Who Pays Your Medical Bills After a Car Accident in Pennsylvania?

If you've been injured in a car accident in Pennsylvania, you may be wondering how your medical bills will be paid. Pennsylvania's insurance system is different from many other states because it follows a no-fault model. This means that your own insurance policy typically covers your medical expenses, regardless of who caused the accident. Understanding PIP coverage in Pennsylvania and your rights under state law is essential for protecting your finances after a crash. Our knowledgeable Pennsylvania car accident lawyer at Edelstein Martin & Nelson can help you navigate the process and ensure you get the care you need without unnecessary stress.

What Is PIP Coverage in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection coverage as part of their auto insurance policy. PIP coverage pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and certain out-of-pocket costs after an accident, no matter who was at fault.

Key features of PIP coverage in Pennsylvania include:

• Mandatory minimum of $5,000 in medical benefits
• Optional higher coverage limits available for purchase
• Coverage for medical expenses, rehabilitation, and sometimes lost wages

Because PIP is designed to cover your initial medical expenses quickly, you usually do not need to wait for a fault determination before getting treatment paid for.

What Happens When PIP Coverage Runs Out?

While PIP is helpful, it often doesn’t cover the full cost of serious injuries. Medical bills can pile up quickly, especially if you need surgery, hospitalization, or ongoing therapy. Once your PIP coverage in Pennsylvania is exhausted, you may have other options to cover the remaining costs, including:

• Health Insurance: Your private health insurance may step in to cover additional medical bills.
• Medical Payments (MedPay) Coverage: If you purchased additional MedPay coverage, it can help pay for extra expenses.
• Filing a Lawsuit Against the At-Fault Driver: If your injuries are serious enough and you meet Pennsylvania’s legal thresholds, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover unpaid medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

An experienced Pennsylvania car accident lawyer can help you determine the best strategy for pursuing full compensation beyond PIP limits.

Limited Tort vs. Full Tort: Why It Matters

Pennsylvania drivers can choose between limited tort and full tort options on their auto insurance policies. Your selection affects your ability to recover additional damages after an accident.

• Limited Tort: You can only sue for economic damages (like unpaid medical bills) if you suffer a serious injury (such as significant disfigurement or impairment).
• Full Tort: You can sue for both economic and non-economic damages (like pain and suffering), regardless of injury severity.

If you chose limited tort and suffered only minor injuries, your ability to recover full compensation may be restricted.

Call Edelstein Martin & Nelson Today

Even with PIP coverage in Pennsylvania, getting full compensation after a crash can be complicated. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, and disputes over medical treatment and bills are common. A skilled Pennsylvania car accident lawyer can help you:

• Understand your insurance policy and available coverage
• Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
• File a lawsuit if necessary to secure the compensation you deserve

If you’ve been injured in a crash, don’t navigate the process alone. Contact our reputable legal team at Edelstein, Martin, and Nelson today at (215) 731-9900 for a free consultation with our trusted Pennsylvania car accident lawyer. Our lawyers can help protect your rights and fight for the compensation you need and deserve after a careless driver has harmed you.