If you’ve been in an accident and suffer harm, it’s possible that the trauma you endured is considered bodily injury. Despite being a legal phrase, “bodily injury” is remarkably literal: it signifies that a person’s body was hurt. Someone has been physically injured if an incident results in their physical suffering, disease, or death. Typically, the phrase refers to primarily physical ailments rather than psychological ones.
Bodily injury also refers to a type of insurance liability coverage that covers the costs of medical bills related to accidents. Here, the personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe explain bodily injury as it relates to insurance and how we can help if you’ve been injured in an accident.
What Is Bodily Injury?
The legal definition is “a cut, abrasion, bruise, burn, or disfigurement; (B) physical pain; (C) illness; (D) impairment of a function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty; or (E) any other injury to the body, no matter how temporary ”.
It is also referred to as physical harm. Any harm to the body—no matter how minor or temporary is a bodily injury. Additionally, diseases and illnesses may be included. These can occur from any type of accident and dangerous drugs and products. Examples of physical harm that may occur from accidents include:
- Burns
- Spinal injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Paralysis
- Catastrophic Injuries
- Broken bones, fractures, lacerations, bruises, etc.,
What Does Bodily Injury Liability Cover?
This type of liability insurance can cover expenses and damages related to an accident. Each insurance policy is different and not all expenses will be covered depending on policy and state requirements. The following may be covered by bodily injury liability (BI):
- Medical expenses: Insurance covers the costs of hospital bills, physical therapy or rehabilitation, and any other costs for injuries sustained in accidents.
- Lost wages: If injuries are severe enough, a person might not be able to work for some time after an accident. Individuals may receive compensation from this coverage for any income losses brought on by their injuries.
- Funeral expenses: If the accident results in death, bodily injury liability may pay for end-of-life care and funeral costs.
- Pain and suffering: Pain and suffering damages can be awarded as a part of a lawsuit which BI insurance can help cover.
Do I Have to Get Bodily Injury Insurance?
Every state in the US, except Florida, mandates that drivers have BI coverage. The minimum liability coverage for bodily injury liability is $15,000 to $50,000 per injured individual, with $25,000 being the most typical minimum. The required minimum policy for bodily injury liability per accident ranges from $30,000 to $100,000, with $50,000 being the most typical minimum amount. The option to purchase additional coverage is available to policyholders.
Everyone involved in an accident, regardless of who was at fault, makes a claim with their own insurance company if you live in a no-fault state. Bodily injury liability does not provide coverage for your own medical costs. Your insurance policy’s bodily injury liability coverage only pays for the medical costs of others involved in an accident you caused.
Injured In An Accident? Call Lerner and Rowe Today!
If you’ve been hurt in an accident through no fault of your own, the personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe can help. We can make sure that you are appropriately compensated for your medical bills, missed income, pain and suffering, and more. We have offices located in Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Tennessee, and Washington.
Get started today by contacting one of our offices to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. Call us 24/7 at 844-977-1900 or use our LiveChat. We can also be reached by filling out our form. Give us a call today and you’ll find out why Lerner and Rowe is one of the most trusted personal injury law firms in the country.