Massachusetts is one of the few “no-fault states” in the US with respect to car accidents. This implies that insurance companies are liable to pay up to $8,000 claimed through medical bills, regardless of the fault of the party during the accident. These benefits are collectively termed First-Party Benefits that are payable to anyone suffering an injury led by whoever owns, operates, and maintains the motor vehicle during the accident.
Benefits of choosing PIP over traditional car insurance
A traditional car insurance policy without first-party benefits adds at least $100 to yearly premium. Being accident-free for five years could save individuals more than $500. But if you meet with an accident and get injured, the cost and the mental anguish and hassle involved in claiming compensation could be quite high. Contact your Personal Injury Attorney to know more about this.
The state of Massachusetts includes no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage that is mandatory and covers nearly $8,000 in terms of medical bills and lost wages irrespective of who is at fault. This helps drivers to receive compensation swiftly, without any legal binding or arbitration required that is itself a time-consuming process. The monetary benefits are transparent and not flexible in the state. This also means that you sign away the right to sue another driver for injuries and suffering. There is no point in the suing process especially if the expenses involved are nearly covered by insurance.
A driver with PIP can sue another driver in case the injuries are extremely severe involving permanent disability and disfigurement. A traditional policy can help one sue other drivers for damages, but also makes them vulnerable to getting sued themselves. It is advisable hence, to have health insurance along with first-party benefits if you live in MA.
What is covered in First Party Benefits under PIP?
Massachusetts offers First Party Benefits under PIP covering drivers for all kinds of medical costs, lost wages, costs involved in funerals, and death benefits if the accident proved fatal, regardless of the perpetrator of the accident. The coverage extends to all family members and those under the policy. All four benefits need to be claimed individually. The covered medical expenses include hospital services, dental services, surgical needs, physical rehabilitation costs, X-rays, ambulance costs, and others. Lost wages will cover loss of salary owing to disability from accident injuries. But this is dependent on whether you have reached policy limits, after which you can claim 80% of the costs. Burial benefits will be offered to those in the household or next of kin. Those covered under Accidental death policy benefit the next of kin with full amount within the insured limits if the policyholder dies from injuries within 24 months of the car accident. Limits for Car Insurance in MA are stipulated at $5,000, $15,000, and $25,000.
How to file for First Party Benefits?
You can file PIP claims and First Party Benefits with your insurance company whenever you can with relevant medical bills, list of treatments received, etc. For lost earnings, furnish pay stubs of the entire year along with evaluation of injuries and treatment.
A Personal injury lawyer understands the complex legal mechanism of car insurance in MA and can help analyze the situation efficiently for ideal compensation. Contact us at Legal Rights Advocates to know more. Give us a call at (888) 656-7675 and ask for a free consultation.
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