Being involved in a car accident in San Bernardino can be a terrifying and overwhelming experience. When the accident is not your fault, and you’re left facing growing medical bills and an inability to return to work, the situation can quickly spiral into even greater stress, anxiety, and confusion. Many accident victims in San Bernardino often ask: Who will cover my medical expenses? This is one of the most common questions we receive, as medical costs can accumulate rapidly, putting a significant financial burden on accident victims.

At The Gold Firm, we recognize the difficulties car accident victims encounter when dealing with financial stress due to medical expenses incurred after an accident. Our dedicated team is committed to not only advocating for your right to compensation but also ensuring that you are fully informed about your case and the sources of your compensation. From understanding liability to navigating the legal process and securing compensation, our San Bernardino car accident lawyers will be with you every step of the way, guiding you toward financial recovery and justice.

Who Pays For Personal Injury In A Car Accident

California follows an at-fault system for paying for car accident damages, meaning that the driver responsible for causing the crash is also responsible for covering the cost of damages. If you are injured in a car accident in San Bernardino, you will need to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company when seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

However, insurance companies often try to minimize their payouts or deny claims altogether to protect their profit. If the at-fault driver’s insurance refuses to pay what you are owed, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit to hold them responsible for paying what you are owed.

If the at-fault driver does not have insurance, you still have options for obtaining compensation for your medical bills and other damages. You can file a claim through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which is designed to protect you in situations where the other driver lacks sufficient insurance to cover the cost of your damages. If you do not have UM/UIM coverage, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver to recover damages.

Managing these legal processes can be complex, and knowing exactly how to proceed when you wish to pursue compensation can be confusing. However, at The Gold Firm, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Our team will help you explore all available options and fight to ensure you receive the compensation you need to recover.

Do Car Insurance Companies Pay Medical Bills Directly?

After a serious car accident, medical bills can pile up quickly. From ambulance fees to emergency surgeries and ongoing treatments, the cost of receiving medical care after being injured in an accident in San Bernardino can be overwhelming. If the at-fault driver’s insurance company agrees to compensate you for your injuries, you may wonder whether they will pay your healthcare provider directly or provide the funds to you instead.

In most cases, car insurance companies do not pay medical bills directly to healthcare providers. Instead, they issue a lump-sum settlement that covers all damages under the at-fault driver’s insurance policy, including medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and other losses. It is then the victim’s responsibility to use the settlement funds to pay outstanding medical bills and other costs that accrued during the accident. However, it’s important to note that insurance companies will only pay up to the at-fault driver’s policy limits, which may not cover the total of your medical expenses.

What If Your Medical Bills Exceed the At-Fault Driver’s Policy Limits?

If the total of your medical bills surpasses the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage limits, you may need to explore other options to recover the remaining costs. Here are a few options that you may be able to pursue to recoup the costs of medical care that were not covered under the at-fault driver’s policy limits:

• Underinsured Motorist Coverage – If you carry underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, your motor vehicle insurance policy may help cover the difference when the at-fault driver’s insurance isn’t enough.
• Other Insurance Policies or At-Fault Parties – If multiple parties or vehicles contributed to causing the accident, you may be able to file claims against each at-fault driver’s insurance policy. If the at-fault driver was working at the time of the crash, their employer’s insurance could also be responsible for compensating them for medical costs as well as other damages.
• Filing a Lawsuit – If insurance doesn’t cover all of your expenses, you may have to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver personally. However, even if you win in court, collecting compensation can be difficult if the at-fault party lacks the financial means or income to pay the court-ordered amount.

California’s Insurance Minimums Are Changing in 2025

As of January 1, 2025, California’s minimum car insurance requirements have changed. Drivers are now required to carry at least:

• $30,000 per person
• $60,000 per accident
• $15,000 for property damage

Insurers must also offer optional coverages, including:

• $1,000 for medical payments
• $15,000 in uninsured motorist coverage per person
• $30,000 in uninsured motorist coverage per accident

Uninsured motorist coverage typically mirrors bodily injury insurance coverage under your policy, and with California’s new limits, these amounts may increase in 2025.

How The Gold Firm Can Help You Recover Compensation for Medical Bills After An Accident

At The Gold Firm, we understand how overwhelming and stressful it can be to deal with medical expenses while recovering from injuries caused by a negligent driver. Our dedicated legal team is here to fight for the compensation you deserve to cover your medical bills and other damages, ensuring you are not left facing financial strain while you focus on healing.

Comprehensive Case Evaluation

In California, the burden of proof is placed on the victim, therefore, they must bring forth enough evidence to sufficiently prove liability on the at-fault driver. From the moment you reach out to us, we thoroughly review every aspect of your case to determine the best course of action. We assess the extent of your injuries, medical expenses lost wages, and other damages you may be owed to build a strong claim against the at-fault driver.

Handling Insurance Negotiations

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, offering unfair settlement amounts that may not fully cover your medical bills or future treatment costs. Our San Bernardino car accident attorneys aggressively negotiate with insurance providers to hold them accountable and ensure you receive fair compensation that reflects the full impact of your injuries.

Pursuing All Avenues of Compensation

If the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage is insufficient, we explore additional options to obtain the compensation you deserve, such as:

• Filing a claim through your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage
• Seeking compensation from multiple liable parties, if it is applicable
• Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit to recover the full amount of your damages

Ensuring You Get the Medical Care You Need

We work closely with medical providers and can help connect you with healthcare professionals who provide the best level of care. We understand that medical bills can pile up quickly after an accident, which is why we can send your medical provider a Letter of Protection (LOP). This Letter of Protection guarantees your healthcare provider that your medical expenses will be covered by your future settlement or verdict, allowing you to receive the necessary treatment without the stress of funding payments or facing collection actions. Our goal is to ensure you get the medical care you need while we fight for the compensation you deserve. This makes sure you get the care you need without financial stress.

Fighting for Maximum Compensation

At The Gold Firm, we fight for every dollar you are entitled to, including:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Rehabilitation and long-term care costs

We are committed to protecting your rights and helping you recover financially and physically after an accident caused by another driver’s negligence. Let our experienced legal team handle the complexities of your claim so you can focus on healing from your injuries and returning to work. Contact The Gold Firm today for a free case consultation and let us help you secure the compensation you deserve. Our No Fee Guarantee guarantees you don’t pay anything unless we win your case.