When coverage falls short after an accident or a hit-and-run driver leaves you with enormous bills, you need a Binghamton car accident lawyer who understands New York’s insurance system and can help you to secure compensation. Personal injury protection insurance (PIP) will pay for your basic economic losses, regardless of who was at fault, and additional safety nets, like MVAIC, may also help with serious accidents involving uninsured drivers. However, these systems can feel overwhelming, especially when adjusters aim to limit payouts.
That’s why at Munley Law, we front all case costs from day one, retain respected expert witnesses, and conduct comprehensive investigations to establish fault, calculate full damages, and challenge any attempt to undervalue your claim. One of our partners was named a Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyer in the region, and our personal injury attorneys have over 250 years of combined experience in complex vehicle accident and insurance claims.
If you have questions about your PIP coverage or how to move forward after a crash, contact an award-winning Munley Law attorney today for a no-obligation consultation. There’s no fee unless we win your case.
What’s Included in PIP Coverage?
Also known as no-fault insurance, PIP coverage is mandatory for all drivers in New York. It ensures that if you’re injured in an auto accident, your insurance pays for basic economic losses, regardless of who was at fault.
PIP pays for:
- Medical expenses (hospital bills, surgeries, rehab)
- Lost wages (up to 80% of income, capped at $2,000/month for up to 3 years)
- Essential services (such as household help, up to $25 per day)
- Death benefits (up to $2,000 in case of death due to the accident)
Article 51 of New York State Insurance Law requires all auto insurance policies to include a minimum of $50,000 per person in PIP coverage.
No-fault insurance does not cover auto body repair or damage to other vehicles or property. Further, lawsuits for non-economic damages like pain and suffering are only allowed if a “serious injury” is sustained, as defined by New York law. This includes conditions such as significant disfigurement, bone fractures, permanent limitation of use of a body organ or member, or substantial disability lasting at least 90 days.
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Who Is Covered Under PIP Insurance in New York?
You are not the only one who PIP covers. Other parties who are covered under PIP include:
- The policyholder, who is either you or the insured driver
- Passengers in your insured motor vehicle
- Pedestrians injured by your vehicle
This $50,000 coverage is the maximum standard PIP limit in NY. Drivers can purchase Additional PIP (APIP) coverage for higher limits. However, PIP no-fault coverage has limits, and it may not fully address your lost earnings in more serious accidents, especially if the other party drives an uninsured vehicle.
What Is MVAIC and When Does It Apply in New York?
What happens when you’re faced with a serious injury and the at-fault driver has no insurance— or worse, they flee the scene? Your PIP automobile insurance may cover some immediate costs, but if your damages exceed that $50,000 cap, you could be left with unpaid bills. This is where MVAIC comes in. If no other forms of insurance exist to pay your claim, New York has created a backup plan.
National data shows how common these situations have become. In 2023, 15.4% of motorists nationwide carried no insurance at all. New York performed better than most states, with only 8.6% of drivers uninsured, but another 18% of US motorists were underinsured and lacked enough coverage to pay for medical care and related losses. Altogether, 33.4% of drivers across the country were either uninsured or underinsured in 2023, which is ten percentage points higher than it was in 2017. These figures show why so many injured people end up needing more than basic PIP coverage. Hit-and-run incidents add to the problem as well. New York City alone recorded more than 37,000 drivers leaving the scene of a crash in 2024, highlighting how often victims are left without an identifiable party to hold responsible.
Article 52 of the New York State Insurance Law created the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC), a New York State non-profit organization designed to help people injured in motor vehicle accidents caused by uninsured or unidentified (hit-and-run) drivers. MVAIC acts as a “last resort” insurer—offering compensation when:
- You were injured by a driver in a hit and run
- The at-fault driver had no insurance
- You don’t have your own auto policy to fall back on
How Much Does MVAIC Pay?
MVAIC may pay up to $25,000 per person for bodily injury, and up to $50,000 per accident, similar to the minimum bodily injury liability limits in New York. In wrongful death cases, it may provide $50,000 per person for fatal injuries and $100,000 per accident (if more than one person died). MVAIC can pay for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering (in certain cases)
Unlike PIP, MVAIC is not automatic. You must meet certain criteria and file the correct paperwork within strict deadlines to qualify for benefits.
Who Is Covered by MVAIC?
To be eligible for MVAIC, you must meet the following conditions:
- You were injured in New York State
- You are a New York State resident
- The accident involved a motor vehicle (like cars, trucks, motorcycles, and buses)
- The at-fault driver was uninsured, unknown, or left the scene
- You have no other source of insurance (your own or a household member’s policy) that would cover the accident
- You reported the accident to the police within 24 hours
- You file your claim with MVAIC within 90 days
The following individuals could each be covered by MVAIC:
- A pedestrian hit by an unknown or uninsured motorist
- A bicyclist struck by a stolen or unregistered vehicle
- A passenger in an uninsured vehicle
- Anyone injured in a qualifying accident with no access to auto insurance coverage
Applying for MVAIC Coverage: Step by Step
To begin the process, you must file a Notice of Intention to Make a Claim (NOI). It’s important to provide supporting documentation, including proof of New York residency, police reports, medical records, and evidence of lost income. Once these documents are submitted, you must cooperate with the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation’s (MVAIC) investigation as they review your claim and determine your eligibility for benefits.
Tip: Be sure to meet all deadlines to avoid denial of your claim.
How PIP and MVAIC Work Together in Binghamton, NY
PIP in NY is your first line of defense after an auto accident. If you qualify for PIP, your insurance pays first — up to the $50,000 limit. But if your damages exceed PIP limits, or if you’re not covered under any auto policy, MVAIC may provide additional support.
For example:
- You’re injured in a hit-and-run accident.
- Your medical costs and lost wages exceed $50,000.
- You’re not covered under any active auto policy.
In this case, PIP pays first, and MVAIC may cover the remaining expenses, depending on your eligibility and situation.
“At Munley Law, our mission is simple: to provide all injury victims equal access to justice, even against the most powerful entities. For more than 65 years, we have been the voice for the injured, the forgotten, and those who need someone to stand beside them in their darkest hour.”
Marion Munley
Why Does Understanding PIP and MVAIC Matter for Binghamton, NY Drivers?
Many New Yorkers don’t realize how vulnerable they are to uninsured and hit-and-run accidents — until it’s too late. Knowing your rights under Personal Injury Protection in NY and understanding how the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation works can make a major difference in your financial recovery.
These programs exist to ensure that victims aren’t left without options, but strict timelines and documentation requirements make it essential to act quickly in seeking assistance from a Munley Law attorney.
Why Choose Munley Law to Handle Your PIP Claim in Binghamton?
When an auto accident leaves you facing medical bills, lost income, and questions about how your insurance applies, you deserve guidance from a team with proven experience. For more than 65 years, Munley Law’s attorneys have helped injured drivers, passengers, and pedestrians navigate New York’s no-fault and PIP systems, challenge denied or reduced benefits, and secure the full compensation they are entitled to. Over that time, we have recovered more than $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for personal injury victims, including dozens of multi-million dollar awards in complex car accident cases.
Our firm brings unmatched credentials to every claim. Three of our attorneys are board-certified in Truck Accident Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and four are board-certified in Civil Trial Law and Civil Trial Advocacy. All five of our partners hold AV Preeminent Ratings from Martindale-Hubbell, and partner Daniel Munley has also earned their Platinum Client Champion Award. Our partners have been named Lawyer of the Year five times by Best Lawyers, and all five appear on the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers in America list.
With this level of national recognition and technical expertise, our firm is equipped to guide you through every part of the PIP process, challenge denied or undervalued claims, and pursue all available avenues for compensation.
Contact Munley Law today for a no-obligation consultation. We will walk you through your options and explain how New York’s system applies to your situation.
FAQs About PIP Insurance in Binghamton, NY
What should I do right after a car accident in Binghamton?
Right after a car accident in Binghmapton, you should check for injuries, call 911, and make sure the incident is reported to local law enforcement. The Binghamton Police Department responds to most city collisions, while the Broome County Sheriff’s Office handles crashes in surrounding areas. A police report is essential for PIP claims and any MVAIC application, especially in hit-and-run or uninsured driver cases.
How do I get a copy of my Binghamton police accident report?
To request your accident report in Binghamton, you can contact the Binghamton Police Department Records Division, which handles all crash report requests for the city. Reports are usually available a few days after the incident is processed.
You can request your report in any of the following ways:
In person:
Binghamton Police Department
38 Hawley Street, Binghamton, NY 13901
By phone:
Records Division: 607-772-7094
Online:
Most reports can also be requested through CrashDocs by searching your report number, the date of the crash, and your name.
Having a copy of your police report is important because it includes key details about the crash, the parties involved, and the officer’s findings, all of which help support your PIP or MVAIC claim.
Does PIP apply if I was injured while walking or biking in Binghamton?
Under New York’s no-fault rules, pedestrians and bicyclists injured by a motor vehicle are covered by the PIP policy of the vehicle that struck them. This applies whether the crash happens downtown, on campus near Binghamton University bus routes, or on Broome County roads. If the driver flees or is uninsured, MVAIC may provide benefits if you meet eligibility requirements.
What should I do if the driver leaves the scene of a crash in Binghamton?
If you’re involved in a hit-and-run, report the accident immediately to local police, whether that is the Binghamton Police Department or the Broome County Sheriff’s Office. A prompt report is essential because MVAIC requires hit-and-run victims to notify law enforcement within 24 hours.
Do I need a lawyer for a PIP or MVAIC claim in Binghamton?
You may need a lawyer for a POP or MVAIC claim in Bingmapton, because while PIP is designed to be straightforward, disputes often arise over medical necessity, wage loss calculations, or deadlines. MVAIC claims also involve strict requirements, including proof of residency and timely filings. A Binghamton car accident attorney can help gather police reports, medical records, and documentation, and ensure that you meet all deadlines, especially when hit-and-run or uninsured drivers are involved.
Call Munley Law’s Binghamton Car Accident Lawyers Today
Getting hit by an uninsured driver or victimized in a hit-and-run can feel overwhelming. But New York’s PIP and MVAIC programs are here to protect you — even when the other driver can’t or won’t. In the event of a car accident in Binghamton, rely on Munley Law as your trusted law firm to fight by your side. Our experienced attorneys will ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Marion Munley
Marion Munley is recognized for her compassionate representation of catastrophically injured clients and her steadfast dedication to them and their families. Her advocacy has produced numerous multimillion-dollar recoveries, including one of the largest trucking accident settlements on record. Marion is Triple Board Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in Civil Trial, Civil Practice, and Truck Law, and since 2023 has been named one of Pennsylvania’s Top 10 Super Lawyers by Super Lawyers.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
257 Washington St.
Binghamton, NY 13901
(607) 524-5771
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