What To Do If I Have A Car Accident On The Way To My Work?

The good news is that you will have medical insurance and lost income coverage.  And you may also have a lawsuit against the negligent parties.

If you were a pedestrian or bicyclist struck by a motor vehicle (car, bus, truck, motorcycle, or taxi), the motor vehicle’s insurance covers you for both medical and lost income.  This coverage is automatic on New York insurance policies.  It is popularly known as “No Fault” because the injured pedestrian does not have to show that the other vehicle was at fault. The injured party can even be at fault in causing his accident!

No Fault is also referred to as “Personal Injury Protection” or “PIP”.

This means that the car that struck you will pay your hospital bill and any subsequent medical bills for diagnosis, tests, treatments, and surgeries.  This is regardless as to whether you were blameless or at fault.

There is also a lost income component of No Fault which provides either 80% of your monthly income or $2,000 a month, whichever amount is less.

No Fault is also available to either the passengers, the owner or operator of the vehicle.  Of course, they have to be injured inside the vehicle in a collision.

The good news is that not only is No Fault available to you, but you may have the basis for a lawsuit against the negligent operator for pain and suffering, permanent injury, and future losses.

No Fault has technical requirements and short deadlines for both the initial filing and reimbursement of medical bills.  There also may or may not be a workers’ compensation aspect to the case.   It is recommended that you consult an attorney as soon as possible after an accident.

In the event of a motor vehicle accident we would be happy to talk to you in a free consultation without any obligation.