In Massachusetts, understanding how insurance works after a car accident is crucial to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. While the state’s no-fault system prioritizes coverage through your own insurance, there are instances where you may be eligible for third-party liability claims against the at-fault driver.
Let us take a look at how insurance pays out for wage loss after an accident.
Contact DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers today for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys are ready to help you navigate the legal process and fight for your deserved compensation. A Massachusetts auto insurance lawyer is prepared to get started on your case today.
Insurance Wage Loss Compensation
After an accident, one of the significant financial losses that can result from a car accident is lost wages. You may be eligible for wage loss compensation if your injuries prevent you from working or reduce your earning capacity.
Under Massachusett’s no-fault system, this can be complicated, as your own insurance will likely be responsible for repaying your losses, regardless of who caused the crash.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits provide coverage for medical expenses and lost wages. Options for pursuing additional coverage against an at-fault driver are limited in Massachusetts unless your injuries meet certain requirements. Typically, PIP or no-fault insurance only offers up to $8,000 to cover your medical bills and lost wages.
With serious injuries, this limit can be reached quickly. Compensation for pain and suffering is also not possible to claim if you are just using your own insurance. Speak with one of our auto insurance lawyers about understanding auto insurance and determine what the best steps are in pursuing adequate compensation for all categories of losses.
Personal Injury Protection Insurance
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in Massachusetts provides valuable coverage for car accident victims. PIP will cover the first $2,000 of medical bills, regardless of whether the injured person has private health insurance. Additionally, PIP benefits cover 75% of lost wages.
It is important to claim these benefits promptly to maximize your lost wage compensation, as medical expenses can exhaust PIP coverage. To receive the full 75% of lost wages under PIP, you must provide supporting documentation, including employment records, medical records, and proof of income loss. This evidence will help establish your claim and ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.
The insurance company will require you to visit a specific physician that they will choose for you, undergo an examination under oath, and provide written documentation from your employer. Failing to comply with any of these requirements may result in a loss of coverage. Afterward, your insurance company will collaborate with the negligent driver’s insurer to recover the damages they have paid on your behalf.
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Going Beyond Personal Injury Protection
PIP coverage may fall short of covering the full cost of medical treatment and lost wages after an accident. In such cases, filing a personal injury lawsuit in Massachusetts becomes necessary. This allows you to seek compensation for damages, including lost wages, resulting from the accident.
To pursue a personal injury lawsuit in Massachusetts, the individual’s injuries must lead to over $2,000 in medical expenses. A lawsuit is also warranted for injuries such as broken bones, significant or permanent disfigurement, or loss of hearing or sight due to the accident. This compensation can also address other damages you’ve suffered.
Proper documentation is crucial for a successful settlement or lawsuit, with two key pieces of evidence being essential. The first is a disability note from your doctor detailing the injuries you have suffered and the limitations you are now under at work. The second is a salary verification form from your employer showing the days of work you have missed and your pay rate.
Mandatory Car Insurance Coverage in Massachusetts
To legally drive in Massachusetts, you must have a certain amount of car insurance coverage. The basics of auto insurance state that you need $20,000 per person/$40,000 per accident in bodily injury liability insurance, $5,000 in property damage liability, and $8,000 in no-fault or PIP coverage. You may choose to purchase additional coverage to protect yourself and others, but this is the necessary amount.
As a no-fault state, if you are in an accident in Massachusetts, you will primarily have to rely on your own insurance for coverage, regardless of who is at fault. If your injuries exceed the limits of your PIP coverage, you may be able to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance for additional compensation. This is known as third-party liability.
Navigating the complexities of car insurance in Massachusetts can be challenging. If you have questions or concerns about your coverage, it is advisable to consult with an experienced attorney at DiBella Law. Our team can help you understand your rights and ensure you have the appropriate insurance.
We've offered crucial support and guidance to individuals who have suffered injuries, ensuring their financial and emotional well-being.
DiBella Law Can Help You with Your Wage Loss Insurance Claims
DiBella Law Offices is committed to providing exceptional legal representation in personal injury cases. Our team has extensive experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases in and outside of the courtroom. We have a deep understanding of Massachusetts law and are dedicated to achieving the maximum compensation for our clients.
We believe in building strong relationships with our clients to ensure the best possible communication. We take the time to understand your unique situation and goals, tailoring our approach to meet your specific needs. Learn more about us by reading through our firm overview.
At DiBella Law Offices, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees, and we only get paid if we recover compensation on your behalf. If you have further questions, check out our FAQs or contact our office for specific answers tailored to your exact situation.
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Contact DiBella Law for Assistance Today
If you have been injured in an accident, schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys to learn more about how insurance could pay for your wage losses.
We will review your case and discuss your options for seeking compensation. Contact DiBella Law Offices today to learn more about how we can help you.
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