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If you’ve been injured in a car wreck, you may be wondering who pays for physical therapy after a car accident. The answer depends on a few key factors, including who was at fault, what insurance coverage applies, and how Texas law handles accident-related medical bills. As you can imagine, determining who pays for physical therapy care can be complicated — which is why guidance from an experienced car accident lawyer is crucial to protect your rights and recovery.
Recovering your health after an accident often means months of physical therapy. According to the Cleveland Clinic, physical therapy is prescribed after traumatic injuries to rebuild muscle, reduce pain, and prevent long-term complications. But the costs for this kind of care can add up quickly, leaving many Texans asking themselves who is responsible for the bills. Working with a personal injury attorney will help you identify all available coverage options and ensure you don’t get stuck with the bill.
Fault and Insurance Coverage in Texas
Texas follows an at-fault insurance system, meaning the driver responsible for causing the crash is also financially responsible for resulting damages. This includes physical therapy, medical bills, and property damage.
Under the state’s modified comparative negligence rule, each driver’s fault percentage determines compensation. For example, if you were found 20% at fault, you could still recover 80% of your car accident physical therapy settlement. If you’re more than 50% responsible, however, you are unable to collect damages.
Claims are usually filed against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance, which covers your physical therapy and related medical costs up to the policy limits. However, the type and extent of your own car insurance coverage also matter. According to the Texas Department of Insurance, drivers can include optional policies like PIP (Personal Injury Protection) or MedPay, both of which can help pay therapy bills even if fault is disputed.
In short, fault affects who pays for physical therapy after a car accident, but coverage determines how much.
Types of Insurance That Can Cover Physical Therapy Costs After an Accident
Different types of insurance may help cover the cost of physical therapy after a crash. Here’s a breakdown of the most common sources of coverage in Texas:
Liability Insurance
If another driver caused the accident, their liability insurance typically pays for your medical expenses, including physical therapy sessions.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
This coverage pays for medical costs and some lost wages, regardless of fault. PIP is required in Texas unless you’ve declined it in writing.
Medical Payments (MedPay)
An optional add-on that helps cover immediate treatment costs—such as therapy copays—even before fault is determined.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
If the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance (or any at all), UM/UIM can cover your physical therapy bills. This type of policy is especially important in hit-and-run cases or when the other driver’s liability limits are low.
What If You or the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
It’s stressful enough to manage your recovery after a crash. But when insurance coverage is unclear or nonexistent, the situation gets even more complicated. Fortunately, you still have options.
If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you can file a claim through your UM/UIM coverage. This policy can pay for your physical therapy, hospital visits, and other expenses up to your coverage limits.
If you also carry Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage, it can help pay for therapy sessions while your UM/UIM claim is processed.
Even in hit-and-run situations, UM/UIM can apply, helping you avoid paying out-of-pocket for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence.
If You Don’t Have Insurance
If you’re an uninsured driver, you might still be able to recover therapy costs through the at-fault driver’s liability coverage. In some cases, healthcare providers work on a lien basis, meaning they provide treatment up front and collect payment from your future settlement.
Even without insurance, you’re not out of options. A car accident lawyer can help you file a claim, negotiate with insurers, and recover the compensation you need to continue physical therapy and focus on recovery.
Don’t let unpaid therapy bills slow your recovery. Contact an experienced Texas car accident lawyer today for a free consultation. Our attorneys in Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio can help guide you through the claims process.
Physical Therapy Costs After a Car Accident
Physical therapy after a car accident costs vary based on the severity of your injury and the length of treatment. In Texas, a single session can cost $50 to $350, and multiple weekly visits are often needed for full recovery. For serious injuries, total therapy expenses can reach thousands of dollars.
Common factors that influence physical therapy car accident settlement amounts include:
- Type and severity of injuries – Spinal or joint injuries often require longer, specialized therapy.
- Number of sessions prescribed – Recovery from whiplash might take a few weeks, while fractures or back injuries can take months.
- Provider and facility fees – Outpatient clinics, hospital-based rehab centers, or specialized sports therapy facilities all price differently.
If insurance doesn’t fully cover these costs, a lawyer can help you include physical therapy expenses in your personal injury claim. Ongoing rehabilitation is often a major factor in the total settlement value, and documented therapy records can demonstrate the actual value of your care.
How Physical Therapy Impacts Your Car Accident Settlement
When it comes to personal injury claims, physical therapy is a key factor in determining settlement values and a successful recovery. Insurance companies look closely at your treatment records to gauge how serious your injuries are and how long your recovery takes.
Consistency Matters
Attending every therapy session shows insurers and juries that you’re committed to getting better. Missing or delaying treatment can suggest that your injuries aren’t as severe, which may reduce your compensation.
Medical Documentation Builds Credibility
Your therapist’s notes, progress updates, and physician reports provide proof of ongoing pain, limited mobility, and the impact on your daily life. These records serve as vital evidence during settlement negotiations.
The Link Between Therapy and Settlement Amounts
The more extensive your recovery process, the higher your potential compensation. Insurers often calculate how long after physical therapy you get settlement compensation based on treatment duration, medical costs, and the impact on your quality of life. For example, someone with a short-term sprain may receive less than someone needing months of rehabilitative care after a back injury.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Wondering if it’s worth hiring an attorney after a car accident?
Dealing with multiple insurance companies, adjusters, and billing offices after a crash can be overwhelming — especially when you’re recovering from serious injuries. A car accident lawyer takes that burden off your shoulders.
Here’s how:
- Helps you understand insurance company roles and reviews your policy to determine which coverages apply.
- Collects and organizes medical documentation, including physical therapy records.
- Negotiates with insurance companies to maximize compensation.
- Files a personal injury claim if an insurer refuses to pay fair value.
- Handles all communication and legal paperwork so that you can focus on healing.
You shouldn’t have to worry about how you’ll pay for medical bills while you’re trying to get better. An experienced attorney will also make sure that insurers don’t undervalue your claim, which is a common tactic when accident victims handle cases alone.
Contact AK Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’ll handle the insurance companies so you can focus on recovery.
FAQs
Who Pays for My Physical Therapy If I Wasn’t at Fault?
If another driver caused the accident, their liability insurance should pay for your physical therapy and related medical bills. The at-fault driver’s insurer typically covers your treatment up to their policy limits. If costs exceed those limits, your PIP or MedPay coverage can help bridge the gap.
Can I Get Reimbursed for Past Physical Therapy Costs?
Yes. Even if you’ve already paid out of pocket, you can often get reimbursed once your claim settles. Texas’s fault laws allow you to recover past and future medical expenses, including therapy bills, from the responsible party’s insurance. Your lawyer will include these costs when negotiating your settlement.
How Much Compensation Can I Get for Physical Therapy?
Car accident settlement amounts depend on the extent of your injuries and how long treatment lasts. Serious injuries that require months of rehabilitation often result in higher settlements.
How Long After an Accident Can I Still Claim Physical Therapy Expenses?
Under the Texas statute of limitations, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline could permanently bar your right to compensation. The sooner you act, the better. Timely action allows your lawyer to collect accurate medical documentation and strengthen your case.
Get Help Covering Your Physical Therapy After a Car Accident
Car accident injuries can leave lasting pain, limited mobility, and unexpected bills. But you don’t have to shoulder those costs alone. Whether your therapy is covered by insurance or included in your settlement, a skilled attorney ensures that the negligent driver is the one who pays for your physical therapy after a car accident—and that you receive every dollar you deserve.
At AK Law Firm, our experienced Texas car accident lawyers will evaluate your coverage, handle negotiations, and pursue full compensation for your medical care and therapy.
Don’t wait until medical bills pile up. Contact us today for a free lawyer consultation. We’ll help you recover the compensation you need to move on from your injuries.
