Who pays my medical bills after a car accident in Massachusetts?

Your own auto insurance pays first. In Massachusetts, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers up to $8,000 in medical bills and lost wages for you and your passengers, no matter who caused the crash. After that, the at-fault driver's insurance can be responsible for the rest.

How PIP works

• Medical bills: doctor visits, ER care, physical therapy, and other reasonable treatment.
• Lost wages: generally 75% of the income you lose while you can't work.
• Replacement services: help with things you can't do because of your injuries.

If you were a passenger, the car you were riding in usually provides PIP. If you were a pedestrian hit by a car, the car's PIP generally covers you.

If you have health insurance

When you have private health insurance, PIP usually pays the first $2,000 of medical bills. After that, your health insurance becomes primary, and PIP can still cover costs your health insurance won't, up to the $8,000 limit. Your health insurer may later ask to be paid back from any settlement, which is called a lien.

When the bills go past PIP

Once PIP runs out, or if your medical bills go over $2,000, you can bring a claim against the at-fault driver's insurance for the rest of your losses. That can include pain and suffering. See can I get pain and suffering in Massachusetts?

If the other driver has no insurance, your own uninsured motorist coverage may step in. Read what if the other driver doesn't have insurance?

Truck and commercial vehicle crashes

PIP still pays first. After that, the claim is usually against the trucking company's commercial policy, which is often much larger than a regular driver's coverage. More on our truck accident lawyer page.

What to do

1. Report the accident to your own insurance company and ask for a PIP application.
2. Give your providers your auto claim number so they bill PIP.
3. Keep every bill, receipt, and pay stub.
4. Be careful what you say to the other driver's insurer. See what to know before talking to an insurance company.

Get a Free Consultation

Medical bills piling up? Call Attorney Daniel A. Pava at 413-781-8700. We'll help sort out who should be paying and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

Phone: (413) 781-8700
Email: daniel@pavalaw.com
Office: 1380 Main St, Suite 301, Springfield, MA 01103