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What is a No-Fault Doctor and Why Do I Need To See One After an Accident?

No-Fault Doctors in New York and New Jersey for Auto Accident Injuries

In New York and New Jersey, you are required to seek treatment from a no-fault medical provider if you are seeking services classified as a no-fault car accident. Both New Jersey and New York are no-fault states, meaning drivers must carry personal injury protection insurance. This type of coverage pays for all medical costs after a collision, regardless of which motorist caused the accident. Drivers do not file claims with one another’s insurance, saving time and energy. 

Many people mistakenly believe their regular physician qualifies as a no-fault doctor. Your doctor may not be eligible as a no-fault medical provider, or they may not specialize in treating auto collision victims. You want to ensure your doctor qualifies as a no-fault doctor and specializes in treating various collision injuries. It is best to see a doctor at a multi-specialty medical practice. 

Talk With The No-Fault Experts

These offices have integrated teams that can provide comprehensive care and medical services, including pain management, physical therapy, chiropractic service, internal medicine, and orthopedic care. Here is everything you need to know about car accident doctors and medical centers in New York and New Jersey

What Are No-Fault Doctors?

No-fault physicians are personal injury doctors who specialize in treating injuries following a vehicle collision. These doctors bill the insurance company directly and are experienced in dealing with New York and New Jersey car accident claims. Thus, the insurance claim process is streamlined, and the patient can spend more time focusing on recovering rather than filling out paperwork and communicating with the insurance company. 

Why Visit a No-Fault Doctor?

Many family doctors do not want to deal with the complexity of treating car accident victims or completing insurance paperwork on behalf of patients. These practitioners do not have the staff or expertise required to document injuries and submit claims to insurance providers correctly. Thus, you need to ensure the doctor you visit after a car accident is classified as a no-fault doctor under New York or New Jersey law. Here are the advantages of visiting a no-fault car accident doctor

Well-documented treatments:

Car accidents must be explicitly documented to be covered by car insurance. A doctor specializing in no-fault injuries is familiar with the documents required when providing services. These medical professionals ensure the correct documentation is filled out and the appropriate evidence is gathered during initial visits, follow-up appointments, surgical procedures, and other treatment appointments.

Car accident doctors are experienced in maintaining a detailed medical record showing the extent of the injury and how these wounds were caused by the car accident. Medical documentation is critical when submitting insurance claims or working with a no-fault attorney to pursue further damages in a legal case.

Streamlined documentation process:

Traditional personal injury claims are submitted by the patient. However, no-fault claims are offered by the medical team treating the patient. This efficient documentation process makes it easier for the doctor to appropriately convey injuries to the insurance company while giving the patient more time to focus on recovering.

Referrals:

One of the advantages of working with a no-fault medical professional is the simple referral process. If you need to see a specialist for diagnostic testing or for expert treatments, your primary doctor will know who to refer you to and which services are covered by no-fault insurance.

No up-front payments:

A significant advantage of seeing a no-fault medical professional is processing and paying medical claims quickly. You never have to pay out-of-pocket for medical expenses or treatments. Insurance pays for your treatment upfront instead of reimbursing you after the claim is processed. 

Visiting a no-fault doctor streamlines the documentation and referral process and gives the patient time to focus on recovering rather than dealing with the insurance provider. 

What Are No-Fault Injuries? 

Car accidents in New York and New Jersey can lead to a variety of debilitating issues. Some car accidents are easily treated, while others cause lingering harm.

Most no-fault doctors treat the following injuries: 

  • Whiplash
  • Neck pain
  • Back pain
  • Shoulder pain
  • Broken bones
  • Internal damage
  • Head injuries
  • Contusions
  • Sprains and strains

Even minor car collisions such as fender benders can cause significant injuries. Thus, you should schedule an appointment with a no-fault doctor after your accident, even if you are not experiencing any immediate discomfort. Your doctor will provide an examination and can help diagnose injuries that may not be evident yet. 

What Services Are Covered by No-Fault Insurance? 

Generally, no-fault insurance pays for all medical bills and treatments relating to the car accident injury. However, you may be entitled to additional compensation. Your claim may also provide money for the following expenses: 

Medical bills

Most medical expenses are covered with no-fault insurance. You may need to visit the Emergency Room after a car accident or an urgent care clinic in the days following the collision. These expenses should be covered under your no-fault insurance policy. Follow-up appointments and rehabilitation treatments are covered as well. 

Lost wages

Depending on your injury, lost wages may be covered if you cannot work while recovering from your accident. Working with an experienced no-fault doctor and lawyer can help you understand your rights and file the proper documentation to receive lost wages assistance.

Bodily injury

Traditional car insurance policies cover bodily injury claims for anyone injured in an accident you caused. However, no-fault insurance also pays for your injuries in an accident in which you have been deemed at fault. 

Keep in mind no-fault coverage varies by state and may differ depending on the extent of the accident and the nature of your injuries. 

What Do I Tell My Doctor at an Appointment After a No-Fault Accident?

There are proper protocols that must be followed in no-fault car accidents. Make sure you inform your doctor that you were hurt in a car accident in New York or New Jersey and that you are seeking treatment for a no-fault insurance claim. The medical office must be equipped to deal with car accident injuries and have the staff bill the company directly for the expenses. 

If you have to fill out new patient forms at your provider’s office, remember this information can be used against you in the future. It is best to provide only a general description of the accident rather than giving detailed information. Also, be prepared to describe your injuries thoroughly to your medical professional. Even if you do not think the damage is significant, bring up all possible injuries. You need to be thorough and patient when describing your injuries to ensure you get the best treatment possible from your car accident doctors. 

How Does No-Fault Insurance Work Once I Start Treatment?

After you begin treatment for your injuries, the no-fault insurance provider will likely seek to verify the extent of the damage. To confirm the injuries, they may send you to one of their own medical professionals for an appointment, often referred to as an independent medical examination. You must attend the appointment if one is requested. Otherwise, the insurance company could deny your no-fault claim. 

Frequently Asked Questions About No-Fault Insurance

Most people involved in no-fault accidents have questions regarding their insurance claims. Here are answers to some of the most common questions regarding no-fault insurance and car accident injuries: 

What is no-fault car accident coverage? 

Started in the 1970s to ensure people receive the medical care they need following car accidents, New York’s no-fault insurance system provides compensation regardless of which driver caused the accident. No-fault insurance covers emergency medical care, surgical procedures, diagnostic tests, physical therapy, and follow-up care. In addition to medical costs, no-fault insurance may also cover lost wages. 

How Do New York’s No-Fault Car Accident Laws Work? 

New York’s no-fault car accident laws are relatively straightforward, but specific instances must be in place. For your accident to qualify, the following requirements must be met: 

  • The collision must have taken place in New York
  • The vehicle that caused the crash must be registered in New York
  • Cars, trucks, and buses are covered under the law, but motorcycles and scooters are not eligible 

If you are not sure if your injuries qualify for a no-fault car accident claim in New York, contact your general practitioner as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. Describing your injuries to your doctor can give them a sense of how your damages qualify. 

What if my expenses exceed the $50,000 limit available under no-fault insurance? 

Most at-fault insurance providers limit covered expenses to $50,000. However, when these benefits are exhausted, you can file for additional no-fault benefits. You can make a claim against your own insurance policy or of the other motorist. However, keep in mind that additional no-fault insurance is optional, and not all motorists carry this type of coverage. If no additional coverage exists, you can claim your traditional health insurance to cover any extra costs. In addition, you may sue the responsible party in a court of law or apply for Federal Social Security Disability benefits.

What is the goal of no-fault insurance?

In New York and New Jersey, no-fault auto insurance is intended to lower the cost of car insurance by taking small claims out of the court system. Small claims are decreased because each insurance provider is responsible for paying for all minor injuries in car accidents. However, this goal is not always accomplished as people can still sue the responsible party for damages that exceed $50,000. 

Will my insurance increase after a no-fault accident? 

Most traditional auto insurance policy premiums increase after a car accident. However, a no-fault accident should not cause your rates to rise. The at-fault party’s insurance provider is responsible for paying medical expenses. Therefore, your insurer will not need to pay for any costs if you were not the cause of the crash, and your premiums will not rise. 

What is the difference between no-fault and full coverage?

The most significant difference between no-fault and liability insurance is the coverage exclusions. Typically, no-fault policies cover the policyholder’s own damages, no matter who is responsible for the accident. Full coverage policies would not cover expenses if you caused the accident. 

Does no-fault insurance cover pain and suffering?

Traditional NY No-Fault insurance covers medical bills and property damage costs. Generally, no-fault insurance does not provide money for pain and suffering. However, you can retain an attorney to represent you in court if you wish to sue for pain and suffering expenses. To receive this type of compensation, certain circumstances including the inability to work and mental distress must be present. These circumstances must be documented by a medical professional and must be current at the time of the court case. 

How do you prove a collision was not your fault?

There are numerous ways you can prove a car accident was not your fault. The most important step is contacting a no-fault doctor to document your car accident injuries properly. You want to take pictures immediately after the collision occurs to prove the circumstances. You should also exchange contact information with the other driver as you will need it to file a claim. You should also contact the police so the proper documentation is filled out. You should also speak to witnesses and have them provide a written statement of the accident if possible. 

Work With No-Fault Doctors

Auto accidents can be very traumatic, and it is essential to seek the proper physical and psychological treatment in a reputable medical center as soon as possible. Even if you do not have visible signs of injury, it is always good to seek the advice of a no-fault doctor as quickly as possible. Some injuries do not appear for hours or even days. Call (888) 970-5065 to schedule an appointment with an experienced no-fault doctor near you. 

At No-Fault Doctors, we offer a free directory of physicians experienced in treating automobile accident injuries. All providers in our system accept no-fault insurance and other insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, PIP (Personal Injury Protection), and medical liens. Contact us now to find experienced no-fault auto accident doctors in New York and New Jersey. Don’t wait to get the medical treatment that you may need. This way you don’t need o to worry about medical bills and out-of-pocket costs. New patients are accepted, and same-day appointments may be available.