Who Pays for Medical Treatment After a Car Accident in Oregon?

Many people assume the driver who caused the accident pays their medical bills right away. In Oregon it usually works the other way around: your own insurance pays first, and the at-fault driver’s insurer pays later, often as part of a settlement. Here is the order in which coverage usually applies.

1. Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Every private passenger auto policy in Oregon includes PIP (ORS 742.520). It pays reasonable and necessary medical expenses, including chiropractic care, up to at least $15,000 per person for expenses incurred within two years of the accident (ORS 742.524). It is no-fault, so it pays even if you caused the crash. PIP can also pay part of your lost income if you cannot work for at least 14 days.

If you were a passenger, PIP from the car you were in usually applies. If you were a pedestrian or cyclist hit by a car, PIP from that car’s policy may cover you. Details are in Oregon PIP Insurance Explained.

2. The At-Fault Driver’s Liability Insurance

If another driver caused the accident, their liability insurance is responsible for your damages, including medical bills PIP did not cover, lost wages and pain and suffering. This money usually comes through a claim or settlement, which can take months. Your PIP insurer may seek repayment from the at-fault driver’s insurer.

3. Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)

If the at-fault driver has no insurance, not enough insurance or drove away, your own UM/UIM coverage can pay what their policy would have paid.

4. Your Health Insurance

After PIP is used up, your health insurance may pay for further care under its normal rules, copays and deductibles.

5. A Letter of Protection (LOP)

If you have a personal injury attorney, a clinic can treat you under a letter of protection and be paid from your settlement. ProCare works with patients’ attorneys this way.

What If You Were Hurt While Driving for Work?

An injury while driving for your job may be covered by workers’ compensation, by PIP, or both. See our work injury chiropractor page.

How ProCare Helps With the Paperwork

• We help you find out which coverage applies before your first visit.
• We bill PIP directly and send your medical records to the insurer.
• We work with your attorney if you have one.

Learn more about our Insurance Support & Case Management and the insurance we accept.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the at-fault driver pay my medical bills in Oregon?

Not right away. Your own PIP pays first, regardless of fault. The at-fault driver’s liability insurance usually pays later through a claim or settlement.

Does PIP pay if the accident was my fault?

Yes. PIP is no-fault coverage, so it pays your reasonable medical expenses up to your policy limits even if you caused the accident.

Who pays if the other driver has no insurance?

Your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can pay what the at-fault driver’s insurance would have paid.

I was a passenger. Who pays for my treatment?

In most cases, PIP from the vehicle you were riding in covers your medical expenses.

Do I have to pay the chiropractor up front after a car accident?

Usually not. When PIP applies, the clinic bills the insurer directly. ProCare helps you check your coverage before the first visit.

Get Care at a ProCare Clinic Near You

ProCare Chiropractic Center has four clinics in Oregon: Portland, Keizer, Sherwood and Hillsboro. Call (503) 206-6078 or book an appointment online. Our team will help you check your PIP coverage before your first visit.

This article is general information and is not medical, legal or insurance advice. Your coverage depends on your policy and your claim.