What was once a typical day driving to work can quickly become a nightmare if you’re the victim of an auto accident. Not only will you experience immense and, in some instances, chronic pain, but you can also inherit medical bills that reach extreme heights. If you’re the victim of a car accident, ensuring you receive the entirety of compensation for your injuries is crucial. Luckily, Middlesex County auto accident attorneys are ready to help you ensure you receive justice.
How Do I Get Payment for Injuries Sustained in an Auto Accident?
Many assume the payments will come directly from the other driver’s insurance. In many states, the injured party is responsible for their medical bills either out of pocket or through their insurance provider until they can be reimbursed by the negligent party after a settlement. This can be unfortunate for injured parties who are not insured, as it can delay treatment or cause astronomical medical debt.
However, this is not the case in New Jersey. Instead, there is Personal Injury Protection or PIP that insurance companies are required to provide. This PIP coverage will pay the injured party’s medical bills, even if they were not the cause of the accident.
What Is PIP?
PIP is Personal Injury Protection that all auto insurance companies are required to provide to their clients.
New Jersey is considered a “no-fault” state, meaning that anyone injured in an accident will receive payment from their own insurance, as opposed to the negligent party. This means the driver responsible for the accident will not be liable for paying your medical bills, despite causing the collision, unless you choose to pursue legal action. While this may seem unfair, it has benefits, as you will not have to endure a lengthy legal battle to prove fault in order to receive compensation.
PIP only covers injuries sustained due to another party’s negligence. It will not cover damage to your vehicle, as that is the responsibility of the other driver.
What Happens if an Injury Exceeds PIP Coverage?
Like any other insurance plan, you will decide how much coverage you receive. While the standard policy has a limit of $250,000, you may find that you want a lower policy, meaning you can opt for different coverage. Generally, the least expensive options will still come with $15,000 worth of coverage.
If the extent of your injuries results in medical bills that exceed the coverage of your Personal Injury Protection coverage, you will be responsible for paying the medical bills. However, you can also file a lawsuit against the negligent driver who caused the accident for pain and suffering, which can help you receive money to pay off your bills.
If you’re in medical debt due to the negligent actions of another driver and your PIP benefits don’t cover all of the costs, you shouldn’t be responsible for paying those bills. Reach out to Stathis & Leonardis, LLC today to discuss the details of your case.
