The short answer
Georgia is an at-fault state, so the at-fault driver's liability insurance is ultimately responsible for your medical bills — usually paid as part of a settlement, not as bills arrive. Until then, bills are typically covered by your own health insurance, optional MedPay on your auto policy, or put on hold by providers who wait for the settlement.
Key Georgia facts
- Georgia requires drivers to carry at least $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage and $25,000 in property damage (O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11).
- Minimum limits often don't cover serious injuries — that's where your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, if you have it, can matter.
- The other driver's insurer generally pays once, in a settlement — not bill by bill.
Why the other insurer doesn't pay right away
The at-fault driver's insurance company typically pays one lump sum when the claim settles, after your treatment is far enough along to know what the injuries cost. That can take months.
In the meantime, providers still send bills. That's why it helps to know your other options.
Where payment usually comes from first
Health insurance: you can use it for accident care. Your plan may ask to be paid back from a settlement.
MedPay: optional coverage on your own auto policy that pays medical bills regardless of fault, up to its limit.
Letters of protection: some doctors will treat you and wait to be paid from the settlement.
When the at-fault driver has little or no insurance
Georgia's minimum is only $25,000 per person. If your bills are higher, or the other driver is uninsured, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM) coverage on your own policy may help. Check your declarations page.
Common questions
Should I use my health insurance after a car accident?
Usually yes — it keeps care moving. An attorney can help handle any payback your plan claims from a settlement.
What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?
Your own uninsured motorist coverage may apply. Report the crash to police promptly, since some coverage depends on it.
This guide is general information about Georgia law as of the date above, not legal advice. Laws change and every situation is different — talk to a licensed Georgia attorney about your specific case. Auto Accident Connection is not a law firm.