Sued beyond no fault

[dimpb]

What is the name of your state? New York

Hi. I was in a car accident where I was changing lanes and I was struck by a cab. I understand that since I was the lane changer, I was technically at fault - although in NYC this is all considered "no fault". An ambulance came (for me and one of the cab passengers) although there were no deaths, limbs lost, bleeding, obvious spinal injuries, no internal bleeding, etc. I, along with the cab company, am now being sued by the passenger of the taxi cab for damages that "exceed the lower courts limits" and are in addition to the no fault damages that were awarded. I here people do this all the time, i.e., sue for huge amounts. Am I liable? can I be sued beyond the no fault coverage? should I get a lawyer?

Thanks,
d.

[isue4you2]

From the Declarations page of your automobile insurance policy, what are the bodily injury liability coverage limits, and do you have an umbrella policy?

[moburkes]

You are misunderstanding what no-fault means. Regardless of fault (you were at fault), each person files the claim for their medical bills through their own insurance company FIRST. Once that money has been exhausted, THEN they file for the rest of the bills, including pain and suffering, through the at fault party's insurance company. No fault does NOT mean that no one was negligent.