Car accidents in Huntington, NY, happen all the time, from busy roads near Walt Whitman Shops to intersections along Jericho Turnpike. If you’ve been hurt in a crash, knowing how New York’s no-fault insurance works is important.
This system helps cover medical expenses and lost income no matter who caused the accident, but it also limits your ability to sue and seek compensation unless your injuries are severe.
To make sure you get everything you’re entitled to, speak with a Huntington personal injury lawyer who can assess your case and guide you through the process step by step.
How No-Fault Insurance Works in Huntington, NY
New York law requires all drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which helps cover medical expenses, lost income, and other necessary costs after an accident.
Since it’s a no-fault system, you don’t have to prove who caused the collision to receive benefits. However, PIP coverage has limits, and for many accident victims, it isn’t enough to cover everything.
For example, if you suffer a serious back injury in a crash near Heckscher Park, your medical bills could quickly go beyond PIP’s $50,000 cap. Plus, no-fault insurance does not cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, or long-term effects of an injury.
That’s why New York allows accident victims to step outside the no-fault system and file a lawsuit if their injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold.
What Counts as a Serious Injury in New York?
Not every injury qualifies for a lawsuit, so the law defines specific types of serious injuries, including:
- Significant disfigurement: Permanent scars or noticeable injuries, such as severe facial cuts or burns.
- Fractured bone: Any broken bone, even if it heals properly.
- Loss of a bodily function or system: Injuries that affect movement, organ function, or coordination.
- Permanent limitation: Long-term damage to a limb or organ that reduces function and affects daily life.
- 90/180 Rule: If you’re unable to do normal daily tasks for a minimum of 90 days in the first 180 days after the crash, your injury may qualify.
A Huntington personal injury attorney will carefully analyze your medical records to figure out if your injury meets one of these categories. If it does, you can file a lawsuit against the responsible driver to recover full compensation for all your losses.
How a Lawyer Helps Build a Strong Case
Insurance companies are known for trying to minimize payouts or argue that your injury isn’t serious enough for a lawsuit. A skilled lawyer will make sure your claim is backed by strong evidence, including:
- Medical documentation: Your attorney collects detailed reports, imaging scans, and expert opinions to prove the severity of your injury.
- Accident investigation: They gather police reports, witness statements, and video footage to establish exactly what happened and who was responsible.
- Financial impact analysis: Your lawyer calculates all current and future costs, including medical bills, lost wages, and reduced earning potential.
- Negotiation and litigation: If the insurance company absolutely refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney will take your case to court and fight for proper compensation.
Recovering Full Compensation for Your Losses
If your injuries meet the serious injury threshold, you might be eligible to recover damages beyond what PIP covers. A personal injury lawsuit lets you to seek compensation for:
- Pain and suffering: Money for physical pain, emotional trauma, and how the injury has impacted your life.
- Lost future income: If your injuries prevent you from working in the same job or at all, you can recover lost wages and benefits.
- Medical bills: Coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing treatments that go beyond PIP’s limits.
- Property damage: Compensation for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other personal belongings damaged in the crash.
A Huntington personal injury attorney will ensure that all of these damages are included in your claim so you receive the full amount you’re entitled to.
Protect Your Rights and Get the Full Compensation You Deserve
If you were injured in a crash near Huntington Village or while driving along Route 110, don’t hesitate to take legal action. The sooner you seek professional help, the stronger your case will be. Insurance companies often push to settle quickly for less than you deserve, and waiting too long can make it harder to gather the right evidence.
A knowledgeable lawyer will build a solid case, handle all legal details, and fight to get you the best possible outcome. Contact a Huntington personal injury attorney today to get started on your claim and take the first step toward securing the maximum compensation you need to move forward.
