After a car accident in New Jersey, medical bills start arriving quickly. Emergency room visits, diagnostic tests, physical therapy, and follow-up appointments can cost thousands of dollars. Understanding who pays medical bills after a car accident in New Jersey helps you get the treatment you need without worrying about whether those costs will be covered. New Jersey’s insurance laws create multiple layers of coverage that work together to handle your medical costs.
New Jersey’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) System
New Jersey operates under a no-fault insurance system that determines how your medical bills get paid. Personal injury protection in New Jersey (PIP) is your first line of defense, covering your medical costs regardless of who caused the crash.
Your own car insurance includes this protection. Every New Jersey driver must carry PIP coverage. This means your insurance company pays your medical bills, even if the other driver was at fault.
How NJ PIP Coverage Works
NJ PIP coverage typically handles your medical bills up to your policy limits. Most standard PIP policies include up to $250,000 in medical benefits, though drivers can select lower limits. This pays for emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgery, rehab, and other medical care from your accident.
PIP can also provide wage loss and essential services benefits, but these are optional add-ons. Many drivers don’t realize they may have limited or no wage coverage unless they purchased it.
When Health Insurance Helps
Your health insurance might also cover car accident medical bills in NJ. If your PIP runs out or doesn’t cover specific treatments, your health insurance may step in as backup. But there’s a catch: Your health insurer might want money back from any settlement you get later.
How PIP and health insurance work together can get tricky. Your health insurance has to follow specific rules about when it can collect money and how much it can take from your settlement.
Unlike some health insurance companies, you never have to pay any money back to your no-fault carrier for medical bills it pays on your behalf as a result of an auto accident. As such, it is always best to take no-fault/PIP coverage as primary on your policy and buy as much coverage as you can. $250,000 in PIP coverage may seem like a lot but it is the best coverage you can get for your money. It is highly recommended to take $250,000 which is the standard PIP coverage as medical bills can be extremely costly, especially if you are in a serious accident.
Claims Against the At-Fault Driver
Even though no-fault insurance in New Jersey covers your immediate medical needs, you may still have the right to file a claim against the at-fault driver. This becomes especially important when your injuries are severe, or your costs exceed what PIP will pay.
For example, someone with multiple fractures might reach their $250,000 PIP limit early but still need months of rehab or follow-up surgery. Filing a personal injury claim may help recover those unpaid expenses. In New Jersey, you generally have two years from the accident to file this claim.
When Insurance Coverage Becomes Complex
Coverage is complicated when multiple insurance companies are involved. Who pays medical bills after a car accident in New Jersey becomes unclear when insurance companies start disputing responsibility. They might delay payments, deny treatments, or send bills straight to you while they sort things out.
These disputes create extra stress when you’re already hurt and trying to heal. Knowing your rights helps you push back when insurance companies try to avoid paying what they owe.
Long-Term Medical Care After a Car Accident
Car accidents often mean months or years of treatment. Physical therapy, specialist visits, MRIs, and possible surgery don’t stop after a few weeks. Getting all this future care covered requires knowing New Jersey’s insurance rules inside and out.
When insurance companies drag their feet or refuse to pay, doctors and hospitals might bill you directly. This creates financial stress when you’re already hurt and can’t work.
Get Help with Your Medical Bills After a Car Accident
At Petro Cohen, we’ve seen how medical bills can overwhelm car accident victims. Our team has represented southern New Jersey residents for over 25 years, fighting to recover full financial support for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
When you’re hurt and the bills keep coming, having skilled legal representation can mean the difference between settling for less and getting what you truly deserve. Contact Petro Cohen today to discuss your case and learn how we can help secure fair compensation for your injuries.
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