Being involved in a car accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed. You may have worries about your injuries, how to recover, and who is going to take care of the medical bills. It’s common to feel confused about what happens next, especially if you are in pain and trying to navigate the complex world of insurance claims. The good news is that there are laws and protections in place that can help ensure you are taken care of, and that’s where an experienced car accident lawyer can make all the difference.
Understanding New York’s No-Fault Insurance System
In New York, the no-fault insurance system is designed to streamline the process for accident victims. Under this system, you generally turn to your own insurance company to cover medical expenses, regardless of who caused the accident. This means that if you are injured in a car accident, your own car insurance company should pay for your medical bills through a specific type of coverage called Personal Injury Protection (PIP).
PIP coverage helps pay for a variety of medical expenses, such as hospital visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation. The idea is to make sure you can get the care you need without having to wait for a long and drawn-out legal process. It’s important to note that PIP coverage is available regardless of whether or not you were at fault in the accident.
What Happens if Your Medical Bills Exceed Your PIP Coverage?
While PIP coverage can help pay for many medical expenses, it does have limits. The amount of coverage varies depending on your policy, but in many cases, it might not cover all your medical bills, especially if you suffer serious injuries. In these cases, you may be able to use other forms of insurance or seek compensation from the at-fault party.
If your injuries are severe, and your medical bills surpass your PIP limits, you may be able to pursue a claim against the other driver’s insurance company. This is where things can get more complicated. The process of determining who is at fault, what additional coverage you might have, and how to file a claim can become overwhelming. That’s when having the right legal team on your side can make a big difference.
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Andrews
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Maranto, III
When Can You File a Lawsuit for Additional Compensation?
Although New York’s no-fault insurance system covers most medical bills, there are situations where you can seek additional compensation. If your injuries are serious enough to meet certain criteria, such as a permanent disability, disfigurement, or a significant loss of function, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. In these cases, the at-fault driver’s insurance company might be required to pay for additional costs, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
Filing a lawsuit can be a long and complicated process. You’ll need to gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and possibly go to court. Having a skilled car accident lawyer who understands the legal system in New York can help you navigate these challenges and ensure that your rights are protected.
The team is very personable, patient and empathetic with their clients. They are upfront with you and will explain the entire process with you, they never lead you to believe otherwise, they tell you like it is and will not sell you a million dollar dream. Trust in Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC, they work for you and he looks out for your best interest.” - Jane D.
Why It’s Important to Act Quickly After an Accident
After a car accident, it’s important to take action quickly to protect your rights. New York has specific deadlines for filing claims, and if you wait too long, you might miss out on the opportunity to receive the compensation you deserve. It’s crucial to notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident and seek medical attention for your injuries, even if they seem minor at first.
Additionally, you should keep records of all medical treatments and bills related to the accident. This documentation will be important when it comes time to file claims or pursue additional compensation. The sooner you start the process, the better your chances of getting the full compensation you are entitled to.
Dealing with Insurance Companies and Medical Providers
One of the most stressful aspects of a car accident is dealing with insurance companies and medical providers. After a crash, you’ll likely receive medical bills from hospitals, doctors, and other healthcare providers. These can quickly add up, and it’s common to worry about how you’ll pay them while you’re recovering. Often, insurance companies will start contacting you to discuss your claim. They may try to settle quickly, but it’s important to remember that these initial offers may not cover all your expenses, especially long-term medical care. Insurance companies are looking out for their bottom line, not necessarily your well-being. Having a lawyer on your side ensures that you’re not taken advantage of and that you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.
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What to Do If Your Insurance Denies Your Claim
There are times when an insurance company might deny a claim, or worse, delay payment on your medical bills. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re trying to focus on recovering from your injuries. If your insurance claim is denied or delayed, you have options. An experienced lawyer can help you understand why your claim was denied and what steps can be taken next. They will investigate the situation, gather supporting evidence, and appeal the decision if necessary. Sometimes insurance companies make mistakes or refuse claims based on technicalities. A lawyer can help you challenge these decisions and make sure your medical bills get paid.
Recovering Lost Wages and Other Costs
In addition to medical bills, a serious car accident can leave you unable to work for a period of time. If you can’t work, you may lose out on wages that you rely on to pay your bills and support your family. While PIP coverage can pay for a portion of your lost wages, it may not cover the full amount. If you’re facing significant time off work due to the accident, you may be able to seek compensation for lost wages as part of a larger personal injury claim. In some cases, you may also be entitled to compensation for other out-of-pocket expenses, such as transportation to medical appointments or home care if your injuries require assistance. A skilled attorney can help calculate the full scope of your losses and work to ensure that they’re covered.
Verdicts & Settlements
Navigating the process of dealing with medical bills and insurance claims after a car accident can be difficult. With all the paperwork, deadlines, and negotiations, it can quickly become overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced lawyer on your side to help you through the process.
A lawyer can assist with gathering evidence, dealing with insurance companies, and determining if you’re entitled to additional compensation beyond your PIP coverage. They can also ensure that you are meeting all necessary deadlines and following the correct procedures for filing claims or lawsuits.
At Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC, we understand how stressful it can be to deal with medical bills and the aftermath of a car accident. Our team is here to offer you the support and guidance you need to get the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been involved in a car accident and need help understanding your options, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help you every step of the way and work toward a successful case result.
To learn more about this subject click here: How New York’s No-Fault Insurance Affects Your Car Accident Claim