🩺 Step 1: Your Own Auto Insurance Usually Pays First

(New Jersey PIP Coverage)

New Jersey is a No-Fault insurance state. This means:

➡️ Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays your medical expenses
➡️ Even if someone else caused the crash

Typical PIP benefits include:

Hospital treatment and surgeries
Imaging and testing (X-ray, MRI, CT)
Physical therapy and rehab
Ambulance costs
Prescription medication

Most drivers carry $15,000 in PIP, but higher limits like $50k, $100k, or even $250,000 are available — especially crucial for head, back, or spinal injuries.

📈 Step 2: When medical bills exceed your PIP limit

If the treatment costs more than your PIP coverage, there are two potential backup options:

1️⃣ Your Health Insurance
Depending on your auto policy settings, health insurance may become secondary coverage.

2️⃣ A Claim Against the At-Fault Driver
If another driver’s negligence caused the accident, you can pursue a liability claim to recover:

Medical expenses not covered by PIP
Future medical care
Lost income
Pain and suffering (if permitted by your policy)

This is where having an attorney makes a huge difference.

🛑 Be careful: Insurance may try to underpay or delay care

Insurance companies may:

Push “cheap” settlements before injuries are fully diagnosed
Claim treatment isn’t “medically necessary”
Dispute whether injuries came from the crash
Slow down authorizations for specialists
Suggest you don’t need long-term care

A lawyer steps in to fight these tactics, so you don’t have to face them while recovering.

⚠️ What about fraud concerns?

Fraud does exist in auto insurance — like staged crashes or exaggerated injuries.

But here’s the unfortunate truth:

Insurers sometimes use “fraud prevention” as an excuse to question legitimate injury claims — even when victims are completely honest.

This can lead to unnecessary investigations, delays, and denials.

💡 Keeping strong medical documentation + legal support protects you from being unfairly labeled or pushed aside.

🧑‍⚖️ When should you call a New Jersey accident attorney?

Reach out to a lawyer right away if:

✔ Your medical bills are already high
✔ You need surgery, injections, or long-term treatment
✔ The other driver was clearly at fault
✔ The insurance company is ignoring or disputing your care
✔ You’re worried about paying future medical bills

The longer you wait, the more room insurers have to control the narrative.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Does PIP cover emergency room treatment?
Yes — as long as the injury is related to the crash and treatment is properly documented.

Can I still make a claim if I already filed with my insurance?
Absolutely. Your auto insurance is step one — not the end of the process.

Can I sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering?
Possibly — depending on whether your policy includes a full right to sue or limited right to sue.

What if the other driver had no insurance?
If you carry UM/UIM coverage, your own policy may pay the difference.

Is it expensive to get a lawyer?
No — injury lawyers typically only get paid if they win your case.

🟦 The Bottom Line

You shouldn’t have to panic about medical bills after an accident someone else caused. New Jersey law is meant to protect you — but the insurance system can be confusing, and insurers don’t always play fair.

A knowledgeable attorney can:

✨ Unlock all available coverage
✨ Fight for every dollar of medical compensation
✨ Prevent insurer delays or wrongful denials
✨ Protect your long-term health and finances