My daughter was recently involved in an accident while riding a school bus in New York State. The bus was rear-ended by another driver, who was at fault. Afterward, I took her to urgent care due to a headache and a bump on her head. The urgent care staff filled out paperwork, indicating they would bill the other driver’s insurance, which I assumed would cover it. Thankfully, my daughter is okay.
I managed to obtain the accident report, which includes the other driver’s details and insurance information. However, despite my efforts to communicate with the school district’s bus dispatch office, I haven’t made much progress. Medical bills have been arriving under my daughter’s name, and they remain unpaid, although they are sent to me.
I’ve just learned that the person handling the file at the district’s underwriter’s office has left, causing some delays. A new agent reached out to inform me that, according to New York state law, I need to file a claim with my own auto insurance. I was supposed to do this within the first 30 days, and now I’m past that timeframe. While my insurance record is pretty clean, I’m concerned that filing a claim will impact my rates and standing. The medical bills related to this incident are under $300, and I don’t expect them to exceed that.
I’d appreciate any advice on how to navigate this situation. I don’t want to jeopardize my good standing with insurance for such a small amount, but I also feel this situation is somewhat unfair. If the damages were higher, I wouldn’t hesitate to file a claim, but for less than $300, it feels unnecessary.
Thanks for your help!
I’m sorry to hear about your daughter’s accident and the stress it’s causing you. Navigating insurance claims can be very frustrating, especially when it feels like you’re being pushed into a corner.
Here are some steps you might consider to resolve this situation without affecting your insurance rates:
Contact the Other Driver’s Insurance Directly: Since the other driver was at fault, you might reach out directly to their insurance company. Provide them with all relevant details, including the accident report, medical bills, and any documentation from the urgent care visit. They may still be able to process your claim even if some time has passed.
Document Everything: Keep thorough records of all communications with the school district’s bus service, the other driver’s insurance, and the medical providers. This can help establish your case should you need to prove your efforts to resolve the situation.
Negotiate Medical Bills: Sometimes, medical providers are willing to negotiate the bills or offer payment plans. Explain your situation and see if they can direct bill the other driver’s insurance or reduce the owed amount since it’s a minor claim.
Consult with an Attorney: If you’re unsure about your rights or if things aren’t progressing, you might want to consult with an attorney who specializes in personal injury or insurance matters. They can provide guidance on how to address this without risking your own insurance.
Review Your Insurance Policy: Understand the specifics of your auto insurance policy in relation to claims and how they might impact your rates. Sometimes, minor claims or claims related to accidents not caused by you might not affect your premium.
Consider the Cost-Benefit: Think through the cost of the claim versus potential increases in your insurance premiums. If the medical bills are under $300 and that’s all that’s at stake, it might be worth paying out of pocket to avoid a claim.
Hopefully, one of these steps helps you find a resolution without needing to involve your insurance or negatively impacting your rates. Good luck, and I hope your daughter continues to feel better!