Every US state has mandatory vehicle insurance requirements, though the coverage values vary. In order to register your vehicle and legally drive, you must comply with the laws and carry a policy in the appropriate amount. The Maryland Department of Transportation (MD DOT) has established regulations that require $30,000 for injuries to a victim, $60,000 for harm to two or more people, and $15,000 for property damage.
However, in addition to the basic coverage, your insurer has many other policy add-ons to offer. An important one to consider is Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which will be an extra cost for your premiums. Because of the added expense, many people will opt out. It is understandable that you want to keep costs down, but there are a few reasons to consider PIP to protect yourself and your family. An Owings Mills car accident lawyer can provide additional information on the following:
PIP covers many losses after an auto crash.
Two of the most expensive consequences for victims are the medical bills they incur for treatment and the lost wages from being unable to work. Fortunately, these are the two areas that PIP pays. If you are injured in a collision, you file a claim with your own insurer to request compensation for these amounts. Note that you can only obtain payment up to the policy limit, which could be $2,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on your policy.
Funds could be paid quickly with PIP coverage.
You are dealing with your own insurance company when seeking payment under PIP coverage, which is a first-party claim. There are laws requiring insurers to be diligent in processing claims filed by their policyholders. To avoid violating the law, the company will pay a claim promptly if there is sufficient proof of medical costs and lost wages.
You do not need to prove fault.
Another reason that the insurer pays quickly in a PIP claim is that you are not required to show that the other driver was negligent. This type of coverage is no-fault, so you will only need to provide the paperwork necessary to show medical care and the time you were off work.
PIP covers your loved ones. When you opt for PIP, the policy does not just protect you. The coverage extends to:
- Your family members;
- Passengers in your vehicle who were injured in the crash; and,
- Pedestrians and bicycle riders, if you were not in a vehicle at all when injured.
Plus, PIP covers collisions where the at-fault driver did not have auto insurance as required by law.
A Maryland Car Accident Attorney Can Offer Additional Details This summary about PIP coverage is useful, but keep in mind that you may have a claim against a negligent driver. In such a case, you would be dealing with the at-fault motorist’s insurer to seek a type of damages not available through PIP. Compensation for pain and suffering. To learn more about your remedies, please contact Michael A. Freedman. You can call 410.363.6848 or go online to schedule a consultation.
