Anytime a person is hit by a car in New York City, the first thing on everyone’s mind is always medical care and recovery. The financial fallout is arguably the trickiest part to navigate. But New York adheres to a “No-Fault” insurance system that aims for prompt recoveries. 

This type of insurance coverage allows your vehicle insurer to pay all medical and wage-loss bills related to the accident. Even people who do not own a car or carry their own auto insurance can access these benefits. Pedestrians are also considered “covered persons”.

The Scope of No-Fault Benefits

No-fault insurance (also referred to as Personal Injury Protection) would cover what is defined by law as “basic economic loss.” This covers all bills for medical care and hospital expenses. Along with a considerable portion of your lost income if the injury keeps you from working. The average No-Fault policy in New York will cover these costs up to $50,000 per person. 

But you should be quick because under the law, there is a 30-day limit to submit a No-Fault application from the date of your accident. Failing to meet this deadline can mean losing coverage entirely and being required to pay for costly hospital bills out of pocket. If you think a healthcare provider caused additional problems that made it harder for you to recover, then check out our Medical Negligence Lawyer in New York City services.

Examples of Costs and Coverage Limits

The financial consequences of a pedestrian accident range from the treatment costs for modest injuries to hundreds of thousands or even millions in damages if one loses their life. For a small emergency room visit, the $50k limit typically ends up covering an ER trip and some weeks of physical therapy, along with some dollars in lost wages. On the other hand, serious injuries such as bone fractures or head trauma often quickly eclipse the No-Fault limit within a few days of treatment.

One surgery for a leg that breaks can wind up being 45 thousand dollars plus. An ICU stay quickly eclipses 100 grand. Once your medical bills exceed the $50,000 cap, you will have to turn to other means of coverage for payment. The regular private health insurance or a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Additionally, New York law stipulates that you may be able to seek further damages for pain and suffering if the accident caused you serious injury. Please contact us to see how we can help you fill that hole when your insurance limits are not enough.

Navigating Legal Fees and Litigation

Well-meaning families are hesitant to afford hiring a lawyer while they are trying to keep up with the impact of an accident. The vast majority of personal injury and medical malpractice cases in New York work on a contingency basis. Meaning you do not need to pay anything up front for legal representation. You pay the law firm a portion of your final settlement/court award only if and when they win you money. This setup enables you to pursue every dollar worth of compensation that you’re entitled to. 

But complex litigation comes with other costs. Hiring accident reconstruction experts or medical specialists to testify on the longevity of your prognosis. We invite you to schedule a consultation if you’d like more information about the tools we use in managing these expenses as part of a solid foundation for your recovery.

Taking Action for Your Recovery

Aside from the first No-Fault claim, you will have to actually sue to receive real compensation for your future medical needs. Speed is key and helps make sure that witness statements and surveillance footage from the scene will still be available.

That said, your health is still the most important thing. Making those responsible for injuring you accountable will allow you to focus on getting back in full working order. Get in touch with us today or see our Medical Negligence Lawyer New York City services. We can help you navigate this tough time.