What’s the Difference Between Bodily Injury and Personal Injury?
The term bodily injury is used to describe the physical injuries someone sustains after an accident or incident. These types of injuries can include bruises, sprains, broken bones, and nerve damage. While the term itself does not refer to a type of legal claim, the issue of bodily injury may often be referenced during a civil or criminal court case.
Personal injury on the other hand is a more comprehensive term and can be used to describe a legal claim. While the terms “bodily injury” and “personal injury” are somewhat interchangeable, personal injury is more comprehensive as it is used to describe different types of bodily injury along with other aspects of the accident or incident including medical losses, lost income, pain and suffering, damages to property, and so on.
Bodily Injury Liability Coverage
Bodily injury and personal injury are terms that will often pop up in the insurance industry as well. For example, most states require drivers to have bodily injury liability coverage on their auto insurance policy. This type of liability coverage varies from state to state as far as minimum coverage requirements and what the policies actually cover.
With bodily injury liability coverage, drivers are protected (to an extent) if they are at fault for the bodily injury of another individual. This coverage typically provides medical expenses, legal fees, loss of income, pain and suffering, and even funeral costs for an individual who suffers fatal bodily injuries due to an accident.
It’s typical for auto policies to have caps on how much they will pay in the event of an accident. Most states will have a required minimum coverage amount, but drivers have the option of buying more bodily injury coverage.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Personal injury protection or PIP is another type of insurance coverage offered in no-fault states. In states that recognize no-fault accidents, your personal injury protection insurance will cover your medical bills. At-fault states use the bodily injury liability coverage of the at-fault driver to cover the medical expenses of the injured individual.
Bodily and Personal Injury Outside of Auto Claims
While bodily injury and personal injury will often pop up during automobile accidents, the terms may arise in other situations as well. For example, If an individual suffers a bodily injury at the hands of a business, their worksite, or by another individual, they can move forward with a personal injury claim. A personal injury claim is a type of claim that pursues compensation and other damages for bodily injuries and other losses sustained during an event.
When to Seek Legal Representation?
If you suffer bodily injury because of an automobile accident or other incident, you may be entitled to bodily injury and other personal injury compensation. Calculating compensation and moving forward with a personal injury claim can be confusing and even overwhelming.
Working with a personal injury lawyer who understands the nuances of personal injury claims can be a great benefit as you move forward with your case. At Benedum Law, an experienced and dedicated attorney can give you the representation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation on your case.
