How Car Insurance Covers Injuries After an Accident

Car accidents happen suddenly and can be overwhelming. While dealing with vehicle damage is frustrating, personal injuries can have even more serious consequences. If you require medical treatment after an accident, your insurance can help cover medical bills and lost wages due to your injuries.

To maximize your protection, it is essential to understand how your insurance policy works. A New York City car accident lawyer can help you interpret your policy and determine whether your injuries are covered. Below is an overview of how different types of insurance coverage can help with accident-related injuries.

1. Liability Insurance

Most states require drivers to carry liability insurance, which consists of two components:

• Bodily Injury Liability (BIL): Covers medical expenses, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and related costs for passengers and other drivers injured in an accident where you are at fault. However, it does not cover your own injuries.
• Property Damage Liability (PDL): Covers damage to another person’s vehicle or property if you are responsible for the accident. It does not cover injuries.

If you are injured and the other driver is at fault, their bodily injury liability insurance should cover your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

2. Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

PIP is required in no-fault states and is available as an option in some others. It covers a driver’s medical expenses, regardless of who caused the accident. Coverage typically includes:

• Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, doctor visits, and necessary treatments resulting from the accident.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost if your injuries prevent you from working.
• Other Costs: Coverage for essential expenses such as child care or household help if you are unable to perform these tasks due to your injuries.

In no-fault states, PIP ensures that your medical expenses and lost wages are covered regardless of who was responsible for the accident.

3. Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)

MedPay is an optional add-on to your insurance policy that helps cover medical costs for you and your passengers, regardless of fault. However, unlike PIP, MedPay does not cover lost wages or non-medical expenses. It typically covers:

• Hospital bills
• Doctor visits
• Surgical procedures
• Ambulance costs

MedPay is available in most states, but coverage limits vary. It is important to review your policy to understand what is included.

4. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)

If the at-fault driver lacks insurance or does not have enough coverage to pay for your medical expenses, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) can help. This coverage is especially important because some drivers may have minimal or no insurance at all. UM/UIM coverage can pay for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Other damages related to injuries caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver

5. Collision Coverage

Collision coverage primarily pays for damage to your own vehicle after an accident, regardless of fault. While some collision insurance policies may include medical expense coverage, they typically do not replace PIP or MedPay. If you do not have separate medical or PIP coverage, you may not be able to claim medical expenses through collision coverage alone.

Final Thoughts

Auto insurance plays a crucial role in covering medical expenses and other costs related to injuries sustained in an accident. Each type of policy—liability insurance, PIP, MedPay, UM/UIM, and collision coverage—serves a unique purpose in protecting you financially.

To ensure you have the right coverage for your needs, review your policy carefully and consult your insurance agent. If you have concerns about coverage after an accident, consider speaking with an experienced car accident lawyer to help you understand your legal options and maximize your protection.