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Can You File a Personal Injury Claim After Causing an Accident?

Law Office of Kari Holm Fawcett

Filing an insurance claim after an accident you did not cause is a relatively straightforward process in Maryland. Since the state follows fault-based insurance laws, you would – in this case – file your claim with the at-fault motorist’s insurer. But if you sustained injuries from an accident you caused, your options for filing an insurance claim may be more limited. There are ways, however, that you can recover compensation if you were at fault.

Your Options Depend on Your Coverage

Your ability to file an insurance claim after a collision you caused will depend on the types of coverage you have. Depending on your insurance policy, your claim will either go through your medical payments (Med Pay) coverage or personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Keep in mind that both Med Pay and PIP coverage are optional in Maryland.

If your insurance policy only includes Med Pay coverage, your claim’s payout will only compensate your medical expenses. If you have PIP coverage, though, you may be able to recover compensation for other incurrences as well, including lost wages and expenses for childcare and household services. Neither Med Pay nor PIP coverage will provide compensation for pain and suffering you experience in the accident’s aftermath.

How Coverage Limits Can Make a Difference

When you purchased insurance, you might have added both Med Pay and PIP coverage to your policy. In this case, your PIP coverage may qualify as your primary coverage when you make your insurance claim. This is because your insurance policy’s PIP coverage limits will likely exceed those of your Med Pay coverage, and its scope will be greater as well. Your Med Pay coverage, then, may not kick in until your claim reaches your PIP coverage limits.

After causing an auto accident, you can protect yourself against out-of-pocket expenses by carrying comprehensive insurance coverage. With the help of a legal professional, you can weigh your options for pursuing compensation based on your case and your insurance policy.