What most car owners find confusing nowadays is the term “No Fault” state. It doesn’t mean that there isn’t a possibility for liability when a car accident happens and it also doesn’t mean you would not be getting compensation if you sustain injuries or would not be able to contact your lawyer if you have been involved in an accident. It is a personal injury protection policy which makes it easy for victims to receive compensation quickly through their insurance no matter who is at fault. Who pays for car damage in a no fault state is often being asked.
No fault states laws are very helpful as it tries to reduce the amount of personal injury lawsuits that a car accident victim can be able to file for and some of the costs which the personal injury protection policy would be able to cover includes lost wages, medical bills and also death benefits. Even though these might be covered through the personal injury protection policy, there are still some damages that would not be covered. No fault states laws do not cover damages like;
Body injuries that the other car occupant has suffered
Damage your car suffered and also other property damages
Damage the other driver’s car has suffered and also other property damages
Claims regarding pain and suffering
Body injuries of adult friends or adult passengers
After submitting your personal injury protection claim, the insurer has about thirty days to respond and if it happens that your personal injury protection claim gets denied then your insurer is mandated to at least provide you with a written explanation telling you why your claim has been denied. This also presents you with an opportunity to appeal the denial of your claims and you can also seek the services or help from a legal attorney. There are vehicles that are also excluded from no fault coverage requirement.
This also includes motorcycles, business and commercial vehicles and also specialty vehicle that are designed to be driven off road. If you suffer an injury while riding your motorcycle or bicycle or while walking as a pedestrian then your personal injury protection policy might be able to cover up the treatment of your injuries.
Who Pays For Car Damage In A No Fault State
Most car owners are really happy with the no fault insurance because it gives them the opportunity to deal directly with their insurance company when they get injured in a car accident instead of the old method of finding out who is to be blamed and forcing victims to prove that their injuries are real. With the personal injury protection claim, there is no need to assess any blame before coverage begins and what this means is that lost wages and medical bills can be paid out quicker than you expect.
In no fault states, it is the insurer that would pay for a higher number of medical services and they tend to pay for more medical services than they would get to pay for in places where the no fault system doesn’t exist. If you are at fault for the accident and you suffer injuries then you can go on to file a claim under your personal injury protection policy with your own insurance company. Your personal injury protection policy would also cover up for the injuries of the other driver that was involved in the accident with you.
However, if you suffer injuries in a car accident where the other driver is at fault then it is wise that you seek medical care immediately. This isn’t just a normal or regular thing that you should do but in places where no fault system exist, you are mandated to seek medical care within fourteen days of the car accident. Failure to do this could hinder your chances of benefiting from the personal injury protection policy and you would also find it hard to get some benefits which the insurance company might bring as well.
Is An Attorney Needed To File A Claim In A No Fault State
If you want to file a claim with your insurance carrier under the no fault system then you do not need an attorney to be able to do this. This still doesn’t take away the fact that seeking legal help if beneficial as they would provide you with guidance as well as answering any questions that you have. The only time you would need legal assistance is if your claim gets denied then you can reach out to an attorney who would advice you on the next legal step to take.
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