Home » Portland Personal Injury Blog » Who Pays My Medical Bills After a Car Accident?
Posted on August 7, 2022 in If you suffer from serious injuries after a car accident, you may wonder how to pay for your healthcare needs. Medical treatment can be very expensive, especially if you have very severe injuries or require long-term care. 
Since Oregon is a fault accident state, the driver responsible for your collision is responsible for paying for your damages, including your medical treatment. However, your medical bills will continue to accumulate while your car accident insurance claim or lawsuit remains in progress. You will need to cover your own medical bills immediately after the collision, but there are options to help pay for this care.
Does the Other Driver Have to Pay Your Medical Bills?
As your medical bills accumulate after the accident, you are generally responsible for paying for your care until you receive a settlement. The person who caused your accident does not have to pay for your bills on an ongoing basis. He or she is only responsible if your insurance claim or a lawsuit is successful. When your case reaches a favorable conclusion, your settlement or award will reimburse you for the cost of your treatment.
Personal Injury Protection in Oregon
Some states offer medical payment coverage, also known as MedPay, to help car accident victims pay for treatment after a collision. Oregon does not offer MedPay, but the state does require all drivers to hold personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. PIP coverage provides at least $15,000 in compensation per person per accident. You can use PIP to pay for medical care, lost wages, and other injury-related expenses. When receiving medical care, you can use PIP to cover many types of procedures, including surgery, diagnostic imaging, and even medical care. You can also recover compensation for transportation to and from your medical appointments. However, the insurer may require you to visit a doctor that the company chooses.
What If Your Damages Exceed PIP Limits?
Although Oregon requires drivers to have at least $15,000 in PIP coverage, you can choose to purchase higher amounts of this coverage if you wish. However, if your medical expenses exceed your PIP policy limits, you may be financially responsible for the remainder of your treatment costs. Your own health insurance will likely need to pay for your care past this point. In these situations, the hospital will charge your health insurance for the cost of your care. The health insurance company will then attempt to seek reimbursement from your PIP carrier. If there are outstanding costs at the conclusion of your case, the health insurance company may request a portion of your award to pay for the care that it covered. If you have a health savings account, you can also use those funds to pay for your outstanding medical bills.
Obtaining Compensation for Car Accident Medical Bills
After your accident, an insurance adjuster may reach out to you and ask for a statement. He or she may claim that the statement will help you receive compensation faster, helping you pay for your extensive medical bills. You should not speak to this adjuster. Instead, contact Oregon car accident attorneys as soon as possible. Insurance companies must protect their best interests, and it is not in the company’s best interest to pay maximum compensation. If you accept an insufficient settlement at this stage, you may suffer from financial hardship later on. A Portland car accident attorney will have the skills, resources, and experience to identify your optimal path to compensation and accurately calculate your medical costs. After you seek medical attention, contact an attorney to discuss your legal options.
If you were injured in an accident in Portland, OR, please contact our Portland injury lawyers at Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve all throughout Multnomah County in Oregon. Visit our office at:
Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers
101 SW Main St. #1905
Portland, OR, 97204
(503) 773-3333
Hours: Open 24/7
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a personal injury lawyer for a car accident in Portland?
If you have been involved in a car accident in Portland, it is highly recommended to consult a personal injury lawyer to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
How do I choose a reliable personal injury attorney in Portland?
Choosing a reliable personal injury attorney in Portland involves considering their experience, success record, and client testimonials to ensure they have the expertise to effectively represent your case and secure fair compensation.
Can a personal injury attorney in Portland help with lost wages?
A personal injury attorney in Portland can help recover lost wages from missed work due to an accident or injury. They can negotiate with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation for lost income.
Can a Portland personal injury attorney help with medical bills?
A Portland personal injury attorney can help with medical bills by negotiating with insurance companies and healthcare providers to get your medical expenses covered as part of your personal injury claim settlement.
What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer in Portland?
Hiring a personal injury lawyer in Portland can provide benefits such as navigating the legal system, maximizing compensation, and ensuring your rights are protected after an accident.
How to find the best personal injury attorney in Portland?
Finding the best personal injury attorney in Portland involves researching their experience, success rate, and client reviews to ensure they have the expertise to handle your case effectively and secure the compensation you deserve.
How does a Portland personal injury attorney prove negligence?
To prove negligence, a Portland personal injury attorney must demonstrate that the defendant failed to exercise reasonable care, their actions directly caused the plaintiff's injuries, and the plaintiff suffered quantifiable damages.
How do I find a reliable personal injury lawyer in Portland?
Finding a reliable personal injury lawyer in Portland involves researching local firms, reading client reviews, and consulting with lawyers to assess their experience and success in recovering compensation for personal injury cases.
How does a personal injury attorney in Portland handle insurance companies?
Personal injury attorneys in Portland negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair compensation for their clients' injuries, medical expenses, and other damages by leveraging their legal expertise and negotiation skills.
What are the common cases handled by Portland personal injury attorneys?
The common cases handled by Portland personal injury attorneys include car accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall incidents, medical malpractice, and workplace injuries, providing legal representation to help clients recover compensation for their injuries.
How do I choose the best personal injury lawyer in Portland?
Choosing the best personal injury lawyer in Portland involves considering their experience, success rate, communication skills, and accessibility to ensure you receive the highest level of legal representation for your case.
Can a personal injury lawyer help with lost wages in Portland?
A personal injury lawyer in Portland can help recover lost wages from an accident, including past and future lost income, to ensure fair compensation for the victim.
What is the process of filing a personal injury claim in Portland?
The process of filing a personal injury claim in Portland typically involves gathering evidence, filing a claim with the at-fault party's insurance company, and potentially pursuing legal action if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
What is the role of a personal injury lawyer in Portland?
The role of a personal injury lawyer in Portland is to provide legal representation and assistance to victims of accidents, helping them secure fair compensation for their injuries and losses.
Can a personal injury lawyer help with pain and suffering in Portland?
A personal injury lawyer in Portland can help recover compensation for pain and suffering experienced due to an accident or injury, including medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
How long does a personal injury case take in Portland?
The duration of a personal injury case in Portland can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the extent of the injuries. On average, personal injury cases in Portland can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to resolve.
What is the average settlement for personal injury cases in Portland?
The average settlement for personal injury cases in Portland can vary widely depending on the severity of the injury, medical expenses, lost wages, and other factors. Settlement amounts typically range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars.
What is the average settlement in a Portland personal injury case?
The average settlement in a Portland personal injury case can vary widely depending on the severity of the injuries, liability, and other factors, but typically ranges from tens of thousands to millions of dollars.
Can a personal injury lawyer help with medical bills in Portland?
A personal injury lawyer in Portland can help with medical bills by negotiating with insurance companies and recovering compensation to cover medical expenses related to the injury.
What are the qualifications of a personal injury attorney in Portland?
The qualifications of a personal injury attorney in Portland typically include extensive experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases, in-depth knowledge of local laws, and a proven track record of securing fair compensation for injured clients.
What is the statute of limitations in Portland personal injury cases?
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Portland, Oregon is generally two years from the date of the incident.
How much does a personal injury attorney in Portland cost?
The cost of a personal injury attorney in Portland can vary, typically ranging from a contingency fee of 33-40% of the settlement or award amount recovered on the client's behalf.
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost in Portland?
The cost of a personal injury lawyer in Portland can vary, typically ranging from 33-40% of the client's final settlement or award, plus additional expenses. The specific fees are determined based on the complexity of the case and the services required.
What is the role of a personal injury attorney in Portland?
The role of a personal injury attorney in Portland is to provide legal representation and assistance to victims of accidents, helping them secure fair compensation for their injuries and losses.
How does a personal injury lawyer get paid in Portland?
Personal injury lawyers in Portland typically work on a contingency fee basis, where they only get paid if they successfully recover compensation for their client's injuries.
Do personal injury attorneys in Portland offer free consultations?
Personal injury attorneys in Portland often offer free consultations to evaluate your case and provide guidance on the legal process.
What are common personal injury cases in Portland?
Common personal injury cases in Portland include car accidents, slip and fall incidents, premises liability, dog bites, and medical malpractice, where victims may seek compensation for their injuries and damages.
What are the most common causes of personal injury in Portland?
The most common causes of personal injury in Portland include motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall incidents, workplace accidents, and pedestrian/bicycle collisions.
What are the benefits of hiring a Portland personal injury attorney?
Hiring a Portland personal injury attorney can provide crucial benefits, such as navigating the legal process, negotiating with insurance companies, and maximizing the compensation for your injuries and losses.
What should I expect during my consultation?
During your consultation, you can expect a thorough review of your personal injury case, an assessment of your legal options, and a discussion on how Tillmann Law can assist in securing the compensation you deserve.
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