Insurance requirements are different in every state, which can leave drivers somewhat confused about coverage requirements and the claims process. For motorists in Delaware, the law requires a combination of no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, as well as liability insurance.
Those involved in serious collisions often have questions about what PIP coverage is available, how it dovetails with their health insurance and how to optimize their financial recovery after a serious crash. What do Delaware drivers need to know about PIP coverage?
What does the law require?
Delaware requires a combination of liability coverage and no-fault PIP insurance. Drivers must have $10,000 in property damage liability coverage. If they are at fault for a crash that results in injuries, they must have $25,000 in coverage for situations where one person gets hurt and $50,000 in liability coverage if two or more people sustain injuries.
PIP requirements are similar. Drivers should have $15,000 of coverage in case one person in their vehicle sustains injuries and $30,000 in case two or more people get hurt. PIP coverage applies to the driver and their passengers, regardless of who was actually at fault for the crash. Drivers typically use their own PIP coverage because they can file a claim for liability coverage.
How does PIP coverage work with health insurance?
PIP coverage applies first when people get hurt in a car crash. Health insurance can supplement the coverage available through a car insurance policy. Regardless of who is at fault for a crash, the PIP coverage of each driver helps pay for their injuries and any injuries sustained by their passengers.
Once people have exhausted their PIP coverage, their health insurance can assist with paying any additional medical expenses. In scenarios where vehicle occupants sustain severe or debilitating injuries, they may be eligible for liability coverage through the at-fault motorist’s policy. In cases where even that cannot adequately offset both medical expenses and lost wages, a personal injury lawsuit may be the best way of addressing collision expenses.
Those involved in crashes that cause serious injuries often need assistance reviewing insurance coverage, communicating with insurance providers and limiting their personal losses when another motorist was at fault for the wreck. Retaining a personal injury attorney can make it much easier for people to navigate the complexities of multiple policies and possibly litigation after a serious Delaware car crash.