Auto accidents can be a terrifying situation for everyone involved, especially if you sustain serious injuries. Depending on the severity of your injuries, both the immediate and potentially ongoing costs of your medical bills could put you in a difficult financial situation. It can be very stressful to deal with financial struggles after a car accident, not to mention the potentially lasting effects your injuries may be having on your day-to-day life. Because New Jersey is a no-fault state, your medical bills may be covered by your auto insurance depending on the circumstances of your situation. If you were recently the victim of an auto accident, contact an experienced Morris County automobile accidents attorney at Lutz Injury Law to learn more about your case.
Who covers my medical bills after an auto accident?
The state of New Jersey is one of 12 no-fault states in the United State of America, meaning that if you are involved in an auto accident, it is your responsibility to pay for your medical bills if you are injured. Auto insurance companies are required by law in New Jersey to provide Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. If you are injured in a car crash, your PIP coverage will cover the costs of your medical expenses without your auto insurance rates increasing. However, it is important to know that your PIP coverage may not cover the entirety of your medical bills. The minimum requirement for PIP coverage in New Jersey state is $15,000, while the maximum plan would cover $250,000 in medical expenses. If your PIP coverage does not cover the full cost of your medical bills, you will have to pay out of pocket for the remaining amount you may owe.
If you do not have auto insurance or explicitly waived PIP from your plan, you may still be eligible for PIP coverage from a family member’s plan. If you share a household with someone who does have coverage, you may qualify for PIP under their plan. This would also apply to anyone you share a household with if they are uninsured and are involved in an auto accident as well.
Is the negligent driver responsible for paying my medical bills?
Even in no-fault states like New Jersey, if another driver’s negligent behavior was responsible for the collision that caused your injuries, you can still file for a personal injury claim against their insurance provider. However, filing personal injury claims can be a lengthy and strenuous process that could take years to resolve. Even when you finally reach a settlement, your compensation still may not fully cover the cost of your medical bills. It is strongly advised that you have a skilled attorney present to help guide you through this process.