PIP

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a type of no-fault car insurance designed to cover medical expenses and lost wages after an auto accident, regardless of who was at fault. This coverage helps ensure that accident victims receive immediate financial assistance without waiting for fault to be determined.

In Maryland, PIP insurance is not mandatory, but insurance companies are required to offer it to customers. Drivers can choose to include PIP in their policies or opt-out in writing.

How Does PIP Insurance Work in Maryland?

PIP coverage in Maryland typically covers:

  • Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and other treatments
  • Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to injuries sustained in the accident
  • Other necessary expenses: Costs like transportation to medical appointments

The amount of PIP coverage available depends on the policy you select. Maryland requires insurers to offer at least $2,500 in PIP coverage, but higher amounts may be available for an additional premium.

How PIP Differs From Liability Insurance

PIP insurance is no-fault, meaning it covers your expenses regardless of who caused the accident. In contrast, liability insurance is designed to compensate others for damages when you are at fault in an accident.

If you have PIP coverage, your medical bills and lost wages are paid by your own insurer up to the policy limit. Liability insurance only applies if another driver files a claim against you for damages you caused.

Filing a Claim With Your PIP Provider

Filing a PIP claim in Maryland is usually straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Notify your insurance company: Let your insurer know about the accident as soon as possible.
  • Submit required documentation: Provide medical bills, wage statements, and other necessary documents.
  • Meet the deadline: Maryland law requires you to file a PIP claim within one year of the accident.

Failure to meet this deadline may result in losing access to your PIP benefits, so it’s important to act quickly.

When Can You File a Claim Against Another Driver?

While PIP covers your immediate costs, it may not be enough to fully compensate you after a serious accident. In Maryland, you can file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover additional damages if:

  • Your injuries exceed your PIP coverage limits
  • The accident caused significant pain and suffering, which PIP does not cover

A personal injury claim allows you to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.

What Damages Are Available With PIP and a Personal Injury Claim?

PIP and personal injury claims cover different types of damages. Here’s a breakdown:

PIP Covers:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Necessary expenses related to your recovery

A personal injury claim covers:

  • Economic damages: Medical bills, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket costs not fully covered by PIP
  • Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life

Unlike PIP, a personal injury claim requires you to prove the other driver’s fault. However, you can likely recover substantially more compensation than what your PIP policy can provide.

How Much Time Do You Have To File a Personal Injury Claim in Maryland?

Maryland’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in court.

However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as:

  • Claims involving government entities: These require notice within a much shorter timeframe, often as little as six months.
  • Claims for minors: The statute of limitations may be extended in some cases if the victim is under 18.

Filing your claim promptly is essential to protect your rights and ensure you can seek compensation.

Why You Should Consider an Attorney

Navigating car accident claims can be challenging, especially when dealing with both PIP and personal injury claims. An experienced Maryland car accident lawyer can help by:

  • Explaining your options: Determining whether PIP or a personal injury claim is the best route for your situation
  • Handling the paperwork: Filing claims and lawsuits on time
  • Negotiating with insurers: Fighting for the compensation you deserve
  • Building a strong case: Gathering evidence to prove fault and damages

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, even for PIP claims. Having a lawyer on your side can make a big difference in recovering full compensation.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation With an Experienced Maryland Car Accident Lawyer

Understanding PIP insurance and your legal options after an accident can be complicated, but you don’t have to face it alone. A skilled Maryland car accident lawyer can guide you through the process, ensuring your rights are protected and helping you recover the compensation you need.

WGK Personal Injury Lawyers can help. Don’t wait to take action. Get in touch with our Maryland car accident lawyers or call us today at (410) 837-2144 to start your journey toward healing and fairness.