Car accidents are an unfortunate reality on roads throughout New York, and when one occurs, the consequences often go far beyond the damage to a vehicle. Many people who have been injured in a car accident quickly find themselves dealing with hospital visits, follow-up appointments, physical therapy, and a growing stack of medical bills. If you were injured in a crash in Rockland County or anywhere else in New York, read this blog and reach out to a seasoned Rockland County personal injury lawyer from 59Law.com to learn more about who may pay your medical bills. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What Is New York’s No-Fault Insurance System?
New York operates under what is known as a no-fault insurance system, which means that your own auto insurance policy generally pays for your initial medical expenses after a crash, regardless of who caused the accident.
Under this system, drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection coverage, often referred to as PIP. This coverage is designed to help injured individuals receive medical treatment quickly without needing to wait for a liability determination. In most cases, no-fault coverage will pay for the following:
- Emergency room treatment
- Hospital stays and surgery
- Doctor visits and follow-up care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications
- Certain transportation costs to medical appointments
Typically, PIP coverage in New York provides up to $50,000 in benefits for medical expenses and certain lost wages. Because this system is designed to reduce delays in treatment, injured individuals usually submit their medical bills directly to their own insurance company first. However, it is important to remember that this coverage has limits, and serious injuries can quickly exceed those limits.
What Happens If My Medical Bills Exceed No-Fault Coverage?
While the no-fault system helps cover initial treatment costs, severe injuries often require extensive care that goes well beyond the standard coverage limits. When medical bills surpass what PIP will pay, other legal options may become available. If your injuries meet New York’s legal threshold for a serious injury, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. Some examples of serious injuries under New York law are as follows:
- Significant disfigurement
- Bone fractures
- Permanent loss of use of a body organ or function
- Significant limitation of a body function or system
- Injuries that prevent normal daily activities for at least 90 days
When this threshold is met, an injured person may pursue compensation for damages that are not covered by no-fault insurance, including additional medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses related to the accident.
What Should I Do If I Receive Medical Bills After a Car Accident?
Receiving medical bills after an accident can feel overwhelming, especially when you are still recovering from your injuries. Taking the right steps early can make a significant difference in how your claim is handled. If you were injured in a car accident in Rockland County, you should do your best to take the following steps:
- Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible
- File a no-fault insurance application within 30 days of the crash
- Keep copies of all medical records and bills related to your treatment
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend scheduled appointments
- Speak with an experienced personal injury attorney about your options
If you have any additional questions or would like to speak with a knowledgeable Rockland County car accident attorney about your case, simply contact 59Law.com for a free initial consultation today.