A. All three of these insurance companies are potential sources of payment for medical expenses. As a practical matter, the victim's car insurance company (if you carry medical payment coverage) is a good starting point. Automobile medical payment coverage will take care of medical expenses that arise directly from the automobile accident.

            Next, the victim should consider using their own health insurance. Usually, your health insurance will only pay for medical expense after your own automobile medical insurance has been paid, or if there is no med pay available. In most cases, your individual health insurance coverage is the best source of immediate payment for your medical bills arising from a car accident.

            As a general rule, the insurance of the other driver will not immediately pay your medical bills. Under Iowa law, the insurance company for the other driver is not required to promptly pay your medical bills. The other driver's company may accept responsibility for the accident but generally will not pay your medical bills until you are ready, willing, and able to give a full and complete release. This delay in paying bills is a big problem if your medical condition is so severe that you experience a lengthy healing period. For example, if you are still in active physical therapy and taking medication one year after an accident, the other driver's insurance will be unwilling to pay your medical bills until you give it a full and complete release of all claims, including future claims.

            These can be very complicated choices and you should exercise caution in making decisions.