Who pays your medical bills after a car crash in South Carolina? That question often arises in the chaotic moments following a serious accident. Victims are left facing pain, confusion, and sudden expenses long before any insurance settlement is reached. Because the state follows an at-fault system, the driver who caused the crash is legally responsible for covering the resulting damages.
Many victims rely on their health insurance, MedPay, or uninsured motorist coverage to manage these immediate costs. Under South Carolina Code § 38-77-144, personal injury protection (PIP) is not required, but optional medical payment coverage can provide quick help when medical bills start piling up. These benefits can ease early financial pressure while fault and liability are being determined.
Understanding how these coverages work together is essential for protecting your health and finances. Knowing who pays medical bills after a car crash in SC can make all the difference in your recovery. An Aiken car accident lawyer can help guide you through each step and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Who Pays First After a Car Accident
After a crash, medical expenses can pile up before fault is decided. In South Carolina, coverage from MedPay, health insurance, or the at-fault driver’s policy may pay first, depending on your situation.
Optional MedPay and Health Insurance
MedPay, or medical payment coverage, is an optional policy that quickly covers ambulance, hospital, or therapy bills up to the limit, usually between $1,000 and $10,000. It applies regardless of who caused the accident, offering fast help when expenses begin to rise. If you lack MedPay, health insurance may step in, but you can later seek repayment once fault is determined. This coverage coordination, protected by the “no setoff” rule, ensures victims still receive care.
At-Fault Driver’s Liability Insurance
The at-fault driver’s liability coverage reimburses victims once fault is proven through investigation or settlement. South Carolina law sets minimum limits of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Payments are made after claims are processed, not when treatment begins, leaving victims to manage early costs through other coverage.
Managing Medical Costs While the Case Is PendingÂ
Handling medical bills after an accident requires careful coordination between insurers, providers, and legal counsel to avoid financial strain while the claim is unresolved.
Coordinating Coverage
Start by organizing all available coverage options to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
- Submit claims first to MedPay, if your policy includes it, followed by health insurance for remaining balances.
- Keep itemized bills, Explanation of Benefits (EOBs), and receipts from every medical visit.
- Notify providers that injuries stem from a car accident to ensure proper billing under third-party liability procedures.
Deferring or Negotiating Bills
Many medical offices work with accident victims through flexible arrangements.
- Providers may offer payment plans or defer billing under a “letter of protection” until the case settles.
- South Carolina has no statewide hospital lien law, so providers rely on these agreements rather than automatic liens.
- Review all agreements carefully, as some allow direct payment from your eventual settlement.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
When an at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance, additional coverage can protect you from unpaid medical and repair costs. In South Carolina, uninsured and underinsured motorist policies help ensure victims still receive compensation even when the other driver cannot pay.
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
Uninsured Motorist coverage is required on all South Carolina auto policies and must match the state’s minimum liability limits. It provides protection if the at-fault driver has no insurance or in a verified hit-and-run case. To qualify, you must report the claim promptly and provide evidence that the responsible driver was uninsured or unidentifiable. This coverage ensures you are not left paying medical bills or vehicle repairs alone.Â
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage
Underinsured Motorist coverage is optional but must be offered by all insurers under SC § 38-77-160. It applies when the at-fault driver’s policy limits are too low to cover your complete losses. Filing requires proof of your damages and the exhaustion of the other driver’s coverage before UIM benefits apply. This protection helps bridge the financial gap after serious crashes. Working with a car accident lawyer in Aiken ensures proper filing and fair recovery under your policy.
Workers’ Compensation and Auto Accidents
When a car crash happens during work-related travel, both workers’ compensation and auto insurance may apply. Understanding how these claims interact helps injured employees recover full benefits while avoiding conflicts between insurers.
When the Crash Occurs During Work
If the accident occurred while performing job duties, workers’ compensation will pay for medical treatment and lost wages regardless of fault. Whether the injury happened within the “scope of employment” depends on your assigned duties and whether the trip benefited your employer. These claims ensure prompt care and wage support for injured workers.
Third-Party Recovery Rights
You may still file a personal injury claim against the negligent driver alongside your workers’ compensation benefits. Under South Carolina Code § 42-1-560, the compensation carrier holds a lien on any third-party recovery but is repaid only after attorney fees and costs are deducted. Managing both claims correctly avoids repayment errors and ensures fair recovery.
Practical Steps to Stay on Top of BillsÂ
Staying organized and proactive during your recovery helps prevent billing errors and protects your settlement funds.
Stay Organized
Good recordkeeping keeps insurance claims and payments on track.
- Keep copies of every bill, prescription, mileage log, and therapy invoice in one place.
- Notify all insurers — auto, MedPay, UM/UIM, and health — immediately after the crash.
- Track deadlines for claim submissions to avoid missed filing windows or denied coverage.
Avoid Common Mistakes
A few small oversights can cause major financial stress later.
- Do not ignore medical statements; contact providers to arrange temporary payment plans.
- Avoid signing lien or assignment forms without attorney review.
- Work closely with your lawyer to allocate settlement funds properly among insurers, providers, and yourself.
Conclusion
After a car accident in South Carolina, medical expenses are often paid in stages. Victims may first depend on MedPay or health insurance to cover urgent treatment and recovery costs. Later, reimbursement typically comes from the at-fault driver’s insurance or through uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
These protections ensure that injured individuals are not left with unpaid bills while claims are pending. Workers’ compensation and third-party recovery options can also work together to help victims receive full and fair compensation for their losses.
At Aiken Attorneys, we know how overwhelming a serious car accident can be — especially when medical bills begin to add up. Our experienced Aiken car accident lawyers are here to protect your rights, manage insurance communications, and help you recover the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (803) 649-5338 to speak with a dedicated South Carolina car accident lawyer. Contact us to take the first step toward relief and let our legal team guide you through every stage of your recovery.
