New York enacted a no-fault insurance law in the 1970s to ensure that insurance companies would pay for car accident medical expenses, lost earnings, and incidental costs regardless of who is at fault in the crash. The legislation was intended to speed up compensation without tying up court systems in drawn-out litigation over fault and the amount of money owed. The state of New York requires drivers to have liability insurance with a minimum amount of coverage to pay for these costs. Just because New York has a no-fault insurance requirement does not mean that a person cannot still litigate for their injuries, should their damages exceed the policy limits.
The Mid-Hudson Valley Patch reports on a motorcyclist without insurance who crashed into a school bus.
The accident occurred at around 7 a.m. when deputies from the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office responded to a serious personal injury accident. The accident involved two vehicles, a motorcycle, and a school bus.
When they arrived at the scene, deputies discovered 26-year-old Corey Thomas suffering from serious injuries. His injuries required him to be flown by helicopter to a local hospital for treatment.
Authorities determined that 70-year-old John Chichester was operating a 2017 school bus. Chichester failed to yield the right-of-way when he entered Route 9W from Cross Street and struck Thomas’ 2001 motorcycle.
There were 10 students from Bailey Middle School on the bus at the time of the crash. None were injured. Chichester was issued a citation for failure to yield the right-of-way.
Thomas was found not to have a motorcycle license. The motorcycle was also being operated without insurance and without registration. He was also found to be in possession of marijuana. Thomas was cited for traffic violations.
Call or text 516-932-0400 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form