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What Is No-Fault?

No one ever thinks that when they get into an automobile, there is even a remote possibility that they will be involved in a motor vehicle accident. Unfortunately, car accidents do happen, especially when it is least expected. The injuries that result from a motor vehicle accident can range from mild to severe. I strongly recommend that ANYONE involved in a car accident go to a doctor immediately to get properly examined and evaluated. In many cases injuries that may not seem serious initially, may develop into a much more dire condition in the near future. Typically, the sooner you see the doctor and receive immediate treatment, the quicker your injuries will be resolved. Conversely, the longer you wait, the longer it will take for you to achieve wellness. One of the most commonly asked questions by patients hurt in car accidents is “who will pay for my medical bills?” The answer is that no-fault insurance will pay medical care for all injuries that are sustained as a result of a motor vehicle accident. So what is no-fault?

When a person is involved in a motor vehicle accident in New York State and has sustained injuries, all medical coverage is paid by no-fault insurance. What that means is that no matter who is at fault, it is mandatory that the insurance company (auto insurance) covering the vehicle you are in (whether you are a driver or a passenger) pay for all health care needs relating to injuries sustained in that car accident. This not only includes all physical injuries, but also any psychological problems that may arise as a result of the accident (ie. post-traumatic stress syndrome). Pedestrians that are struck by a vehicle are also covered by no-fault (typically the insurance of the vehicle that hit that person).

What if the vehicle you are in does not have insurance coverage? First, if the injured person has a household vehicle (someone in their household owns a vehicle that is insured), then the insurance on that car will pay for the medical expenses (under no-fault). In case there is no household vehicle, then the State of New York has a provision that that all passengers must be covered in that instance. The State has its own insurance called MVAIC (Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation) which will automatically pay for all health care needs for the passengers, resulting from all injuries sustained in the accident (once again, regardless of fault). First you have to submit proof that the vehicle you were in was uninsured. Then you have to submit proof that no one in your household has a vehicle.

Remember, all auto accident victims seeking medical care for injuries sustained must go to a doctor that accepts no-fault insurance. Dr. Jeff J. Mollins has been successfully treating car accident patients for close to thirty years. He and his group of referred medical specialists (neurologists, orthopedists, pain management, physical therapists, acupuncturists, etc.) gladly accept no-fault coverage as full payment for any treatment needed to professionally and properly aid patients injured in automobile accidents.

Posted in: Auto Accident Doctor, Blog