How Will I Pay for My Medical Bills After a Car Accident?

New York has a no-fault insurance system, which means that vehicle drivers and occupants rely on their own insurance policies to cover the medical bills that stem from a car crash. It doesn’t matter who is at fault for the wreck. 

There are several factors to consider when trying to determine how medical bills will be covered after a motor vehicle crash. Understanding these can help to take some stress off victims, which is important when they’re trying to heal after a wreck.

How much medical coverage is provided?

Basic no-fault coverage in New York includes $50,000 of medical care coverage. It’s possible for vehicle owners to purchase additional coverage, but that coverage is optional and not always available. 

Once a victim has exhausted the $50,000 in coverage from their policy, as well as any optional coverage available, they can make claims to their standard medical insurance policy. At that point, it’s also possible to initiate a lawsuit against the party who caused the crash. 

The claim is only valid for the costs incurred that exceed the benefits obtained through the insurance claims. There is an exception to this for motorcyclists. A motorcyclist who is injured in a crash with another vehicle can initiate a lawsuit from the initial dollar loss. 

If there isn’t any auto insurance available in the household, a claim can be made with the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation. In New York, other members of the household in which the driver lives may have insurance policies that the victim can file a claim under, even if that driver or the driver’s vehicle wasn’t involved in the crash.

What happens if a victim doesn’t have medical insurance?

When a person doesn’t have medical insurance, they will have to work with their medical providers to pay for medical care. If the victim has already launched a lawsuit and received a settlement or had a favorable judgment, those funds can be used to cover the medical care expenses. 

Seeking compensation after a serious crash can help victims to minimize the financial impact the wreck has on them. Working with someone familiar with New York laws is beneficial for these victims since the laws are complex.