Harlene Labrum | November 12, 2025 | Car Accidents
Who Pays Medical Bills After a Car Crash in Tennessee?
What happens when the medical bills start arriving before any insurance payment does? Many car accident victims in Nashville face this stressful reality after a serious crash. Tennessee follows an at-fault insurance system, meaning the driver who caused the crash is responsible for covering injury-related expenses. This rule is part of the state’s financial responsibility laws under Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-101 et seq., which requires drivers to carry proof of liability coverage.
Unfortunately, getting those payments is rarely quick or easy. Insurance companies often delay coverage, dispute liability, or offer less than what victims need. Meanwhile, hospitals and doctors continue to send bills that add pressure to an already difficult situation.
This guide helps you understand who pays medical bills after a car crash in Tennessee. It explains how insurance coverage, liens, and personal injury claims work together. You will also learn how a Nashville car accident lawyer can protect your rights and help secure fair compensation for your recovery.
How the At-Fault Rule Determines Who Pays
Tennessee’s at-fault rule decides who covers the medical expenses after a crash. The at-fault driver’s insurance company is typically responsible for paying injury and damage claims. However, the driver may become personally liable if the damages exceed their insurance limits or if they were uninsured. Understanding this rule helps victims know what to expect when filing insurance or legal claims.
What “At-Fault” Means
The negligent driver and their insurer are responsible for paying the injured person’s medical costs. Fault is proven through police reports, witness statements, or other credible evidence. Compensation can include emergency treatment, continued medical care, and rehabilitation costs handled by a car accident attorney.
Insurance Requirements Under Tennessee Law
Tennessee law requires drivers to show proof of financial responsibility through liability insurance. Current minimums are $25,000 for injury or death to one person, $50,000 for injury or death to two or more people, and $25,000 for property damage, or a single-limit policy of at least $65,000 for one accident (Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-102). These limits often fall short in serious accidents, forcing victims to rely on their own insurance or legal action. Insurance payments often depend on proving fault, which can take time. A Nashville car accident lawyer can help gather evidence, file timely claims, and prevent unnecessary delays in your compensation.
Who Pays Medical Bills Immediately After a Crash
Health Insurance and MedPay
In Tennessee, initial medical costs are often covered before fault is fully determined.
- Health insurance, TennCare, or Medicare typically pays first, even when another driver caused the crash.
- Optional Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage can cover emergency visits, deductibles, and co-pays without waiting for a settlement.
- Health insurers may later seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance once liability is resolved.
Out-of-Pocket Costs and Provider Arrangements
Victims may still face short-term expenses depending on treatment and coverage.
- Some pay directly or sign medical liens, allowing payment from any future settlement.
- Hospitals often delay collections if notified that a personal injury claim is pending.
- Keeping detailed receipts and medical bills helps document financial losses and strengthen compensation claims.
Hospital and Medical Liens in Tennessee
Medical liens can significantly affect how much compensation an accident victim receives. Knowing how these liens work helps ensure victims are not caught off guard during settlement.
The Hospital Lien Act
Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-22-101, hospitals that treat accident victims may file a lien for reasonable and necessary medical charges related to the injury. This lien allows hospitals to collect payment from a settlement or judgment, but is limited to one-third of the total recovery and must be filed within statutory deadlines.
How Liens Affect Settlements
A valid hospital lien must be paid before victims receive their portion of the settlement. Attorneys often negotiate lien reductions so clients can retain a greater share of their compensation. Ignoring these liens can delay settlement payments or lead to legal action by hospitals.
When Insurance Isn’t Enough
Sometimes the at-fault driver’s insurance cannot cover the full extent of accident-related medical expenses. In such cases, victims may need to rely on their own insurance policies for additional support. Understanding these options can help ease the financial strain that often follows a serious crash.
Using UM/UIM Coverage
When the at-fault driver’s insurance limits are too low, victims can turn to their Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage. This policy helps cover remaining medical bills and damages up to the limits of the victim’s own plan. Filing a claim requires notifying the insurer quickly and showing that the other driver’s coverage has been fully used.
Negotiating Medical Bills
Experienced attorneys often negotiate directly with hospitals and doctors to lower medical costs. They ensure written agreements are in place to prevent double-billing or future collection efforts. These negotiations often account for policy limits, hardship factors, and attorneys’ fees to maximize the victim’s recovery.
How Comparative Fault Affects Medical Recovery
Tennessee’s 50% Rule
Fault plays a key role in determining compensation after a car or truck accident.
- Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-11-103, victims may recover damages only if they are less than 50% at fault.
- Any award is reduced in proportion to the victim’s percentage of responsibility.
- Thorough documentation and investigation are essential to prevent insurers from overstating fault or minimizing compensation.
Impact on Insurance Negotiations
Insurance companies often use fault disputes to reduce payouts.
- Adjusters may argue partial fault to lower medical expense reimbursements.
- An experienced attorney can counter these claims using police reports, expert opinions, and witness testimony.
- Consistent medical records help prove the direct connection between the accident and ongoing treatment costs.
Role of a Nashville Car Accident Lawyer
After a serious crash, navigating insurance claims and medical liens can quickly become overwhelming. A Nashville car accident lawyer helps manage these challenges while protecting the victim’s financial interests. Our experience ensures that every step, from medical billing to final settlement, is handled with care and accuracy.
Managing Insurance and Liens
Attorneys coordinate payments among liability, MedPay, UM/UIM, and health insurance providers. They also negotiate lien reductions and confirm that each claim follows Tennessee’s strict lien requirements. This process prevents victims from being double-charged or contacted by providers after settlements are complete.
Building the Medical Damages Case
Legal teams collect itemized bills, treatment records, and medical statements to show that care was necessary and reasonable. They also estimate future expenses such as physical therapy, rehabilitation, or surgery. With strong documentation,
Conclusion
In Tennessee, the at-fault driver is legally responsible for paying injury-related medical expenses, but obtaining compensation can be complex. Victims often face delays caused by insurance disputes, liens, or policy limits. Understanding how payment responsibilities are divided helps prevent financial stress after a serious crash.
Many victims use health insurance or MedPay coverage to handle immediate costs before reimbursement occurs. With guidance from our skilled car accident attorney, victims can protect their rights, manage liens, and recover fair compensation efficiently.
At Labrum Law Firm, we understand how overwhelming a serious car accident can be for you and your family. Medical bills, insurance delays, and legal paperwork can make recovery feel impossible without help. Our experienced Nashville car accident attorneys are here to protect your rights, handle every detail, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (615) 265-0000 for a free consultation available 24/7.
