Who Covers Medical Costs After a Crash in Denver?

One of the most pressing concerns for those injured in a vehicle crash is how to pay for medical treatment. Whether the crash involved a car, motorcycle, truck, or bus, the physical and financial toll can be overwhelming, especially when emergency room visits, surgeries, and ongoing rehabilitation are required. 

In Denver, Colorado, determining who pays for these medical expenses depends on several factors, including fault, available insurance coverage, and the specific circumstances of each case. 

At The Morgan Law Group, our Denver injury attorney is confident in helping injured individuals obtain the necessary medical treatment and recover full compensation for their injuries and other damages following a crash in Denver. 

Common Medical Costs After a Crash in Denver

Motor vehicle accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, from minor whiplash to traumatic brain injuries. No matter the severity, medical treatment can quickly become expensive. 

Common crash-related medical costs in Denver include:

• Ambulance and emergency room fees
• Hospital stays 
• Surgical procedures
• Physical therapy
• Prescription medications
• Follow-up doctor visits and specialist care
• Medical equipment
• Rehabilitation or home health care

Even with health insurance, many victims face high deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket limits. For those without insurance, the financial burden can be even more devastating. That’s why understanding who pays and how is essential to your recovery.

Who Pays Medical Costs After an Accident in Denver?

Colorado follows a fault-based system when it comes to driving accidents. This means that the driver (or other party) responsible for causing the crash is also responsible for paying damages, including medical expenses. In practical terms, that usually means the at-fault party’s insurance provider is on the hook for your medical costs, at least up to the policy limits.

There are several sources of potential insurance coverage for medical costs after a crash:

At-Fault Driver’s Liability Insurance

The first line of financial responsibility rests with the negligent party’s auto insurance coverage. 

Colorado law requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of:

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury
• $50,000 per accident
• $15,000 for property damage

If the at-fault driver’s policy is active and valid, it should pay for your medical bills, up to the coverage limits, once fault is established.

Medical Payments Coverage

Colorado auto insurers are required to offer Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) of at least $5,000 unless you decline it in writing. 

MedPay can cover:

• Emergency room treatment
• Ambulance rides
• Surgery and rehabilitation
• Other medical-related expenses

Importantly, MedPay pays out regardless of who was at fault and doesn’t require a deductible or co-pay. It’s a helpful way to get immediate treatment while waiting for longer-term claim resolutions.

Your Health Insurance

If MedPay isn’t available or runs out, your personal health insurance can cover additional medical care. Be aware, however, that your health insurer may place a lien on your injury settlement to recoup any payments it makes.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or if their insurance isn’t enough to cover your medical costs, your own UM/UIM policy may help. This coverage is not required in Colorado but is highly recommended. It acts as a safety net when others don’t have enough coverage to pay for your injuries.

How to Claim Payment for Medical Costs in Denver

To get your medical bills paid after an accident, you’ll likely need to go through a claims process. 

Here’s a step-by-step overview:

1. Use Your MedPay 

If you have MedPay, it’s usually the quickest and easiest way to cover immediate costs. Submit your medical bills directly to your auto insurer. MedPay doesn’t require proof of fault, so you can begin using it right away.

2. Use Your Health Insurance

If you don’t have MedPay or if the coverage isn’t enough, your health insurance may cover your treatments. However, you may still be liable for deductibles, co-pays, and other costs, some of which can be recovered later from a settlement.

3. File a Third-Party Claim Against the At-Fault Driver

Once fault is established, you can submit a claim to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. 

This process may involve:

• Medical records and billing statements
• Proof of lost wages or income
• Expert evaluations and future treatment forecasts

A strong claim can result in a full reimbursement for your medical expenses and other losses like pain and suffering. If the insurance company refuses to settle fairly, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit. 

What if the Insurance Coverage Limit Is Exhausted?

It’s an unfortunate reality; many drivers on Colorado roads don’t carry adequate insurance. 

If you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, and their policy doesn’t cover your full medical costs, here’s what you can do:

• File a UM/UIM Claim: If you have UM/UIM coverage, you can file a claim under your own policy. This type of coverage is invaluable in serious accidents where the other driver has little or no insurance.
• Sue the At-Fault Driver: You can file a personal injury lawsuit to pursue the balance of your medical bills. However, this only makes sense if the defendant has sufficient assets or income to satisfy a judgment. In many cases, uninsured drivers lack those resources.
• Negotiate Medical Liens: In complex cases, your attorney may work directly with medical providers to negotiate liens or deferred billing agreements until your claim settles.

Accident attorneys in Denver play a critical role in exploring these avenues and helping you secure the compensation you deserve, even when the odds seem stacked against you.

What if There’s Shared Liability in a Crash in Denver?

Not every accident has a single at-fault party. Sometimes, both parties share some responsibility. Fortunately, Colorado uses a modified comparative negligence rule.

Under this rule: 

• You can still recover damages if you’re found less than 50% at fault.
• Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
• If you’re 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages.

For example, if your damages total $100,000 and you are found 20% at fault, you would still recover $80,000. But if you are 55% at fault, you receive nothing.

This rule can significantly impact how much of your medical costs you can recover, especially if liability is disputed. Personal injury attorneys can help ensure your role in the accident is accurately represented and that you aren’t unfairly blamed.

Don’t Shoulder Every Medical Cost After a Crash in Denver 

Medical costs after a crash in Denver can escalate quickly, but you have legal rights and financial protections under Colorado law. From MedPay to liability claims, knowing how to navigate the system can make a life-changing difference. Whether you were injured in a car, truck, motorcycle, or bus accident, working with experienced personal injury attorneys is key to recovering your full damages.

The Morgan Law Group helps injured people get the compensation they need to heal and move forward after a crash in Colorado. We’re here to fight for your rights, help you understand your insurance coverage, and hold negligent drivers accountable.

If you’re facing high medical bills after an accident, our injury attorney in Denver can help you explore all your options and demand the full recovery you’re entitled to. Call us today (303) 900-1920 or contact us using our online form for a free consultation about your crash claim for medical costs at our office in Denver.