No-Fault vs. At-Fault Automobile Insurance Liability
When it comes to automobile insurance liability in a car accident, many people are confused by the terms “no fault” and “at fault.” Knowing the difference will help you understand how to proceed and what to expect after a car accident. At Patterson Legal Group, our team thoroughly understands the nuances of both types of liabilities, since we practice personal injury law in both no-fault and at-fault states. To help you understand the difference, we’ve assembled this convenient guide.
What Is No-Fault Automobile Insurance Liability?
No-fault coverage is the type of automobile insurance that covers accident expenses for you, your passengers, and your vehicle, regardless of the party responsible for causing the accident. Some people erroneously believe that “no fault” means that no one is at fault for a car accident. That is incorrect. Instead, the drivers file claims with their insurance companies, their respective insurers go about determining fault, any reimbursement happens between the insurers, and the customer receives compensation.
This kind of insurance coverage is also referred to as personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. When you have no-fault coverage, your insurance company pays for your expenses, up to a specified limit. These expenses may include:
- Health insurance deductibles
- Medical expenses that exceed health insurance coverage limits
- Lost income as a result of your injuries
- Essential services (child care, house cleaning, etc.) that you cannot perform due to injuries
- Funeral expenses
Generally speaking, no-fault automobile insurance liability is easier to deal with, since determining the party most responsible for an accident can be a difficult and lengthy process. Kansas is one of 12 American states with no-fault automobile insurance liability. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Kansas, please contact our Topeka or Wichita offices for immediate assistance. Our talented attorneys will work hard to make sure that you’re given a fair settlement in the event of a car wreck.
What Is At-Fault Automobile Insurance Liability?
At-fault insurance states allow drivers to file claims with their insurance company, as well as the insurance companies of other drivers involved in an accident. In at-fault states, you can also file a personal injury lawsuit against a driver that caused a car wreck; a diligent personal injury lawyer, like those at Patterson Legal Group, can help you determine if filing a lawsuit on top of an insurance claim is the right solution for you.
Determining which driver was at fault and by how much is where things get tricky. For example, if you’re hit by another car and you were both driving suboptimally, then you can be assigned 25 percent of the fault by insurance adjusters. If you’re claiming $10,000 in expenses, you will only receive $7,500 since you were partially at fault for the accident. Due to the money involved, insurance companies often engage in lengthy back-and-forth debates regarding fault.
Like most American states, Missouri handles car accidents in an at-fault manner. If you and your loved one have been in a car crash in Missouri, our St. Joseph office is ready to assist you. We’ll take care of all your legal needs so that you can focus on rest and recovery.
Contact Patterson Legal Group
Whether you’ve been involved in a car accident in a no-fault state or an at-fault state, Patterson Legal Group is ready to work hard for you. Our courteous and proficient legal professionals will fight hard to make sure that you’re treated fairly by insurance companies so that you can get the highest settlement possible. We’re also prepared to take action against drivers that caused your accident.
You can count on Patterson Legal Group to treat you with compassion and fiercely represent you in the legal arena. Call us toll free at 888-687-2400, fill out our convenient contact form, or use our LiveChat feature.
The information on this blog is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to serve as legal advice for an individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship nor does viewing this material constitute an attorney-client relationship.
