What are no-fault benefits?
Drivers in Watertown and throughout New York State are required to buy no-fault auto insurance, which will provide coverage for them if they are hurt when operating a motor vehicle. No-fault benefits cover not just a driver who is hurt in a car, but also passengers, pedestrians or anyone else injured through motor vehicle operation.
The exception, however, is for drivers or passengers of motorcycles, who are not entitled to no-fault benefits in the event of an accident. Motorcycle riders may be able to collect compensation for their injuries and losses in an accident when someone else is at fault or responsible, but can’t make a no-fault claim against their own insurer.
Although not every state is a no-fault insurance state, those covered by New York no-fault auto insurance may still retain this coverage and be able to make a claim even if injured in another state. This means if a driver, passenger or pedestrian has New York insurance and gets hurt while visiting a different state, that driver/passenger or pedestrian may still be able to receive no-fault benefits from his insurer.
These benefits, while not as extensive as compensation in a personal injury lawsuit, provide broad coverage to individuals who have no-fault insurance and who are hurt in an accident (in state or out). The no-fault insurance benefits include:
- Payment of lost wages for any work missed
- Coverage for medical costs and expenses related to the car accident injuries, including prescription medications
- Reimbursement for the miles traveled to and from healthcare providers
- Death benefits if a car accident leads to a death.
There are strict rules that apply to determine if no-fault coverage applies. There are also strict deadlines for claim submission that cannot be missed. Further, the insurance provider carrying the no-fault insurance has the right to require that the claimant be examined by a doctor of the company’s choosing and to require that the claimant answer questions under oath.
To ensure that you follow the rules, meet the deadlines and do nothing to jeopardize your claim during the questioning and exam, you should speak with an experienced attorney. Contact the Law Offices of Scott C. Gottlieb & Associates, LLP, today using our online form, or call us at (315) 782-3547 or 1-800-TALK-LAW. We’ll discuss your case and provide answers to any questions you may have about no-fault insurance in New York or any other issue related to your car accident.
