Dramatis Personae
Confusingly, a car-bike/ped crash may involve many agencies. Twelve government agencies, and six categories of private sector entities, including dozens of private insurance companies, may be involved.
Yet no single entity has oversight of what happens to crash victims. So despite all this company, you’re basically on your own.
Now, consider this. In England, if you get hit by a car, you go to the nearest emergency room and the National Health Service takes care of it, no matter where you live. Of course, if your injuries were severe you might still need numerous specialists, and crash victims may sue for damages if they engage their own attorney. But the ordinary run-of-the-mill crash involves many fewer resources. And the crash rate is lower than in the U.S., too.
Federal agencies
New York State
Commissioner of Insurance
Regulates the insurance industry.
Examines market conduct “to monitor and assess insurers’ claims practices and ensure they comply with the requirements of the Insurance Law.”
Investigates consumer complaints.
DFS Consumer Service Bureau
Consumers can call with questions from 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday, 1-800-342-3736.
For complaints, visit this Web site.
New York’s insurer of last resort for people injured by uninsured or hit-and-run drivers, as well as claimants denied by the driver’s insurer. Funded by insurance companies.
Worker’s Comp <link>
If victim on the job when crash occurred and their employer is covered.
NYS Disability Insurance <link>
If victim employed by a covered employer and off the job when the crash occurred.
Regulates automobile registrations and drivers’ licenses.
Collects crash reports and publishes statistics.