How Medical Bills Are Paid in an Arizona Personal Injury Case | Rideout Law

Who pays my medical bills while my personal injury case is pending?

At Rideout Law Group, we regularly help clients in Scottsdale and Lake Havasu City understand how medical expenses are handled during an active personal injury claim. Below is a clear breakdown of what to expect—and how to protect yourself financially while your case moves forward.

Why Medical Bills Don’t Automatically Wait for Your Settlement

In Arizona, healthcare providers expect payment regardless of whether your personal injury claim is ongoing. Filing a claim or lawsuit does not pause medical billing.

If you’ve received treatment such as:

• Emergency room care
• Hospitalization
• Surgery
• Physical therapy
• Chiropractic treatment
• Specialist care

You are generally responsible for ensuring those bills are addressed—even before your case resolves.

That’s why working with an experienced Arizona personal injury attorney is critical.

1. Health Insurance

For many injured individuals, health insurance is the primary method used to cover medical expenses upfront.

How It Works:

• Your health insurance pays providers according to your policy terms.
• You are responsible for co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs.
• Your insurer may later seek reimbursement from your settlement. This process is called subrogation.

An experienced personal injury lawyer in Scottsdale or Lake Havasu can often negotiate these reimbursement claims to help maximize your final recovery.

2. Medical Liens

If you do not have health insurance—or prefer not to use it—some providers may agree to treat you under a medical lien.

What Is a Medical Lien?

A medical lien is an agreement that allows:

• The provider to delay payment until your case settles
• The provider to be paid directly from your settlement proceeds
• You to receive treatment without paying upfront

Medical liens are common in:

• Car accident cases
• Slip and fall claims
• Serious injury cases involving substantial treatment

Your attorney typically coordinates these arrangements and ensures liens are properly resolved when your case concludes.

If you were injured in a crash, learn more about your rights on our Auto Accident Attorney page. If your injury occurred on someone else’s property, our Slip and Fall Attorney resource explains how liability works in Arizona.

3. MedPay (Medical Payments Coverage)

If your injury resulted from a car accident, your own auto insurance policy may include Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage.

MedPay May:

• Cover emergency room bills
• Pay for follow-up care
• Apply regardless of who was at fault

This coverage can provide important short-term financial relief while your claim is pending—especially for accident victims in Maricopa County and Mohave County.

4. The At-Fault Party’s Insurance

Many people assume the at-fault party’s insurance company will immediately pay their medical bills. In most cases, this is not how it works.

Typically:

• Liability insurance pays only after a settlement or verdict.
• Insurance companies do not pay providers directly during the case.

This is why interim payment options—such as health insurance, MedPay, or medical liens—are so important.

5. What Happens at Settlement?

When your Arizona personal injury case resolves:

1. The settlement check is issued.
2. Outstanding medical liens and subrogation claims are paid.
3. Attorney’s fees and case costs are deducted.
4. The remaining balance is distributed to you.

A skilled personal injury lawyer in Scottsdale or Lake Havasu City works to reduce medical liens and negotiate reimbursements so you keep as much of your settlement as possible.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring medical bills
• Sending bills directly to the at-fault insurance company
• Delaying necessary medical treatment
• Speaking to insurance adjusters without legal guidance

These mistakes can negatively impact both your health and the value of your case.

How This Affects Injury Victims in Scottsdale and Lake Havasu

Whether your accident occurred in Scottsdale (85254) or Lake Havasu City (86406), the general billing process is similar across Arizona. However, local providers, courts, and insurance carriers may vary.

If you are searching for a:

• Personal injury lawyer in Scottsdale
• Personal injury attorney in Lake Havasu City
• Arizona injury law firm with trial experience

Having experienced local counsel can make a significant difference in how your medical bills are managed and how your claim is resolved.

Rideout Law Group serves clients throughout Maricopa County and Mohave County, with offices conveniently located at:

• Scottsdale Office: 11111 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 225, Scottsdale, AZ 85254 | (480) 584-3328
• Lake Havasu Office: 2800 Sweetwater Ave, Suite A104, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406 | (928) 854-8181

What If There Is No Settlement?

If your case does not result in a recovery:

• Health insurance reimbursement rights may still apply under your policy.
• Medical providers may pursue unpaid balances.
• Medical liens may still need to be addressed.

This is why careful case evaluation and strong legal representation are essential from the beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get medical treatment if I don’t have insurance?

Yes. Many providers in Arizona will treat patients under a medical lien arrangement in qualifying personal injury cases.

Will unpaid medical bills affect my credit?

They can. If bills go unpaid and are sent to collections, your credit may be impacted. Proper legal coordination can help reduce this risk.

Should I wait for my case to settle before seeking treatment?

No. Delaying treatment can harm your health and reduce the value of your claim. Prompt medical care is both medically and legally important.

Speak With an Arizona Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you’re overwhelmed by medical bills after an accident, you don’t have to manage it alone.

Rideout Law Group assists injury victims throughout Scottsdale, Lake Havasu City, and surrounding Arizona communities in navigating medical billing issues while aggressively pursuing full compensation.

📞 Call our Scottsdale office at (480) 584-3328
📞 Call our Lake Havasu office at (928) 854-8181

Contact our office today for a confidential, no-obligation case review. Let our team handle the legal and insurance complexities—so you can focus on your recovery.