Many people are confused about how medical bills and insurance coverage work after a car accident. At O’Brien Law, most of the cases we handle involve motor vehicle collisions in Geneva, Batavia, St. Charles, and throughout Kane County. Unfortunately, many drivers are never properly informed about how their own auto insurance applies after a crash.
Why Auto Insurance Coverage Often Isn’t Enough
Many Drivers Carry Lower Limits Than They Realize
A common issue we see is that clients believe they have “good” or even “premium” auto insurance, only to learn after an accident that their coverage is actually quite limited.
For example, we recently met with a client who believed she had excellent coverage. After reviewing her policy, we discovered she had:
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Only $1,000 in medical payment (MedPay) coverage
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$50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident bodily injury limits
In today’s healthcare system, $1,000 may not even cover an ambulance ride to the emergency room. Despite how policies are marketed, these are considered low coverage limits.
How Low Coverage Can Hurt You After an Accident
Uninsured and Underinsured Coverage Is Often Tied to Your Limits
Many drivers don’t realize that low liability limits usually mean low uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage as well. This becomes a major problem when you are injured by a driver who:
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Has no insurance, or
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Does not carry enough insurance to cover serious injuries
In those situations, your own policy becomes critically important.
Who Pays Medical Bills While Your Case Is Pending?
Medical Bills Are Typically Your Responsibility at First
Another major misconception is that the at-fault driver’s insurance company will immediately pay medical bills. In reality, auto insurers usually do not pay medical expenses until the case settles.
Until then, medical bills are typically paid through:
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Your medical payment (MedPay) coverage
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Your health insurance
This often leaves injured people struggling with deductibles, co-pays, and collection notices.
Why Insurance Companies Don’t Promote Higher MedPay Coverage
It’s Affordable — But Not Profitable for Insurers
Large insurance companies rarely encourage higher MedPay limits because it is not very profitable for them. However, increasing MedPay coverage is often surprisingly affordable and can make a significant difference after a serious crash.
How O’Brien Law Helps After a Car Accident
More Than Legal Representation
At O’Brien Law, we don’t just handle the legal case. We also help clients:
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Navigate medical bills and insurance issues
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Communicate with medical providers
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Access necessary care when costs are a barrier
We have helped many injured clients in Geneva and throughout Kane County get the treatment they need while their cases are ongoing.
Get Help After a Car Accident in Kane County
If you are dealing with medical bills or insurance confusion after a car accident, help is available. Call O’Brien Law at 630-232-2600, Visit: www.genevainjurylaw.com
There is no cost to speak with us, and we are happy to guide you through the process.


