When a person calls us after being involved in a car accident, they have many questions, often asking how we can help them. Before the case is resolved, concerns arise about who will pay their medical bills, how they will cover being out of work, and what to do if they can’t pay their rent. In New York State, after a car accident, individuals are entitled to what is called no-fault benefits. These benefits mean that regardless of who is at fault for the accident, the person involved—whether they are a passenger, driver, pedestrian, or cyclist—is entitled to compensation. Generally, no-fault benefits are paid through an automobile insurance company, and the individual does not have to sue to receive them.
These benefits primarily cover medical treatment, prescription costs, and necessary medical equipment. If the person was working at the time of the accident and cannot work due to their injuries, we submit paperwork to the insurance company to reimburse them for a significant portion of their lost wages, known as no-fault lost earnings. However, this usually covers about 80% of a person’s monthly salary, depending on their income. Anything not covered under no-fault is included as part of the damages in the lawsuit against the responsible parties.
We file the no-fault application for our clients, submit any relevant medical bills, request employment verification letters from their jobs, obtain disability letters from their doctors, and send this information to the insurance claims representative. Despite submitting all necessary paperwork, the insurance company may not issue a check immediately, so we stay on top of the process. Importantly, we do not charge our clients for getting their no-fault benefits for lost wages. If you’ve been injured in a car collision, contact us—we can help you.
