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Who Pays For Medical Bills After a Car Accident?..

Written by Remington Fang

June 9, 2025

Who pays for medical bills after a car accident is one of the most common and stressful questions we hear from injured clients in Denver. Medical expenses can pile up fast—whether it’s an ambulance ride, a CT scan, surgery, or months of physical therapy. Even a brief hospital stay can leave you with thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs. At Fang Law Firm, we understand how overwhelming this can feel, especially when you’re already dealing with pain and uncertainty. Our experienced legal team helps Colorado car accident victims explore all available insurance options, assert their rights, and pursue the full compensation they’re entitled to—whether from the at-fault driver or their own policy. If you’re unsure who should be paying your bills, you’re not alone—and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

When should I receive medical treatment after a car accident?

Immediately after a car crash, seek medical attention, even if your injuries appear minor. Delays in treatment can jeopardize your health and weaken your injury claim. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal trauma, don’t show symptoms right away.

Prompt treatment helps:

  • Document your injuries
  • Establish a link between the accident and your condition
  • Prevent complications from untreated trauma
  • Support your compensation claim

Insurance companies often dispute claims if there’s a gap between the crash and when you received care. Even if you plan to file a personal injury claim, your first priority should be your health.

Who should pay my medical bills?

Generally, you are responsible for paying your medical bills after a car accident, but the at-fault driver’s insurance or your own insurance may cover the costs. If you have health insurance, they may initially pay your medical expenses. If the other driver is at fault, you can pursue a claim against their insurance company to recover those costs. However, Colorado is not a no-fault state, which means you cannot automatically file a claim with your own insurance unless you have certain types of coverage.

Understanding your options is essential:

  • Health insurance may step in first to cover emergency treatment, hospital stays, and rehabilitation. However, your insurer may place a lien on your personal injury settlement to recover those payments later.
  • Medical Payments (MedPay) is optional coverage available through your auto insurance. MedPay covers reasonable medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. Colorado insurance providers are required to offer at least $5,000 in MedPay coverage, and you can choose to purchase higher limits for more protection.
  • The at-fault driver’s liability insurance becomes a source of reimbursement once fault is established. However, these funds are typically paid out only after a settlement is reached or a verdict is won.

According to Colorado, MedPay can be especially helpful for paying deductibles, copayments, and other expenses not covered by your health plan. Because it doesn’t require fault to be proven, it can offer quick relief while your case is pending.

Keep in mind that you will likely need to pay your medical bills up front, even if you’re expecting a future payout. Hospitals and clinics expect payment upon service, and failing to pay can impact your credit or lead to collections. That’s why it’s so important to work with a car accident attorney who can help manage communications with providers and ensure you’re not left footing the bill when someone else is legally responsible.

Can I negotiate my medical bills after I get a settlement?

Yes, medical bills can often be negotiated after a personal injury settlement. If your health insurer or medical providers placed a lien on your settlement, that amount can sometimes be reduced. Negotiating your medical bills is an important step in maximizing the compensation you actually keep after a case is resolved. While providers and insurers have a right to reimbursement, they are often willing to reduce their demands—especially if the settlement is lower than expected or the injuries required extensive ongoing care.

Here’s what you should know:

  • Hospitals may accept lower lump-sum payments if paid quickly
  • Attorneys often negotiate lien reductions to increase your final payout
  • Health insurers might agree to accept a portion of their claim to avoid delays
  • Colorado law permits reductions when full reimbursement would be unfair or overly burdensome

Reducing your medical liens can be critical if your settlement also needs to cover lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term care. An experienced personal injury attorney will understand how to navigate this process, ensuring all parties are treated fairly while protecting your financial future.

How is fault determined in Colorado?

Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can recover compensation after a car accident as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. If your percentage of fault is less than that of the other party involved, you are still eligible to receive damages—but the amount will be reduced according to your share of responsibility.

Under CRS §13-21-111, contributory negligence does not bar recovery unless your own negligence is equal to or greater than the other party’s. This is especially important in car accident cases where fault is not always clear-cut.

For example:

  • If you are 20% at fault, your compensation is reduced by 20%
  • If you are 51% or more at fault, you are not entitled to any recovery

Determining fault involves a detailed investigation of the accident. Evidence such as police reports, crash scene photos, vehicle damage, surveillance footage, and witness testimony all play a role. Insurance companies will often conduct their own analysis—and may attempt to assign more blame to reduce their liability. That’s why having an attorney on your side can make a significant difference in protecting your rights and ensuring the facts are accurately represented.

Talk to a Denver Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you’re asking, “Who pays for medical bills after a car accident?” you’re likely facing mounting costs and confusing insurance options. At Fang Law Firm, we help injured people across Denver recover the compensation they deserve. Whether you’re dealing with health insurance, MedPay, or an at-fault driver, our legal team will guide you through every step of your claim.

Don’t wait to protect your financial and physical health. Contact Fang Law Firm today at 720-379-6363 for a free consultation.

Remington W. Fang

A Colorado Springs native with a lifelong passion for standing up to bullies, Remington fights for the injured against corporations that put profit over people. Raised in a family devoted to service and healing, he brings compassion and grit to every case.

A graduate of the University of Northern Colorado and the University of Arkansas School of Law, Remington has recovered millions for clients with Fang Accident Lawyers. He believes no injury should silence the human spirit — and he won’t stop fighting until justice is served.

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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. It was approved by Remington W. Fang, our Founding Partner, who brings over 10 years of experience as a personal injury attorney.