Who Pays After an Arlington Car Crash?
Short answer: In Texas, the driver who caused the crash is responsible for your losses, through their liability insurance. But that money usually comes at the end. In the meantime, your own PIP or MedPay, your health plan, or a letter of protection can pay for care.
The order money usually moves in
- Your PIP or MedPay pays early medical bills (and with PIP, part of lost wages) no matter who was at fault.
- Your health insurance may pay too, but it can ask to be repaid from a settlement (subrogation).
- The at-fault driver's liability insurer pays when the injury claim settles or is decided.
- Your UM/UIM coverage fills in if the at-fault driver had no insurance or too little.
Why the Texas minimum often isn't enough
Texas requires 30/60/25 liability coverage: $30,000 for each injured person, $60,000 per crash, and $25,000 for property damage (Transp. Code §601.072). A crash on I-20 with an ambulance ride, imaging and months of care can go past $30,000. When it does, your own underinsured motorist coverage matters.
of U.S. drivers were uninsured or underinsured in 2023.
Source: Insurance Research Council, 2025 →Pick your situation
- "I need care now and can't pay." Start with PIP and MedPay, then letters of protection.
- "The other insurer keeps calling." Read talking to adjusters first.
- "They want to settle my car and my injuries together." See property damage vs. injury claims.
- "The other driver had no insurance." See uninsured drivers.
A word on health insurance
Using your health plan after a crash is usually allowed. Just know the plan may claim part of your settlement to repay itself, and the rules depend on the plan. That's one of the things a lawyer can negotiate. See do I need a lawyer?
Hurt in an Arlington crash?
Send a short request and a participating injury law firm will contact you for a free review. Crashes anywhere in Texas are welcome.