Paying for Medical Care After a Colorado Car Accident

Who Pays for Medical Bills After a Colorado Car Accident?

One of the most common questions Colorado car accident victims have after an accident is, “Who pays for my medical bills following a crash?” Because Colorado operates under a traditional no-fault system, as outlined by the Colorado Revised Statute (C.R.S.) § 13-21), generally, the insurance company of the at-fault driver is responsible for covering the cost of medical bills and treatment. However, this rule is not always cut and dry. 

After a car accident, victims should seek immediate medical care and are often required to pay for that cost of care up front as well. Unfortunately, insurance companies can be slow to conduct their investigation and might not always have the funds you’re entitled to ready for you to use. 

The end result? Well, many accident victims end up covering the cost of their medical care themselves, out of pocket, or through their personal insurance provider. 

Under Colorado law, all drivers are required to carry minimum coverage limits that include the following: 

• $25,000 for bodily injury or death to any one person in an accident. 
• $50,000 for bodily injury or death to all persons in any one accident. 
• $15,000 for property damage in any one accident. 

Will My Health Insurance Cover Treatment After a Crash? 

In most cases, yes, your health insurance plan will automatically cover the cost of your medical treatment after a crash. However, this does not mean that your medical insurance provider might not go after your settlement funds to recover some of the costs of your care.

Through a process called subrogation, the insurance company has a right to recover compensation that they paid to cover the cost of your care. Subrogation acts as a medical lean claim over your settlement.

It’s also important to consider that if you do use your health insurance coverage after a car accident, any expenses related to your accident may count toward your annual limits. This may raise the cost of your health bills later on down the road if you have other medical needs that arise.

Can Auto Insurance Help Pay for My Medical Expenses?

Absolutely. Your auto insurance is the primary preferred payer for policyholders injured in a crash. In Colorado, there is an insurance plan offered by auto insurance providers called Medical Payment (MedPay). This coverage is offered to all Colorado drivers; however, Colorado drivers have the right to decline it. If you do carry this coverage, it will cover the cost of car accident related expenses, including ambulance rides, ER visits, X-rays and other scans, and surgery, up to your policy limit. 

What Do I Do If I Cannot Afford Medical Treatment After an Accident? 

If you cannot afford medical treatment after a car accident, you should still get care from a provider or take a visit to the ER if your injuries are severe. In Colorado, hospitals and urgent care facilities are legally required to provide you with care under EMTALA laws. 

Not only that, but many medical providers have payment plans, financial aid support, and other options that can make the cost of care more affordable until your settlement funds kick in.

It is critical you see a medical provider so that your injuries don’t worsen. Along with that, by not seeking medical care, you are creating a gap in the timeline from the time of your accident. These gaps can be used against you to paint an image that your injuries really were not that serious, or that they were not related to your accident to begin with. 

Can I Recover Medical Expenses Through a Personal Injury Claim? 

Absolutely. For many victims, a personal injury claim serves as an avenue to recover the compensation you’re entitled to if the insurance company or other involved parties are not providing you with an adequate settlement.

Personal injury claims can be an effective way for you to recover compensation because you can seek economic damages, like the cost of medical care, prescriptions, loss of income because of an inability to work, and other expenses that are calculable and directly related to your car accident. 

Personal injury claims also allow you to recover what’s known as non-economic damages. These are difficult-to-calculate damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and others.

What Types of Medical Costs Can Be Recovered Through a Car Accident Claim?

When you file a car accident claim, you can recover both economic and non-economic damages. Under economic damages, medical bills owed to you from the crash can include but are not limited to: 

• Medical treatment 
• Hospital stays 
• Counseling and therapy 
• Prescriptions and refills 
• Medical devices, like crutches or wheelchairs 

Non-economic damages cover your injuries that do not come with a price, such as pain and suffering.

How Can Bachus & Schanker Help Me Pursue Compensation for Accident-Related Medical Expenses? 

At Bachus & Schanker, our experienced Colorado personal injury attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and options, so you can navigate the road to recovery. We’ll help you determine what you’re entitled to and how to pursue it. 

We also offer free case evaluations to car accident victims. Plus, there is no obligation to work with us after the evaluation. We simply want to help you understand your rights and options, so you can make an informed decision. 

Whether you have questions about medical bills, insurance claims, or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, our team is here to listen and provide honest guidance. Call today to schedule your free case evaluation. No pressure, no commitment, just the help you need.

Legal Support Across Colorado and Nationwide

Serving Clients Nationwide

Related Car Accident Resources