{"id":1267,"date":"2023-04-29T11:10:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-29T11:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=1267"},"modified":"2023-06-06T14:44:53","modified_gmt":"2023-06-06T14:44:53","slug":"what-is-bodily-injury-liability-coverage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/what-is-bodily-injury-liability-coverage\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Bodily Injury Liability Coverage?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Even if you are the most cautious driver, a car accident<\/a> can still happen to you. While vehicles and property can be expensive to repair, physical injuries resulting from an accident can be even more costly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did you know that if you cause an accident you can be held responsible for the injuries<\/a> of the other driver or passengers including everything from the ambulance ride to the hospital to any loss of wages experienced as a result?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These costs can add up quickly so this is why bodily injury liability insurance is so important. And don\u2019t forget, even a single accident can drive up your auto insurance<\/a> costs significantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Bodily Injury Liability?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

BI insurance is one of two coverages that fall under a larger umbrella of liability insurance<\/a>. The other coverage under liability insurance is property damage coverage. Liability car insurance does not protect you and your vehicle, but instead it will protect you financially for damage you cause to others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parameters of Bodily Injury Liability Coverage<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to Bodily Injury Liability Coverage, there are a few key parameters that you need to be aware of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Firstly, medical costs can be a significant factor in any injury claim. Medical treatment and care can be expensive, and in the event of an accident, the responsible party may be held liable for the injured party’s medical bills. This is where medical payments coverage (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) comes in – it can help cover the injured party’s medical expenses, regardless of who was at fault.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


In addition to medical expenses, lost wages can also be a significant consideration. If an injury prevents an individual from working, they may be entitled to compensation for the income they would have earned during that time. Pain and suffering is another factor that can come into play in a bodily injury claim. This can be a difficult thing to quantify, but it refers to the physical pain and emotional distress caused by an injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Finally, legal defense and settlement costs can also be a factor in a bodily injury claim. If you are found liable for an injury, you may need to hire an attorney to defend you<\/a>. Settlement costs can also be significant, especially if the injured party decides to pursue legal action. By understanding the parameters of bodily injury liability coverage, you can better protect yourself in the event of an accident or injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What’s the difference between bodily injury and personal injury?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bodily injury and personal injury are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings in the context of insurance and legal proceedings. Bodily injury refers specifically to physical harm caused to someone else as a result of your actions, while personal injury is a broader term that encompasses a wider range of damages that may be incurred as a result of an accident or incident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Personal injury protection (PIP)<\/a> is a type of insurance coverage that provides compensation for a range of damages that may be incurred as a result of an accident, including medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs. This type of coverage is often mandatory in no-fault insurance states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


On the other hand, bodily injury liability insurance covers the cost of medical expenses and related damages that you may be legally responsible for if you cause an accident resulting in injury to another person. Most states require a minimum amount of bodily injury coverage as part of your auto insurance policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


In the event of an accident, it is important to understand the difference between bodily injury and personal injury, as well as the types of insurance coverage that may be available to you. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may need to consult with a personal injury lawyer to help you navigate the legal process and determine the appropriate course of action. By being informed about the options and protections available to you, you can help ensure that you are fully prepared to handle any situation that may arise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Does Bodily Injury Liability Cover?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you caused an accident that injured others, bodily injury liability will help to pay for those individuals\u2019 hospital and medical bills, their pain and suffering, rehabilitation, long-term nursing care, any loss of wages, funeral costs and legal fees if you are subsequently sued as a result of the accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who Needs Bodily Injury Coverage?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Essentially every driver should have bodily injury insurance. Not only is it required in most states, but it is essential to protect your assets if you cause an at-fault accident that results in injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do I Know How Much Bodily Injury Insurance I Have?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you purchase auto insurance coverage, you must select a limit for each coverage option that is on your policy. A limit is the most your insurance company will pay out in the event of a covered claim. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bodily injury liability insurance limits are typically represented in two ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n