If you are involved in a car accident in Elmira, NY or in any New York state location, and you wish to file a claim for damages beyond financial compensation, such as pain and suffering, NY law requires that your injuries must meet the requirements of a "Serious Injury." It is important to contact a NY car accident lawyer to ensure that your claim meets these requirements. Many NY automobile crash cases are dismissed before trial because the personal injury is not considered "serious." CONDITIONS FOR A SERIOUS INJURY MUST INCLUDE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

• Death:
• Dismemberment;
• Significant disfigurement;
• Fracture;
• Loss of a fetus;
• Permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function or system;
• Significant limitation of use of a body function or system;
• A medically determined injury or impairment of a non-permanent naturewhich prevents the injured person from performing all of the material acts which constitute such person’s usual and customary daily activities for not less that 90 days during the 180 days immediately following the occurrence of the injury or impairment.

You can seek compensation for your medical expenses and lost income through no-fault insurance benefits, but NY auto insurance law is complex and requires that you meet very specific deadlines soon after your collision. The Law Offices of Scott C. Gottlieb & Associates, LLP works with accident reconstruction and economic experts to help prepare your case. We will also help you decide whether it is more prudent to fight or to settle a case in order to obtain the maximum awards - and there is no cost to review your case.

Please review the following key insurance deadlines if you have been in a car accident in NY and intend to file a claim for your injuries and property damage:

• File Accident Report: 10-day deadline
• File No-Fault Claim: 30-day deadline
• File for lost wages: multiple deadlines
• File for New York state Disability: 30-day deadline
• File Notice of Claim (if applicable): 90-day deadline
• File claim against other driver: no specific deadline, but you are recommended to do it as soon as possible
• File claims with MVAIC (the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation – responsible for no-fault benefits for those injured by someone without insurance): multiple deadlines
• File SUM/UM claim (supplementary uninsured motorist /underinsured motorist): as soon as possible
• File lawsuit: Typically within three years, but it can be shorter under certain circumstances and a person who was a minor at time of accident may qualify for an extension

The Law Offices of Scott C. Gottlieb & Associates, LLP will work with you to complete the paperwork within the key deadlines and determine the best course of action for your car accident case. Experience counts – and we have the successful track record and commitment to obtain compensation for your case.

Our philosophy is to provide quality legal services while treating each client with care and respect. If you feel that you or a loved one has suffered because of an automobile accident in Elmira or New York state, contact us today for a free review of your case - call our 24-hour answering service at (607) 724-7700 or submit our online contact form.
 

Motor Vehicle Accidents / No Fault Insurance (FAQs)
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Personal Injury Glossary
Car Accident Glossary
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