Who should pay my medical bills after being hit by a car?

Full question:

A few days ago, I got hit by a car while I was helping my friend getting things out of trunk of his car, my friend's car was parked. The person who hit me was backing out of a parking space. so I was squeezed between the rear bumper of the two cars. I went to ER afterward, and was told by the hospital, the bill will be paid by the insurance company of the car that hit me. I got a call from the insurance company today, said that since I was getting things out of my friend's car and under NY traffic law I was still considered operating the vehicle, and the bill should be paid by my friend's auto insurance. Please tell me who should paid for the bill.

  • Category: Insurance
  • Date:
  • State: New York

Answer:

Generally, the driver who backs into a parked vehicle is considered at fault. Whether you are deemed to be operating a vehicle depends on specific circumstances, such as whether the car was running at the time. It's advisable to consult a local attorney before discussing matters with the insurance company or signing any documents.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

If you hit someone's car and they aren't present, you should leave a note with your contact information on their vehicle. It's also advisable to take photos of the damage and the surrounding area. Contact your insurance company to report the incident, as they will guide you on the next steps. In some states, you may also need to file a police report, especially if there is significant damage.