Were you recently involved in an automobile collision and are now wondering if you can receive compensation for a car accident? Here is some helpful information that will help get you started on your personal injury claim. Call our office for a free consultation.
Compensation for a Car Accident | No Fault Insurance in New York
New York is a “No Fault” car insurance state. This means that if you are injured in a car accident, you must first file a No Fault claim under your own car insurance policy in order to receive money for your medical bills and certain other limited types of economic losses, regardless of who caused the accident.
No Fault deadlines are short and require immediate action. Contact an experienced New York car accident lawyer to help you file all necessary No Fault paperwork on time.
In addition, if your injury qualifies as a “Serious Injury” you may sue the other driver (“defendant”) in court for damages. A “Serious Injury” includes any of the following: significant disfigurement, broken bone, permanent limitation of use of a body organ, significant limitation of use of a body function or system or a substantially full disability which lasts for at least 90 days.
Compensation for a Car Accident | What if I was Partially at Fault?
It should be noted that, in New York, if you are found to be partially responsible for the car accident, then your awarded damages may be reduced accordingly. This would be defined as your proportion of fault, or “comparative/contributory negligence.”
Overall, the types of damages that may possibly be awarded to you in a car accident case include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of enjoyment of life, rehabilitation expenses, life planning expenses, and pain and suffering, which is often the largest portion of damages awarded. Unlike some states, New York does not limit the amount of pain and suffering damages that may be awarded to you.
If you or a loved one was involved in an auto accident and need a strong and dedicated New York car accident lawyer, please call us today for a free consultation.
