What Is Bodily Injury Coverage?
Many drivers may find paying for car insurance a burden, but it can be invaluable when you are involved in an accident. Texas law mandates that all drivers carry auto insurance to cover damages if an accident occurs. If you are at fault for a crash, your insurance will cover the injured parties' medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle repair costs.
Bodily injury coverage is a critical component of car insurance. It ensures that you are financially protected if you cause an accident. This type of coverage is distinct from property damage liability and other types of insurance coverage, such as personal injury protection (PIP). For clarity about bodily injury liability insurance and other policies, consult a car accident attorney at Francis Injury.
Bodily Injury Coverage Overview
Bodily injury liability coverage is designed to pay for the medical expenses of individuals injured in an accident you caused. However, it does not cover your medical expenses. In addition to covering medical costs, this coverage often includes:
- Medical Expenses: Covers hospital stays, emergency services, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care for injured parties.
- Legal Defense Costs: Provides legal representation if the injured party sues you for damages.
- Lost Wages: Compensates the injured party for income lost due to injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: Accounts for emotional distress and physical pain experienced by the injured.
- Funeral Costs: Covers expenses in the unfortunate event of a fatality.
Some key points about bodily injury insurance include:
- Minimum Limits: All states, including Texas, require drivers to carry minimum bodily injury liability coverage.
- Coverage Limits: Policies have per-person and per-accident limits that dictate the maximum payout for claims.
- Optional Higher Limits: Drivers can opt for higher limits to provide more protection in severe accidents.
- Multiple Injured Parties: Coverage typically extends to all injured parties within the policy's limits.
Texas Auto Insurance Requirements
In Texas, liability insurance is mandatory for all drivers. The minimum required coverage includes:
- $30,000 for bodily injury liability per person
- $60,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 for property damage liability
Driving without this required coverage can result in penalties, including fines and the suspension of your driver’s license. However, these minimum amounts may not be enough in a severe accident. Medical costs and property damage can quickly exceed the limits, leaving you financially vulnerable.
To mitigate this risk, consider increasing your liability limits and exploring additional coverage options such as:
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Protects you if a driver hits you without insurance.
- Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Covers costs if the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient.
- Collision Coverage: Pays for damage to your vehicle regardless of fault.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs for you and your passengers, regardless of fault.
Texas Is a Fault State
Texas operates under a fault-based system, meaning the at-fault driver is responsible for covering damages. After an accident, the injured party may:
- File a claim with their own insurance company.
- File a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
- Pursue a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if insurance doesn’t fully cover the damages.
Bodily injury coverage plays a central role in these claims. If you are found to be at fault, your insurance company will pay up to the policy limits for injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Why Higher Coverage Limits Are Important
The minimum required limits may suffice for minor accidents, but they often fall short in serious crashes. Here’s why higher coverage is beneficial:
- Rising Medical Costs: Hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation can quickly exceed $30,000 per person.
- Expensive Vehicle Repairs: Modern vehicles with advanced technology are costly to repair or replace.
- Legal Defense Costs: Lawsuits can lead to significant legal expenses, which your insurance may not fully cover.
- Peace of Mind: Higher limits protect your assets and savings from being targeted in a lawsuit.
Enhancing Your Policy
Consider adding the following coverage to your auto insurance policy:
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Protects you in cases where the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance.
- Collision Coverage: Pays for repairs to your car regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Covers non-collision events, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
- PIP: Offers a safety net for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault.
Contact Francis Injury for Legal Help
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by someone’s negligence, you could face significant medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. Francis Injury’s car accident attorneys can help you:
- Evaluate your damages, including medical expenses, property damage, and pain and suffering.
- Communicate with insurance companies to maximize your claim.
- Represent you in court if the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement.
Contact Francis Injury today for a free consultation by calling 817-329-9001 or speaking with a Texas car accident lawyer online. Our legal team will guide you through the claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Common Texas Car Insurance Questions
Do you need car insurance in Texas?
All Texas drivers must carry liability insurance, including at least $30,000 for bodily injury per person and $60,000 per accident.
Does car insurance follow the driver or the car?
In Texas, car insurance typically follows the vehicle. If someone else drives your car with your permission, your policy will cover damages within the policy limits.
What happens if you drive without insurance?
Driving without insurance is illegal in Texas and can result in fines, license suspension, and additional penalties.
What is the difference between bodily injury liability and PIP?
Bodily injury liability covers injuries to others when you are at fault. Personal Injury Protection or PIP covers medical expenses and lost wages for you and your passengers, regardless of fault.
Will your rates go up after an accident?
If you caused the accident, your insurance rates are likely to increase. If the other driver was at fault, your rates should not change just because of someone’s negligence, you could have thousands of dollars of bodily injury, lost wages, and property damage. The Dallas car accident attorneys at The Francis Firm can assist if you have injuries that lead to medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. Contact one of our attorneys today for more information.