What is a No-Fault Car Accident?

The state of New York has a no-fault insurance system. This means that if you are injured in a car accident, you can file an insurance claim for medical expenses, lost earnings, and other costs related to the accident regardless of who was at fault.

New York is one of a handful of states that require personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, another name for no-fault insurance. The aim of no-fault insurance is to ensure New Yorkers injured in accidents get the medical care that they need as soon as possible. While the intentions are honest, no-fault laws can be complex, and recovering financial compensation from insurance companies can be difficult. While no-fault insurance coverage can make it easier to get immediate compensation for particular injuries, it is often necessary to file a separate claim to recover for pain and suffering and other losses.

At Finz & Finz, P.C., our highly skilled and compassionate personal injury attorneys have served clients throughout New York. We take on insurance companies that refuse full and fair compensation for injury claims. We know how to prepare lawsuits against the at-fault driver if you have sustained a serious injury.

Contact the New York City car accident lawyers of Finz & Finz, P.C. by calling 855-TOP-FIRM today. We offer free initial consultations, during which we will explain how no-fault insurance works. You can tell us about your car accident and learn more about how we will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

Does Insurance Pay for Car Accident Medical Expenses?

 No-fault insurance provides at least $25,000 per individual and $50,000 in total coverage for out-of-pocket medical bills resulting from the car accident. This coverage will only cover costs related to your injuries. Property damage claims are not covered by no-fault insurance. However, motorists in New York are required to carry liability insurance that covers at least $10,000 in property damage for a single accident.

The no-fault system prevents car accident victims from filing a claim for damages for the costs of their medical bills against the other driver in an accident. Personal injury lawsuits are only permitted when the victim can demonstrate that their injuries surpass the serious injury threshold. No-fault insurance coverage does not provide compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.

Insurance policies typically cover all necessary expenses for medical treatment, including:

• Ambulance transportation
• Emergency medical treatment
• Diagnostic imaging
• Nursing services
• Hospital stays
• Surgery
• Medical procedures
• Prosthetics devices
• Prescription drugs
• Physical therapy
• Rehabilitation
• Mental health counseling
• Doctor’s appointments

If your injuries are deemed to be “serious” under state law, you may have a claim against the liable party that caused the car accident.

Examples of injuries that qualify as serious include:

• Fracture
• Disfigurement
• Dismemberment
• Injuries that result in impairment
• Loss of fetus
• Non-permanent injury is expected to result in a change to your daily activities for at least 90 days within the 180 days immediately following the accident.

These serious injury claims are typically worth more than the no-fault claims because they allow you to recover additional compensation for non-economic damages, including pain and suffering.

Are All Car Accidents Covered By No-Fault?

No. Your car accident must meet certain specific criteria to be covered by no-fault insurance, including:

• Your accident must take place in New York.
• The vehicles of the motorists involved must be registered in New York.
• No-fault accident claims can only apply to accidents involving:
• • Cars
  • Trucks
  • Buses
  • Taxis
  • Bicyclists
  • Pedestrians

The no-fault system can be complicated and confusing. It’s important to stay focused on what’s most important: your health and recovery. The experienced New York personal injury lawyers at Finz & Finz, P.C. can help ensure you receive the best medical treatment possible.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?

Insurance companies require you to report the car accident immediately. Under New York’s statute of limitations, you have no more than three years from the date of the car accident to begin a lawsuit against the negligent party. After the deadline passes, you will be barred from bringing a lawsuit for that car accident.

Multiple deadlines are in place for a claim of lost wages. The New York car accident attorneys at Finz & Finz, P.C., can guide you in making that claim. We are here to help you every step of the way. We realize that the aftermath of a car accident can be very stressful and trying. Allow us to handle all the complex legal matters so you can focus your energy and attention on getting better.

Our knowledgeable New York car accident attorneys will listen to the facts and circumstances of your accident and determine whether you have a case. It’s important that you provide all the relevant information you have during your free initial consultation. Types of evidence such as your medical records, the police report, proof of lost wages, and the contact information of any witnesses are all critical and helpful.

Contact New York No-Fault Car Accident Lawyer Today

Our experienced New York car accident attorneys can provide many services that will make a difference in your claim.

Our skilled lawyers will:

• Thoroughly investigate your car accident
• Review all applicable insurance policies
• Communicate and negotiate with the insurance adjusters on your behalf
• Consult with medical experts as we evaluate your medical records.

Our goal is to pursue the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries. The experienced New York car accident lawyers at Finz & Finz, P.C. will fight to protect your rights every step of the way. You have nothing to lose by speaking with a personal injury attorney from Finz & Finz, P.C. Our consultations are free and confidential, and you won’t owe us a dime unless we recover compensation for you. Call 855-TOP-FIRM now to set up a free initial consultation.