It depends, and the answer usually comes down to three main factors that affect who pays right now and whether anyone reimburses you later.

1. Whether another driver was involved or it was only the deer

If you hit a deer on O Street, Highway 2, or near I-80 outside Lincoln and no other driver caused the crash, there usually is no at-fault person to bill. In that situation, your bills are usually paid first by your own MedPay, then your health insurance or Medicare, and you may still owe deductibles and copays.

If the deer caused a chain-reaction crash and a driver behind you was speeding, following too closely, or lost control in a fall ground blizzard, that can change things. Then that driver's liability insurance may be responsible.

2. What insurance you already have on your own policy

The fastest money is usually your own coverage. Check for:

• MedPay for ambulance, ER, and immediate treatment
• Collision for car damage
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist only if another vehicle was involved and that driver lacked enough coverage

Nebraska drivers often learn too late that MedPay is optional and may be only $1,000 to $5,000, which disappears fast after an ambulance ride and CT scan.

3. Whether Medicare or a medical provider paid first

If you're on Medicare, it may pay conditionally, but if you later get a settlement from another driver, Medicare can seek repayment. A hospital or provider may also assert a lien against part of any recovery before you see the money.

Time matters. Report the crash promptly to Lincoln Police, the Lancaster County Sheriff, or the Nebraska State Patrol if it happened outside town, and notify your insurer immediately. If another driver may be at fault, Nebraska's general lawsuit deadline is usually 4 years for injury claims, but insurance deadlines are much shorter.