A car accident can leave you with serious injuries. If a crash has left you with prohibitive medical bills, you may be wondering who’s responsible for paying them.
So, who pays your medical bills after a car accident? In New York, your own auto insurance pays for your medical bills first, regardless of fault.
Medical bills can pile up fast after a car accident. If you’ve been hurt in a crash, a Long Island car accident lawyer can identify who’s responsible and help secure a fair settlement.
Who Pays My Medical Bills After a Car Crash?
Under New York’s no-fault insurance system, your own auto insurance is responsible for paying your medical bills first, no matter who is liable for the crash.
The state requires drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which typically pays up to $50,000 per person for medical treatment, lost wages, and certain other accident-related expenses.
If your medical costs exceed PIP limits, you may need to use your own health insurance or pursue a claim against the at-fault driver to cover the remaining balance. If your injuries qualify as “serious” under New York law, you may step outside the no-fault system and file a lawsuit to recover additional damages.
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Does Insurance Cover All of Your Medical Bills?
Insurance rarely covers every medical expense after a car accident. Auto insurance has limits, and while health insurance can help, deductibles, copays, and uncovered treatments are still your responsibility.
If your bills exceed available coverage, you may need to seek compensation from the at-fault driver by filing a personal injury claim.
What if the At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
Many drivers on the road are uninsured or underinsured. However, if you’ve been hit by one of them, you still have options:
- Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage: If you have UM coverage, it can pay for your medical bills when the other driver has no coverage.
- Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage: If the other driver’s insurance coverage is insufficient, UIM coverage can help bridge the gap.
- Your health insurance: While not ideal, your health insurer may step in to cover your medical costs, with reimbursement expected later.
Without these protections, you may have to sue the uninsured driver directly (though many lack the resources to pay a judgment).
Can You Sue for Medical Bills if You Have Insurance?
In New York, you can only sue for medical bills after a car crash if your injuries meet the state’s “serious injury” threshold.
Per Section 5102 of state law, if you’ve suffered a fracture, significant disfigurement, loss of use of a body part, or another injury that results in more than 90 days of disability, you can step outside the state’s no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Do I Have to Pay Medical Bills Out of My Settlement?
Yes, part of a car accident settlement is typically used to pay off medical bills and any outstanding liens from healthcare providers or insurers.
Even if your PIP or health insurance covered some of your treatment, those insurers often seek reimbursement once you receive compensation.
After these bills are paid, the remainder of the settlement goes to you for other damages, such as lost wages or pain and suffering.
How Much Are Medical Bills After a Car Accident?
The cost of medical treatment after a car accident can vary dramatically based on the type and severity of your injuries. Minor injuries can leave you with four or five-figure bills, while severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage can cost hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars to treat over a lifetime.
A car accident attorney can make sure your settlement covers your medical expenses.
Common Types of Medical Bills After a Car Accident
Car accident victims often face medical costs for:
- Emergency room care
- Ambulance services
- Hospital stays
- Diagnostic imaging (MRIs, CT scans, X-rays)
- Surgery costs
- Prescription medications
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Specialized equipment (wheelchairs, braces, prosthetics)
Why Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer?
Dealing with insurance companies, medical providers, and legal deadlines can be overwhelming when you’re already hurt. A car accident lawyer can help by:
- Collecting evidence: A lawyer can gather evidence and work with experts to make sure your medical costs are fully documented.
- Identifying all sources of compensation: A lawyer can determine whether you can file against the other driver’s insurance or whether you should pursue other sources of compensation.
- Fighting lowball offers: Insurance companies often undervalue claims. A lawyer can push for a fair settlement that covers your true medical costs.
- Negotiating medical liens: An attorney can work to reduce the portion of your settlement that’s owed to providers or insurers.
Without representation, you’ll risk being stuck with bills that should have been covered by the at-fault party.
Speak to a Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t be on the hook for your medical bills. A car accident attorney from Chaikin Trial Group Injury Lawyers can deal with the insurance companies and pursue a fair settlement so you can focus on healing.
Schedule a free consultation to find out how you can obtain compensation for your injuries.
