How Much Will My Medical Bills Cost After a Manhattan Car Accident?
Three common car accident injuries in Manhattan include fractures, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and spinal cord injuries. If you’re recovering from an auto accident injury, you might be wondering how much your medical bills will cost. While each case is unique, statistics from sources like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) can provide some idea as to how much you’ll need to spend. If you have any specific questions or concerns about the cost of your medical bills or your claim more broadly, we encourage you to contact our Manhattan auto accident lawyer for a free case review.
The Cost of Medical Care Can Vary Widely
The cost of medical care can vary widely after a crash. It will depend on the nature and severity of your injuries. With that being said, even seemingly mild and moderate injuries can be far more costly than many people realize. Furthermore, a catastrophic car wreck that causes a severe injury, such as spinal cord damage, could easily lead to hundreds of thousands of dollars (or more) in medical bills.
Know the Law in New York: No-Fault for Auto Accidents
New York State has unique auto accident insurance regulations. There is a mandatory no-fault insurance system for motor vehicle accidents. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays for reasonable and necessary medical expenses, lost wages, and certain out-of-pocket costs, regardless of fault. Though, that coverage is subject to statutory limits and fee schedules that govern reimbursement rates. Health insurance may become secondary depending on coordination of benefits. In other words, your health insurance coverage can play a role, but you can and should be prepared to bring a claim for your medical costs. No health insurance? Hear what it means for your case from our Manhattan personal injury lawyer.
Note: You can bring a fault-based car accident injury claim in New York if you suffered a serious injury in a crash as defined by state law. Through an at-fault claim based on negligence, you can hold the responsible party liable for all of your damages, including pain and suffering.
Be Proactive: Strict 30-Day Deadline for NF-2
No-fault claims are highly time-sensitive. New York sets a strict 30-day deadline to submit the NF-2 application for no-fault benefits. The injured victim must provide written notice to the applicable insurer within thirty days of the accident. Late submission can result in denial of benefits unless a reasonable justification is established. The NF-2 initiates the claim and triggers the insurer’s obligation to process medical bills and wage loss submissions. Supporting documentation should be gathered immediately, including accident details, provider information, and employment records. You can learn more about the no-fault law and the deadline to take action.
Key Takeaways
- The cost of medical bills can vary widely after a car accident
- Catastrophic injuries can cost six or even seven figures over the course of a lifetime
- New York has a no-fault law for car accidents (first $50,000 usually through own insurer)
- Victims can bring a fault-based claim for a severe injury
- According to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, the lifetime healthcare costs of a spinal cord injury can reach into the millions
Can a Manhattan Car Accident Attorney Help Me?
If you are recovering from injuries that you didn’t cause, you shouldn’t have to pay for your medical bills. Although the lifetime costs associated with certain injuries may seem daunting, a personal injury attorney in Manhattan can help you access the compensation you need. You may also have access to compensation for lost income and various non-economic damages. Contact Cohan Law, PLLC today to learn more about the next potential steps. With an office in Manhattan, we handle personal injury claims in New York City and throughout the region in New York.
Sources:
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7326639/
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6508680/
christopherreeve.org/todays-care/living-with-paralysis/costs-and-insurance/costs-of-living-with-spinal-cord-injury/#:~:text=The%20average%20yearly%20expenses%20(health%20care%20costs,are%20directly%20attributable%20to%20SCI%20vary%20greatly.