Bodily injury is insurance coverage that pays for injuries caused by an at-fault driver, such as burns, broken bones, or head trauma. This coverage protects the at-fault driver from paying for these injuries out of their pocket.
Personal injury can refer to legal cases involving filing an insurance claim seeking compensation for injuries and damages under economic and non-economic categories. It can also refer to personal injury protection (PIP) which pays for medical expenses of those injured in a car accident regardless of who is at fault. PIP is often referred to as no-fault insurance and is required in some states like Florida.
What Is Included in Bodily Injury Insurance Coverage?
When purchasing car insurance, you should always add bodily injury insurance to your coverage. If you fail to do so, you will be personally responsible for the injuries and damages you may have caused if you are determined to be the at-fault party of a car accident. It can also help cover legal fees if the other involved party sues you.
Types of Expenses Covered by Bodily Injury
- Medical expenses: Emergency services, hospital stays, doctor treatment, prescriptions, and at-home care.
- Lost income: If the other party cannot return to work or cannot perform their job due to their injuries, bodily injury coverage can help to offset the cost of not receiving an income.
- Pain and suffering: Emotional stress or prolonged pain brought on by a car accident.
- Funeral & burial costs: If the accident involved death in the other party, bodily injury insurance could help pay for their funeral or burial costs.
What Is Included in Personal Injury Insurance Coverage?
The first type of personal injury involves a lawsuit or insurance claim. You may wish to seek compensation for the injuries and damages you sustained when injured in an accident. You might file a legal claim with your insurance company or the at-fault party's insurance company. Hiring a personal injury lawyer is your best bet to be most effective in receiving compensation for your injuries.
What Can I Include in My Personal Injury Claim?
As part of your personal injury claim, you can seek damages for the following:
- Pain and suffering: Emotional distress including anxiety, grief, anger, diminished quality of life.
- Loss of income: Inability to work or perform work entirely due to injuries or recovery.
- Medical expenses: Prescriptions, hospital stays, and ambulance rides.
What Are Common Types of Personal Injury Cases?
The following are the most common cases when filing a personal injury claim:
- Car accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Wrongful death
- Product liability
- Workplace injuries
- Animal bites
If you are unsure if your injury would qualify as a personal injury case, speak with an attorney, and they can guide you on if and what type of personal injury case applies to you.
What Is Personal Injury Protection (PIP)?
The second type of personal injury is personal injury protection (PIP). If you live in a no-fault state like Florida, you must purchase PIP coverage when purchasing car insurance. PIP protects those involved in a car accident regardless of who was at fault.
According to Florida insurance requirements, PIP covers 80% of medical expenses up to $10K.
PIP coverage only covers the other party's medical expenses; if you need aid to pay for your recovery, you will need to file your insurance claim. Again, your personal injury attorney can help you with both of these claims.
What Are Common Injuries in a Bodily Injury Case?
Several types of injuries can be included in your injury claim, including:
- Back and neck injury
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Lacerations
- Brain injuries
- Amputations
- Whiplash
How Much does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?
When seeking aid for your bodily injury or personal injury case, our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. This practice allows clients to focus on their recovery while we focus on their case. As a result, you will not pay any legal fees unless we win or settle your case.
Everyone deserves legal aid regardless of their financial standings. We support you through your legal process to get you back to everyday life as quickly as possible.
You Can Learn More by Contacting a Personal Injury Lawyer from Our Firm Today
Knowing the difference between bodily injury and personal injury can be tricky. Let us help you with the legal jargon while you take care of yourself following an accident. If you are unclear if your accident falls under a bodily or personal injury, we are more than willing to review your case and advise you on the next best steps.
Dolman Law Group can help you file a claim and receive compensation, whether it is for bodily injury or personal injury. Contact our attorneys to learn more and schedule a free consultation today.