FAQ: Who pays for my medical bills?

Q: I was involved in a car crash (formerly called a car accident) and I was injured. I need medical treatment but do not have medical insurance. Who is responsible for paying the bills and providing me treatment?

A: The at fault party should be responsible for her medical treatment. However, our system is one in which they do not pay until there is a settlement of some sort.

I would start by calling the other party and asking if they have insurance. If they do, ask them for that information. If they do not, you will need to determine if they have assets and a lawsuit may need to be filed.

If there is insurance, you should file a claim. The insurance company will conduct an investigation, but as I said, they will not pay until the case is resolved.

So how to resolve your dilemma? Call Medi-Cal or a local social services agency and ask them if they have any resources to help you. Maybe you can qualify for care at an inpatient facility or maybe there is a social services agency that will help you. They may need to be reimbursed if there is a case that settles, but that will get you the most immediate treatment.

Finally, you can see if your attorney can set up a "lien" where a doctor provides treatment now and gets paid when your case settles.