Call Us Today (732) 249-0444
Call Us Today (732) 249-0444
Like almost every other state, New Jersey requires everyone who owns a motor vehicle to purchase a minimum amount of car insurance coverage in case they ever get into an accident. Accordingly, most people who get involved in car wrecks depend on insurance benefits to cover ensuing expenses for medical treatment.
However, depending on the type of coverage you have and the type of accident you were involved in, your insurance policy alone may not be enough to cover both past and future expenses related to your medical care. When it comes to paying medical bills after a car accident in New Brunswick, seeking guidance from a seasoned car accident lawyer could be crucial to ensuring you do not have to pay the price for someone else’s bad decision.
New Jersey operates under a “choice no-fault” car insurance system, which means in most situations that the mandatory car insurance policies everyone on the road must maintain will cover medical expenses in the event of a crash regardless of who is at fault for that incident. The “Basic Policy” offered by insurers in the Garden State meets the absolute minimum standards for car insurance coverage mandated by state law—namely, $5,000 of coverage for property damage and $15,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, the latter of which may be expanded up to a maximum of $250,000 in the event of a catastrophic injury, such as the loss of a limb or the death of an unborn fetus.
However, car insurance coverage will only cover medical expenses up to the applicable policy limit, and on top of that, “Basic” policies restrict policyholders from pursuing third-party litigation for additional damages unless an accident results in permanent injury.
Conversely, someone who elects to pay for more coverage through a “Standard” policy may be able to seek much more compensation from their insurer for medical bills regardless of the seriousness of their injuries. As a result, “Standard” policyholders generally do not have to worry about any settlement they receive from an at-fault driver being reduced to pay for outstanding medical bills not covered by insurance—a concern that “Basic” policyholders often have to worry about.
Regardless of the insurance coverage you have, paying for medical bills after a car accident in New Brunswick can be a stressful and complex endeavor, especially if you suffered a life-altering disability or disfigurement. Fortunately, help is available from seasoned legal professionals who know how to get the most compensation possible based on an individual accident victim’s circumstances.
A qualified car accident lawyer could answer your questions about medical bills, insurance coverage, and more during a private consultation. Call today.