Who Pays Medical Bills After a Car Accident in California?

Car accidents are a leading cause of personal injuries in California and throughout the United States, but who pays medical bills after a car accident in California? If you or a family member is hurt in an accident caused by another driver, you will need to answer this, and you will need the help of a skilled personal injury attorney to navigate the legal aftermath of your accident.

Who Pays Medical Bills After a Car Accident in California?

The National Safety Council reported that in 2023, motor vehicle accidents caused more than five million injuries, nearly 45,000 deaths, and almost $514 billion in economic damages nationwide. In California, car accidents are one of the top reported causes of accidental injuries and deaths each year, and when multiple vehicles are involved in an accident, whoever is at fault is responsible for the resulting damages.

Every driver in California is legally required to have auto insurance that includes bodily injury liability coverage and property damage liability coverage. When an insured driver causes an accident, their insurance policy can pay for the damages they caused to others in the accident up to the coverage limits of their policy.

Unfortunately, California has a very high rate of uninsured drivers. The Insurance Information Institute reported in 2022 that 20.4% of California drivers were uninsured. Drivers in the state are encouraged to add uninsured motorist coverage to their auto insurance policies to allow them to recover compensation from their own insurance carriers after uninsured drivers cause accidents.

Recovering Compensation for Your Damages After a Car Accident in California

Before you can recover any compensation for your damages after a car accident in California, you first need to prove the exact cause of the accident. You’ll need to identify the at-fault driver and prove that their negligence or illegal misconduct directly caused the damages you suffered.

Some of the most common causes of accidents in California include speeding, distracted driving, moving violations, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Whether you have no memory of the accident due to your injuries or recall how it happened, you will need an attorney’s help to gather the evidence necessary for proving fault and to help you navigate the legal proceedings ahead of you.

You should hire a car accident lawyer right away after your accident so they can start gathering the evidence you need to build your case. Once you prove fault for the accident, your California car accident attorney can help you calculate the full scope of the damages you suffered from the accident before you file your insurance claim.

Most insurance companies will look for ways to push back against claims for compensation. They will often attempt to use claimants’ own words against them, and some will even engage in bad faith, hoping the claimant will not know how to fight back. When you hire a lawyer to help you with your auto insurance claim, they can ensure you are treated fairly and receive an appropriate settlement offer.

You may need to file a personal injury claim to recover your medical expenses and other damages from a car accident in California. If you can establish liability for the accident, the defendant is responsible for all immediate and future medical treatment costs you incur because of the accident. If you suffer severe injuries that will require ongoing care, your attorney can help to ensure you receive appropriate compensation.

FAQs

Q: Can I File an Auto Insurance Claim for Medical Expenses? 

A: Yes, you can file an auto insurance claim for medical expenses to the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier. Every California driver is required to have bodily injury liability coverage that can pay for the medical expenses of those they have injured in an accident. Your attorney can gather all the documentation you need to prove the full scope of the medical expenses resulting from the accident.

Q: What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Does Not Have Auto Insurance? 

A: If the at-fault driver does not have auto insurance, you can file a claim with your own insurance company if you have purchased uninsured motorist coverage. Alternatively, the defendant would be personally responsible for your medical expenses and other losses, and you can file a personal injury case against them to seek compensation for these damages.

Q: Will the At-Fault Driver Go to Jail for Causing an Accident? 

A: The at-fault driver could go to jail for causing an accident, depending on how they caused it. If the at-fault driver broke the law, causing the accident, they are not only liable for any civil damages they caused to others but also face criminal charges. Penalties for criminal offenses in California usually increase significantly when a defendant has caused serious bodily harm or death with their actions.

Q: How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Car Accident in California? 

A: The amount of compensation you can claim for a car accident in California depends on the severity of your injuries. If you can prove another driver is responsible for causing the accident, it is possible to claim compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, vehicle repair costs, and your pain and suffering. An experienced car accident lawyer can accurately estimate the total value of the damages you are eligible to claim.

Q: Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer? 

A: You should hire a car accident lawyer to have the greatest chance of success with your car accident case. Whether you are filing an auto insurance claim, a personal injury case, or pursuing multiple avenues of recovery, you need legal counsel you trust to help you maximize your recovery. The right attorney can negotiate an insurance settlement for you and build an effective personal injury case if necessary to maximize your total compensation.

Ultimately, California’s fault rule for vehicle accidents dictates that the at-fault driver is who pays medical bills after a car accident in California, but the reality is that resolving any accident case can be very difficult without an attorney’s help. If you are ready to learn how an experienced California car accident lawyer can assist with your recovery, contact Easton & Easton today to schedule your consultation with our team.