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Written by: Steven R. Clawson
| Read Time: 4 minutes

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by another party’s negligence, you may be wondering who pays for medical bills after a car accident in California. Fortunately, the costs of your medical treatment are recoverable through a personal injury claim.

In California, a personal injury claim typically includes reimbursement for medical expenses such as doctor visits, hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and other necessary treatments. These costs can add up quickly, especially if your injuries are severe, but you don’t have to bear the financial burden alone.

California follows a fault-based system, meaning the at-fault driver’s insurance should cover your medical expenses. If the responsible party’s insurance is insufficient or unavailable, you may need to rely on your own insurance or pursue a lawsuit to recover damages.

A car accident can result in serious injuries that impact your ability to work and lead to long-term medical needs. Contact a skilled California personal injury lawyer to help you navigate the process, pursue compensation, and ensure that your medical bills are properly covered.

Let us help you focus on your recovery while we fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

California Is a Fault-Based Auto Accident State 

In a fault-based auto accident state like California, each insurance company covers the costs of damages caused by their insured. These include medical bills and property damage.

The degree of fault of each party determines settlement terms. Therefore, in California, the person who negligently causes an accident or injury pays all necessary and reasonable medical expenses.

When in an accident in California, it’s important to get the other party’s information, including their driver license and insurance company name and policy number. You should also take pictures of the scene if you are able to do so. Go to the hospital and be checked even if you don’t feel any signs of injury.

With some insurance companies, obtaining prompt medical care is essential to a successful claim for damages covered by the policy. Some auto insurance companies may claim that your failure to seek medical attention after an accident is a basis to deny your claim.

If you suffer injuries, contact the insurance company once you begin any treatment for your injuries. 

If you don’t know who is at fault, your attorney can help you investigate. If fault is not apparent at the scene of the accident, police may assign fault at a later date.

Your attorney can review the police report and other evidence from the accident scene to help you determine whether you have a negligence claim against the other party.

Does the At-Fault Party Have to Pay Your Car Accident Medical Bills in California? 

Depending on who is determined to be at fault, your medical expenses may be paid by:

  • The at-fault party;
  • A responsible company; or
  • The at-fault party’s insurance company. 

In a fault state like California, you do not submit a claim for accident injuries through your own car insurance.

Instead, you need to file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Therefore, the person at-fault will be the one paying the damages in a personal injury claim.

However, receiving settlement proceeds can often take a substantial amount of time.

Unfortunately, this means that any medical bills you incur are your responsibility. Although you will receive damages to cover medical costs, settlement of a personal injury lawsuit is not immediate.

Therefore, until you receive settlement funds, any medical bills are your responsibility. If your personal medical insurance company pays for any of these bills, they may be entitled to a portion of any settlement you reach with the other driver’s insurance company.

For a free legal consultation, call 707-426-5300 or contact us online

FAQs About Medical Bills After a Car Accident in California

Can My Personal Health Insurance Cover Medical Bills After a Car Accident?

Yes, your health insurance may cover medical bills in the interim, but they may seek reimbursement from the settlement you receive from the at-fault party’s insurance.

How Long Do I Have to Submit Medical Bills for Reimbursement After a Car Accident in California?

In California, you typically need to submit medical bills within the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which is generally two years from the accident date.

What If I Can’t Afford to Pay Medical Bills While Waiting for My Settlement?

Some medical providers may agree to delay payment or offer payment plans while you wait for your settlement. An attorney can also help negotiate with providers on your behalf.

Can I Still Recover Medical Expenses If I Was Partially at Fault in the Accident?

Yes, California follows comparative negligence, so even if you’re partially at fault, you may still recover a portion of your medical expenses based on the degree of fault assigned to each party.

Contact a California Car Accident Lawyer for a 100% Free Consultation Today

Contact a California car accident lawyer at Wells Call. Since 1984, our firm has recovered over half a billion dollars for our clients.

We care about each of our clients and work diligently to receive the best possible settlement. Our firm has law offices in Fairfield, Vacaville, Vallejo, Napa, Richmond, and Woodland.

We are committed to helping members of the community where we also reside. We provide our clients with the time and attention to listen to their needs and answer any questions.

We offer a free consultation to discuss your case. We don’t collect unless you collect.

If you’ve suffered injuries in an auto accident, don’t hesitate and contact us today! 

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