Insurance law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is slightly different than it is in most of the other states. One prominent example is the presence of personal injury protection requirements for drivers.
Requiring this type of insurance classifies Massachusetts as a no-fault state. This article will look into some of the details about PIP and how it could affect parties in a motor vehicle personal injury situation.
As explained on the official Massachusetts website, PIP coverage is one of the mandatory types of insurance for drivers. There is a minimum coverage limit of $8000. Regardless of who is at fault for an accident or an injury, PIP is designed to pay out damages for:
- Medical bills
- 75% of lost wages
- Replacement services
The effectiveness of these types of policies typically depends on reporting behavior by the injured parties. For example, someone who missed work because of a car accident could submit a claim to the insurance company and receive payment from PIP. This requires filing paperwork and dealing with insurance companies but has the potential to be relatively straightforward.
Things may become more complicated when certain types of injuries are involved. One of the most common injuries, traumatic brain injuries, may be a complicating factor. A TBI, as explained by the Mayo Clinic, may not show symptoms for some time after an accident.
Since PIP coverage could depend on promptly seeking medical care after an accident, it is typically recommended to go to a doctor even if there is only suspicion of injury. Especially with conditions such as TBI that involve delayed symptoms, any change of condition — or even a traumatic event itself — could indicate the need for medical attention.
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