What Are No-Fault Insurance Benefits?
If you live in a state that follows a no-fault insurance law, you are entitled to compensation for personal injury. While some individuals in no-fault states believe that the insurance company will automatically pay for personal injury losses the situation can become quite complicated when you are dealing with an insurer demands medical examinations to prove your condition after the accident. If you have been injured as a result of an accident in a no-fault state, understand how to file a claim, what insurers cover, and how to deal with insurers who do not want to pay benefits.
What Does No-Fault Insurance Pay For?
No-fault insurance is commonly referred to as Personal Injury Protection. This form of liability coverage is carried by all drivers in no-fault states. If you are a victim of a car accident and you suffer injuries you are entitled to payment for the following:
* Medical expenses
* Lose of wages or self-employment income
* Funeral expenses
It is up to the insurer to review the victim's medical condition and their financial loss to determine how much to pay in benefits.
How Do You File a No-Fault Claim for Benefits?
Immediately following an accident, the victim should file a claim with their insurer. Most states require victims to file the claim within 30 days of the accident. When you file your no-fault claims you will need to provide:
* The date of the accident
* Proof of damages (hospital bills, ambulatory fees, etc)
* Proof of loss of wages
* Pictures or any evidence from the police
Failure to inform your insurer of a claim within a reasonable amount of time will waive your right to receive no-fault benefits for your personal injury.
How Does the Insurer Handle the Claim?
When you file a notice with your insurer they will create a claim in their system. Most insurers will investigate claims to determine how much to pay you. The insurer has the right to:
* Demand medical examinations
* Demand sworn statements by medical examiners and employers
* Require the victim to take an Examination Under Oath. This is a questionnaire regarding injuries and damages.
If the insurer believes that the claims are fraudulent, they do have the right to deny benefits.
Why Should You Hire a Personal Injury Law Firm?
The purpose of no-fault insurance is to make filing a claim for injury easier. While this is the case in some situations, some less reputable claims agents try to deny claims or offer low benefits to victims. If you are a victim you should consider the benefits of hiring personal injury lawyers to get the compensation you deserve. Personal injury attorneys will help you gather proof and will work with the insurer to collect for expenses they may not have paid for otherwise.
