What Is the No-Fault Application Process? New York State operates on a no-fault model in terms of personal injuries resulting from car accidents. The state laws are set up in such a way as to require a no-fault application be filed in order to collect benefits from the insurance company. The application process is not necessarily complicated, but it has to be done correctly if the victim is to receive just compensation. It is highly recommended in the state of New York that accident victims retain the services of a personal injury attorney in seeking compensation. Attorneys will normally file the application on your behalf as part of the service they offer. Some do it free; others charge a fee. In either case, the attorney is the most qualified person to help you determine whether you have a viable claim or not. You can choose to proceed without an attorney if you want to. In such a case, the process is as follows: 1. File a First Report New York State law allows insurance companies to put certain time limits on customers who make personal injury claims. Therefore, it is imperative you contact your insurance company as quickly as possible following an accident. This initial contact is known as “filing the first report.” The insurance company representative will take down some general information and follow up by sending you the necessary forms to be filled out and returned. In some cases, insurance companies would prefer you go through your local agent for this first report. However, you will have to check with your agent in order to know for sure. If your insurance company does not require it, this is one time to bypass the agent and go directly to your insurance company claims department. 2. Complete the Paperwork Once you paperwork arrives, you will only have a limited amount of time to get it completed and returned to your insurance company. Failure to return it on time could result in your insurance company refusing to pay your claim. As you fill out your paperwork, remember the following tips: Clear Handwriting – The answers you provide form the basis by which your insurance company decides how much compensation you deserve. Therefore, it is imperative that whoever processes your application is able to read your handwriting. If you cannot write clearly, ask someone to help you fill out the forms. Questions about the Accident – All questions about the accident should be answered truthfully and concisely. However, keep your answers brief and to the point. If you offer information the forms are not asking for, you may unknowingly damage your case. Questions about Injuries – Questions about injuries should be answered in as much detail as possible. This holds true for injuries you think you might have sustained but have not yet had verified by a doctor. The more detail you can offer, the less opportunity you will give your insurance company to come back later on and refuse to pay for injuries they believe were not part of your accident. 3. Return Completed Documents After you have completed the application documents, be sure to return them via certified mail or a private package delivery company. This protects you with a signature verifying the insurance company received the documents. Completing all of the steps above finishes the no-fault application process. However, your case is just beginning. The insurance company will eventually contact you in order to discuss your case. In all your contacts with them, be courteous, polite, and cooperative. However, do not settle for compensation you believe is unjust. Remember, you have the legal right to dispute any settlement offered to you. Let Beshert connect you with one of its attorneys who will assist you in the application process.

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