A crash can leave you shaken, sore, and staring at hospital bills that keep piling up. In Pennsylvania, who covers those costs depends on your insurance and the facts of the wreck. Knowing your rights and the key steps to take after your first car accident can lift a little weight off your shoulders, no matter if the injuries are a few bruises or something more serious.
If those bills feel like more than you can handle, reaching out to a Western Pennsylvania car accident attorney can provide essential guidance. Additionally, if you’re helping a family member after a car accident, having professional legal support can make the recovery process smoother for everyone involved. At Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C., our team of Western Pennsylvania car accident attorneys can assist in negotiating with insurance companies and gathering evidence to pursue a fair settlement covering medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Contact us today at (724) 658-8535 to schedule a free consultation.
Who Pays Your Medical Bills After a Car Accident?
A sudden car accident can leave you injured and unable to work. You hurt, you miss work, and the bills never pause. Different parties might be responsible for these expenses, depending on your circumstances.
Your Auto Insurance
Pennsylvania follows a choice no-fault system. Every driver must carry at least $5,000 in First-Party Medical Benefits, usually called PIP. This takes care of your first medical bills right after the accident, regardless of who caused the collision. When you buy your policy, you choose between limited tort and full tort, and that choice determines what you can collect later.
- Limited tort coverage lets you recover medical expenses from your own insurer up to your PIP limits, but you may still pursue additional economic damages (such as medical bills that exceed PIP or lost income) from the at-fault driver.
- If you suffer a “serious injury” as defined by Pennsylvania law, you may seek additional pain and suffering damages from the at-fault driver, overcoming the restriction of a limited tort policy.
- Full tort coverage allows you to pursue both economic and non-economic damages, no matter how severe the injury is.
Additionally, according to Pennsylvania law, limited tort policies do not prevent you from further recovering against the at-fault driver if that person does not have insurance, is from out of state, or was driving while intoxicated. It’s important to know that motorcycles, ATVs, and certain off-road vehicles are not covered by mandatory PIP; consequently, riders generally rely on health insurance from day one.
Does Health Insurance Cover Car Accident Bills?
When involved in a car accident, one of the immediate concerns is whether health insurance will cover the medical bills that follow. The answer can depend on several factors, including the specifics of your health insurance policy and the laws in your state, particularly if you are in Pennsylvania.
Generally, health insurance policies cover medical expenses from a car accident. However, it’s essential to check the specific details of your policy. Some health insurance plans may have stipulations about accident-related injuries or may only cover certain types of treatments. Additionally, if another party is at fault for your injury, your health insurance company may try to recover costs by seeking reimbursement from the at-fault party’s insurance in a process called subrogation.
In Pennsylvania, the situation can be influenced by the type of auto insurance policy you carry. Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state, meaning your own auto insurance is the primary source of payment for medical bills. Your own insurance will cover your medical bills up to your First Party Medical Benefits limit before your health insurance kicks in. This can reduce immediate out-of-pocket expenses and streamline the process of getting medical care.
It’s important to promptly report the accident to both your auto and health insurance providers to understand the coverage specifics and to comply with any required procedures or deadlines. Consulting with a legal professional can also help clarify your rights and any further actions you may need to take to claim coverage for your medical expenses following a car accident.
Can Medicare or Medicaid Pay My Car Accident Medical Bills in Pennsylvania?
After a Pennsylvania crash, there is a clear sequence for how your medical bills are paid. Your own auto policy’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) pays first. If those benefits are slow to arrive or run out, Medicare can step in with a “conditional payment.” This is essentially a short-term loan. Medicare’s recovery contractor sends two notices: a conditional payment letter listing every charge and, once you settle or win, a Final Demand letter. You have 60 days to pay that balance; interest starts on day 61, so prompt action is crucial.
Medicaid works differently. Federal law calls it the payer of last resort. Sometimes it waits until your auto or health insurer has responded. Other times, it pays right away to keep treatment moving, then files a lien against the medical piece of any settlement. Pennsylvania’s lien is typically for the discounted amount Medicaid actually paid, which means there is often room to negotiate a lower payoff.
Paperwork keeps the process on track. Hold on to Medicare letters, Medicare Summary Notices, payment ledgers, any Medicaid lien notice, HealthChoices questionnaires, the auto carrier’s Explanation of Benefits, and itemized hospital or therapy bills. These documents help your lawyer match each charge to the crash, dispute care that belongs elsewhere, and argue for reductions so more money stays in your pocket.
An attorney who handles Western Pennsylvania crash claims every day can track deadlines, cut liens, and build the medical evidence needed to push the insurance company toward a fair settlement.
You do not have to tackle deadlines, liens, and pushy adjusters alone. A Western Pennsylvania car accident attorney who can deal with these programs every day, collect the right records, cut unnecessary charges, and push the insurance company toward a fair settlement that covers your recovery.
The At-Fault Driver
While payments from your car insurance may cover some bills, severe injuries might cost more than your policy allows. If your medical costs exceed your own policy’s limits, you can seek to recover the excess amount from the at-fault driver’s insurance. Furthermore, if you have a full tort policy or suffered a “serious injury” which allows you to overcome the limited tort restriction, you may also pursue compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages in addition to medical expenses.
Since medical bills can add up rapidly after a car accident, it is best to reach out to an auto accident attorney as soon as possible. A representative from Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C. can meet with you, review your auto insurance policy, and discuss the best course of action.
There is no fee to our clients unless we are able to recover monetarily for you. You have nothing to lose by calling us at (724) 658-8535 for a free case evaluation.
| Aspect | Details | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Health insurance coverage | Usually covers accident-related bills but check policy limits or exclusions | Helps you know what expenses are covered |
| Pennsylvania auto insurance | Choice no-fault state, auto insurance pays first up to First Party Medical Benefits | Reduces immediate out-of-pocket costs |
| Subrogation | Health insurance may seek reimbursement from the at-fault party’s insurer | Does not affect your initial care |
| Reporting and deadlines | Notify both auto and health insurers and follow procedures | Prevents denial of claims |
Western Pennsylvania Car Accident Attorneys
Lawrence M. Kelly
As a lifelong resident of New Castle and a practicing attorney for over four decades, Larry Kelly has become a trusted name in Western Pennsylvania personal injury law. His community-first values, combined with his aggressive and compassionate representation, make him a go-to advocate for car accident victims seeking justice.
- Notable Achievements & Credentials
- Board-Certified Civil Trial Specialist
- Pennsylvania Super Lawyers (2006–2024)
- Top 50: Pittsburgh Super Lawyers (2019–2024)
- President, Pennsylvania Association for Justice (2024)
- AV Preeminent rating and Top 10 Personal Injury Attorney (2024)
Joseph A. George
Joe George brings relentless preparation and attention to detail to every case, earning a reputation as one of Western Pennsylvania’s most dependable car accident attorneys. With a career spanning nearly 30 years, Joe is known for his strategic approach and client-first attitude.
- Admitted in Pennsylvania and Ohio
- Pennsylvania Super Lawyers (2018–2024)
- AV Preeminent rated since 2020
- Focus on motor vehicle accidents, personal injury, and workers’ compensation
- Active member of Pennsylvania Bar and Trial Lawyers Associations
Take Control of Your Claim with Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C.
Medical bills can pile up after a crash. Each new envelope can feel like one more weight on your shoulders. You shouldn’t have to choose between recovery and paying rent.
A skilled Western Pennsylvania car accident attorney from Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C. can step in when the paperwork gets overwhelming. We can track every charge, push back on unfair denials, and fight for the full value of your treatment so you can focus on healing.
You’ve already been through enough. Pick up the phone and call (724) 658-8535. Talk with a person who listens, explains your options in plain language, and gets started right away. One call today can set your claim moving in the right direction.
