
In New York, pedestrian accidents can be devastating, and understanding no-fault insurance is crucial in such situations.
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries, with the most common being head and neck injuries, which can lead to long-term health consequences.
To receive compensation for medical expenses, you'll need to file a claim with your insurance company, regardless of who's at fault in the accident.
In New York, you're required to have no-fault insurance, which covers essential expenses like medical bills and lost wages, but doesn't address non-economic losses like pain and suffering.
Expand your knowledge: Define No Fault Insurance
Facts
In New York, pedestrians have the right of way at uncontrolled intersections.
Pedestrians are required to yield to drivers when crossing a street at a crosswalk with a traffic signal.
No-fault insurance in New York allows pedestrians to receive medical benefits regardless of who is at fault in an accident.
A pedestrian's medical expenses are typically covered by the no-fault insurance of the vehicle involved in the accident.
The no-fault insurance system in New York is designed to reduce the number of lawsuits related to car accidents.
Pedestrians in New York are required to follow the same traffic laws as drivers, including obeying traffic signals and stop signs.
Pedestrian accidents in New York can be caused by a variety of factors, including distracted driving and failure to yield.
Understanding No-Fault Insurance
The no-fault insurance system in New York is designed to provide prompt medical attention without arguing over who's at fault. This system pays up to $50,000 in economic damages for a pedestrian injury, covering expenses like ambulance, hospital bills, and prescription drugs.
In New York, the at-fault driver's no-fault insurance will cover loss of earnings for the injured pedestrian of up to $2,000/month. However, non-economic damages like pain and suffering are not covered by the at-fault driver's insurance.
The no-fault system was created to help injured parties receive medical attention quickly, but insurance companies have implemented restrictions that can make it difficult for pedestrians to obtain their no-fault payouts.
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Question Presented
In New York, a pedestrian who's been injured in a motor vehicle accident may receive No-Fault benefits under their own policy's optional basic economic loss coverage, known as OBEL.
This coverage is an optional add-on that provides additional benefits in case of an accident. The owner of the truck that caused the accident, however, may not have purchased OBEL coverage, and their policy only maintains the minimum amount of No-Fault coverage required to operate a vehicle in New York.
No-Fault Insurance
New York is a "No-Fault" insurance state, meaning the other driver's mandatory no-fault insurance covers an injured pedestrian's economic damages of up to $50,000.
This includes all costs associated with ambulance, hospital, physical therapy, and physician bills related to the accident, as well as the costs of prescription medications and diagnostics.
Lost earnings of up to $2,000 per month for the injured pedestrian are also covered by the other driver's no-fault insurance.
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However, non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, permanent disabilities, and disfigurement are not included in the at-fault driver's insurance.
The "No-Fault" system was originally developed to allow injured parties to receive immediate medical treatment without arguing over fault.
Insurance carriers have put up roadblocks and procedural hurdles that prevent many injured pedestrians from collecting their no-fault benefits.
A skilled and experienced New York personal injury attorney can navigate you through the necessary paperwork to assure you receive your statutory no-fault benefits.
Determining Serious Injury Qualifications
In New York State, the definition of a serious injury can make a big difference in the compensation you receive after a pedestrian accident.
To qualify as a serious injury, your accident must have caused significant disfigurement. This can be a permanent change in your appearance, such as scarring or a noticeable deformity.
Broken or fractured bones are also considered serious injuries. This can include any type of bone fracture, from a minor crack to a more severe break.
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If your accident has impaired the use or function of a bodily organ or limb, it's considered a serious injury. This can be a temporary or permanent condition.
A disability lasting 90 days or longer is also considered a serious injury. This can be a physical disability, such as being unable to walk or perform daily activities.
Here are the specific exceptions that qualify as serious injuries in New York State:
- Significant disfigurement
- Broken or fractured bones
- Impaired use or function of a bodily organ or limb
- Disability lasting 90 days or longer
Filing a Claim
Filing a claim in New York State is a relatively straightforward process. You should act quickly, as the state encourages injury victims to file a claim for compensation as soon as possible after the accident.
New York State has specific deadlines for filing claims. Initial claims must be filed within 30 days of the accident.
To speed up the process, the state allows electronic record transfer. This can help you avoid delays and get your claim processed more quickly.
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You'll need to submit related medical bills within 45 days of the accident. This is a crucial step in receiving compensation for your injuries.
Lost wage claims must be submitted within 90 days of the accident. This will help you recover any lost income due to your injuries.
Here are the key deadlines to keep in mind:
- Initial claims: 30 days
- Related medical bills: 45 days
- Lost wage claims: 90 days
Benefits and Liability
In New York, the no-fault insurance system provides up to $50,000.00 in economic damages to injured pedestrians, covering costs like ambulance, hospital, and prescription medication bills.
This includes all costs associated with medical treatment, from physical therapy to diagnostics like x-rays and MRIs. Lost earnings of up to $2,000.00 per month are also covered.
However, the other driver's no-fault insurance does not cover non-economic damages like pain and suffering, permanent disabilities, and disfigurement.
New York State Laws
In New York, pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks, unless a sign or signal indicates otherwise.
Pedestrians are required to yield to vehicles when crossing outside of a crosswalk or intersection.
The speed limit in school zones is 20 mph.
Drivers must yield to pedestrians in designated crosswalks, even if there is no traffic signal or sign.
New York law requires drivers to slow down or stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, even if they have the right-of-way.
Pedestrians are required to walk in the direction of traffic, not against it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you hit a pedestrian in New York?
In New York, if you hit a pedestrian, your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance will cover their medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who is at fault. This coverage also extends to you, the driver, for your own medical expenses and lost wages.
Does my auto insurance cover me as a pedestrian?
Yes, your auto insurance may cover you as a pedestrian through no-fault MedPay or Medical Payments coverage, even if you don't own a vehicle. Check your policy to see if you have this coverage and what it entails.
Who pays for car damage in a no-fault state New York?
In New York, your insurance company typically pays for car damage, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. This is because New York is a "no-fault" insurance state.
What are the rules for no-fault billing in NY?
In New York, no-fault bills must be mailed to the insurance carrier within 45 days of medical service date, with late submissions excusable upon reasonable justification. Adhering to this timeline ensures timely processing and payment of claims.
Sources
- https://www.dfs.ny.gov/insurance/ogco2003/rg030804.htm
- https://www.douglasandlondon.com/pedestrian-accident-lawyers-nyc/does-no-fault-insurance-cover-pedestrian-accidents-in-new-york-city/
- https://www.wnyinjurylawyers.com/new-york-pedestrian-accident-guide/
- https://www.brandonjbroderick.com/new-york/does-no-fault-insurance-cover-pedestrian-accidents-new-york
- https://www.injuriesandaccidents.com/videos/new-york-is-a-no-fault-state/
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