What Maryland PIP Insurance Covers and How It Helps After a Car Accident?

Falodun Law
5 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

After a car accident, most people think there are only two options:

Wait for the at-fault driver’s insurance to pay, or
Start paying medical bills out of pocket.

In Maryland, there’s often a third option that can provide early financial relief:

Maryland PIP (Personal Injury Protection)

PIP can help cover medical bills and (in many cases) some wage loss regardless of fault, which can be a lifeline while the liability claim is still being “investigated.”

This article explains what Maryland PIP is, what it usually covers, common pitfalls, and how PIP can impact the rest of your injury claim.

Important: This is general legal information, not legal advice for your specific case.

What Is PIP in Maryland?

PIP stands for Personal Injury Protection. It’s a type of auto insurance coverage that can pay certain accident-related expenses without waiting for the other driver’s insurer to accept liability.

Maryland insurers typically offer PIP coverage as part of an auto policy, though some people waive it depending on their policy choices.

What Does Maryland PIP Usually Cover?

PIP commonly covers some combination of:

Medical expenses (treatment, therapy, diagnostic testing, etc.)
Lost wages (partial replacement if you miss work due to the crash)
Certain household replacement services (limited scenarios)

Exact benefits and caps depend on your policy terms.

Key idea: PIP is often designed to provide quick payment while the injury case is still developing.

Who Can Use PIP Benefits?

Depending on the policy and facts, PIP may apply to:

The named insured
Household relatives
Occupants/passengers
Sometimes pedestrians are struck by the vehicle (fact-specific)

Because eligibility can vary, it’s essential to confirm coverage in writing with the carrier.

Why PIP Matters in Maryland Injury Claims

Even in clear crashes, the at-fault insurer may:

Dispute liability
Delay “review”
Claim you were partly at fault (the Maryland 1% rule issue)
Minimize your injuries

PIP can help bridge that gap so you can:

Start treatment promptly
Reduce financial stress
Avoid letting bills go into collections
Document injuries early (which often helps case value)

Common PIP Mistakes That Cost People Money

1) Waiting too long to apply

There can be notice requirements and paperwork. Don’t assume it’s automatic.

2) Not submitting wage documentation correctly

Lost wage benefits often require employer verification and medical disability documentation.

3) Stopping treatment because you’re worried about bills

Gaps in care are a gift to the insurance company. If care is medically appropriate, consistent documentation usually helps both health and claim strength.

4) Confusing PIP with the injury claim settlement

PIP is a benefit under your own policy. The liability claim is typically against the at-fault driver’s insurer (or other responsible party). They’re related, but not the same.

Does Using PIP Affect Your Settlement?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no This is fact-specific.

In many cases, PIP helps you get treatment and document injuries early, which can strengthen the overall claim.

However, there may be issues involving:

Reimbursement/subrogation rights depending on policy and circumstances
How medical bills are presented in negotiation
Coordination with health insurance and liens

This is one reason it helps to have a car accident injury lawyer manage the benefits strategy early.

Practical Steps After a Crash if You Might Have PIP

Follow these steps after a car crash to protect your rights and ensure you can access PIP benefits:

Report the crash to your own insurer promptly (without guessing about fault).
Ask in writing whether PIP is available under your policy and what forms are required.
Get an early medical evaluation and follow through with appropriate care.
Track wage loss and save pay stubs, schedules, and employer contacts.
Avoid recorded statements to the other driver’s insurance without legal guidance.

How Falodun Law Helps with PIP + the Injury Claim

We help clients coordinate the claim so that early benefits support (not sabotage) the broader injury case while protecting the file from “1% fault” traps and insurance delay tactics.

Call: (301) 289-7737

Visit: www.falodunlaw.com