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No fault insurance in New York is a unique system that prioritizes compensation over fault.
In New York, all drivers are required to carry no fault insurance.
This type of insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who is at fault in an accident.
The minimum coverage required is $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
Basic Coverage and Exclusions
Basic coverage under no-fault insurance in New York pays for basic economic losses, which include medical and rehabilitation expenses, up to 80 percent of lost earnings from work, and other reasonable and necessary expenses.
In addition, basic no-fault insurance coverage in New York also includes a death benefit of $2,000 in addition to the no-fault $50,000 PIP limit.
Here are some specific benefits you can expect from basic no-fault insurance coverage in New York:
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses that are necessary to treat your injuries.
- Up to 80 percent of lost earnings from work (up to $2,000 per month for up to three years after the accident).
- Other reasonable and necessary expenses of up to $25 per day for up to one year for things such as transportation to and from medical treatment and household help.
Some individuals may be excluded from receiving no-fault benefits, including motorcycle riders and passengers, owners driving their own uninsured vehicle, and those who are not residents of New York.
Basic Auto Coverage
In New York, basic no-fault auto insurance coverage pays for basic economic losses.
This includes medical and rehabilitation expenses necessary to treat injuries, up to 80% of lost earnings from work, and other reasonable expenses like transportation and household help.
You can receive up to $2,000 per month for three years for lost earnings, and up to $25 per day for one year for other expenses.
If you're involved in a car accident in New York, you're eligible for no-fault insurance as long as you're a motor vehicle occupant.
Here are the key benefits of basic no-fault insurance coverage in New York:
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Up to 80% of lost earnings from work
- Other reasonable expenses like transportation and household help
- Death benefit of $2,000 in addition to the no-fault $50,000 PIP limit
Exclusions from Receiving
Exclusions from Receiving No-Fault Benefits can be a bit tricky, but understanding them is crucial.
If you've been involved in a car accident in New York, you're probably wondering who's eligible for no-fault benefits. But, there are some circumstances that make people ineligible to use these benefits.
Driving while intoxicated or impaired by drug use that contributed to the accident makes you ineligible, except for emergency health services. Your insurer can recover the full amount of those payments later if you're convicted of a DUI.
Riding a motorcycle or an all-terrain vehicle also makes you ineligible. Additionally, committing a felony such as evading the police, racing, or riding in a stolen vehicle, or intentionally causing your own injuries are also exclusions.
Here are some specific exclusions to keep in mind:
- Motorcycle riders and passengers are not eligible for no-fault coverage.
- Owners driving their own uninsured vehicle are not covered.
- Owner’s driving or occupying their spouse’s uninsured vehicle are not covered.
- Those who are not residents of New York are not eligible for no-fault coverage.
Your own policy may also have exclusions, such as:
- Intentionally causing your own injury.
- Driving while intoxicated as defined by law or under the use of a controlled substance.
- Committing a felony, such as trying to escape from the police.
- Driving or occupying a vehicle the policy owner or passenger knows to be stolen.
- Racing or conducting a speed test.
Personal Injury Protection
Personal injury protection, or PIP, is a key component of New York's no-fault insurance law.
New York requires drivers to carry PIP coverage, which makes it easier and faster for accident victims to get compensation for covered expenses.
Exceptions exist, and you'll need to file a lawsuit against the other driver to receive compensation for expenses not covered by PIP.
New York created the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation to provide no-fault and bodily injury benefits to people who have no auto insurance to turn to.
You cannot apply for benefits if you are the owner of the uninsured vehicle or the owner's spouse and a passenger at the time of the accident.
To file a claim, you'll need to submit medical bills and other records to the insurance company for review.
You'll also need to attend any required hearings or arbitration proceedings.
In addition to the steps required by insurance companies, you'll also need to follow any procedures required by the state of New York.
Here's a breakdown of the expenses covered by PIP:
- Ambulance cost.
- Necessary x-rays, surgical interventions, and nursing care.
- Dental costs.
- Prescription drugs.
- Prosthetic devices.
- Psychiatric treatment.
- Physical and occupational therapy.
- Any necessary rehabilitation.
- Any non-medical remedial care and treatment that may be chosen for religious reasons instead of medical treatment.
- Any professional health services needed within one year of the accident if the services are required because of injuries incurred in the accident.
The coverage includes payment of up to $25 a day for other expenses, such as transportation costs to travel to therapy or other medical appointments.
This also includes household help if medically necessary.
To qualify for basic no-fault PIP benefits, you must have a New York insurance policy, and your accident must have occurred in New York.
Notably, PIP does not cover motorcycle or ATV riders and passengers.
Filing a Claim
Filing a claim under New York's no-fault laws can be a complex process, but it's essential to follow the required steps to receive the benefits you're entitled to.
You must file a claim with your insurance company within 30 days of the accident, and medical bills must be submitted within 45 days. Lost wage claims, on the other hand, have a 90-day deadline.
A written claim must include as many details about the accident as possible, including the date, time, circumstances, and people injured. You'll also need to provide comprehensive information about each person who was injured.
To file a claim, you'll need to submit a written statement to your insurance company, which should include the required information. Your insurer must send you an application for benefits and a letter explaining the available no-fault coverage within five business days of receiving your claim.
Here are the key deadlines to keep in mind:
If you need medical care after an accident, you can either pay your provider directly and submit your bills to the insurer for reimbursement or allow the provider to submit bills directly to the insurer for payment. The insurance company must pay within 30 days of the health care provider's claim and your employer's report of lost earnings, if applicable.
Insurance Disputes and Lawsuits
Insurance disputes can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to get the benefits you're entitled to. Insurance companies have a reputation for finding ways not to pay claims.
In New York, insurance companies may dispute your claim for No-Fault insurance benefits, requiring you to take further action. This can be a complex process, but you have options.
To resolve disputes, you may need to use arbitration, sue the insurance company for breach of contract or bad faith, or file a personal injury lawsuit. If the insurance company disputes your claim, it's essential to seek the advice of an experienced attorney.
If your claim is disputed, here are some serious injuries that may allow you to file a personal injury lawsuit:
- Death
- Dismemberment
- Significant disfigurement
- Bone fractures
- Loss of a fetus
- Permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function, or system
- Permanent consequential limitation of use of an organ or member
- A significant limitation of the use of a body function or system
- A non-permanent injury or impairment that prevents you from performing your usual daily activities for at least 90 days during the 180 days immediately following the accident.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Filing a personal injury lawsuit can be a complex process, but it's a crucial step for victims who have suffered serious injuries in a car accident. In New York, you can only file a lawsuit against the driver believed to be at fault.
To be eligible for a personal injury lawsuit, you must have suffered a serious injury, which includes death, dismemberment, disfigurement, loss of a fetus, or permanent loss of a body organ or function of a bodily system. Bone fractures and injuries that result in essentially total disability for at least 90 days are also considered serious injuries.
If you're filing a claim, it's essential to keep track of your medical records and expenses, as these will be crucial in determining the extent of your damages. The amount of compensation you can receive will depend on the severity of your injuries and the impact they've had on your life.
Here are some examples of serious injuries that may qualify you for a personal injury lawsuit:
- Death
- Dismemberment
- Disfigurement
- Loss of a fetus
- Permanent loss of a body organ or function of a bodily system
- Bone fractures
- Injuries that result in essentially total disability for at least 90 days
It's worth noting that if your loved one dies in a car accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault driver with the help of an experienced lawyer.
Company Disputes Your Claim
Collecting benefits from an insurance company can be a challenge. Insurance companies often have clauses requiring disputes to be settled by arbitration.
Insurance companies may dispute claims for various reasons, but they can be held liable for breach of contract or bad faith if they act unfairly. This can be a complex and time-consuming process.
If your insurance company disputes your claim, you may need to take further action to resolve the issue. Depending on the unique circumstances of your accident, you may be able to sue the insurance company for breach of contract or bad faith.
To navigate this process, it's essential to understand your rights and options. You may want to consult with an attorney who can help you understand your legal options and how no-fault insurance may affect your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 caused the accident, as it's a no-fault state. This means you'll receive reimbursement for damages without needing to prove fault.
What are the rules for no-fault billing in NY?
In New York, no-fault claims must be submitted within 30 days of an accident, while medical bills and lost wage claims have separate deadlines of 45 and 90 days, respectively. Understanding these timeframes is crucial for timely reimbursement in NY no-fault cases.
What is no-fault insurance disadvantage?
No-fault insurance has a disadvantage in that it limits lawsuits to severe injuries, forcing less severe claims to be covered by personal injury protection (PIP) coverage instead
Do insurance rates go up after a No-Fault accident in New York?
In New York, insurance rates typically don't increase due to a no-fault claim, but being found at fault for the accident may lead to higher premiums. Check your policy for specific details on how a no-fault claim affects your insurance rates.
What are the benefits of no-fault insurance in NY?
In New York, no-fault insurance provides up to $2,000 per month in lost earnings for up to three years after an accident. This coverage also helps offset other disability benefits you may be receiving.
Sources
- https://www.injuriesandaccidents.com/videos/new-york-is-a-no-fault-state/
- https://www.richmondvona.com/blog/understanding-new-yorks-no-fault-law/
- https://williammattar.com/blog/car-accident/no-fault-insurance-coverage-ny/
- https://www.leverecker.com/blog/is-new-york-a-no-fault-state/
- https://www.raphaelsonlaw.com/legal-insights/no-fault-insurance
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