Medical Bills After a Car Crash?

After a car accident, it’s natural to feel stressed and confused—especially when the medical bills start piling up. While your health insurance or Med Pay coverage can help cover immediate treatment, many injured victims wonder: Who is truly responsible for these costs in the long run?

The At-Fault Driver Is Responsible For Medical Bills After a Car Crash

In California, the law is clear: the person who caused the car accident must pay for the harm they caused. If someone else hit you and caused your injuries, they are legally responsible for your damages. This includes your medical bills, lost wages from missing work, and the pain and suffering you’ve experienced.

Usually, this responsibility is covered by the at-fault driver’s car insurance. Their insurance company should pay for your losses. But keep in mind, insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible. That’s why many injured people choose to speak with a lawyer—to help make sure they get what they truly deserve.

San Francisco Car Accident Medical Costs: By the Numbers

• $21,500 – Average emergency room bill for a serious car accident in San Francisco
• $2,800-$4,200 – Typical ambulance transport cost in San Francisco County
• $50,000+ – Average medical costs for moderate to severe injuries requiring hospitalization
• $15,000 – California’s minimum bodily injury liability insurance requirement (often insufficient for serious injuries)
• 78% – Percentage of car accident victims who report medical debt following their accident

Sources: California Department of Insurance, SF Department of Public Health, 2024

What Does Liability Insurance Cover?

The at-fault driver’s bodily injury liability insurance typically pays for:

• Emergency room visits
• Follow-up care and surgeries
• Medications and physical therapy
• Lost income from time off work
• Pain and suffering

Starting in 2025, every driver in California is legally required to carry a minimum amount of this insurance: $30,000 for injuries to one person, and $60,000 total if multiple people are hurt. Many people choose to carry more, like $50,000 or $100,000, to protect themselves in case something serious happens.

But here’s something most people don’t realize—liability insurance doesn’t automatically kick in the moment you’re hurt. The insurance company won’t pay until a settlement is reached or a court makes a final decision. That process can take time. In some cases, it could be months. In others, it could drag on for years. That’s why it’s so important to understand your rights and have someone in your corner who can help you through it.

What Happens If You’re Partially at Fault for the Crash?

Not every car accident has one clear person to blame. Sometimes, both drivers share some responsibility. Maybe one person was speeding, but the other rolled through a stop sign. In situations like these, California law doesn’t automatically stop you from getting help. Instead, the state follows a rule called comparative negligence.

Understanding Comparative Negligence in California

California uses what’s called a pure comparative negligence system. That might sound complicated, but it’s actually pretty fair. It means that each person involved in a crash is responsible for their own share of the blame. So, if you were partly at fault, you can still recover money for your injuries and losses. However, the total amount you receive will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

Here’s how it works. Imagine your total medical bills and losses add up to $100,000. If you were 20% responsible for the crash, you’d still be able to recover $80,000. The other $20,000 would be considered your share of the responsibility. Even if you were mostly at fault, like 70%, you could still recover the remaining 30% of your damages. This system gives people a fair chance to get help—even when the blame is shared.

What If More Than Two People Were Involved?

Sometimes accidents involve more than just two drivers. In those cases, each person can be assigned a percentage of fault. One driver might be 10% at fault, another 40%, and someone else 50%. Each person is then responsible for their portion of the damages. It’s a way of making sure that no one ends up paying for more than their fair share—but also that injured people still get the help they need.

Why It’s Important to Talk to a Lawyer

When more than one person is blamed for a crash, things can get complicated quickly. Insurance companies may try to point fingers at you, downplay how hurt you are, or offer you a settlement that’s way too low. It’s their job to protect their bottom line—not yours. If you want your medical bills paid after a car crash, you may want to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer.

That’s why it’s so important to speak with a personal injury lawyer. At Anderson Franco Law, we take the time to investigate what really happened, fight to protect your rights, and work hard to make sure the right person is held accountable. Our goal is simple: to make sure you’re not stuck paying for someone else’s mistake.