Auto Insurance and Personal Injury Claims
To legally register a vehicle, proof of valid auto insurance is required. Even if the car is not currently in use or is damaged, it must remain insured as long as it has active registration. Most auto insurance policies include two essential types of coverage: personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability (PDL).
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
PIP coverage applies to individuals involved in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This coverage helps pay for medical expenses resulting from the crash, such as doctor visits, hospital bills, and rehabilitation costs. Many policies include a minimum limit for this coverage, which is often around $10,000.
Property Damage Liability (PDL)
PDL coverage pays for damage caused to another person’s property, including vehicles and other personal property, as a result of the accident. Minimum required amounts typically begin at $10,000.
Filing a Claim After an Accident
When an accident occurs, a person can file a claim with their own insurance company, whether or not they were at fault. Depending on the type of coverage purchased, the insurer may pay for repairs to the vehicle and provide compensation for medical bills, often up to the PIP policy limits. However, these amounts may not always be enough to cover the full extent of the damages.
If an injured person’s policy does not provide sufficient coverage, they may pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. This ensures that responsible parties are held accountable and that victims have an opportunity to recover the compensation they deserve.
Damages from an Auto Accident
Injured parties can seek compensation for various losses that result from a collision, including:
- Medical expenses – doctor visits, hospital care, ambulance services, diagnostic tests, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages – income lost while recovering from injuries.
- Future lost earnings – projected loss of income if the injuries impact long-term earning ability.
- Pain and suffering – mental anguish, emotional stress, and diminished quality of life.
- Property damage – costs of repairing or replacing personal property damaged in the accident.
When Damages Exceed Insurance Policy Limits
In some cases, the damages awarded or sought may exceed the available insurance coverage. When this happens, victims can explore additional options such as:
- Filing under their own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage
- Seeking compensation from umbrella policies
- Holding multiple defendants accountable, if applicable
- Pursuing a bad faith claim against an insurer that failed to act reasonably
To succeed in these claims, it is crucial to gather evidence showing that the other driver was negligent and directly responsible for the accident. the available insurance policy limits, then the defendant may be held liable for the remaining damages over the policy limits.
