Getting hurt in a car accident is stressful enough—but figuring out who covers your medical bills afterward can be just as overwhelming. Whether you’re dealing with emergency treatment, follow-up care, or long-term recovery, knowing your rights and options in Texas can help protect your financial well-being.
Let’s walk through how medical bills are handled after a car crash in Texas and what steps you can take to make sure you’re not left with the costs.
Immediate Medical Costs After an Accident
After a collision, the first priority is medical attention. That care often comes with a hefty price tag, especially if it involves emergency response.
Typical immediate costs include:
- Ambulance transport ($500–$1,200+)
- Emergency room evaluation (average $3,300)
- Diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
- Initial hospital stay or surgery
- Follow-up urgent care or prescription medications
These services are typically billed to the injured person. If you have health insurance, it may cover a portion upfront, depending on your deductible and coverage terms. Without insurance, providers may offer limited payment options—or wait for a pending settlement if they’re informed a legal claim is underway.
It’s important to keep detailed records of all bills, invoices, and receipts to support your insurance claim or legal case later.
Texas Auto Insurance Laws and Medical Bill Responsibility
Texas operates under a fault-based car insurance system. That means the person responsible for causing the accident (and their insurance company) is legally required to pay for the damages—including your medical expenses.
Here’s how it typically works:
- The at-fault driver’s bodily injury liability coverage pays for the injured party’s medical costs.
- If you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments (MedPay) on your own policy, these can cover your expenses faster—regardless of fault.
- Your medical bills are usually not paid until after a claim is resolved, unless you use PIP, MedPay, or health insurance.
Minimum Texas liability insurance requirements:
| Coverage Type | Minimum Required |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $30,000 |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $60,000 |
| Property Damage | $25,000 |
Keep in mind, these are just minimums. If your medical costs exceed the at-fault driver’s coverage, you’ll need to explore additional options for compensation.
Health Insurance and Medical Liens
If you use your health insurance to pay for treatment after a car accident, your insurer may expect repayment later if you receive a settlement.
This is where subrogation comes into play. Your health insurer can place a claim on your settlement to recover what they paid. Likewise, hospitals may place a medical lien on your case to ensure they’re reimbursed.
In Texas, a valid hospital lien must:
- Be filed within 180 days of treatment
- Be sent to the appropriate county clerk
- Include only treatment provided within 72 hours of the accident
Failing to address these liens during your case can reduce the money you ultimately receive. A personal injury attorney can negotiate with medical providers and insurers to reduce or settle these liens fairly.
When the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured
If the driver responsible for the crash doesn’t have insurance—or doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for your medical bills—you may still have options.
That’s where Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can help. This optional policy addition allows you to file a claim with your own insurer when the at-fault party can’t pay.
UM/UIM helps in situations like:
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Drivers with no insurance
- Drivers with low liability limits that don’t cover your total expenses
To successfully claim UM/UIM benefits, you’ll need to prove the other driver was at fault and uninsured or underinsured. Documentation from the scene, witness statements, and police reports can strengthen your case.
If you don’t have UM/UIM and the at-fault driver can’t pay, you may need to file a lawsuit—but collecting from an uninsured person can be difficult, even with a court judgment.
Role of Car Accident Attorneys in Recovering Medical Costs
When you’re injured and dealing with growing medical bills, legal support can make a significant difference. A car accident attorney serves as your advocate, making sure you’re not taken advantage of by insurers or overwhelmed by red tape.
What an attorney can do:
- Investigate your case and gather key evidence
- Identify all possible insurance coverage sources
- File a claim and negotiate with adjusters
- Handle hospital liens and insurer subrogation
- File a lawsuit if a fair settlement isn’t offered
In Houston and throughout Texas, most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay legal fees upfront—they’re taken as a percentage of your recovery.
Working with an attorney can also help you avoid costly mistakes that might reduce your payout, especially if your case involves complex medical billing, multiple insurers, or long-term injuries.
FAQs About Medical Bills After a Car Accident in Texas
Do I have to pay my medical bills before receiving a settlement?
Yes. Unless you use PIP, MedPay, or health insurance, you’re typically responsible for bills as they come. Some providers may delay collection if a claim is in process.
Can I refuse medical treatment to avoid the cost?
You can, but it’s not recommended. Delaying care can hurt both your health and your case. Insurers may argue that a delay shows your injuries weren’t serious.
What happens if I don’t have health insurance or PIP?
You’ll be personally responsible for your medical bills. Providers may place liens or expect payment directly from your settlement.
Can hospitals take money from my settlement?
Yes, if they filed a valid lien. Your attorney can help reduce or negotiate those liens before funds are disbursed.
Is it worth hiring an attorney for a minor injury?
It depends on your situation. Even smaller claims can be denied or delayed. An attorney can help you avoid lowball offers and protect your rights.
source https://ellisandthomas.wordpress.com/2025/08/20/car-accident-who-pays-medical-bills-texas/
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