Auto Accidents • Drivers, passengers and pedestrians • Bicyclists struck by motor vehicles • Motorcyclists struck by motor vehicles • No-Fault benefits • UM/SUM

You may need a lawyer to help you deal with the complexities of insurance coverage. There are issues involving No-Fault benefits, uninsured motorist claims and underinsurance claims.
If the accident was caused by the other driver, you may be entitled to receive money to compensate you for your pain and suffering.

Under New York law, your medical and hospital bills and compensation for lost wages are recoverable from the insurance company for the car which you occupied under No-Fault law. No-Fault benefits paid by the insurance company of the car you were a passenger in, were struck by or you were driving, regardless of fault as to the cause of the accident. These benefits include payment of medical bills, prescription drugs, lost wages, housekeeping expenses as a result of the accident. There is a very short time from the date of the accident in order to file an application for these benefits. Failure to comply with strict time requirement may result in denial of the No-Fault benefits.

If the other driver has insufficient insurance, or is not insured at all, you may be entitled to receive compensation from your own insurance company. Law Offices of Joseph Katz & Associates, P.C. will help you determine if you are entitled to compensation, how much, and from whom. If you are a pedestrian struck by an uninsured or unidentified vehicle and no other source of insurance coverage is available, you may be entitled to limited benefits offered by The State of New York through its Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (M.V.A.I.C.)

It is essential to the success of any vehicular accident case that a routine investigation be promptly conducted. Police records must be obtained, witnesses interviewed and photographs taken immediately of the damages to the vehicles and of the accident scene. Law Offices of Joseph Katz & Associates, P.C. provides all necessary investigative services to the benefit of its clients.

In a case where injuries are substantial, you need experienced, competent counsel to fully explore every possible avenue of recovery, such as being compensated for the damage to your car, reimbursement for loss of wages, hospital and medical bills, medication, rehabilitation, special transportation, wheel chairs and other appliances, the cost of nursing and household help, etc.

After a motor vehicle accident it is generally a good idea to:

1. Call the police and wait for them to arrive at the scene of the accident.
   
   
2. Exchange the following information with the other driver: name, address, telephone number, driver's license number, name of insurance company, and policy number.
   
   
3. Names of passengers, including their address and phone number.
   
   
4. Names of the owner, if not the driver, including address, phone number, insurance company, and policy number.
   
   
5. Names of witnesses with address and phone number.
   
   
6. Contact an attorney as soon as possible.