After a car accident, most people expect their insurance to help cover medical bills and lost wages. In Buffalo and across New York State, no-fault insurance laws are meant to simplify that process. But for many injury victims, these laws can be confusing, frustrating, and even limiting. What starts as a straightforward claim can quickly become complicated, especially if your injuries are serious or long-lasting. Speaking with a Buffalo car accident lawyer early on can help you better understand how these rules affect your ability to recover financially and physically.

What No-Fault Insurance Actually Covers

Under New York’s no-fault system, every driver is required to carry personal injury protection, often referred to as PIP. After an accident, your own insurance covers your medical expenses, a portion of your lost wages, and necessary transportation to medical appointments, regardless of who caused the crash. This is intended to expedite payments and minimize legal disputes.

But the coverage comes with limits. Medical expenses are capped, wage replacement is only a percentage of your income and is subject to a maximum monthly amount, and there is no payment for pain and suffering. Many victims are surprised to learn that even after paying for years of car insurance, they may still be responsible for substantial costs if their injuries are more severe than the policy accounts for.

Common Misunderstandings with No-Fault Claims

One of the biggest points of confusion is that no-fault insurance does not allow you to sue the other driver for damages unless your injuries meet a specific legal threshold. People often believe they will be fully covered after an accident, but quickly realize the system only supports a limited portion of their total losses.

Another frequent issue is that insurers may deny or delay treatment authorizations if they believe the care is not medically necessary or does not directly relate to the accident. Victims may have to jump through administrative hoops or deal with insurance doctors who downplay their injuries.

When You Can Step Outside the No-Fault System

To sue for pain and suffering or pursue full compensation, you must meet New York’s “serious injury” threshold. This includes injuries such as a broken bone, significant disfigurement, permanent loss of a body function, or substantial disability lasting at least 90 days. Proving that your condition meets these requirements involves strong medical documentation and, in some cases, expert testimony.

This threshold can make or break a case. Someone experiencing chronic pain, mobility issues, or emotional trauma that does not qualify under the law may not be able to recover more than what the no-fault system provides. On the other hand, meeting the threshold opens the door to filing a personal injury lawsuit that seeks damages beyond medical bills and basic lost wages.

How a Lawyer Can Help You Navigate the System

A local legal professional who understands New York’s no-fault insurance rules can guide you through the process from the very beginning. They can help you file your claim correctly, make sure your medical records support your case, and advocate for you when your insurance company pushes back.

Most importantly, they can assess whether your injuries meet the legal definition of serious injury and explain your options if they do. Suppose you are eligible to file a lawsuit. In that case, your attorney will help you seek compensation not just for financial losses, but also for the pain and suffering and lifestyle changes you have experienced as a result of the accident.

Steps to Take After an Accident

If you are injured in a car accident in Buffalo, the first step is always to seek medical care, even if your symptoms seem minor. Some injuries take days or weeks to develop fully, and delaying treatment can make it harder to prove your case later.

Next, inform your insurance company about the accident and file your no-fault claim within the required 30-day window. Keep detailed records of all medical appointments, treatments, prescriptions, and time missed from work.

If you begin to experience lingering pain or difficulty returning to your normal routine, speak with a legal professional. They can evaluate whether your injuries meet the serious injury threshold and help you build a strong claim from the start.

Conclusion

New York’s no-fault insurance rules are designed to provide swift assistance after an accident, but they often leave injury victims confused and undercompensated. Understanding how and when these laws apply is key to protecting your financial future. Consulting a Buffalo car accident lawyer can give you the clarity and support needed to move forward with confidence and secure the compensation you truly deserve.