For first-party benefits to apply, which condition must be met?

• A. Injury must occur in a non-motor vehicle incident
• B. Motor vehicle must be the proximate cause of injury
• C. Injury must be from a bicycle accident
• D. Only occupants are eligible

Answer: (B)

First-party benefits under no-fault insurance are available when the injury is caused by the motor vehicle’s use or operation. The crucial condition is that the motor vehicle must be the proximate cause of the injury—the injury must flow directly from the vehicle’s operation. If the injury stems from a non-motor-vehicle incident, or from something unrelated to the vehicle’s use (like a bicycle-only incident), first-party benefits wouldn’t apply. Also, eligibility isn’t limited to vehicle occupants; pedestrians and others harmed by a motor vehicle can qualify for first-party benefits as long as the vehicle’s proximate role is present.