In the short term, you do, usually through your own health insurance, your auto policy's medical payments (MedPay) coverage if you have it, or a doctor who agrees to treat on a lien. The at-fault party's insurance typically does not pay your bills as you go. It pays later, if at all, as part of a settlement or judgment once your case resolves.
That surprises a lot of people. You get hurt because someone else was careless, but the other driver's insurance company is not going to hand over cash for each visit. In many cases your health insurer covers treatment now and then asserts a lien or a right to be paid back out of your recovery. If you have MedPay on your California auto policy, that can cover early bills regardless of fault. Some providers will treat on a lien and wait to get paid when the case settles.
This is why the accident claim and the medical bills are tied together. When we pursue the at-fault party, past and future medical costs are part of the damages we seek, along with lost wages and pain and suffering. We also work to negotiate down liens so more of the recovery stays with you.
This is general information, not legal advice, and every case is different.
If you were hurt in a car accident or another personal injury situation, don't guess about who owes what. Talk to us first. Most injury cases are handled on contingency, so there's no fee unless we recover.
Call Joe Crudo at (858) 622-7280 or reach us through our contact page for a free, confidential consultation.