When
you are involved in a major accident and suffer serious personal injuries, a
major concern may be who will pay for the extensive medical bills. Although the
at-fault party and their insurance company should be the responsible party to
pay your medical bills, that is not always the case.
In
fact, the liable party’s insurance company doesn’t have to pay you anything
unless you force them to pay by bringing a personal injury claim against their
insurance. Even then, the insurance company will not pay your medical bills
until your case is settled or a verdict has been reached.
As
your Injury lawyers New York City, we will advise you that the person
ultimately responsible is YOU. However, you may have several options in paying
your medical bills.
Your Own Car Insurance Policy
If
your injuries were related to a car accident, your own car insurance policy may
cover the costs of your medical treatment. This coverage, referred to as
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or No-Fault coverage, is required in New York
and is provided regardless of whom was at fault for causing the accident.
Generally, only after the no-fault coverage has been exhausted, should you
submit your medical bills to a private health insurance carrier.
Health Insurance
If
you have personal health care, your insurance company will pay your medical
bills, provided that the accident was not a motor vehicle accident. Your personal injury lawyer may advise you that if your health insurer pays for
medical bills related to an accident, they may, depending on the type of your
health care policy, beentitled to reimbursement once your case is settled or
tried in court.
Medical Lien
If
you do not have health insurance or PIP coverage, we may be able to help you by
setting up a medical lien against your personal injury
claim provided that you sign documents stating that you will pay the bills from
your case settlement proceeds.
Gersowitz, Libo & Korek, P.C Can Help
At
Gersowitz, Libo & Korek, P.C., our New York injury lawyers have
more than 100 years of combined experience fighting for the rights of injured
victims. To schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your case, call us
at (800) 529-9997. They handle serious accident cases in both New York and New
Jersey.