It’s frustrating to be engaged in an automobile collision, especially if injuries are sustained. If you were hurt while riding as a passenger, do you still have recourse?
Given that New Jersey is a “no-fault” state, specific procedures must be followed in the case of a car accident leading to bodily harm. With no-fault insurance, this is typically the case. We’ll start with a quick overview of how no-fault insurance works, then go on to discuss how a passenger who sustains injuries in a car crash can seek compensation for their medical bills, missed income, and other out-of-pocket expenditures.
Contacting a knowledgeable Philadelphia, PA car accident attorney may be a good idea if you have any concerns or queries.
To Better Understand No-Fault Auto Insurance
No matter who was at fault in a vehicle accident, every motorist is entitled to have their insurance company pay for their reasonable share of the losses. This includes medical bills and missed income up to the policy’s limits. PIP coverage, short for “personal injury protection,” is one name for this insurance policy.
No-fault vehicle insurance, which includes PIP coverage, is mandated in the state of New Jersey. Insurance premiums in no-fault jurisdictions are typically less expensive than in others because of the no-nonsense nature of the coverage they provide. There are, however, certain advantages and disadvantages to this method. One advantage is that a victim, regardless of blame, can expect to get paid for medical expenses and lost earnings in a timely manner.
It is a drawback of no-fault insurance because the wounded party cannot sue the at-fault motorist for “non-economic” damages unless their medical bills surpass a certain level or the accident is considered severe (such as pain and suffering).
What Happens If a Passenger Is Injured and Wants to File a No-Fault Claim?
In a no-fault insurance state like New Jersey, your own no-fault/personal injury protection (PIP) coverage would pay for the medical bills of any wounded passengers. When you get hurt, your own insurance company should pay first. Your household member’s PIP policy may kick in if you don’t have any of your own. If neither of those is possible, then your PIP coverage under the driver you were traveling with would kick in. Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance and maybe liability insurance would apply in their specific situation.
