If you have been injured in an accident, you may be wondering how you are going to pay your rent or cover your medical expenses. Since New York is a “no-fault” state, personal injury protection (PIP) insurance will cover these and other economic losses. PIP is required for “no-fault” states, allowing you to recover compensation through filing with your own auto insurer.
At Campbell & Associates, our Buffalo car accident lawyers understand the anxiety that you are facing. Our legal team is happy to guide you in filing the appropriate claims to be reimbursed for your injuries and to place you at ease.
What is PIP Coverage and What Does it Cover?
Under New York auto insurance law, PIP covers all reasonable and necessary medical treatments, lost wages, and other essential services as a result of your accident. PIP coverage applies to both you and your passengers. PIP is known as “no-fault” insurance, since it applies regardless of who caused the crash.
While sometimes confused with bodily injury liability insurance, they are completely different. While PIP covers your medical treatments, lost wages, and necessary services, liability insurance covers accident-incurred expenses of others if you are at fault.
Standard PIP coverage includes:
- 80% of lost wages (up to $2,000 per month for three years following the accident)
- $25 per day for necessary expenses (such as household services, childcare, or transportation to medical appointments)
- $50,000 in PIP coverage per person
- $2,000 for funeral expenses (if the other person dies as a result of the crash)
How to File a No-Fault Claim in Buffalo, NY
If you are filing a no-fault claim in Buffalo, NY, you must notify your insurance company within 30 days of the accident. Next, you will need to submit a No-Fault Benefits Form (NF-2). An NF-2 form will provide your auto insurer with details surrounding the crash, a description of your injuries, and whether you have sustained lost wages as a result. You will also have to provide the names of any other drivers or passengers involved and all bills related to your injuries. A list of all medical providers and treatments should be provided to insurance within 45 days of treatment.
Even after submitting documentation and other forms, your insurer may request additional documentation. This can be daunting for someone who has never been involved in a crash before. You may even fear that your claim will be denied. While it is important to remain in regular contact with your claims adjuster, New York auto insurers are required to make a decision on a first party claim within 30 days. If the insurer requires more time, they must stipulate the reasoning in writing.
Effective Negotiators with Courtroom Experience
Negotiating a fair settlement may take several weeks or months. When you work with our Buffalo car accident attorneys, you have a team that knows the insurance company’s strategies and how to effectively combat them. Insurance negotiations often involve a string of offers and counteroffers, which may feel more like a game of tennis than a legal compromise. Even so, our team of legal professionals knows which counteroffers will yield the best results.
Unfortunately, every car accident claim cannot be settled through insurance. If you have experienced a “serious” injury as defined by state law or if the insurance company refuses to offer you adequate compensation, you will need to take your case to court. At Campbell & Associates, our Buffalo car accident lawyers have ample experience as litigators, not fazed by this step in the process.
Injured? Reach Out to Our Buffalo Car Accident Attorneys
If you have been injured while driving around Buffalo, you must understand your rights. At Campbell & Associates, we advocate aggressively for injured motorists and would like to put our skills to work for you. To schedule your consultation with one of our Buffalo car accident lawyers, contact us online or by calling (716) 992-2222 today.
