So You Were in a Car Accident. Now What?
If you were recently in a car accident in New York, you’re probably dealing with a lot at once — a sore neck, a stiff back, maybe some nerve pain running down your arm or leg. And on top of the physical stuff, you have insurance questions piling up.
One question we hear constantly at In Motion Physical Therapy of NY:
“Can I use my No-Fault insurance to come see you?”
The short answer: yes. In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly how No-Fault insurance works with physical therapy here in New York — and what the process looks like when you come to In Motion PT.
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Did you get in a car accident on Long Island? Don't settle for generic PT. At In Motion Physical Therapy in Farmingdale, NY, we provide personalized care to get you back to 100%.
What Is No-Fault Insurance in New York?
New York is a “No-Fault” state. That means that after a car accident, your own auto insurance covers your medical expenses — regardless of who caused the accident. You don’t have to wait for fault to be assigned, fight with the other driver’s insurance, or pay out of pocket while your case drags on.
Under New York law, every auto insurance policy must include a minimum of $50,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) — also called No-Fault coverage. This coverage pays for:
- All reasonable and necessary accident-related medical treatment (including physical therapy)
- Diagnostic tests such as X-rays and MRIs
- Prescription medications
- 80% of lost wages (up to $2,000/month for up to 3 years)
- Up to $25/day for other necessary expenses like transportation to appointments
The best part for patients? No-Fault pays before your health insurance does. You will have no copays and no out-of-pocket costs for physical therapy while your No-Fault benefits are active.
How Physical Therapy Works Under No-Fault at In Motion PT
Step 1: File Your No-Fault Claim Within 30 Days
This is the most important deadline to know: New York law requires you to file your No-Fault benefits application (Form NF-2) within 30 days of your accident. Miss that window and the insurance company can legally deny your coverage.
If you are unsure whether you’ve filed, call your auto insurance company right away. They will walk you through submitting Form NF-2 and issue you a claim number.
Step 2: See a Doctor and Get a Prescription for PT
Unlike most commercial insurance plans, No-Fault in New York requires a physician’s prescription (referral) before physical therapy will be covered. This is an important distinction — New York’s Direct Access law allows PT without a referral for most health insurance, but No-Fault is specifically excluded from that rule.
After your accident, see a doctor as soon as possible — your primary care physician, an urgent care center, or the ER. Tell them you were in a car accident and are seeking No-Fault coverage. They will evaluate your injuries and write you a prescription for physical therapy. That prescription is what authorizes In Motion PT to bill your No-Fault carrier.
Once you have your prescription and your No-Fault claim number, call us. Our team handles all billing directly with the insurance company — you never receive a bill for covered services.
Step 3: Get Evaluated and Start Treatment
At your first visit, one of our licensed physical therapists will conduct a thorough evaluation of your injuries. Whether you’re dealing with whiplash, lower back strain, shoulder pain, or knee injuries from the accident, we build a personalized treatment plan focused on getting you back to full function — not just reducing symptoms.
Our one-on-one model means you always work directly with your physical therapist, not aides or assistants. Every session is focused, intentional, and designed around your specific needs.
Step 4: We Bill No-Fault Directly
Under New York Insurance Regulation 68, your medical provider (that’s us) must submit bills to the No-Fault carrier within 45 days of your date of service. We handle all of that for you. You focus on healing, we handle the paperwork.
Who Is Covered by No-Fault in New York?
No-Fault covers more people than most realize:
- Drivers: Covered by your own auto insurance policy.
- Passengers: Covered by the insurance policy of the vehicle you were riding in.
- Pedestrians and cyclists: Covered by the insurance of the vehicle that struck you.
Note: Motorcyclists are not covered under standard No-Fault in New York. If you were on a motorcycle, contact a personal injury attorney about your options.
What If I Don’t Have $50,000 in Medical Bills?
That’s a common misconception. You do not need $50,000 in bills to use No-Fault. The $50,000 is the maximum coverage limit — No-Fault kicks in from your first appointment. Whether your treatment costs $800 or $48,000, it’s covered up to that limit.
Why Choose In Motion PT After a Car Accident?
We are a one-on-one, sports-focused outpatient physical therapy clinic in Farmingdale, serving Nassau and Suffolk County. We take the time to understand your full injury picture — not just the part of your body that hurts.
Our team specializes in:
- Whiplash and cervical spine injuries
- Lower back pain and lumbar strain
- Shoulder, knee, and hip injuries from impact
- Neurological symptoms (radiating pain, numbness, tingling)
- Return-to-sport and return-to-activity programs
We know that car accidents don’t just affect athletes — but we bring the same high standard of sports rehab care to every patient who walks through our door.
Ready to Start? Here’s What to Do
- Call your auto insurance company and file Form NF-2 within 30 days of your accident
- Get your No-Fault claim number
- See a doctor (ER, urgent care, or your PCP) and get a prescription for physical therapy — No-Fault requires one
- Call In Motion PT at (516) 659-1087 or visit inmotionptny.com/contact-us to schedule your evaluation
Don’t wait. Early treatment leads to better outcomes. And with No-Fault, there’s no financial barrier to getting started.
Note: This blog post provides general information and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have any concerns or specific conditions, consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your recovery routine.
Laura Sommer has been practicing as a Physical Therapist since 2011. She graduated from Northeastern University, where she was a member of the Women’s Soccer Team. Laura is the owner of In Motion Physical Therapy located in Farmingdale, NY.
