Timonium Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Lawyers

Knowledgeable PIP Attorneys Explaining Personal Injury Protection Coverage in Timonium, MD

Maryland has some of the strictest rules in the country when it comes to recovering compensation in an auto accident. An accident victim may be barred from recovering payment for their damages if they are found to be just one percent at fault, which can come with significant pressure. Personal injury protection, or PIP, provides no-fault coverage for injury victims, which can alleviate some of that financial strain.

At Posner & Cord, LLC, we can help you understand what benefits are included in PIP. We can also help you file a claim against the driver at fault to help you get maximum compensation. Our Timonium, Maryland personal injury attorneys have earned over 200 5-star reviews, as we have built up a reputation for our excellent service.

Is PIP Included in Most Maryland Auto Insurance Policies?

Personal injury protection, often called PIP, is included in most Maryland auto insurance policies by default. State law requires insurers to provide at least $2,500 in PIP coverage with every auto policy, and that coverage stays in place unless the policyholder chooses to give it up. Many drivers in Timonium and across Baltimore County carry PIP without realizing it, so checking the declarations page of your policy is a good first step after a crash.

A driver can waive PIP, but the waiver must be made in writing on a form provided by the insurer. Some people sign the waiver to lower their premium, and it typically applies to certain household members as well. Drivers can also buy more than the minimum, and higher limits are available through most insurers.

What Does PIP Cover?

PIP coverage in Maryland pays for certain losses after a car accident no matter which driver caused it. This feature is especially useful in Maryland, where strict fault rules can block a claim against the other driver if the injured person shares any blame. PIP benefits can cover:

• Medical expenses: PIP can pay for hospital care, doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, and other treatment connected to the crash. These expenses generally must be incurred within three years of the accident.
• Lost income: If your injuries keep you from working, PIP can replace up to 85 percent of the income you lose, up to your policy limit.
• Essential services: PIP can reimburse you for help with tasks you cannot handle while injured, such as childcare, cleaning, or yard work.
• Funeral expenses: When a crash results in death, PIP can help cover funeral costs for the policyholder or covered family members.

All of these benefits draw from the same policy limit. With the $2,500 minimum, one ambulance ride and an emergency room visit can use up most of the available coverage. PIP claims also generally need to be submitted within 12 months of the accident, so notifying your insurer early is important.

Can You File a Personal Injury Claim in Addition to PIP?

Maryland does not limit your right to pursue the at-fault driver after you receive PIP benefits. A separate claim against the other driver's liability insurance can cover the losses PIP leaves behind.

Pain and suffering is one of the largest gaps. PIP does not pay for physical pain, emotional distress, scarring, or the loss of activities you enjoyed before the crash, but a personal injury claim can. The same claim can also seek medical bills and lost wages that go beyond your PIP limit, along with future treatment costs, reduced earning capacity, and damage to your vehicle.

Unlike PIP, a personal injury claim requires proof that the other driver caused the crash. Police reports, photos, medical records, and witness statements can help show both how the accident happened and how seriously you were hurt.

Contact Our Timonium, MD Personal Injury Lawyers

At Posner & Cord, LLC, we help clients use their PIP benefits for immediate bills while building a separate claim against the driver who caused the crash. We review your policy, explain how the two claims fit together, and pursue the losses your own coverage does not pay. Contact our Timonium, MD personal injury attorneys or call 410-252-0600 to schedule a free consultation.