After a car crash, everything is confusing. You are hurt. You are scared. Someone calls an ambulance, but a new fear hits you: *Who is going to pay for this?*

Many people in our community worry that a big ambulance bill will come to their house. This fear is real. It can even stop people from getting the medical help they need right after an accident.

We want you to know the truth. In New York, your health comes first. There are special rules to protect you from these bills.

**New York’s “No-Fault” Law Protects You**

New York has a law called “No-Fault” insurance.

This law means that after most car accidents, the insurance company for the car you were in is the first to pay for your medical bills. This includes the ambulance ride, the emergency room, and doctor visits.

It is called “No-Fault” because it doesn’t matter who caused the accident. This coverage is there to pay for your medical care right away. Think of it like a safety net that is there to catch you and your medical costs immediately. *Most car insurance policies cover your medical expenses and lost income up to $50,000*.

**What You Need to Do**

If you are hurt in a crash, your only job is to get better. Here are the simple steps:

 **Get medical help.** If you are hurt, ALWAYS say yes to an ambulance or go to the hospital. Your health is the most important thing.

 **Give the right information.** At the hospital, tell them you were in a car accident. Give them the car insurance information for the car you were in.

**The bills go to the insurance.** The ambulance company and the hospital will send the bills directly to the No-Fault insurance company, not to you.

**Answering Your Biggest Worries**

 **What if I don’t have health insurance?** No-Fault is part of car insurance, not health insurance. You are covered for accident-related medical bills even if you do not have a personal health plan.

 **What about my immigration status?** This is very important: **Your immigration status does not affect your rights here.** You have the right to get medical care and have your bills paid by No-Fault insurance. No one can deny you this right because of your status.

 **What if I was a passenger or a pedestrian?** The rule is the same. If you were a passenger, the insurance for the car you were riding in pays. If you were a pedestrian or cyclist hit by a car, the insurance for the car that hit you pays.

The system is designed to make sure a person hurt in an accident gets the care they need. But sometimes, insurance companies can be difficult or confusing to deal with. They might try to deny a bill or stop payments.

If this happens, it can be helpful to talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer in New York. A good lawyer understands the No-Fault rules and can fight for you to make sure your bills are paid. They can also help you understand if you can get money for your pain and suffering.

Never let the fear of a bill stop you from protecting your health.

If you have been in an accident and feel confused or worried about the bills, our family at Helen Dalton is here to help yours. Schedule a free, confidential call with our team to understand your rights. We speak Spanish and are ready to listen.