If you have suffered an injury in an automobile accident, you may be covered under “No Fault.” Pedestrians, passengers in automobiles, and drivers of automobiles are covered under this type of insurance. (Motorcyclists are not covered; passengers in buses must first use any No Fault insurance that they have in their home – and if none is available, they may use the No Fault Insurance of the bus in which they were passengers).
If you were working in an auto at the time of an accident (e.g., taxi driver, truck driver) you may need to use Workers Compensation.
No Fault covers all hospital and medical treatment, as well as pharmaceuticals and therapy that is related to injuries suffered in an auto accident. The minimum limits are up to $50,000. Some policies cover up to $150,000.
The coverage also covers your Lost Wages – the minimum is up to $2,000 per month. Some policies cover up to $4,000 per month. The lost pay is calculated at 80% of your salary and any money you receive from NYS Disability is an offset to the total amount.
Lastly, No fault offers “miscellaneous expenses (e.g., household help, dog walking, travel to and from doctors) at a rate of $25 per day.
If you have been injured in an automobile accident, you need to contact a lawyer immediately. You only have 30 days to submit your application to obtain No Fault benefits.
If you have any questions, please call me at 718-390-0580.