How Insurance Works After a New York Car Accident
If you are involved in a car accident in New York, you need to understand your rights in order to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Insurance policies are either no-fault or fault-based, depending on the state that you live in. The majority of states follow at-fault insurance policies, but New York and 11 others have no-fault insurance laws.
To understand how no-fault insurance works after an auto accident, you need to consult with an attorney. At Siegel & Coonerty LLP, we can help you understand your rights following a car accident and work to ensure that you receive the largest recovery possible. If you were injured in a car accident, contact our office at 646-960-8195 for a free consultation.
What Does No-Fault Insurance Mean?
In a no-fault insurance state like New York, individuals involved in a car accident generally go through their own insurance policy to receive benefits. In at-fault insurance states, an injured party would submit a claim to the insurance of the driver who caused the accident. New York requires that every insurance policy include a mandatory minimum of $50,000 in coverage for no-fault benefits.
No-fault insurance can be beneficial because benefits are paid regardless of who was at fault. Benefits paid through a no-fault insurance policy may include payment for medical expenses, lost wages, and other reasonable expenses. Individuals covered by no-fault insurance include a person who owns or operates a vehicle and any passengers. Bicyclists and pedestrians involved in car accidents may also file claims through no-fault insurance.
What Should I Do If I Am Injured in a Car Accident?
If you are involved in an accident, you need to consult with an attorney. A New York car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights, including what to do if your losses exceed the $50,000 no-fault insurance limit.
What Are Serious Injuries?
If you are seriously injured in a car accident, your losses may exceed $50,000. Between lost wages and medical expenses, you may need additional compensation to cover all of your damages. In that case, you might be able to file a lawsuit against a negligent party.
Serious injuries include:
- Death
- Dismemberment
- Significant disfigurement
- Broken bones
- Loss of a fetus
- A permanent or significant limitation of a body organ, function, or system
- Injury or impairment that prevents a person from engaging in usual/customary activities, including work, for 90 out of the first 180 following the accident days
Serious injuries can be debilitating, preventing you from returning to work or your daily activities. If another person caused the accident, you deserve fair and full compensation. However, without the help of an attorney, you may not receive the most extensive recovery possible.
Contact Our Office to Discuss Your Case
If you were injured in an auto accident, contact our office at 646-960-8195 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you get the money you need to fully recover. We know that in a matter of seconds, your entire life can change. Let us work to get it back on track. Call now to speak directly with an experienced member of our legal team.