Who Pays My Medical Bills After a Car Accident in New York City?
Being injured in a New York City car accident can leave you with painful injuries, lost income, and overwhelming medical bills. Many crash victims ask the same urgent question: “Who pays my medical bills after a car accident in NYC?”
The answer depends on New York’s no-fault insurance laws. In most cases, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays your initial medical expenses—no matter who caused the accident. However, if your injuries are severe, you may step outside the no-fault system and pursue a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for additional damages such as pain and suffering.
New York City’s No-Fault (PIP) Insurance Coverage
New York is a no-fault state, which means that after most accidents, you turn first to your own car insurance company for medical expenses—even if the other driver was at fault.
Standard PIP provides up to $50,000 per person for medical and economic losses, including:
- Emergency treatment, hospitalization, and surgeries
- Diagnostic testing (MRIs, CT scans, X-rays)
- Physical therapy, rehabilitation, and counseling
- Prescription medications and medical equipment
- Prosthetics and assistive devices
- Ambulance or airlift services
- 80% of lost wages (up to $2,000/month for 3 years)
- $25/day for household services and transportation (up to 1 year)
- $2,000 death benefit for families of deceased accident victims
Deadline Warning: You must file your PIP claim within 30 days of your NYC accident or benefits may be denied.
Who Is Covered Under NYC’s No-Fault Insurance?
- Drivers & Passengers: Covered by their vehicle’s insurance.
- Pedestrians & Cyclists: Covered by the at-fault driver’s insurance. If the driver flees or is uninsured, you may qualify for MVAIC (Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation) coverage.
- Motorcyclists: Not covered by no-fault. They must rely on optional coverage, health insurance, or legal claims against the negligent driver.
- Bus Accidents: Coverage may come from your household auto policy or the bus company (MTA, NYC Transit, or private).
- Workers on Duty (truckers, delivery drivers): Covered under Workers’ Compensation, not no-fault.
- Police Officers & First Responders: Covered under New York law by their employers.
- Hit-and-Run Victims: May seek benefits through their insurer or MVAIC.
Serious Injury Threshold in New York City
PIP does not cover pain and suffering. To file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver in NYC, your injuries must meet the “serious injury” threshold (ISC § 5102), which includes:
- Fractures or dismemberment
- Death or loss of a fetus
- Significant disfigurement
- Permanent loss of use of an organ, limb, or body system
- Permanent or significant limitation of a body part or function
- Injuries preventing normal activities for at least 90 of 180 days post-accident
If you meet this threshold, you may recover compensation for:
- Medical bills beyond PIP coverage
- Long-term rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
Other Coverage That May Help NYC Crash Victims
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage (required in NY): Protects you if struck by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver.
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage (optional): Helps when the at-fault driver’s insurance limits are too low.
- MedPay: An optional add-on to cover deductibles and costs not paid by PIP.
- Health Insurance: May step in after PIP runs out, but insurers often demand repayment from your settlement.
- MVAIC Fund: Provides up to $50,000 in benefits when no other insurance applies.
- Medical Liens: Some NYC doctors accept treatment on a lien, getting paid from your settlement.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in NYC
Every driver in New York must carry:
- $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident in fatal cases
- $10,000 for property damage
Comparative Fault in New York
New York uses pure comparative negligence. If you’re partly at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if your damages total $100,000 and you’re 30% at fault, you may still recover $70,000.
Settlements, Liens, and Paying Medical Bills
When you receive a settlement or jury award after a New York City car accident:
- PIP and health insurers may demand reimbursement (subrogation).
- Medical providers may file liens on unpaid bills.
- A skilled NYC car accident lawyer can negotiate lien reductions, ensuring you keep more of your recovery.
Settlements may be structured as lump-sum payments (preferred for large bills) or structured settlements paid over time.
Steps to Protect Your Right to Compensation
- Report the Accident: Call NYPD and file a police report.
- Seek Medical Care: Immediate treatment creates documentation that supports your claim.
- Keep All Records: Save bills, prescriptions, wage loss statements, and receipts.
- File Your Claim on Time: Missing deadlines can forfeit benefits.
- Consult a Lawyer Quickly: Insurance companies often delay, deny, or underpay claims.
Why You Need a New York City Car Accident Lawyer
Navigating NYC’s no-fault insurance rules and serious injury threshold is complicated. Insurance companies may delay or deny your claims, leaving you with mounting bills. A top-rated New York City personal injury attorney can:
- File your PIP claim correctly and on time
- Determine if your injuries qualify as “serious”
- Identify all available coverage (PIP, UM/UIM, MedPay, Workers’ Comp, MVAIC, etc.)
- Negotiate with insurers and reduce medical liens
- Fight for maximum compensation in court if necessary
Get Help With Medical Bills After a Car Accident in NYC
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we fight for car accident victims across New York City, Westchester, Rockland County, and beyond.
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari?
- Local Harlem office plus six additional locations across NYC and Long Island
- No fee unless we win – Our Fee Guarantee
- Hundreds of positive client reviews and testimonials
- Bilingual legal team – Hablamos español
- Recognized by Best Lawyers® and Super Lawyers®
- We deal with the insurance companies so you can focus on recovery
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) today for a free consultation with an experienced New York City car accident lawyer.
Our motto: Don’t Be a Victim Twice.