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Founding Member & Managing Partner at Gina Corena & Associates
Practice Areas: Personal Injury
A car accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. Beyond the physical pain and emotional distress, the financial burden of medical bills can be onerous, too. Whether it’s emergency room visits, ongoing treatments, or rehabilitation, someone has to pay for these costs. But who is responsible?
Many people assume that the at-fault driver’s insurance will cover everything, but that’s not always the case. Understanding how medical expenses are handled after an accident can help you make informed decisions about your care and legal options.
After a car accident, medical bills don’t wait for insurance settlements. Hospitals and medical providers send bills directly to the injured person—not the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
If you’re injured in an accident, you’re responsible for paying these bills upfront, even if someone else caused the crash. This can be stressful, especially if your injuries require extensive treatment.
Insurance settlements take time, and liability disputes can delay payments even further. That’s why it’s critical to understand your coverage options and legal rights.
“In Nevada, drivers are required to carry a minimum of $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident. However, if your medical bills exceed this amount, you may have to find other ways to cover the remaining costs.”
Car insurance plays a significant role in covering medical expenses after an accident, but different types of policies provide various levels of protection.
If another driver caused the accident, their liability insurance should cover your medical expenses—up to their policy limits. However, this coverage does not pay for bills immediately. It only kicks in after liability is determined and a claim is settled, which can take months
Nevada does not require Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, but it is an optional add-on that can help cover medical bills. Unlike liability insurance, PIP covers your expenses regardless of who was at fault.
PIP insurance pays for medical costs, lost wages, and other related expenses up to the policy’s limits, making it a valuable resource for immediate financial relief
If you have health insurance, it can help pay for medical bills after an accident. However, your insurer may seek reimbursement if you receive a settlement from an auto insurance claim.
Navigating in-network vs. out-of-network providers, deductibles, and copays can be confusing. If you’re unsure how your health insurance applies, consider speaking with a legal expert.
What if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, or their coverage isn’t enough to pay your medical bills? Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can help fill the gap.
If you have this coverage, your insurance policy will cover medical expenses up to its limits.
Even if an insurance company agrees to pay your medical expenses, they may deny or dispute certain charges
Common reasons for insurance denials include:
“According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), nearly 20% of auto insurance claims face full or partial denial due to disputed medical expenses.”
If your claim is denied, you don’t have to accept it. A car accident attorney can challenge the insurance company’s decision, negotiate on your behalf, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
If insurance doesn’t cover all your medical bills, you may have legal options to recover expenses.
If another driver caused the accident, you can file a claim against their insurance company. This claim can include:
If negotiations fail, a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary to secure full compensation
Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule (NRS 41.141), meaning you can recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident.
“If you are found 30% at fault for an accident, your total compensation will be reduced by 30%. However, if you are more than 50% at fault, you may not recover any compensation.
| Coverage Type | Pays for Medical Bills? | Applies Regardless of Fault? | Coverage Limits |
| At-Fault Driver’s Liability Insurance | Yes, up to policy limits | No | Varies by policy |
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | Yes | Yes | Selected coverage amount |
| Health Insurance | Yes | N/A | Subject to deductibles & copays |
| Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist | Yes, if at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured | No | Varies by policy |
If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may need to rely on your uninsured motorist coverage or pursue a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages. Without insurance, the at-fault driver may be held personally liable.
Yes, but your health insurer may require reimbursement if you receive a settlement. Understanding your policy’s deductibles, copays, and network restrictions is crucial.
If your expenses exceed the at-fault driver’s coverage, you can use PIP, UM/UIM coverage, or health insurance. You may also file a personal injury lawsuit to recover additional damages.
No, Nevada does not mandate PIP insurance, but drivers can purchase it for added protection. It helps cover medical costs regardless of who is at fault.
Yes, but under Nevada’s comparative negligence law, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re more than 50% responsible, you won’t be eligible for compensation.
Dealing with medical bills after a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when insurance companies delay or deny claims. Understanding your coverage options, legal rights, and Nevada’s comparative negligence laws can help you make informed decisions.
If you’re struggling with medical bills, insurance disputes, or legal complexities, Gina Corena & Associates can help. Our experienced car accident attorneys fight for victims’ rights and work to secure compensation for them.
Don’t wait—contact Gina Corena & Associates today for a free consultation and take the first step toward financial recovery.
As founder of Gina Corena & Associates, she is dedicated to fighting for the rights of the people who suffer life-changing personal injuries in car, truck and motorcycle accidents as well as other types of personal injury. Gina feels fortunate to serve the Nevada community and hold wrongdoers accountable for their harm to her clients.
