A sudden crash can leave you in pain — and overwhelmed with medical expenses. Emergency room charges, follow-up appointments, therapy, medications…it adds up quickly. Many injured drivers ask the same question:
“Why am I being billed if I didn’t cause the accident?”
You shouldn’t have to figure this out alone. New Jersey has special insurance protections — but you must know how to use them.
This guide explains your rights and how to make sure the right party pays for your treatment.
Your Insurance Handles Medical Bills First — That’s New Jersey Law
New Jersey follows a no-fault insurance system, which means:
👉 Your own car insurance covers your medical care first, regardless of who caused the crash.
This medical coverage is called Personal Injury Protection (PIP).
It typically pays for:
- Ambulance and hospital care
- Surgery and specialist visits
- Diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT scans, X-rays)
- Physical therapy + rehab
- Medications and medical equipment
Even if another driver hit you, your insurer is responsible immediately for your treatment.
When the At-Fault Driver Must Pay Instead
Some injuries go far beyond PIP limits — especially when the crash causes:
- Surgeries
- Long-term disability
- Chronic pain
- Life-changing trauma
In these situations, you may pursue the at-fault driver’s insurance company for:
✔ Remaining medical bills
✔ Lost income / job limitations
✔ Pain, suffering, emotional distress
✔ Future medical care
This is called a liability claim — and it ensures you aren’t financially punished for someone else’s carelessness.
Why You Still Receive Hospital Bills
Even when insurance is working correctly, hospitals and medical providers often:
- Bill victims directly before insurance processes a claim
- Try to collect payments quickly
- Send aggressive notices to pressure you
Do not panic and do not pay upfront.
📌 A lawyer can contact providers and ensure bills go through proper legal channels.
If You Don’t Have Car Insurance — You Still Have Rights
You may still qualify for:
- Benefits under the at-fault driver’s policy
- Medicaid or emergency medical coverage
- Negotiated medical bill reductions
No one loses the right to care because they don’t own a car.
🚫 Warning: Insurance Companies Can Make Things Harder
Adjusters often:
- Blame injuries on existing conditions
- Delay approval for treatment
- Push fast, unfair settlements
- Use recorded statements against you
Insurance companies protect profits.
Your attorney protects you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay copays or deductibles?
Sometimes — but they may be reimbursable later.
Can I get compensated if I’m partly at fault?
Yes — as long as you weren’t mostly responsible.
How long do I have to take legal action?
Generally 2 years, but the sooner the better.
Is speaking with a lawyer expensive?
No. Free consultation + no fees unless we win.
You Focus on Healing — We Handle the Bills
After a crash, your only job should be recovery — not fighting insurance companies and medical providers.
When you work with an experienced Car accident lawyer New Jersey, you get:
- Protection of your PIP benefits
- Help negotiating or eliminating medical debt
- A legal team to hold the at-fault driver accountable
- The compensation you deserve for your pain and losses
📞 Free Case Evaluation — No Upfront Costs
Let us help safeguard your treatment, your finances, and your future.
👉 For a deeper dive on billing rights:
https://www.the25percentlawyers.com/who-pays-your-hospital-bills-after-a-car-accident-in-new-jersey-a-clear-guide-for-injured-drivers/
👉You can also explore another helpful breakdown here:
https://lawyercaraccidentnynj.com/who-covers-your-medical-bills-after-a-car-accident-in-new-jersey/
You heal.
We’ll take care of everything else.
