Hurt by a Friend or Someone You Love?

Get Justice in Rochester 

Getting hurt is bad enough. But when it happens because of someone you trust—a close friend, a family member—it stings even more. You’re stuck, torn between protecting your relationship and making sure you’re not left drowning in medical bills.  

The good news? There’s a way to get the compensation you need without destroying your friendship. That’s where the personal injury lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, can help. Let’s walk through it together. 

Are You Covered? What Homeowners’ and Renters’ Insurance Will (and Won’t) Pay For 

You slip, fall, and hit the ground hard at your friend’s place. Or maybe their dog—usually friendly—gets startled and bites you. Who pays for your hospital bills? Not you, if their insurance covers it. 

Most homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies have personal liability coverage, which can kick in when someone gets hurt on the property. The best part? It’s their insurance that pays, not them. So your friend doesn’t have to pull cash out of their pocket. 

• Personal Liability Coverage: Most policies cover at least $100,000, sometimes up to $500,000, for injuries that happen at the home. That means if you break a bone or need surgery, there’s a good chance insurance covers it. But be warned—if the injury happened during something risky, like a backyard wrestling match or a drunken trampoline accident, coverage might not apply. 
• Medical Payments to Others: This is a separate section of insurance that can cover smaller injuries—think sprains, stitches, or minor burns—without needing to prove fault. Coverage usually runs between $1,000 and $5,000, which can be just enough to keep things from getting messy. 

Insurance is tricky. It’s always a good idea to double-check the policy before assuming you’re covered. If you’re unsure, personal injury lawyers can help clarify your options. 

Car Accidents Between Friends – How to Get Compensation Without Guilt 

A friend offers you a ride, but in the blink of an eye, there’s a crash. You’re injured. Now what? 

New York’s no-fault insurance system actually works in your favor here. It means your own insurance pays for your medical bills, regardless of who caused the accident. You don’t have to fight with your friend about fault. You just get the care you need. 

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): New York requires every driver to carry at least $50,000 in PIP coverage. This covers your medical bills, lost wages (up to $2,000 a month), and even essential services like home care if you can’t take care of yourself. 
• What if $50,000 Isn’t Enough? Some injuries cost way more. If your bills go over the PIP limit, you might have to: 
• Use your health insurance to pick up the rest. 
• File a claim against your friend’s liability insurance (minimum $25,000 per person in New York). 
• Take legal action if you suffered a serious injury, like broken bones or permanent damage. 

The bottom line? No-fault insurance means you’re covered first, so your friend doesn’t have to worry. If things get complicated, our Rochester personal injury lawyers can step in to make sure you get every dollar you’re entitled to. 

Suing a Friend – The Process, the Pain, and the Possibilities 

Nobody wants to sue a friend. But sometimes, it’s the only way to get the money you need for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care. And here’s the thing—it’s usually not about taking money from your friend. It’s about getting their insurance to pay up. 

• Filing a Claim: Before anything else, you’d file a claim with their insurance—whether it’s homeowners’, renters’, or auto insurance. This isn’t a personal attack; it’s just how the system works. 
• When a Lawsuit Is Necessary: If the insurance denies your claim, refuses to cover all your costs, or the policy limit isn’t enough, that’s when lawsuits come in. In Rochester, you’d file in City Court (if under $15,000) or Monroe County Supreme Court for bigger claims. 
• Most Cases Settle: Truth is, most cases don’t even go to trial. Insurance companies usually settle before it gets that far, which means you get paid without dragging your friend through court. If you’re not sure how to proceed, personal injury lawyers can guide you through the process. 

Is There a Way to Handle This Without Ruining Your Friendship? 

Yes. You don’t have to turn into enemies over an accident. There are ways to handle this calmly and fairly: 

• Mediation: Instead of jumping straight to legal action, you and your friend can sit down with a neutral third party to work out a solution. It’s less aggressive, less stressful, and way cheaper than a lawsuit. 
• Let Insurance Handle It: If your friend cooperates with their insurance provider, the money can come from the policy—not their wallet. Sometimes, just explaining this to them eases the tension right away. 

Talking things through, being upfront and honest, and focusing on getting what you need (not revenge) can help keep your friendship intact. 

The Guilt Factor – How to Get Compensation Without Feeling Like a Villain 

Let’s get one thing straight: you didn’t cause this. You got hurt. You need help. And that’s not selfish. 

• You’re Not Stealing—You’re Using Insurance the Right Way: Policies exist for moments like this. You’re not taking money from your friend’s pocket—you’re making sure their insurance does its job. 
• Medical Bills Add Up Fast: A hospital stay can easily cost over $10,000. Serious injuries? They can put you out of work for months. Filing a claim means you’re protecting your future. 
• Friendships Can Survive This: Being upfront, honest, and focusing on solutions—like insurance claims or mediation—can help you both move forward without resentment. 

Don’t Let Guilt Rob You of What You Deserve 

You didn’t ask for this. You didn’t plan to get hurt. And you sure as hell shouldn’t be the one stuck with the bills. The truth is, insurance exists for a reason—to cover accidents, to protect victims, and to keep situations like this from ruining friendships. But hesitation, guilt, or fear? Those won’t pay for your medical expenses. 

At Horn Wright, LLP,—one of the best law firms in America—we don’t just fight for compensation—we fight for you. Our Rochester injury lawyers know how to handle tough cases while keeping things as stress-free as possible. Let’s take this weight off your shoulders. Reach out today.