Who Pays Medical Bills After an Accident in Colorado?
Getting injured in an accident is traumatic enough—figuring out how to pay your medical bills shouldn’t add to the stress. If you’re asking, “Who pays medical bills after a car accident in Colorado?” or “What if I’m injured on someone else’s property?” — the answer depends on several factors: liability, insurance coverage, and where the accident occurred.
In Colorado, responsibility for accident-related medical expenses can fall on multiple parties, depending on the situation. Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding Liability: Who’s at Fault?
In personal injury law, liability refers to legal responsibility for causing an accident. To receive compensation, you typically must prove that someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. This involves showing:
- The other party owed you a duty of care
- They breached that duty
- That breach directly caused your injuries
- You suffered damages (like medical expenses)
Examples of common liability situations:
- A distracted driver rear-ends your vehicle
- A store fails to clean up a spill, causing a slip and fall
- A property owner leaves a broken stair unrepaired
When another person or business is at fault, their insurance is usually responsible for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Colorado Is an At-Fault State – What Does That Mean?
Colorado operates under an fault-based (tort) system for car accidents and personal injury claims. This means:
- You can file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance
- You can file a lawsuit for damages
- You can seek coverage from your own policy (depending on coverage types)
Unlike no-fault states, you are not limited to your own insurance—you can hold the responsible party accountable.
Who Pays Medical Bills Immediately After an Accident?
Even though another party may eventually be responsible, you are often responsible for your own medical bills upfront. Here’s how payment typically works before a settlement or verdict:
1. MedPay (Medical Payments Coverage)
If you were in a car accident, check your auto policy for MedPay coverage. Colorado auto insurers must offer at least $5,000 in MedPay by default unless the policyholder waives it.
If you have it, MedPay:
- Covers medical expenses regardless of fault
- Pays without deductibles or copays
- Applies to you, your passengers, and sometimes pedestrians
2. Health Insurance
If MedPay isn’t available or doesn’t cover everything, your health insurance can pay for treatment. However:
- You may owe co-pays, deductibles, or coinsurance
- Your insurer may file a subrogation claim (lien) against any settlement to get reimbursed
3. Workers’ Compensation (For On-the-Job Injuries)
If your injury happened at work, Colorado law requires workers’ compensation to cover all necessary medical treatment and partial wage replacement.
Note: You usually cannot sue your employer—but third-party claims may still apply (e.g., if a defective product caused your injury).
What Happens If the At-Fault Party Has No Insurance?
If you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, your options depend on your coverage:
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: This optional coverage can pay for your medical expenses if the other driver can’t.
- Out-of-Pocket or Lawsuit: If you lack UM/UIM, you may have to pursue the at-fault party directly through a personal injury lawsuit—which can be risky if they lack assets.
What Are Medical Liens?
Some medical providers may agree to treat you on a lien basis, meaning they’ll delay collection until you recover compensation. This can be helpful if you lack immediate funds.
However, liens are legally enforceable, so:
- You will need to pay the provider back after settlement
- An attorney can often negotiate lien amounts down
Why It’s Critical to Work With a Colorado Personal Injury Attorney
Determining who is responsible for your medical bills isn’t always simple. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and failing to negotiate properly can leave you stuck with thousands in medical debt.
An experienced Colorado accident attorney can:
- Investigate fault and build a strong case
- File insurance claims and negotiate with adjusters
- Coordinate benefits with your MedPay, health insurance, or workers’ comp
- Reduce your liens
- Maximize your settlement
Contact Our Colorado Springs Law Firm Today
If you or someone you love suffered an injury in an accident and you are not sure who will pay your medical bills – give us a call. Let us evaluate your claim and explore all your legal options. Contact the Schofield & Green Law P.C. today by calling (719) 694-8515, or by filling out the contact form on this page, to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and discuss your case.
