If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident in New York, in most cases, your medical bills will be paid for – regardless of who caused the accident. The claim would be filed under No-Fault coverage which is required in New York for any driver to obtain a license and registration.
How Does No-Fault Insurance Work?
No Fault, also referred to as Personal Injury Protection (PIP), covers medical expenses and lost wages. It is structured to make those payments quickly because there is no need to prove fault or negligence in the accident. Basic No-Fault coverage will pay up to $50,000 per person to the driver and any passengers who were in the vehicle at the time of the accident, as well as any pedestrians who were injured. If the economic losses from the accident exceed the $50,000 cap the injured party can file a lawsuit to cover additional expenses.
What Isn’t Covered by No-Fault Insurance?
No-Fault insurance does not cover repairs to any car or property that was damaged because of the accident. It also does not cover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. Recovery of those damages may attempt to be recovered through a lawsuit if a severe injury meets certain requirements. Motorcycles and ATVs are also not covered under No-Fault.
Is a No-Fault Payment Guaranteed?
There are instances where No-Fault insurance claims could be denied. Insurance companies may deny claims for several reasons, such as:
Being the owner of an uninsured vehicle
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Getting injured while committing a felony
Getting injured in a stolen vehicle
A driver or passenger intentionally causing their own injuries
If you’ve been in an accident the last thing you want to think about is whether your medical bills are going to be covered. That’s why it is important that you always consult with an attorney after an accident. We will deal with the insurance companies and all the red tape while you recover.