I Was Hurt in a Pennsylvania Car Accident. Who Will Pay My Medical Bills?

Who Pays Medical Bills After a Pennsylvania Car Accident?

This is one of the most immediate concerns after a serious car accident — and the answer involves several layers of Pennsylvania insurance law. Medical bills may come from multiple sources depending on what coverage you carry, what coverage the at-fault driver carries, and the timeline of your case. Here’s how it typically works.

Your Own First-Party Benefits (FPB)

Pennsylvania law requires all auto insurance policies to include first-party medical benefits coverage — sometimes called Medical Expense Benefits or MedPay — unless the policyholder waives it in writing. First-party benefits pay your medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident and regardless of whether a liability claim is ultimately successful. Pennsylvania’s minimum required first-party medical benefit is $5,000, though higher amounts are available.

First-party benefits are the first line of payment for your medical bills after a Pennsylvania car accident. They pay directly to your medical providers and do not require you to wait for a liability settlement.

Health Insurance

If your first-party benefits are exhausted, your health insurance may cover additional treatment costs. Be aware that your health insurer may assert a subrogation lien — a right to be repaid from any settlement or verdict you receive — for amounts paid on accident-related treatment.

At-Fault Driver’s Liability Insurance

The at-fault driver’s liability policy is ultimately responsible for your medical costs — but only after a claim is resolved, either by settlement or verdict. You generally cannot require the at-fault driver’s insurer to pay your bills as they accrue during treatment. The liability claim is settled as a whole once your treatment is complete or your condition is stable.

Medical Liens

In some cases, medical providers may agree to treat accident victims and hold their bills pending resolution of the injury claim — a practice called treating on a lien. Under this arrangement, the provider is repaid from the settlement. Your attorney can help you navigate lien issues to maximize what you actually receive.

The Erie personal injury attorneys at Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C. help clients manage the full complexity of accident-related medical billing. Contact us for a free consultation.