Daughter Injured in School Bus Accident – What Should I Do About Insurance?
I’m reaching out for advice after my daughter was a passenger on a school bus that was rear-ended by another driver in New York State. The other driver was clearly at fault. Following the incident, I took her to urgent care because she hit her head and was experiencing headaches. I informed the urgent care staff of the situation, and they had me complete paperwork, assuming the bills would go to the other driver’s insurance. Thankfully, my daughter is now okay.
I’ve obtained the accident report, which includes the other driver’s details and their insurance information. However, after following up with the school district’s bus dispatch office, I feel like I’ve hit a wall. I continue to receive medical bills addressed to me under my daughter’s name, which remain unpaid.
Recently, I learned that the agent from the district’s underwriter who was handling my file is no longer with them, contributing to the delays. A new agent has informed me that, according to New York state law, I need to file a claim with my own auto insurance—despite the fact that I was supposed to do this within the first 30 days, and we’re now past that deadline. While my insurance history is relatively clean, I’m concerned that making a claim will negatively impact my rates. The medical expenses related to this incident are under $300, and I don’t expect them to rise significantly.
I’m looking for suggestions on how to best navigate this situation. I want to protect my good standing with my insurance, yet I feel this situation is somewhat unfair. If the expenses were higher, I’d certainly file a claim, but for less than $300, I’m hesitant.
Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
I’m sorry to hear about your daughter’s accident and the stress that comes along with dealing with insurance matters. Here are some steps you might consider taking:
Contact the Other Driver’s Insurance: Since the other driver was at fault, your first step should be to file a claim with their insurance company. Provide them with all necessary documentation, including the accident report and any medical bills you have. Explain the situation clearly, emphasizing that your child’s medical bills should be covered by their liability insurance.
Documentation: Keep detailed records of all communications with the insurance companies, including dates, times, and names of representatives you speak with. Make copies of any paperwork you submit.
Negotiate the Bills: If the medical bills continue to be addressed to you and are not getting paid, contact the medical provider and explain that you’re waiting on the other driver’s insurance to process the claim. Sometimes, medical providers can hold off on collections or work with you while the claim is being processed.
Communicate with Your Insurance Provider: If you feel it’s necessary, contact your own insurance company and explain the situation. In some cases, they might not require you to file a claim, especially since you are not at fault. They might even support you in dealing with the other driver’s insurance company.
Seek Legal Advice: If you find that the insurance company is not responding or the process is dragging out, it might be worth speaking with a personal injury attorney. They can offer advice based on your specific situation and help you navigate the claims process.
Consider the Costs vs. Benefits: Since the medical bills are low, weigh the potential impact on your insurance rates against the hassle of dealing with these claims. If you do end up having to file a claim for your own insurance, it may be helpful to get a quote from your insurance company ahead of time to understand how it could impact your premiums.
Ultimately, it’s important to advocate for your daughter’s needs while protecting your own insurance standing. Keep pushing for the other driver’s insurance to take responsibility, as they are legally obligated to cover the costs associated with their fault in the accident. Good luck, and I hope your daughter continues to feel better!