A car accident is one of the most frightening experiences that we can go through, and unfortunately, they are all too common. According to health.ny.gov, nearly 300 people die every year due to car accidents in New York. More than 6,000 are hospitalized due to the incidents, and there are more than 100,000 emergency room visits across our state caused by car accidents. These statistics are certainly frightening, but your chances of an accident are greatly reduced when you are a safe and vigilant driver.
Protecting yourself in the driver’s seat extends beyond careful driving, however. It can also involve no-fault insurance. In the following article, we’ll discuss how useful no-fault insurance is after an accident. We’ll talk about the coverage requirements, what it will pay for, and how to follow certain procedures to maximize your settlement. With Gash & Associates, P.C. on your side, you can recover from your accident physically, emotionally, and financially. Call our office today.
Basics of No-Fault Insurance in New York
No-fault insurance is known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP), and it’s a type of insurance coverage in New York State designed to pay medical expenses and lost wages quickly after a car accident. It covers you in a car accident by paying for your medical expenses and part of your lost wages. It also covers costs for travel to doctor visits. The coverage kicks in regardless of who caused the accident, so you get financial help quickly without lengthy legal battles. PIP is focused on your immediate needs after an accident while you may be waiting for a larger settlement to come in.
No-fault insurance Coverage and Benefits
In New York State, the coverage requirements for no-fault insurance include:
- Minimum Coverage Amounts: The minimum coverage required is $50,000 per person. This includes medical expenses, a portion of lost wages, and other necessary expenses related to injuries from a car accident.
- Medical Expenses: No-fault insurance covers necessary medical and rehabilitation expenses resulting from the accident.
- Lost Wages: It typically covers 80% of lost wages up to a maximum of $2,000 per month for up to three years following the accident.
- Death Benefit: In the case of a fatality, no-fault insurance provides a $2,000 death benefit in addition to the $50,000 basic no-fault coverage.
- Exclusions: It’s important to note that no-fault insurance does not cover property damage or pain and suffering. Those are usually covered under different parts of your auto insurance policy or through a separate legal claim. Additionally, there are specific deadlines that you must meet to be eligible for PIP benefits.
Procedures Following an Accident
If you’re in a car accident in New York, act fast for no-fault insurance:
- Get medical help immediately.
- Report the accident to the police and your insurer right away.
- File your no-fault claim within 30 days.
- Submit necessary documents, like medical records.
- Keep track of all accident-related expenses.
For detailed guidance and help with your car accident case, call Gash & Associates, P.C. for a free consultation at (914) 328-8800. Let us help you along the road to recovery. Let us help you get the settlement you deserve.
