Who Pays Your Medical Bills After a Car Accident in New York? Understanding No-Fault Insurance & Your Legal Rights

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in New York, one of the first questions you’re likely asking is: “Who pays my medical bills?”

The answer surprises many people. In New York, car accident cases are governed by a No-Fault insurance system, which means fault does not initially determine who pays your medical expenses. Understanding how No-Fault works and where it ends is critical to protecting both your health and your financial recovery.

At Collins & Collins Attorneys, we’ve been helping injured New Yorkers navigate this system for over 70 years. Below, we break it down clearly and simply.

What Is No-Fault Insurance in New York?

New York’s No-Fault law requires that your own auto insurance policy pays for certain losses after a car accident regardless of who caused the crash.

This system was designed to:

• Ensure quick payment of medical bills

• Reduce delays caused by fault disputes

• Get injured people treatment immediately

What Does No-Fault Insurance Pay For?

Under New York No-Fault, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays for:

✅ Medical Bills

• Emergency room treatment

• Hospital stays

• Surgeries

• Diagnostic testing (MRIs, X-rays, CT scans)

• Physical therapy and rehabilitation

• Necessary follow-up care

✅ Lost Wages

• Up to 80% of your lost earnings, capped at $2,000 per month

• Available if your injuries prevent you from working

✅ Necessary Expenses

• Transportation to medical appointments

• Household help (cleaning, childcare, etc.)

• Other accident-related out-of-pocket costs

Important: These benefits are capped at $50,000 per person in most standard No-Fault policies.

Who Pays Your Bills if You Don’t Own a Car?

Even if you don’t have your own auto insurance, you may still be covered:

• Passenger in a car → Covered under the vehicle owner’s policy

• Pedestrian or cyclist hit by a car → Covered by the striking vehicle’s insurance

• No insurance available → You may qualify through the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC)

Each scenario has strict deadlines and requirements—mistakes can cost you coverage.

What Happens When No-Fault Runs Out?

Once No-Fault benefits are exhausted—or if your injuries are serious—you may be entitled to pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.

This is where No-Fault ends and full compensation begins.

When Can You Step Outside the No-Fault System?

New York law allows injured victims to file a lawsuit only if they meet the “serious injury threshold.” This includes:

• Fractures

• Significant disfigurement

• Permanent limitation of use

• Significant limitation of use

• Injuries preventing normal activities for 90 out of 180 days

If you qualify, you may recover:

• Pain and suffering

• Full lost wages (past and future)

• Medical expenses beyond No-Fault limits

• Long-term disability damages

Insurance companies often dispute injury severity, which is why legal representation matters.

Common Mistakes That Can Jeopardize Your No-Fault Benefits

Many claims are delayed or denied due to avoidable errors, including:

• ❌ Missing the 30-day No-Fault application deadline

• ❌ Delaying medical treatment

• ❌ Gaps in care

• ❌ Seeing providers not approved under No-Fault

• ❌ Giving recorded statements without legal advice

Once benefits are denied, insurers rarely reverse course without pressure.

How Collins & Collins Helps After a Car Accident

At Collins & Collins, we don’t just file paperwork, we protect your entire recovery.

We help by:

• Filing and managing your No-Fault claim correctly

• Ensuring medical bills are paid on time

• Fighting improper denials or delays

• Determining whether you qualify for a serious injury lawsuit

• Pursuing maximum compensation beyond No-Fault when available

Our attorneys understand both the medical and legal complexities of New York car accident claims and we know how insurance companies operate.

Why This Matters

Medical bills add up fast after a crash. Without proper guidance, injured people often:

• Pay out of pocket unnecessarily

• Accept denied claims as final

• Miss opportunities for additional compensation

Understanding No-Fault is the first step. Protecting your rights is the next.

Speak With a New York Car Accident Attorney Today

If you’ve been injured in a car accident and have questions about medical bills, lost wages, or No-Fault insurance, we’re here to help.

📞 Call Collins & Collins Attorneys at 716-885-9700📍 Serving Buffalo and communities throughout New York💼 Free consultations — no fee unless we win