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A serious car accident can leave you with more than just vehicle damage—it can also result in a mountain of unexpected medical bills. From ambulance rides and emergency room visits to physical therapy and follow-up care, the costs add up quickly. If you’ve been injured in a crash in Maryland, one of your first questions is probably: Who pays for all of this?
The answer depends on the circumstances of the accident, the type of insurance coverage available, and whether someone else was at fault. Let’s explore how medical bills are typically handled after a car crash in Maryland—and how to protect your rights.
Maryland Is an At-Fault State—But That Doesn’t Mean the Other Driver Pays Right Away
In Maryland, the person who caused the accident is legally responsible for the resulting damages, including your medical expenses. But here’s the catch: even if the other driver was clearly at fault, you won’t receive payment from their insurance immediately. In fact, it may take weeks—or even months—of negotiation or legal action to reach a settlement.
That means you may need to rely on other sources of coverage in the meantime, especially if you require urgent or ongoing care.
Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Can Help Cover Immediate Costs
If you carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, it can be a lifeline in the days and weeks after a crash. PIP is a type of no-fault coverage that pays for medical expenses (and sometimes lost wages) regardless of who caused the accident.
In Maryland, insurers are required to offer at least $2,500 in PIP coverage, but policyholders can purchase higher limits. If you didn’t waive it, your PIP will typically cover:
- Ambulance and hospital fees
- Diagnostic tests like X-rays or MRIs
- Surgery or follow-up care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
PIP can be used right away, meaning you don’t have to wait for a liability decision or settlement to begin treating your injuries.
Health Insurance May Pick Up the Rest—But It’s Not Always Ideal
If your medical bills exceed your PIP limits (which is common in serious accidents), your health insurance may kick in to cover the balance. While this can help you get the treatment you need, it’s important to know:
- You’ll likely be responsible for copays, deductibles, and out-of-network charges.
- Your health insurer has the right to reimbursement if you later receive a settlement or court award. This is called “subrogation.”
In other words, even if your health insurance covers your care now, you may be expected to repay some of those costs once your case is resolved.
The At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Should Ultimately Cover Your Losses
Once liability is established, the at-fault driver’s insurance should pay for:
- All medical expenses related to the accident
- Future medical care if needed
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
However, keep in mind that insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. That’s why working with an experienced car accident attorney can make a huge difference.
How McGowan & Cecil Helps You Recover Full Compensation
At McGowan & Cecil, we understand the stress of watching medical bills pile up while you’re trying to recover from an injury. Our team steps in to:
- Investigate the crash and establish fault
- Identify all available sources of insurance coverage
- Communicate with medical providers and insurers on your behalf
- Fight for a full settlement that covers your short- and long-term needs
We’ve helped injury victims throughout Maryland recover compensation after car accidents, and we don’t back down from insurance companies.
Talk to a Maryland Car Accident Attorney Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Maryland, don’t wait to get the help you need. Medical bills can overwhelm you fast, but there are legal options to protect your finances. McGowan & Cecil is ready to help. Call today for a free consultation.