In New York State, you may qualify for No-Fault benefits if you are injured in an automobile accident. This ensures individuals receive medical treatment and reimbursement for injuries sustained and their medical expenses. In order to receive the compensation, there are important steps that each individual needs to take to receive them. These expenses can cover medical expenses, lost earnings, and incidental costs, regardless of who was at fault in a crash. However, you potentially could miss out on all of these benefits if these forms are not filled out. The No-Fault coverage received from an accident derives from the vehicle that you were in, as a passenger or driver. In order to qualify for No-Fault benefits, the first step is completing a No-Fault Benefits Application.
You are entitled to medical treatment/out-of-pocket expenses that are directly related to the accident from No Fault. However, if the proper steps are not taken and the specific forms are not filled out properly, then such benefits may be denied or forfeited. No-Fault does not compensate an individual for the “pain and suffering” that arose from the damages related to your accident, only medical treatment and medical expenses. The No-Fault system set in place covers injuries sustained however, it is important to understand that this does not cover vehicle damage claims. Lastly, the New York State minimum amount of coverage for No-Fault benefits is $50,000.00. Individuals can increase this amount for an increase to their monthly premium.
NY Motor Vehicle No-Fault Application for Benefits
Now let’s talk about one of the different forms that need to be completed for No-Fault. An important form to complete is the New York Motor Vehicle No-Fault Insurance Law Application for Motor Vehicle No-Fault Benefits. This form asks many different questions ranging from personal information, how the Collison occurred, and your subsequent treatment.
No-Fault Application Page 1
The first page asks for name, address, D.O.B, S.S.N., accident date, insurance company, claim number, policy number, and policy holder. To find this information, consult your personal insurance plan. This form will also ask you the date and time of the accident, the place of the accident, a description of the accident, to describe your injuries, information about the vehicle that was operated at the time of the accident and more questions in detail related to the accident. If you are unsure of how to answer accident-related questions, you can always refer to the Police Accident Report’s description.
No-Fault Application Page 2
The second page begins asking where you received treatment, the amount of bills to date you have relating to the accident, and other similar questions. It is important to provide every single detail of the injuries related directly to the accident. Even if it’s a minor injury, it should be properly documented. Neglecting to mention injuries (big or small) during this stage could cause potential complications later in the claim. For example, if you receive treatment for injuries not included on the application, the insurance company may not cover them.
Furthermore, if you were employed on the date the collision occurred, it will also ask you if you missed time from work as a result of the accident. Providing this information on the current employment and missed time from work relating to the accident is crucial. This form will ask you more questions that are more in depth related to the time you’ve missed from work. It will ask if you’ve returned to work, how many hours you’ve missed, who your employer is, and if you were on unemployment when you got into the accident.
No-Fault Application Page 3
The last page will have you verify the form with your signature and social security number again.
Have an attorney thoroughly review your application
After you have filled out this form, it’s recommended that you don’t submit this form until it has been reviewed by an experienced personal injury attorney. The attorney reviewing the application should be aware of everything involving your accident, including the direct details. Experienced personal injury attorneys know the proper way to fill out this application so you can receive the benefits you are entitled to after being injured in a motor vehicle accident. There is more to know about No-Fault and the benefits to receive then just the No-Fault insurance application form. Filling out the form improperly and/or sending it to the insurance company late can jeopardize the No-Fault benefits.
You only have 30 days to file the No-Fault claim, this is why it would be beneficial to hire a personal injury attorney to ensure they keep track of the important deadlines.
However, if you choose to do this independently you can do so with the Complete Set of No-Fault claim Forms. There is a collection of No-Fault resources on the New York State Department of Financial Services’ website. If you decide to file your No-Fault application online, make sure you save the confirmation number given for future reference. If you send your application via mail, ensure there’s a certified return mail receipt in case it gets lost.
Find a lawyer or doctor today!
If a claimant wants to receive these No-Fault benefits, they must be completed punctually. Failure to complete mileage sheets will result in not receiving compensation for your travel expenses. Additionally, failure to attend Independent Medical Examinations can result in your No-Fault benefits being denied. This is why it is vital to hire an experienced personal injury to represent you for your personal injury accident. By filling out the Find a Lawyer form, we will match you with such a lawyer to fight for you. Additionally, it is important you see a proficient doctor to assess your injuries.
