Is PIP Required for Auto Insurance in New York State?
New York is a no-fault state when it comes to car accidents, and this means that your own no-fault insurance policy will cover a certain amount of damages you or your passengers incur in a traffic accident – even if the other driver is at fault. As a result of this system, all drivers in New York are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. If another driver leaves you seriously injured, however, your PIP coverage may not be the end of the story, and you may be able to recover additional compensation through a personal injury claim. To learn more, consult with an experienced New York personal injury attorney today.
The PIP Requirement
Yes, every New York driver is required to carry PIP coverage as part of their car insurance policy. Not every PIP policy, however, is created equally. The minimum amount of PIP coverage that satisfies the state’s requirements is $50,000, which represents the maximum you can recover on any PIP claim. Additional coverage is available and is generally a good idea because the damages associated with a serious accident can add up very quickly. If you receive compensation for your injuries from any other source, such as workers’ compensation or Social Security disability, the amount will be subtracted from the PIP benefits you receive.
Damages Covered
New York’s PIP insurance coverage extends to three basic damage categories, which include:
- Medical Expenses – Your medical expenses can range from emergency care and transportation at the accident scene to surgeries, medical appointments, aftercare, and more.
- Economic Losses – Economic losses refer to lost wages on the jobs.
- Death Benefits
Don’t File a Claim without Talking to a Lawyer
If you’ve been seriously injured by another driver’s negligence, the damages you incur can be overwhelming. The medical costs alone are likely to be extensive, but other economic considerations can also be immense. It’s important to consider your damages in their totality. For instance, if you’ve suffered a serious injury, it can lead to serious complications that significantly affect your life, which can make the compensation to which you are entitled difficult to attain through your PIP policy alone – a personal injury case may be in order.
Your Damages
If you’ve been injured in a car accident that was caused by another motorist’s negligence, the damages you’ve incurred can reverberate throughout your life and into your future. This makes obtaining adequate compensation critical to your ability to reach your most complete recovery. If your physical injuries are serious, they can leave you with lasting complications. Further, if the course of your career is altered as a result of the accident, the financial implications can be overwhelming. Finally, your PIP coverage won’t address the pain and suffering you’ve endured. In many cases, car accident damages significantly exceed the limits of your PIP coverage. For this reason, you should always consult with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney after a car wreck.
Call Us Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with an Experienced NYC Personal Injury Attorney
The dedicated legal team at Lipsig, Shapey, Manus & Moverman in New York City is committed to helping you recover on your personal injury damages in their entirety. Our firm is one of the oldest and best established in the City, so please do not hesitate to contact us online or call us at 212-285-3300 for more information today.