Getting into an accident in a state with no-fault laws can be frustrating, especially when you don’t know how to proceed. For instance, you might wonder who will compensate you and where you can seek help. You will want to know who will pay for the damages and where you need to report to get paid for starters. This piece will give you an understanding of the term no-fault and what it means for you if you get into an accident. In addition, we will provide you with answers to questions like:
• What does no-fault mean in auto insurance?
• What to do in case of injuries that occur due to an accident that happens in a no-fault state
• What exactly does a no-fault state mean?
The term ‘no-fault’ can be pretty confusing. However, it does not mean that parties responsible for the accident will not be held liable to clear things out. In addition, the term also does not mean that you can’t call your lawyer for issues that regard injuries and compensation.
No-Fault Auto Insurance
Essentially, no-fault state insurance is a policy that is intended to protect parties involved against personal injuries. Typically, it is referred to as the personal injury protection policy – PIP. Now, this policy is a requirement in most of the US states. In essence, the policy was created to ensure that accident victims can be compensated quickly through their insurance policies. Therefore, compensation is given despite the existence of fault. In simple terms, it does not matter whether you are the one at fault or not. The compensation is not dependent on the inexistence of a fault. The primary goal of this policy is to minimize the number of lawsuits filed due to personal injuries from car accidents.
In most cases, no-fault auto insurance covers the following.
• Medical costs for the parties. In Florida, for instance, PIP covers 80 percent of medical expenses. However, the treatment has to be given by a licensed professional.
• Lost wages. With this policy, you get coverage if you lose your income or wages due to accident, injury, or weakness.
• Death benefits worth up to 5000 dollars for funeral and burial expenses.
While the no-fault auto insurance will cover the above risks, personal injury protection policies don’t cover some common damages that might occur due to a car accident. These include:
• Damage to the car, the other driver’s car, or property
• Body injuries afflicted to other occupants in the car
• Adult passengers who have borrowed your car and are not named in the PIP insurance coverage incurred body injuries.
• Suffering or pain claims
What to Do If You Are in An Accident in A No-Fault State
If you get into an accident, you will need to contact your insurer and file a claim. However, if you caused the accident while driving under the influence or were impaired, they might not allow you to. To be eligible, you might have to seek medical treatment within a particular number of days. If it is another driver who is at fault, you should seek medical attention immediately and file a claim for the PIP benefits. Failure to seek medical attention might render you unsuitable for these benefits. In addition, depending on the specific case, you might also need to seek the services of a lawyer. They will act as your accident lawyer or a personal injury lawyer.
Getting prepared before you get behind the wheel means owning insurance policies that cover you and your car. Your auto accident lawyer will also advise you to acquire a personal protection policy on a rainy day. To learn more, you can contact D.R. Patti & Associates or hire one of their accident lawyer. Having a great car accident lawyer is a plus.
D.R. Patti & Associates
720 S. 7th Street, 3rd Floor Las Vegas, Nevada 89101
(702) 331-3391
