You may have heard the term “no-fault” insurance before and still not fully understand what it means, as many people don’t. But if you or someone close to you has been injured in a collision, you will want to familiarize yourself with no-fault insurance policy as quickly as possible.
As residents of a no-fault insurance state, insured New Yorkers are typically reimbursed by their coverage provider following a collision, regardless of who was at fault. Damages that insurance providers are supposed to cover under this provision include everything from medical expenses to lost wages that victims may have suffered as a result of an accident.
In addition to being a no-fault insurance state, New York demands that all registered motor vehicles receive a certain amount of liability coverage. Together, the state’s no-fault and liability insurance policies are meant to ensure that no driver fails to receive compensation following an accident.
In New York, liability minimums include:
- $10,000 worth of property damage coverage per accident
- $25-$50,000 worth of bodily injury coverage per person
- $50,000-$100,000 worth of coverage per death
Why Hire a Lawyer?
Although no-fault insurance essentially exists to make sure that every party is covered following an auto accident and no party has to begin legal proceedings in order to receive coverage, there are negative aspects to this policy as well. If you are injured in a car accident in the state of New York, no-fault insurance basically provides the party at fault with an opportunity to avoid accountability.
While no one wants to spend years in a prolonged legal struggle in order to prove they are deserving of compensation, who is really to say how much a victim of an accident is owed? Should the state be allowed to set that amount? Should insurance companies? The fact is that while guaranteed coverage might sound like a reason not to worry, it can also prevent people from getting the full amount they are owed. After all, can one really say that $50,000 is enough to cover all injury-related expenses, depending on the nature of the injuries? Is $100,000 really enough for wrongful death?
What a Skilled Attorney Can Do for You
New York’s no-fault insurance mandate can make it harder to achieve the total compensation you deserve. To file an injury claim, you will have to prove what is known as a “no-fault threshold.” Broadly, a no-fault threshold is basically the legal line separating common injuries from serious ones. Some injuries, such as broken bones and visible scarring, are considered serious almost automatically. However, unless you have become disabled as a result of an accident, you may still need to determine beyond the shadow of a doubt that another party was at fault for any injuries.
Fortunately, with the help of an experienced car accident lawyer, there are multiple ways you may be able to prove another party’s negligence. A seasoned attorney will be able to help you collect video footage from the accident, interview witnesses, analyze road conditions, and consult with a doctor. With the facts on your side, you may then be able to begin a lawsuit that helps secure damages beyond what insurance companies can provide.
With the assistance of a lawyer, you may be able to recoup the entirety of your expenses for:
- Hospital visits
- Surgeries
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Other medical costs
- Loss of wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Ongoing expenses related to pain and suffering
How Our Team Can Help
When you are injured in a car accident, it is important to remember that insurance companies think of their bottom line first and foremost. While no-fault coverage guarantees a certain amount of compensation, it may also incentivize insurance providers on both sides of the accident to pay out the lowest amount possible.
Start fighting for what you deserve with Belushin Law Firm, P.C. on your side. Our personal injury lawyers have recovered millions of dollars for injured victims over the last decade. We always put clients first, and promise to provide you with personalized, detailed attention in order to craft the perfect argument designed to win your case. You only have 30 days to file an insurance claim following an accident, but you may have up to three years to file an injury suit. Don’t settle for less if you continue to suffer because of another’s driver’s negligence. Call our firm today and hire an attorney who believes in justice for you.
Call Belushin Law Firm, P.C. at (888) 918-9890, or contact us online for a free consultation with our caring personal injury attorneys. Having handled countless car accident cases before, we know what we need to do to achieve your legal goals.