Navigating Medical Bills After a Car Accident:What Every Family Should Know

BY AMY GRIGGS, Tysons Trial Law, PLLC

An unexpected accident can change your life in an instant.
Along with the stress of recovery, many families in Northern
Virginia are left struggling to understand who pays for
their medical bills—and how to avoid getting stuck with
unexpected expenses. If you or a loved one has been injured
in an car accident, these essential steps can help protect
your financial well-being.

STEP 1: MAKE SURE YOUR HEALTH
INSURANCE PAYS FIRST
Many injured individuals mistakenly assume that medical
bills should be paid through an auto insurance claim.
However, in most cases, it is in your best interest to ensure
that your health insurance pays first.
Why? Health insurance companies have pre-negotiated
rates with medical providers, meaning they will pay much
less for treatments than what you would be billed directly. If
you wait for an auto insurance settlement to pay your bills,
the medical providers may send them to collections,
hurting your credit while you wait for your case to resolve.
Tip: When receiving treatment, provide your health
insurance information first and avoid signing anything
that waives your right to bill health insurance.

STEP 2: UNDERSTAND MEDICAL LIENS
If you don’t have health insurance—or if your health
insurer refuses to pay due to a potential personal injury
settlement—hospitals may assert a medical lien on
your case. This means they expect to be paid out of your
eventual settlement. While this may sound reasonable,
medical liens often result in higher bills because
providers charge full rates instead of insurance-negotiated
prices. If you have health insurance, the type of insurance policy
is important. Virginia is an anti-subrogation state,
which means that if you receive money from a personal
injury claim, your health insurance usually cannot assert a
lien to repay itself from those funds. There are exceptions
for certain plans under federal law which allow
subrogation, like if you have an ERISA (Employee
Retirement Income Security Act) plan, a FEHBA (Federal
Employees Health Benefits Act) plan, or if you are a
Medicare or Medicaid recipient.
A personal injury attorney can identify and
negotiate these liens, often significantly reducing what
you owe.

Tip: If a provider refuses to bill your health
insurance and instead tries to get paid from your injury
claim, contact an attorney to discuss your options.

STEP 3: USE MEDPAY FOR IMMEDIATE
MEDICAL COSTS
Virginia auto insurance policies often include Medical
Payments Coverage (MedPay), which can help pay
medical bills regardless of who was at fault. MedPay is
a way to cover immediate medical expenses related to
injuries from a car crash, up to the policy limits. Even if you
caused the collision, MedPay still applies.
Unlike health insurance, MedPay does not require
deductibles or co-pays. MedPay can be used to cover
out-of-pocket costs like co-pays, prescriptions, and
physical therapy. This coverage is typically optional,
so check your auto policy to see if you have it.

Tip: If you have MedPay, submit claims quickly
to get reimbursed for expenses not covered by health
insurance.

STEP 4: AVOID QUICK SETTLEMENT TRAPS
After a collision, the at-fault driver’s insurance company
may offer a fast settlement—but accepting it too soon
can be a costly mistake. Once you accept a settlement,
you cannot ask for more money later, even if
unexpected medical costs arise. Some injuries, like
concussions, traumatic brain injuries, or internal
injuries, may not show symptoms immediately but require treatment weeks or months later. The insurance company’s
speedy settlement may short-change your recovery
by failing to oer compensation for pain and suering,
emotional distress, lost wages, future medical expenses,
inconvenience, and more. A personal injury attorney can estimate future
costs and help you avoid settling for less than you need
and are entitled to under Virginia law. Don’t sign anything
from the insurance company without consulting a lawyer.

Tip: Never sign a settlement agreement without
fully understanding the long-term impact on your
finances and health.

LOCAL FAMILIES DESERVE
PROTECTION
Understanding how medical bills are
paid after an accident can prevent
unnecessary financial hardship.

At Tysons Trial Law, we help McLean and
Northern Virginia families navigate the
complexities of medical claims, insurance disputes, and
injury settlements. If you or a loved one has been injured,
our experienced team is here to guide you through the
process—so you can focus on recovery.