes to long-term payment, the at-fault driver’s car insurance company is usually responsible. This is why having strong liability insurance is so important. If someone causes a crash, their bodily injury liability coverage helps pay for your medical costs and other losses.

Filing a Bodily Injury Claim

Eventually, the at-fault driver’s insurance should cover your medical expenses, but it doesn’t happen right away. To ensure your medical expenses from a car accident are covered, you’ll need to submit a bodily injury claim. This is a type of third-party liability claim.

You’ll need to prove the other driver caused the crash, and you must show proof of your medical treatment. That includes hospital bills, records from medical providers, and any co-pays or out-of-pocket costs. Should the at-fault driver carry underinsured motorist coverage, their policy may help cover any remaining losses not fully compensated by their primary insurance.

Filing these claims requires time and specialized legal expertise. An attorney can help determine fault, manage communications with the car insurance company, and fight for a fair settlement. At Fincher Law, we provide legal representation that prioritizes your needs. We are committed to ensuring you obtain just compensation for every injury and loss you’ve sustained. Theault party’s insurance takes time. You may need to file claims, gather medical records, and prove the other driver’s fault. If you share some blame for the crash, Kansas' comparative fault rule could reduce your compensation.

That’s why it’s important to work with a personal injury lawyer. At Fincher Law, we assist injury victims in Kansas with these complex issues, enabling them to focus on their recovery.

Should You Pay Bills Upfront or Wait for the Settlement?

After a car accident, many people wonder if they should wait for their personal injury claim to settle before paying medical bills. While waiting sounds easier, it can cause serious problems. Unpaid hospital bills may be sent to collections, which can harm your credit score. It could also delay or limit your medical treatment.

At Fincher Law, we help clients avoid those issues. Our team works with medical providers to delay payment through liens or agreements. This allows you to receive care now while we focus on seeking compensation later.

We also explain when it's better to use health insurance coverage or MedPay. Every case is unique, and timing is crucial. If you need help figuring out how to pay your medical bills, you can reach us through our online contact form. We’re ready to review your case and take action quickly.

Keeping Track of Medical Records and Expenses

Keeping Track of Medical Records and Expenses

Maintaining accurate records is a crucial component of any personal injury claim. After a car crash, it is essential to save all medical records, bills, and receipts. This includes prescription medications, diagnoses, and even mileage to and from doctor appointments.

These records help prove the value of your claim. Insurance companies and healthcare providers rely on clear documentation when reviewing injury claims. Without it, you may struggle to receive fair compensation for your losses.

An organized file of your medical care also helps your attorney show how the accident affected your life. The more details you have, the stronger your case will be.

Negotiating Medical Bills After a Settlement

Once your case settles, you may still owe some medical providers. But the good news is that your personal injury lawyer can often help reduce those bills. This is especially helpful when medical liens are involved. A lower lien means more of the settlement stays in your pocket.

It’s essential to understand the distinction between gross and net settlement amounts. Your gross settlement is the total payment. Your net settlement is the amount you take home after paying bills, liens, and legal fees.

At Fincher Law, we strive to ensure that your net settlement is fair. We’ll review every bill and speak with medical professionals if needed. Our law office is committed to helping you protect your finances after a car accident.

Common Mistakes to Avoid With Medical Bills After a Car Crash

Common Mistakes to Avoid With Medical Bills After a Car Crash

When dealing with car accident medical bills, even small mistakes can cause big problems. Here are some of the most common missteps you should avoid:

  • Ignoring bills: Failing to pay hospital bills or medical expenses can harm your credit and delay necessary care.
  • Assuming insurance will automatically pay: Insurance companies don’t always cover everything. You often have to file claims and provide proof.
  • Failing to get legal advice: Without legal representation, you might miss out on compensation or pay more than you should.

Being proactive helps protect your rights and your financial future. An experienced personal injury attorney can guide you through the process and help you avoid costly errors.

Why Hire Fincher Law to Help With Medical Bills After a Crash

At Fincher Law, we do more than just file claims. We help coordinate your medical care and handle billing with your healthcare providers. That way, you can focus on recovering from your injuries.

We also work to make sure you receive full and fair compensation. Whether it's hospital bills, prescription medications, or physical therapy, our team knows how to build a strong personal injury claim.

Most importantly, we deal directly with the car insurance company and collections, so you don’t have to. Our law office is committed to protecting your rights from the start of your case until your bills are paid.

FAQs

Will I have to pay anything if I wasn’t at fault?

Yes, you may still have to pay upfront. Even if you're not at fault, your health insurance plan or MedPay might need to cover costs first. Later, your attorney can seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance.

How long will it take for insurance to reimburse me?

It depends. Reimbursement through a personal injury claim often takes weeks or months. Insurance coverage must be verified, and medical records must be reviewed before any payment is made.

What if I need surgery later?

If surgery becomes necessary, it should be included in your claim. Future medical care is often a component of seeking compensation for injuries. Your lawyer can work with medical professionals to estimate costs in advance.

Will my bills affect my credit?

They can. If hospital bills or medical costs go unpaid, they may end up in collections. That’s why it’s important to act quickly and get legal help managing your payments.

Contact Our Kansas City Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Evaluation

Contact Our Kansas City Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Evaluation

If you’re overwhelmed with medical bills after a car crash, Fincher Law is here to help. We offer complimentary case reviews to discuss your options and explain how we can assist with your claim.

There’s no upfront cost to get started. Our Kansas City car accident lawyer will fight to make sure your medical bills are paid and you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Contact us today using our online form.

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