Car Accident Medical Costs in Washington
Washington is an at-fault (tort) state. PIP insurance is not required. Minimum bodily injury limits are $25K / $50K.
At-Fault (Tort) System in Washington
Washington is an at-fault (tort) state. This means the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying the other party's medical bills and damages through their bodily injury (BI) liability insurance. Injured parties can sue for full damages including pain and suffering without restrictions.
How medical bills get paid in Washington:
- MedPay pays first (if you carry it) — no fault needed
- Health insurance covers remaining bills (with subrogation rights)
- Attorney may issue Letter of Protection for ongoing treatment
- At-fault driver's BI insurance pays through settlement ($25K / $50K minimum)
- UM/UIM coverage fills gaps if carried (optional in Washington)
Washington Auto Insurance Requirements
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $25,000 |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $50,000 |
| Property Damage | $10,000 |
| PIP Required? | No |
| UM/UIM Required? | No |
| MedPay Required? | No (optional) |
| Average Annual Premium | $2,040/year ($170/month) |
| Uninsured Motorist Rate | 15.2% (national avg: 15.4%) |
After a Car Accident in Washington
1. Seek medical attention immediately
Even if injuries seem minor, get evaluated. Many car accident injuries (whiplash, concussions, internal bleeding) have delayed symptoms. An ER visit (CPT 99285) averages $608 at Medicare rates but may cost $1,500-$3,000+ through commercial insurance.
2. File insurance claims
In Washington, you may file a MedPay claim with your own insurer (if you carry it), and file a BI claim against the at-fault driver's insurance.
3. Document everything
Keep all medical bills, records, and correspondence. Medical costs are the foundation of your injury claim. Use our cost estimator to verify if your bills are reasonable.
4. Consider legal representation
With Washington's high uninsured driver rate (15.2%), there's a significant chance the at-fault driver has no insurance. An attorney can help you navigate UM/UIM claims and maximize your recovery.
Medical Procedure Costs in Washington
Medical costs in Washington are adjusted by CMS Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCI). View Medicare and estimated commercial rates for common car accident procedures in Washington.
View Washington Medical Procedure Costs →Washington Insurance Department
For official information about auto insurance requirements and consumer complaints in Washington:
Washington Office of Insurance Commissioner