Who Provides “PIP Benefits” After a Maryland Auto Accident
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The general concept
Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, is no-fault auto coverage for specified medical, hospital, and disability expenses. It can pay promptly without deciding who caused the crash. PIP is separate from a liability claim against the at-fault driver and from health insurance, although coordination and reimbursement questions can arise.
How Maryland applies it
Maryland insurers generally must include PIP coverage in a motor-vehicle liability policy unless the policyholder makes a permitted waiver or rejection. The statute identifies who may qualify: the first named insured and resident family members for injuries in motor-vehicle accidents; people occupying the insured vehicle, including guests or passengers; and certain pedestrians injured in an accident involving the insured vehicle. Which policy pays can depend on where the injured person was, whose vehicle was involved, household residence, exclusions, and any valid waiver. PIP limits and benefits are subject to the policy and statute. After a crash, the injured person should promptly identify all household auto policies and the policy on the vehicle involved, then give notice to the potentially responsible insurer.
Related Maryland Cases and Authorities
Md. Code, Insurance §§ 19-505, 19-506, and 19-506.1; Maryland Insurance Administration, Personal Injury Protection Coverage.