Car accidents can be overwhelmingly devastating, both physically and financially, especially for those living in Huntington, NY. If you’ve been injured in a car crash on Long Island, New York’s No-Fault Insurance laws are crucial in determining how your claim is processed. No-fault insurance allows you to get compensation for medical bills and lost wages, no matter who caused the accident. However, while these laws are meant to simplify things, they can be confusing if you don’t understand how they work. That’s where a skilled Long Island car accident lawyer can help you get the best possible compensation.
This article will break down New York’s No-Fault Insurance laws and give you tips on how to maximize your claim. Contact a car accident lawyer in Long Island to make sure you get what you deserve.
What is the No-Fault System in New York?
New York’s No-Fault Insurance law requires all drivers in the state to have a minimum amount of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. This coverage helps pay for medical bills and lost income, no matter who caused the crash. However, there are limits to this coverage and some exclusions that can make the claims process tricky.
While the No-Fault law helps you get compensation for medical expenses and lost wages quickly, it doesn’t cover things like pain and suffering or emotional distress unless your injury meets certain criteria. If your injury is classified as “serious” under New York law, you may be able to file a lawsuit to get compensation for these extra costs.
This is where a Long Island car accident attorney can be helpful. They can assess your injuries to see if you qualify for more compensation beyond the basic PIP coverage.
What Counts as a “Serious Injury” in New York?
New York law defines a “serious injury” in specific ways, and whether your injury meets this definition is important for deciding if you can sue the driver who caused the accident. An injury must meet one of the following criteria to be considered “serious”:
- Permanent loss of use of a body part or system
- Significant disfigurement
- A broken bone
- Unable to perform daily tasks for the first 90 days within the 180 days following the accident
- Death
In many cases, insurance companies will challenge the severity of your injury. To make sure your claim is handled properly, it’s important to work with a Long Island car accident lawyer who knows how to present evidence that supports your case.
How a Long Island Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Get More Compensation
While No-Fault insurance provides basic coverage, it might not be enough to cover all your costs, especially if you’ve suffered serious injuries. A skilled Long Island car accident lawyer can help you pursue extra compensation for things like pain and suffering, property damage, and other accident-related costs that go beyond what your PIP coverage covers.
Here’s how a Long Island car accident lawyer can help:
- Reviewing Your Medical Records: Your attorney will carefully review your medical records to make sure all your injuries, including long-term conditions, are properly documented.
- Consulting Medical Experts: In some cases, your lawyer may bring in doctors or other medical professionals to provide expert testimony on the long-term effects of your injuries, especially if you need ongoing care.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters often try to offer lower settlements. A Long Island car accident lawyer fights for you to make sure you get fair compensation for your injuries.
- Filing a Lawsuit if Needed: If your injuries are serious, your lawyer can help you file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover additional damages.
Working with a Long Island car accident lawyer ensures every part of your claim is handled properly so you get the full compensation you deserve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing Your Claim
Many accident victims make mistakes that can hurt their chances of getting the compensation they deserve. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Not Seeking Medical Care Right Away: If you delay seeing a doctor, the insurance company will argue that your injuries aren’t serious.
- Not Reporting the Accident on Time: New York has strict deadlines for reporting accidents and filing claims.
- Accepting a Low Settlement Offer: Insurance companies will try to settle quickly with a lowball, subpar offer, but it’s usually not enough to cover all your costs. Always talk to a lawyer before agreeing to any offers.
Contact a Long Island Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Huntington, NY, or anywhere on Long Island, it’s important to understand how No-Fault Insurance laws affect your claim. By hiring a skilled Long Island car accident lawyer, you can make sure that your injuries are properly documented and that you get the best possible compensation. Don’t wait—contact a qualified Long Island car accident lawyer today to start the process of getting compensated for all your losses.