What Does New York’s No-Fault Auto Insurance Cover?

New York follows a no-fault car insurance system. In other words, no matter who was at fault for an accident, drivers turn to the insurer for the vehicle they were riding in during an accident to receive compensation for their accident-related costs. Read on to learn more about the coverage available under New York no-fault insurance policies. If you’ve been hurt in a crash in Manhattan, Queens, or anywhere in New York City, get a free consultation on your case by contacting New York personal injury lawyer Leandros A. Vrionedes.

Basic facts about no-fault insurance in New York

No-fault insurance provides a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 in total coverage for out-of-pocket medical expenses caused by an accident. This coverage, also known as “personal injury protection” (PIP) or “medical benefits” coverage, will pay only for costs that are related to the victim’s injuries. Claims for property damage fall outside of no-fault insurance, but New York drivers are required to carry a minimum of $10,000 in coverage for property damage that they cause in an accident.

New York’s no-fault system prevents accident victims from filing a claim for damages for the costs of their medical expenses against the other driver in an accident. Lawsuits based on personal injuries are only allowed where the victim can prove that their injuries are so severe that they surpass the serious injury threshold. Unlike personal injury lawsuits, no-fault insurance coverage doesn’t provide compensation for non-monetary damages, such as pain and suffering or loss of consortium.

Expenses that are covered by New York no-fault claims may include:

• The costs of medical treatment and doctors’ visits
• A portion of wages lost while the victim was too sick or injured to go to work, up to a certain amount
• Medical transportation costs to and from medical appointments
• Medically-necessary expenses, such as medical equipment
• In-home help if you can prove that your doctor has concluded you are unable to perform those tasks

It might seem that a no-fault insurance system would make it easy for victims to get the benefits they need after a crash. Unfortunately, victims are often left battling with insurers to get coverage for the full extent of their accident-related expenses. When accidents are serious, these victims must both fight for the right to sue and fight for the money they need through a personal injury lawsuit. By enlisting the help of skilled New York personal injury attorney Leandros A. Vrionedes, you’ll be able to hand these battles off to a professional who understands New York’s no-fault insurance system and knows how to get the benefits his clients deserve. Contact the Manhattan offices of Leandros A. Vrionedes today to begin the claim process after an accident.

Who is covered by a no-fault insurance policy?

No-fault benefits apply to anyone riding in the insured vehicle, or a pedestrian or cyclist who was hit by the insured vehicle. Motorcyclists and their passengers aren’t covered by no-fault insurance policies. Motorcyclists must obtain alternate insurance coverage. Likewise, if you’re in a vehicle owned by someone who lives in your household who does not carry insurance, then you won’t be covered. However, if the uninsured vehicle is owned by someone outside your household, you will likely be eligible for coverage under your own insurance policy, or the policy of someone else in your household.

Call Attorney Leandros Vrionedes after a New York Car Accident

For skilled, aggressive, and dedicated legal help after a New York car accident, contact the New York offices of Leandros A. Vrionedes for a free consultation, in Manhattan at 212-889-9362, or in Queens at 718-777-5895.