The Bills Start Before the Dust Settles
One moment you are in traffic. The next, you are figuring out which hospital to go to, how bad your injuries are, and whether you can make it to work next week.
Then the bills show up. And they do not wait for you to get answers.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Seattle, you might assume the other driver’s insurance will just take care of everything. But the reality is more complicated. Washington is not a no-fault state and depending on the auto insurance coverage you and the other driver have (or do not have), your path to getting medical bills paid can look very different.
This is your guide to who pays for medical bills after a car accident in Washington State.
Start with Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
If you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) on your auto policy — and many drivers in Washington do — that is your first line of coverage.
PIP is no-fault insurance. It does not matter who caused the crash. If you are hurt, it applies immediately.
PIP typically covers:
- Medical bills (hospital care, chiropractic, physical therapy, etc.)
- Lost wages (up to policy limits)
- Essential services (like household help if your injury prevents daily tasks)
In Washington State, insurance companies are required to offer PIP, but you can reject it in writing. If you do not remember declining it, there is a good chance you have it. It often provides up to $10,000 or more.
If you were a passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist — and you do not have your own auto insurance — you might still be covered by someone else’s PIP policy (like the driver’s).
Learn more about PIP on the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner website.
What If I Do Not Have PIP or It Is Exhausted?
Once your PIP coverage is maxed out (or if you did not have it) your health insurance may take over.
But health insurers do not always make it easy. You might:
- Need to meet your deductible first
- Get billed directly if the provider knows a third party caused your injuries
- Face liens from your health insurer if you later receive a settlement from the at-fault driver
If you are uninsured, this is where things get especially stressful. Hospitals in Seattle may treat you, but you could be left with large out-of-pocket bills and pressure from collections.
Will the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Cover My Medical Bills?
In theory, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance should cover your damages, including medical expenses. But this coverage does not work automatically.
Their insurer will not pay your bills as they arrive. Instead, they will only issue a settlement after:
- Fault is established
- Your medical treatment is complete or stable
- Your damages are documented and submitted
That process can take many months. And the insurance company will try to minimize your payout.
This is why having your own PIP or health insurance is essential to cover medical costs after a car accident in Seattle.
What If the Other Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured?
Not all drivers in Seattle carry enough auto insurance. If you are hit by someone who:
- Has no insurance, or
- Has inadequate insurance coverage that isn’t enough to cover your losses
Then your own uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may help, if you have it.
UM/UIM is not required in Washington, but it is strongly recommended. It protects you when someone else’s lack of coverage puts your financial future at risk. You can decline coverage, but it must be in writing. That can be done with a click these days, however. Check your policy. Be sure you have coverage.
You can learn more about UM/UIM coverage here on the Washington Insurance Commissioner’s site.
What About Passengers, Pedestrians, or Cyclists in Seattle Car Accidents?
If you were a pedestrian or cyclist hit by a car in Seattle, you may be covered by:
- Your own PIP or UM/UIM policy (if you have one)
- The at-fault driver’s liability insurance
- A household member’s auto insurance policy
If you were a passenger, you might be able to access:
- The driver’s PIP or UM/UIM
- Your own auto policy
- The at-fault driver’s liability policy
These claims can get complex, especially when more than one insurance company is involved.
When Should I Talk to a Lawyer?
Insurance companies, even your own, are not there to protect you. Their goal is to reduce what they pay out.
We regularly work with people who:
- Did not know they had PIP coverage
- Were surprised when their health insurance sought reimbursement
- Thought they had to accept a lowball settlement just to avoid more bills
Do not guess. Do not rush. And do not assume the system will sort itself out.
We can help you understand your options and protect your financial and medical recovery.
Final Thoughts
Medical bills after a car accident in Seattle can be overwhelming. But you are not alone — and you are not without support. Whether you are dealing with PIP, your health plan, or UM/UIM insurance, the key is to stay informed and act carefully.
If you are unsure what the insurance company is telling you or how to get your bills paid after a Seattle car crash, let’s talk.
As your sound counsel, I will help you understand what is fair, what is next, and how to protect your health and peace of mind.
Schedule a consultation with Scott & Scott today.