Most Las Vegas car accident victims focus on the at-fault driver’s liability coverage — but overlook a powerful first-party coverage on their own auto policy: Medical Payments (MedPay). MedPay pays your medical bills regardless of who caused the accident, often faster and with fewer complications than pursuing a liability claim. Understanding how MedPay works — and how to coordinate it with your health insurance and personal injury claim — can meaningfully increase your net recovery. Marathon Law Group helps Las Vegas injury victims maximize every coverage source available to them.
What MedPay Covers
Medical Payments coverage (sometimes called “Med Pay”) is an optional first-party benefit available on Nevada auto insurance policies under NRS 687B.145. When you purchase MedPay, your own insurer pays covered medical expenses regardless of fault — whether you were hit by a drunk driver, injured in a crash where fault is disputed, or even partially at fault yourself. MedPay typically covers: emergency room visits, ambulance fees, surgery, hospitalization, doctor visits, chiropractic treatment, dental treatment for injuries, and funeral expenses. MedPay limits in Nevada typically range from $1,000 to $25,000 per person, though higher limits are available.
MedPay as a Bridge When Liability is Disputed
The most practical value of MedPay comes when the at-fault driver’s liability insurer disputes fault or delays payment. Liability investigations can take weeks or months — during which your medical bills accumulate and treatment gaps develop. Treatment gaps are one of the most damaging things in a personal injury claim: insurance adjusters argue that if you weren’t actively treating, you weren’t seriously injured. MedPay allows you to continue receiving medical treatment during the liability investigation, with your own insurer paying your bills directly. Once the at-fault insurer settles your claim, you repay the MedPay advances — but you’ve preserved your treatment record and avoided the gap that would have hurt your case.
MedPay vs Health Insurance: Which to Use First?
Many accident victims have both MedPay and health insurance, and the right sequencing matters significantly. Health insurance typically comes with copays, deductibles, and network restrictions — and will assert a subrogation lien on your personal injury recovery. MedPay generally does not assert subrogation rights under Nevada law (NRS 687B.145 limits subrogation for MedPay in many circumstances). This means MedPay money you receive may effectively be a net benefit beyond your health insurance — you get the medical expenses paid by MedPay AND keep your personal injury settlement for those same expenses. Your attorney can help you structure which coverage pays what to minimize liens against your recovery and maximize net proceeds.
MedPay in Liability Claims: Double Recovery or Coordination?
Nevada follows a modified collateral source rule. Medical expenses already paid by MedPay may still be claimed as economic damages in your liability case against the at-fault driver — you are not limited to claiming only unreimbursed expenses. You paid for your MedPay coverage through your premiums, and the at-fault driver should not receive a windfall simply because you had the foresight to purchase additional coverage. This means the full bill — not the reduced amount paid by MedPay — may be a recoverable element of your personal injury damages.
Contact Marathon Law Group — Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorney
MedPay is one of several overlapping insurance coverages that can be coordinated to maximize your recovery after a Las Vegas car accident. Marathon Law Group analyzes every available coverage source — MedPay, health insurance, UM/UIM, workers’ compensation — to build the strongest possible claim. Call today for a free consultation.