If you have recently been in a car accident, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) can offer immediate financial relief. Understanding how it works can help in determining whether you need it or not.
A safety net for damages
After an accident, you will likely face mounting medical bills to treat serious injuries. Because of these, you also have to miss several days of work to recover. PIP can offer financial support after you file an injury claim.
Under Maryland law, you can have a minimum of $2,500 in total benefits with PIP. Since it is a no-fault coverage, your insurer covers your medical expenses and 85% of your lost gross income regardless of who caused the accident.
Maryland’s stringent fault system
Maryland follows the pure contributory negligence rule when it comes to auto accidents. Under this standard, if the judge finds you to be 1% at fault for the accident, they can bar you from recovering any compensation from the other driver. This makes PIP even more vital because it offers some financial protection even if the other driver’s insurer tries to shift the blame to you.
The choice to opt out of PIP
Since Maryland is a fault-based state, you have the option to waive PIP to lower your premiums. While skipping this coverage may help in saving money, it could leave you vulnerable to accidents. Without PIP, you may have to use your own money for every hospital visit while your legal case is pending.
Taking action after an accident
Having PIP ensures that your focus remains on recovery rather than debt. But if you waived this, you are not without options.
With the three-year deadline for injury claims, seeking legal counsel can be your next best step. An experienced personal injury attorney can advocate for your needs and assist you in recovering damages.
