Levine & Slavit | August 14, 2026
If you were injured as a passenger in a New York City car accident, you may be wondering who is responsible for paying your medical bills and lost wages. The good news is that, in many cases, you may be entitled to no-fault benefits regardless of who caused the crash. Understanding how these benefits work—and acting quickly—can help protect your rights.
New York’s no-fault insurance system is designed to provide certain benefits without requiring you to prove who was at fault for the accident. However, knowing which insurance company is responsible can sometimes be confusing.
How No-Fault Benefits Work for Injured Passengers
In most situations, if you are a passenger in a motor vehicle, the insurance company covering the vehicle you were riding in is responsible for providing your no-fault benefits. This is true regardless of whether the driver of your vehicle or another driver caused the accident.
No-fault benefits generally include payment for medical treatment, hospital bills, physical therapy, lost earnings, and certain other necessary expenses related to your injuries. These benefits are intended to help injured passengers receive prompt financial assistance while they recover.
The Exception for New York City Transit Authority Buses
There is an important exception that surprises many people. If you are injured while riding on a New York City Transit Authority bus and you own a vehicle with auto insurance, your own automobile insurance company—not the Transit Authority—generally provides your no-fault benefits.
Because this rule is different from what most people expect, many injured passengers are unsure where to file their claim. This unique exception can create confusion, making it important to understand which insurance company is responsible before deadlines pass.
The Truth About Passenger Injury Claims
Many passengers mistakenly believe they have no insurance rights because they were not driving. In reality, passengers often qualify for no-fault benefits regardless of who caused the accident. The challenge is making sure the claim is submitted to the correct insurance company and within the required time limits.
In most cases, an application for no-fault benefits must be submitted within 30 days of the date of the accident. Missing that deadline may affect your ability to receive coverage for medical bills and lost wages.
How Levine and Slavit, PLLC Can Help
Determining the correct insurance carrier is not always straightforward, especially when special rules apply. The attorneys at Levine and Slavit, PLLC have represented injured New Yorkers for three generations, with more than 60 years of experience helping accident victims understand their rights and protect their access to available insurance benefits.
Even if you are unsure whether you will ultimately file a lawsuit, speaking with an attorney early can help ensure you take the necessary steps to preserve your claim and receive the benefits you may be entitled to under New York law.
Take Action Today: Protect Your Rights After a Passenger Injury
If you were injured as a passenger in a New York City car accident, don’t wait to find out which insurance company should handle your claim. Important deadlines apply, and taking prompt action can make a significant difference in protecting your rights.
Contact Levine and Slavit, PLLC today for a free initial consultation. The firm has been helping injured New Yorkers for over 60 years and is available to answer your questions about no-fault benefits and your legal options after an accident.