Who Pays for Car Damages in a No-Fault State?

Data from the NHTSA revealed approximately 3.6 million auto accidents resulted in property damage in 2020. It is significantly less than in 2019, which logged more than 4.8 million crashes that resulted in property damage. The steep decline in traffic accidents in the US perhaps traces back to the lockdowns associated with COVID-19.

Nevertheless, there was still a lot of property damage. Liability for the costs will depend on the insurance system used by a state. In fault states, the at-fault driver’s insurance pays for all expenses in car accidents. 

In no-fault states, the law removes this burden from liable motorists. The distinction is critical when determining who pays for car damage. That would seem to be the motorist’s insurance company in a no-fault state. However, that is not actually the case.

Consulting a personal injury lawyer can help you understand the concept of fault and no-fault in car accident claims. Law firms typically offer accident victims free consultations for a brief case review. Hiring a reliable car accident lawyer increases your chances of maximizing compensation and expediting your claims process.

Key Takeaways No-fault insurance, or personal injury protection (PIP), only covers bodily injuries and does not compensate for property damage or pain and suffering. In no-fault states, the at-fault driver’s insurance pays for car damages in an auto accident. If you are liable for the auto accident, personal injury protection coverage does not cover property damage to your vehicle.

The Basics of No-Fault Insurance

No-fault laws require motorists to file an insurance claim with their provider following an auto accident. It doesn’t require the involved parties to prove who is liable for the incident. In a no-fault claim, parties involved in a car accident do not need to determine fault to recover damages for bodily injuries.

No-fault states typically require motorists to carry no-fault auto insurance or personal injury protection (PIP) to enforce this system. The policy compensates the insured motorists for any injuries they and their passengers sustain. However, the compensation may not exceed insurance policy limits. Additionally, PIP insurance does not cover property damage.

According to Policygenius, there are currently 12 states which utilize no-fault auto insurance laws. It includes Florida, Kansas, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Kentucky, Minnesota, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, North Dakota, and Utah.

However, residents may opt between no-fault or liability insurance systems in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Kentucky. These states are called choice no-fault states. 

Meanwhile, 10 more states allow motorists to add no-fault coverage to their traditional auto insurance policy. It includes Arkansas, Delaware, Maryland, New Hampshire, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Damages covered by no-fault insurance

PIP coverage typically compensates the insured for lost income and medical expenses. It also covers significant costs incurred by policyholders, regardless of whether they are motorists or pedestrians hit by a car. In addition, it may also reimburse rehabilitation for severe injuries and funeral costs. 

This insurance system prompts immediate compensation to accident victims without undergoing a time-consuming claim filing process. Accident victims in no-fault states can only file a personal injury claim when their losses exceed the state’s monetary threshold.

However, policyholders in choice no-fault states may choose tort insurance instead of PIP. In that case, they may file a lawsuit against another driver for medical costs and non-economic damages. 

For example, in Kentucky, accident victims can sometimes sue the at-fault party. One is if the victim’s medical expenses exceed $1,000. Other scenarios that permit lawsuits against the motorist at fault include bodily injuries like broken bones, permanent disfigurement or injuries, and death.

Liability insurance vs. no-fault insurance

Another type of auto insurance coverage compensates victims in at-fault states. Liability insurance covers the damages a liable motorist causes another person or their property in an auto accident.

Liability insurance comes in two types: bodily injury and property damage liability insurance coverage. 

Bodily injury liability would compensate for the other party’s physical injuries if you were at fault for an auto accident. It covers doctor’s visits, medication, rehabilitation, and other medical bills. Other damages under bodily injury liability include lost income and funeral costs.

This type of liability insurance also pays for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering experienced by the other party. In addition, if the other motorist files a claim against you, bodily injury liability coverage can reimburse your legal defense fees.

On the other hand, property damage liability insurance pays for repairs if you damage another party’s property. These include damage to vehicles, houses, trees, lamp posts, offices, or stores.

Who pays for car damage in a no-fault state?

Contrary to what you might think, insurance companies in no-fault states still assign fault in auto accidents. However, insurance providers use the allocation of responsibility differently.

Instead of paying for all damages, at-fault motorists will shoulder the outstanding balance from the other party’s PIP insurance. The liable party can use their liability coverage to pay for these expenses and property damage.

State laws determine the distribution of fault or negligence. They use a legal principle called comparative negligence to allocate liability between involved parties in a negligence-based claim.

Comparative negligence has three types: pure comparative, modified comparative, and contributory negligence. 

Under pure comparative negligence rules, an at-fault motorist’s percentage of fault dictates the value of damages they will shoulder. For example, suppose the insurance company finds you liable for 60 percent of the car accident. Then you would pay for 60 percent of the damages.

Meanwhile, states that use modified comparative rules cap the fault percentage a motorist can commit. An involved party must be less than 50 or 51 percent liable for the incident to be eligible for a payout.

On the other hand, contributory negligence implements the strictest conditions in negligence claims. Suppose the insurance company finds the party to be at least one percent liable for the auto accident. Then it bars motorists from recovering any damages related to the incident.

Your comprehensive coverage and collision coverage

Suppose an accident damaged your vehicle in a no-fault state. The first option is to file a claim from your collision or comprehensive coverage. As the term suggests, collision insurance covers repairs to your vehicle damaged in a crash.

For instance, if your car strikes a guardrail, mailbox, or telephone pole, it will trigger your collision auto insurance. In addition, it also reimburses your expenses for damages caused by potholes or if your car flipped over due to an accident.

Meanwhile, comprehensive auto insurance coverage will shoulder damages from motor vehicle accidents other than collisions. It covers the following scenarios:

• Accidents involving an animal
• Natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, and volcanic eruptions
• Fire
• Vandalism and riot
• Theft

Insurance requirements vary per state, but collision and comprehensive insurance coverage are generally optional. However, they can help shoulder the cost of vehicle repairs or replacement after an accident. 

In addition, suppose the damaged vehicle is on loan or lease. Then the leasing company may require the motorist to have both insurance coverage as a condition of their agreement.

The at-fault driver’s car insurance policy

No-fault laws only prohibit personal injury claims from car accidents. This rule does not apply to property damage claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

Thus, accident victims may claim against the at-fault party in no-fault states to compensate for car repairs. However, claimants must prove that the other party was liable for the vehicle damage. The at-fault motorist’s insurance adjuster might want to investigate the matter. It is best to consult a car accident attorney to ensure you have a solid accident case.

How To Start the Claims Process After an Auto Accident

Filing a claim with your insurance company immediately after a motor vehicle accident saves time and money. Instead of waiting for insurance companies to determine the at-fault driver, accident victims may claim compensation directly from their PIP coverage.

Claimants may utilize their no-fault car insurance by following these simple steps:

1. Review your insurance policy: Look over your insurance policy to know what it covers, and if there are any deductibles you must pay. It is also essential to ensure that your insurance covers the accident.
2. Collect relevant information: Gather important information on the incident, such as the location, date, and time of the accident. In addition, document any injuries you may have sustained due to the auto accident. You must also collect personal details from the other party, like their contact and insurance details.
3. Notify your insurance company: You must inform your insurance provider of the accident. It is essential to do this step regardless of who was liable for the accident or if the damages seem minor.
4. Explain the incident to the insurance adjuster: While speaking with the insurance adjuster, go over what happened during the car accident. Be sure to provide as many relevant details as possible. You may also write down essential information immediately after the accident.
5. Submit documents to support an insurance claim: Insurance companies usually require proof of ownership or loss before they process a claim. In addition, they might request a copy of the police report as added documentation. In case of injuries, you must provide medical records and hospital bills as proof of your injury.

When filing a no-fault insurance claim, be wary of the strict deadlines insurance companies impose on policyholders. Further, it is advisable to supply all information your insurance provider may need. It helps with a smoother transaction and mitigates delays in processing your claim.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

When claiming compensation after an accident, hiring a personal injury attorney to help you with the process is advisable. They are skillful in negotiating with insurance companies and know the requirements.

Other tips that you must keep in mind include the following:

• Provide accurate information: Supply your insurance company with precise details. It contains a complete account of what happened during the incident and any physical injuries you sustained.
• Track official documentation: Gather all relevant documentation concerning the accident, such as medical expenses and lost wages. In addition, hold on to copies of any medical records and other official reports related to the incident.
• Follow up: Keep communications open with your insurance provider and consistently request updates on the status of your case.

Legal Options for Resolving Disputes

There are various legal options if you need to restore or replace your car due to an auto accident. You may settle your claim with the at-fault motorist’s insurance company or a third-party mediator. You may also take your case to court.

The liable party’s liability insurance should cover any car damage from the incident. However, suppose their insurance provider unnecessarily delays or refuses to offer a fair settlement. Then you may take an alternative approach.

You may mediate your case with a neutral third party to settle. This process can be court-ordered or voluntary and is usually less expensive than court proceedings.

Another option is to submit the dispute to a third-party arbitrator. The arbitration can result in a binding or non-binding resolution. It dictates whether the parties must legally abide by the arbitrator’s decision.

Lastly, the most formal and expensive option is to take the dispute to the state court system. However, filing a lawsuit does not automatically bring your accident to trial. But it may be necessary if the parties cannot resolve the issue using other options.

Pro Tip

You can still file a car accident lawsuit against a negligent driver in no-fault states when your injuries meet the threshold in your state. Likewise, accidents resulting in fatalities can be a basis for a wrongful death lawsuit.

Connect With a Credible Car Accident Attorney

If you were in a single-vehicle crash in a no-fault state, your comprehensive or collision coverage would pay for vehicle repair or replacement. Suppose another driver’s negligence caused the motor vehicle accident. In that case, their liability insurance coverage must shoulder any repair costs to your car.

No matter what approach you choose after an accident, seeking legal representation from a car accident lawyer is advisable.

The Personal Injury Center has a network of competent lawyers specializing in car accident claims. We can help connect you with a credible car accident lawyer. They have the knowledge and resources to help accident victims recover maximum compensation.

Suppose you wish to learn more about your case. In that case, you can browse our collection of legal articles. In either case, we can help. Visit The Personal Injury Center today.

Let a personal injury lawyer help with your car insurance claim. Contact The Personal Injury Center for a free case evaluation.

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