Medical bills after car crashes in New York

After a car crash, victims have many things that they have to consider. One of these is their medical debt. In New York, the starting point for those bills is usually the no-fault insurance system, which is designed to cover basic economic losses without considering who caused the wreck. 

The no-fault system can pay for necessary medical care and some other financial damages, but only up to the policy limits. This is why many victims opt to submit bills through this system before they take other actions, but that doesn’t mean that the bills will automatically disappear. 

No-fault insurance challenges

One of the challenges that comes with no-fault coverage is that there are strict limits, documentation requirements and deadlines. Disputes about whether specific treatments were necessary and documented correctly are common. When long-term care is required, the coverage that’s available may not cover everything. 

Financial damages beyond no-fault coverage

Health insurance can sometimes step in to cover the medical care costs if the no-fault policy reaches the limit. This depends on the plan and the circumstances. Some people have optional coverage that provides benefits after crashes. 

When there aren’t health insurance benefits to pick up the expenses after the no-fault coverage reaches the limit, if the health insurance benefits are exhausted or there are financial damages that aren’t covered at all, filing a lawsuit is possible. Under New York law, the victim must meet specific requirements to seek recovery for pain and suffering from a negligent driver. 

These claims can be complex, particularly because victims are dealing with the healing process while trying to navigate the financial impacts. For many people who are injured, the path toward financial recovery isn’t linear, so it’s best to work with someone familiar with these matters so they can build a comprehensive case. 

Reach out to Alpert, Slobin & Rubenstein, LLP to learn about your legal options. We offer a free consultation so you can learn more about how we can help you recover the compensation you deserve.