When you are at the hospital after a crash, it’s hard to think clearly. Use this simple guide to help you. It tells you what information to give so the bills go to the car insurance, not to you. if that’s the situation.

1. Tell Them What Happened

The first thing to say is:

*   “I was just in a car accident.”

This is the most important step. It tells the hospital to use New York’s No-Fault insurance law.

2. Give the Correct Insurance Information

They will ask for insurance. You need to give them the car insurance information for:

*   The car you were driving or riding in.

*   OR, if you were a pedestrian or on a bike, the car that hit you.

Look for an insurance card in the car or get the information from the driver. The hospital needs:

*   **Insurance Company Name** (Example: GEICO, Allstate, etc.)

*   **Policy Number**

3. What to Say If They Ask You to Pay

Sometimes, a hospital worker might not understand the No-Fault rule and ask you for money or your own health insurance. You can say:

*   “Under New York law, the car’s No-Fault insurance must pay for this. Please bill the car insurance directly.”

**Remember These Key Protections:**

*   **Your immigration status does NOT matter.** You have the right to medical care paid for by No-Fault insurance.

*   **You are protected even if you don’t have a job.**

*   **Keep all the papers** the hospital gives you. Take a picture of them with your phone if you can.

This checklist is here to empower you. Your only job is to focus on getting better.

“This content is informational and not legal advice. Every case is different.”