Q: I was rear-ended at a red light by 2 vehicles and injured badly. The claims adjuster will not give me any lost wages
This process has been dragged since the day of the accident which is July 24, 2024. I’ve received one very small payment in almost 4 months. I feel like I’m being punished for even filing
a claim… I’ve had utilities shut off, car insurance policy cancellation, phone shut off, etc. and nobody is helping me. I am self employed and I love what I do but am physically unable to do it or it is considered labor intensive(Gardener/contractor)Now my rent is due in a whole other round of
bills. Are there any laws or restrictions in place to protect an injured person in this situation?
A: I'm sorry about your accident and the upheaval that it has caused in your life. I hope you are okay and recovering from your injuries. What you describe is not uncommon. Although no-fault benefits under New York insurance law cover medical expenses and lost wages, self-employed claimants often experience a difficult time in verifying their wages, since they often do not work through paystubs. Since you are a gardener/contractor, find out from the no-fault representative what documentation they need to verify your wages, whether they will accept tax returns, estimated filings, or other. I'm not certain if you are handling your claim on your own. If you are, carefully read the fine print on the reverse side of the no-fault denials, which outline some of your recourses with denied claims. Good luck
Jonathan R. Ratchik agrees with this answer
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