Who Pays Your Medical Bills After a Car Accident in Texas?

Aug 20

A serious car accident can turn your life upside down in seconds. Emergency room visits, surgeries, follow-up care, rehabilitation — the medical bills start piling up fast. Add in lost income, property damage, and insurance headaches, and it’s no wonder most Texans feel overwhelmed.

One of the most common questions we hear at The Law Office of Jas Jordan is: “Who’s responsible for paying my medical bills after a Texas car accident?”

The answer isn’t always straightforward. Texas follows a fault-based system, but insurance companies rarely make things simple. And here’s the truth: medical providers want to be paid now, while insurers often delay or fight payouts.

That’s where we come in. At The Law Office of Jas Jordan, we make sure you get the care you need immediately while we fight to recover every dollar you’re entitled to. We even arrange for your medical bills to be paid directly out of your settlement so you can focus on your recovery instead of drowning in debt.

Here’s everything you need to know about who pays medical bills after a Texas car accident — and how to protect your rights.

Texas Is a “Fault” State — But That Doesn’t Mean Bills Are Paid Right Away

Texas is a fault-based insurance state, meaning the driver who caused the accident is legally responsible for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Sounds simple, right? Unfortunately, it’s not. Here’s why:

The at-fault driver’s insurance doesn’t pay bills as they come in.
You’re responsible for covering treatment upfront, even if someone else caused the crash.
Insurance companies delay, deny, and dispute claims — sometimes for months.

This gap between immediate treatment needs and delayed compensation is where many accident victims get trapped. But you do have options.

Your Options for Covering Medical Bills After a Texas Accident

In Texas, there are several ways to handle medical costs after a car crash. Understanding each one helps you avoid unnecessary debt and makes sure you get the treatment you need.

1. Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

By default, Texas auto policies include Personal Injury Protection (PIP) unless you specifically reject it in writing.

Covers: Medical bills, lost wages, and certain related expenses
Applies regardless of fault — even if you caused the crash
Pays out quickly, often before liability is determined

Pro Tip: Many Texans don’t realize they have PIP coverage. Check your policy immediately — it can provide fast relief when you need it most.

2. Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)

Some drivers opt for MedPay, an optional add-on similar to PIP. The main difference is that MedPay only covers medical expenses — not lost wages or other costs. While limited, MedPay can still help bridge the gap between treatment and settlement.

3. Health Insurance

If you have private health insurance or Medicaid/Medicare, you can typically use it to cover medical treatment. However:

Your insurer may later demand reimbursement from your settlement through a process called subrogation.
Some providers refuse to bill health insurance after an accident, preferring to wait for a settlement because they expect higher payouts.

An experienced Texas personal injury lawyer can negotiate these liens and make sure you keep more of your settlement.

4. The At-Fault Driver’s Liability Insurance

Ultimately, your goal is to recover from the at-fault driver’s liability coverage. Texas requires drivers to carry at least:

$30,000 per injured person
$60,000 total per accident
$25,000 for property damage

But here’s the problem:

These minimums are often not enough to cover serious injuries.
Insurance companies are notorious for lowballing or denying claims.

That’s why having a skilled attorney negotiate — and litigate if necessary — is critical.

5. Out-of-Pocket Payments & Letters of Protection (LOPs)

If you lack PIP, MedPay, or health insurance, or if your provider refuses to bill insurance, you may worry about paying upfront. That’s where Letters of Protection come in.

At The Law Office of Jas Jordan, we work directly with medical providers so you can get treatment now without paying out-of-pocket.

We arrange agreements where doctors delay billing until your case settles
Once we recover compensation, your medical bills are paid directly from your settlement
You focus on healing, not financial stress

This approach is one of the biggest advantages of working with our firm.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

Time is critical after a Texas car accident:

Medical treatment: Delaying care can worsen injuries and weaken your claim.
Evidence preservation: Photos, witness statements, and crash reports are crucial for proving fault.
Deadlines: Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Wait too long, and you could lose your right to compensation entirely.

How The Law Office of Jas Jordan Protects You

Dealing with medical bills and insurance adjusters while you’re injured is overwhelming. That’s where we step in. Our team:

Coordinates directly with doctors and hospitals
Handles all insurance company negotiations
Ensures your bills are covered through PIP, MedPay, LOPs, or settlements
Fights for maximum compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering

And remember: you pay nothing upfront. Our fees and your medical bills come directly from your settlement, so you can get the treatment you need without financial risk.

Bottom Line

After a Texas car accident, your medical bills shouldn’t derail your recovery. With the right legal team, you can get treated now and pay later — while we fight to recover every dollar you deserve.

At The Law Office of Jas Jordan, we help you: