Massachusetts require every registered driver in the state to acquire personal injury protection (PIP) insurance of at least $8,000 to cover them in the event that they or anyone in their vehicle is hit and injured in an auto accident. It is called no-fault as it doesn’t matter whose fault it is. Of course, even if you obtain compensation by claiming against your own PIP insurance policy, if you were at fault, it may affect your next premium, which could rise.
Drivers whose injuries are relatively serious and who face substantial medical costs may be allowed to step outside no-fault and file a personal injury claim against a driver who they believe was responsible for their injuries. Even if you have PIP insurance it doesn’t cover you for damage to your own auto or other property.
Massachusetts Auto Liability Insurance Rules
In addition to mandatory minimum PIP coverage, every registered driver must also have minimum liability cover. This is insurance which can be used if you are sued by someone else who claims that you injured them or damaged their property. The state rules are as follows. Minimum liability cover is:
- $20,000 for each person in a single accident;
- $40,000 for involved in a single accident;
- $10,000 for damage to property including a vehicle;
- $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident if you are hit by an uninsured driver or injured in a hit and run accident. This is technically not a liability insurance requirement as it is not you who s being sued.
PIP Insurance Provisions in Massachusetts
The minimum cover is $8,000, but that is for everything: medical bills and lost earnings. That is a minimum, so you can opt to pay more for a higher personal injury coverage. That $8,000 is not a lot if you are seriously injured and have to stay at home or at least away from work for long periods. Beyond a certain amount ($4,000) of medical costs, you are allowed to file a personal injury claim against an at-fault driver, but not if your costs are lower than that.
The main benefit of PIP is that you do not have to worry about proving who was t fault and can still obtain compensation even if you were to blame for your own injuries. The main benefit of stepping outside PIP, if you are allowed to do so, is that you can substantially increase the amount of potential compensation and include non monetary components like pain and suffering and punitive damages.
How a PI Lawyer Can Help if Hit in Massachusetts
If you need to file a personal injury claim because your needs are greater than your own PIP insurance can cover, you are advised to contact a personal injury attorney before filing a claim. Most PI attorneys in Massachusetts will provide free consultations and will not charge legal fees unless a claim has been paid out in your favor. Complete the Free Case Evaluation to have your case looked over by a lawyer today!
