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Car accident medical bills are paid through insurance policies and/or from the involved parties’ out-of-pocket expenses. While it may seem like the at-fault driver should cover everything, the process isn’t that simple.
More than just physical injuries, the aftermath of a car crash in Ogden includes confusing questions of who pays for medical bills, how much is covered, and when compensation will actually arrive. If you were injured in a crash and are wondering who pays medical bills after a car accident in Ogden, we break down the key information you need to understand your rights and options.
At Craig Swapp & Associates, our Ogden car accident lawyer helps victims recover compensation for their medical expenses and other accident-related damages. We’re here to help explain your legal options and ensure the right party is held financially responsible.
In Weber County, between 2018 and 2022, 2.8% of the 20,499 total car crashes were categorized as severe, involving fatalities or suspected serious injuries. When emergency responders are called or hospitalization is needed after a car crash, bills can add up quickly.
Common types of car accident medical bills in Utah include:
Even what may seem like a minor crash in Ogden can lead to thousands of dollars in treatment. Knowing who pays these medical bills and in what order is crucial for financial recovery.
Utah is a no-fault insurance state, meaning your own auto insurance pays for your medical expenses first, regardless of who caused the crash. But if your injuries are serious, you may later pursue the at-fault driver for compensation beyond your policy’s limits.
Every Utah auto insurance policy includes a minimum of $3,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP). This pays for your medical bills regardless of fault and must be used first before turning to other types of coverage or filing a liability claim.
Generally, PIP covers:
Some drivers also carry MedPay, which can supplement PIP by covering additional medical bills not fully paid by PIP. MedPay can be useful for deductibles or copays not covered by your health insurance.
If the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your costs, your own UM/UIM coverage may apply. This type of policy steps in to help pay medical costs and other losses when the other driver cannot.
Once PIP is exhausted, your health insurance (or Medicare/Medicaid) will generally take over the cost of treatment. However, insurers may assert a subrogation claim, asking to be reimbursed from any later settlement you receive.
It’s critical to coordinate benefits carefully. Let your healthcare providers know your crash was an auto accident and provide all relevant claim numbers to ensure proper billing.
Despite having insurance, accident victims may still face out-of-pocket costs, especially in complicated cases.
If your insurance is exhausted or certain treatments aren’t covered, you may be forced to pay bills upfront. In some cases, providers may delay collection if you’re pursuing a personal injury claim.
If the other driver was uninsured or underinsured and your own UM/UIM isn’t enough, you may need to sue the driver personally. However, collecting compensation directly from individuals without sufficient insurance or assets can be difficult.
Determining fault in a car accident in Ogden typically involves reviewing police reports, witness statements, physical evidence at the scene, and sometimes dashcam or traffic surveillance footage. Utah applies a modified comparative negligence rule. If you’re found to be 50% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering damages from the other party.
Even if you were partly or fully at fault, you may still have access to certain benefits. Your own PIP coverage will still pay medical expenses, regardless of fault. If you carry MedPay or health insurance, these can also help cover costs.
If another party files a claim against you, your liability coverage will pay up to your policy’s limits.
As of January 1, 2025, Utah implemented new minimum auto liability coverage limits: $30,000 per person, $65,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. This change may increase the amount available to injured victims in future accidents.
Once your medical expenses exceed certain thresholds, or if your injuries meet Utah’s serious injury standard, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver.
Paying for medical treatment after a car accident can be a stressful and confusing process. Understanding how Utah’s no-fault laws work, what your own insurance covers, and when you can hold the other driver accountable is critical to protecting your finances.
Whether it’s working with PIP benefits, coordinating with health insurance, or negotiating with the at-fault driver’s insurer, every step matters. If you’ve been injured in a crash, don’t let the complexity of the car accident claims process stop you from getting the care you need. An injury attorney in Ogden can help you pursue the maximum compensation available and ensure no medical bills go unpaid.
Craig Swapp & Associates has been representing injured drivers across Utah and the western region for decades. If you need legal guidance, call our office in Ogden at 385-481-6421 or send us a message about your case by answering our online form here to speak to a personal injury attorney who can help you navigate your options.
Written By: Ryan Swapp Legal Review By: Craig Swapp