What should I do if I'm hurt in a car accident with no health insurance?

Should you still get medical care without insurance?

Yes, your health comes first. Injuries from a crash can get worse if you wait, and delays can also be used against your claim. Don’t skip care because of cost.

• Emergency room. ERs generally have to evaluate and stabilize people regardless of their ability to pay.
• Urgent care. For less serious injuries, urgent care can cost less than an ER.
• Community clinics. Some charge based on your income.

What should you document?

Everything you can. Take photos of your injuries and the scene. Make sure a police report is filed. Get names and contact details of witnesses. Keep every bill and record from your treatment. This proof supports your claim later.

How can you cover the cost of care?

There are several routes, and some can be combined.

• MedPay. If your auto policy has it, MedPay can pay medical costs after a crash regardless of fault.
• The at-fault driver’s insurance. Colorado is an at-fault state. The driver who caused the crash, through their insurer, is responsible for the other people’s injuries and losses. That usually means payment when the claim resolves, not on the day of treatment.
• Your own uninsured or underinsured coverage. Colorado insurers must offer uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, and your policy includes it unless you turned it down in writing.
• Payment plans. Many hospitals and providers will spread payments out.
• Financial assistance. Many providers have discount or hardship programs. Ask for them, and ask about any discount for uninsured patients.

What is a medical lien or letter of protection?

It is a way for a provider to wait for payment until your claim resolves. With a lien, the provider is paid from your settlement. With a letter of protection, your lawyer promises in writing to pay the provider from any recovery. Providers don’t have to agree, but many work with injured patients this way. Learn more about liens.

What if you can’t pay your bills right now?

Don’t ignore them. Call the provider, explain that you were in a crash and ask about payment plans or reductions. Unpaid bills may be sent to collections, so tell the provider you have a claim pending. If collectors call, send their details to your lawyer.

How can a lawyer help?

A lawyer can pursue the at-fault driver’s insurer for your medical costs and the rest of your losses. We can also help you find coverage you may not know you have, deal with providers and liens, and handle insurers. We work on contingency, which means we are paid only if you recover. Our fee page explains how it works.

What should you do next?

1. Get care.
2. Report the crash to the police and to your own insurer.
3. Keep every bill and record.
4. Don’t give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer yet.
5. Talk to a lawyer early.

Talk to us for a free case review.