John Austin | October 24, 2025 | Car Accidents
Car accidents can leave injured victims and their families struggling with emotional toll and financial strain. The recovery costs accumulate quickly from emergency care and hospital stays to ongoing rehabilitation.
Fortunately, you have the right to pursue compensation for your medical bills if another driver’s negligence caused your crash. Handling medical claims after a car accident involves legal aspects that overwhelm injured victims. Insurance companies may delay, undervalue, or even deny valid claims. You should, therefore, work with a legal professional who’ll explain and protect your legal right to compensation.
At Roman Austin, our car accident lawyers understand tactics that insurers use to limit payouts. We can guide you through the medical claims process, protect your rights, and fight to secure a fair and just settlement for your losses.
Car Accidents Medical Claims Key Takeaways
- The timelines to file a medical claim depend on insurance rules and state deadlines, so act quickly after a crash.
- Claim medical expenses by seeking prompt care, keeping records, and submitting proper documentation.
- Injury value varies based on several factors, such as severe or long-term injuries, typically leading to higher settlements.
- A car accident lawyer helps handle insurers, disputes, and maximize compensation.
- Call a car accident attorney to maximize your recovery for medical expenses.
How Long After a Car Accident Can You File a Medical Claim
The timeframe for filing medical claims after a car accident depends on your insurance type and state regulations. For Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments coverage through your own auto insurance, most companies require claim submission within 30 to 90 days of treatment or the accident date.
You have more flexibility when seeking compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Third-party medical claims generally follow your state’s personal injury statute of limitations, which ranges from one to six years.
However, insurance companies still prefer prompt notification and may downplay your losses following a delay.
Health insurance claims usually follow standard policy terms, requiring submission within 90 days to one year of receiving medical care. A car accident lawyer can determine which insurance pays first when auto and health insurance are involved.
Delayed-onset injuries complicate these timelines. Symptoms like whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries may not appear immediately after an accident. Many states recognize discovery rules that extend filing deadlines for injuries that manifest later.
Regardless of the specific timeframe, promptly notify your insurer immediately after an accident. Early notification protects your rights, ensures proper claim handling, and prevents coverage disputes that can arise from delayed reporting.
How to Claim Medical Expenses After a Car Accident
You can file a claim or lawsuit after a car accident to recover medical expenses associated with the treatment plan. Here are the steps for filing a claim for medical expenses:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
You should prioritize getting proper medical care, even if injuries seem minor. Some injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms immediately.
Having medical documentation from the accident date creates a clear connection between the crash and your injuries. Emergency room visits, urgent care treatments, and follow-up appointments generate medical records supporting your claim.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your auto insurance company immediately after the accident to report the incident and potential medical claims. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments coverage can provide immediate coverage for medical expenses regardless of fault.
Many insurance companies have 24-hour claim reporting hotlines and mobile apps for convenient notification. An insurer can question the severity of your injuries if you don’t notify them on time.
A car accident lawyer can help you understand what information to provide to your insurer and ensure you don’t inadvertently say something that can harm your claim.
Gather and Organize Medical Documentation
Collect all medical records, bills, and receipts for your accident injuries. Some of the records that can support your claim for medical expenses include:
- Hospital records
- Doctor visits
- Diagnostic tests
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy sessions
- Medical equipment.
Documentation for your mileage can support your compensation claim for transport charges to and from medical appointments. A car accident attorney can help you identify all recoverable medical expenses and maximize your recovery.
Understand Your Coverage Options
Different types of insurance may cover your medical expenses, including auto insurance (PIP/MedPay), health insurance, and the at-fault driver’s liability coverage. Each has different requirements, deductibles, and coverage limits.
A car accident lawyer can explore the different sources of compensation, file a claim, and fight tirelessly for a fair and just settlement.
Submit Claims With Proper Documentation
You should submit a claim with all applicable insurance companies, providing complete medical documentation and following the appropriate procedures. Include itemized medical bills, treatment records, and proof of payment.
Some insurers require specific claim forms or have particular submission deadlines. A car accident attorney can help you fill out the paperwork and make a timely submission.
Handle Claim Disputes and Negotiations
Insurance companies may dispute the necessity of treatment plans, question the relationship between injuries and the accident, or challenge the validity of medical charges. They might request independent medical examinations or additional documentation.
A car accident attorney can negotiate with insurance adjusters, respond to claim disputes, and advocate for fair compensation when insurers attempt to minimize payments.
File a Car Accident Lawsuit
You can file a car accident lawsuit when insurance companies deny your medical expense claims or offer inadequate settlements. You can also file a lawsuit if you can’t reach an agreement with the insurance provider.
You can also explore legal action when insurers fail to honor legitimate claims or provide fair compensation for ongoing medical needs.
A car accident lawyer can evaluate whether your claim disputes warrant litigation. They will also handle all legal procedures, negotiate with opposing counsel, and present compelling evidence before a judge and jury.
Who Pays for Medical Bills After a Car Accident
After a car accident, determining who covers medical bills is the first step to obtaining compensation for your losses. The negligent party’s insurer is responsible for covering losses, including medical expenses.
However, multiple factors influence payment responsibility, and coverage sources may vary based on specific situations, insurance policies, and state laws.
Here are potential parties who may pay for your medical expenses:
The At-Fault Driver’s Insurance
The primary responsibility for medical bills typically falls on the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. Minimum auto insurance is mandatory in most states, and it should pay for your medical expenses and other damages resulting from the negligent driver’s actions.
However, coverage limits may not be sufficient for severe injuries, leaving you responsible for remaining costs.
Your Own Auto Insurance
Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments coverage provides immediate medical expense coverage regardless of fault. PIP is mandatory in no-fault states and covers medical bills resulting from the crash.
Medical Payments coverage is optional in most states, but medical expenses are paid up to policy limits without requiring fault determination.
Vehicle Owner’s Insurance
When someone other than the owner causes an accident, the driver’s and vehicle owner’s insurance may be responsible for medical bills. Liability of the vehicle owner applies when family members drive each other’s vehicles or when employers allow employees to use company cars for business purposes.
Employer’s Insurance
Companies may be liable for medical expenses when their employees cause accidents during work hours or while performing job-related duties. It includes delivery drivers, sales representatives, and other workers driving for business purposes.
The employer’s commercial auto insurance typically covers these medical expenses.
Government Entities
Municipal, state, or federal governments may be responsible for medical bills when accidents occur due to their negligence. For example, a crash occurs due to dangerous road conditions, faulty traffic signals, inadequate signage, or poor road maintenance.
Government liability claims often have special procedures and shorter filing deadlines.
Property Owner’s Insurance
Private property owners, including shopping centers and parking lot operators, can be liable for your medical bills. You can initiate a claim or lawsuit if the accident occurred due to poor lighting, inadequate traffic control, or hazardous conditions on their premises.
Your Health Insurance
Health insurance is a secondary source when auto insurance coverage is insufficient or unavailable. However, health insurers may seek reimbursement from auto insurance settlements through subrogation rights.
How Much Is My Car Accident Injury Worth
There is no average value for your medical expenses and losses for your injury. The value depends on the facts and circumstances of the injury. Some of the factors that affect the value of your car accident include:
Severity of Injury
The severity of your injury can determine whether you’ll receive a higher or a lower settlement value. Minor injuries like sprains or bruises typically result in lower settlement values to cover medical bills and a brief time off work.
Catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or permanent disabilities often result in settlements exceeding hundreds of thousands or reaching into millions.
A car accident lawyer can use medical records to prove the severity of your injury and support your compensation claim for medical bills.
Shared Fault
Your percentage of fault directly reduces your potential compensation under shared liability laws. If you’re found 30 percent responsible for the accident, your damages decrease by that percentage.
For instance, a $100,000 claim becomes $70,000 after fault reduction. Some states follow modified shared fault, barring recovery if you’re more than 50 percent or 51 percent at fault.
Availability of Evidence
Strong evidence increases your claim’s worth by clearly establishing liability and the extent of your damages. Comprehensive medical records, witness statements, police reports, expert testimony, and accident scene documentation strengthen your case and make a case for higher settlement offers.
Clear proof of the other party’s negligence and your injury severity leads to better compensation outcomes.
Insurance Coverage of the Negligent Party
The at-fault party’s insurance limits often cap your potential recovery. State minimum liability requirements vary widely, with some as low as $25,000 per person. Even policies with $100,000 or $300,000 limits may prove inadequate for serious injuries.
A car accident lawyer can explore additional sources of compensation, including filing a lawsuit against a defendant’s personal assets.
Legal Representation
Having experienced legal representation increases the chances of receiving a higher settlement value. A car accident attorney understands insurers’ tactics, can negotiate, and knows how to present cases for maximum compensation.
Get Legal Support From A Car Accident Attorney
You’re likely to experience financial distress after being injured in a car crash. For example, recovering from a back injury requires diagnostic tests, medication, physical therapy, and co-pay contributions that can leave you in debt.
While you may be entitled to compensation, you must prove how the negligent party’s actions contributed to your injuries and losses. A car accident lawyer can use their knowledge and experience to fight for a fair and just settlement.
Contact Roman Austin at (727) 787-2500 for a free case evaluation. We are standing by to help.
Car Accidents Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have to Go to Court for an Accident
Most car accident cases settle out of court through insurance negotiations, avoiding the need for trial. You typically only go to court if settlement negotiations fail, liability is disputed, or damages exceed insurance limits.
Even after a car accident lawsuit, many resolve through mediation or arbitration before reaching trial, saving time and legal costs.
How Much Is My Accident Worth
The value of your car accident claim depends on factors like the injury’s severity, evidence availability, and shared fault. Minor injuries may be worth thousands, while severe injuries can reach hundreds of thousands or millions.
Factors like insurance limits and duration of recovery period may also affect the value. Consult an experienced car accident attorney for an accurate case evaluation.
What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost
Most car accident attorneys work on contingency fees, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. The cost is a percentage of the settlement value or court award and depends on case complexity, time investment, and whether the case settles or goes to trial.
Additional costs may include expert witnesses, medical record requests, court filing fees, and investigation expenses. However, a car accident attorney can advance these costs and recover them from settlements.
