What Is PIP and How Does It Work in Maryland and D.C.?

Jun 21, 2025
5 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

PIP insurance guide for Maryland and D.C. drivers

After a car accident, the stress of medical bills and lost income can quickly become overwhelming. Fortunately, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage may help you recover financially — no matter who was at fault.

At Falodun Law, we help injured clients across Maryland and Washington, D.C. understand and maximize their Maryland PIP coverage and benefits. Whether you're trying to make sense of your policy or need help navigating PIP legal requirements after a crash, here's what you need to know to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.

What Is PIP?

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is no-fault auto insurance that pays for certain accident-related expenses — such as medical bills and lost wages — regardless of who caused the crash.

PIP coverage in Maryland is one of the fastest ways to get money in your hands after an accident, and it may apply even if you're a pedestrian or passenger, not just the driver.

PIP Can Help Cover:

Emergency room bills and ongoing medical treatment
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
A percentage of lost wages due to missed work (the exact rate depends on state law — see below)
Services like child care or home assistance if you're injured and can't perform household duties

Maryland PIP Coverage: What Drivers Need to Know

Understanding Maryland PIP law starts with one key fact: PIP is technically optional, but insurers are required to include it on every policy unless you waive it in writing at the time of purchase. Many drivers don't realize they've waived it until after an accident.

Key Points for Maryland Drivers:

Typical coverage amounts: $2,500, $5,000, or up to $10,000, depending on the policy
Applies to: Drivers, passengers, and household members — even as pedestrians
Benefits paid regardless of fault
Lost wages: Covered at 85% of your documented lost income, up to your policy limit
Medical bills: Typically covered at 100%, up to your policy limit
No rate increase: Maryland law prohibits insurers from raising your premium for filing a PIP claim

🔍 Pro Tip: Many drivers are surprised to learn they waived their Maryland PIP coverage to save a few dollars on premiums. We'll review your policy for free — just give us a call.

PIP Coverage in Washington, D.C.: How It's Different

Washington, D.C. uses a "choice no-fault" system — different from Maryland's approach. Insurers must offer PIP, but it's optional, and if you carry it, you generally have to choose between filing a PIP claim or preserving your right to sue the at-fault driver.

Key Facts for D.C. Residents:

PIP is optional — insurers must offer it, but you can waive it in writing

Typical limits: Up to $50,000 for medical and rehabilitation expenses; $12,000 for lost income; $4,000 for funeral costs

60-day election deadline: After an accident, you generally have 60 days to formally elect PIP benefits. If you miss this window, you're typically deemed to have chosen to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver instead

Choosing PIP generally limits your right to sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering — unless your injuries meet certain severity thresholds (for example, your medical expenses exceed your PIP limits, or you meet the legal definition of a serious injury)

⚠️ Important: Because the election deadline is strict and the severity-threshold exceptions are technical, it's easy to make the wrong choice without legal guidance. If your injuries are serious or involve long-term treatment, a lawsuit may offer greater compensation than a PIP claim alone — but you need to act within the 60-day window to preserve your options. We can help you evaluate which path makes sense before time runs out.

Why Do PIP Claims Get Denied?

PIP is designed to provide fast relief, but insurance companies don't always make it easy. Common issues include:

Claims denied over technicalities
Delays due to "missing documentation"
Disputes over whether treatment was medically necessary
Disputes over wage-loss calculations

At Falodun Law, we don't let insurers stall or underpay. We file the claim, handle communications, and fight for full benefits — so you don't have to.

How Falodun Law Can Help

Whether you're navigating Maryland PIP coverage or exploring a personal injury lawsuit in D.C., you don't have to go it alone.

At Falodun Law, we:

Explain your options clearly and quickly
Deal with insurance adjusters on your behalf
Help you understand the PIP legal process from start to finish
Help you get compensated fast — and pursue a lawsuit if it's the better path for your case

You deserve to focus on healing. Let us handle the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions About PIP Coverage

Is PIP mandatory in Maryland?

Not exactly — Maryland law requires insurers to offer PIP on every policy, and it's automatically included unless you reject it in writing. So while you technically have the right to waive it, most Marylanders carry some level of PIP coverage without realizing it.

How much does Maryland PIP pay for lost wages?

Maryland PIP typically pays 85% of your documented lost income, up to your policy's coverage limit (commonly $2,500, $5,000, or $10,000 per person).

Can I still sue the at-fault driver in Maryland if I use my PIP benefits?

Generally, yes. Maryland's PIP system doesn't require you to give up your right to sue — you may be able to recover PIP benefits and separately pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for damages like pain and suffering.

Is D.C.'s PIP system the same as Maryland's?

No. D.C. uses a "choice no-fault" system. If you carry PIP and elect to use it after an accident, you generally give up the right to sue the at-fault driver unless your injuries meet certain severity thresholds. Maryland doesn't impose that same trade-off.

How long do I have to decide between a PIP claim and a lawsuit in D.C.?

You typically have 60 days from the date of the accident to formally elect PIP benefits. If you don't make an election in time, you're usually deemed to have chosen to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver instead — so it's important to speak with an attorney quickly.

What if my medical bills exceed my PIP limits?

In both Maryland and D.C., if your expenses exceed your PIP coverage, you may have options to pursue additional compensation, including through the at-fault driver's liability insurance or, in D.C., through a lawsuit if you meet the applicable injury threshold.

Why was my PIP claim denied?

Common reasons include disputes over whether treatment was medically necessary, missing documentation, or disagreements about how much income you actually lost. An attorney can help push back on unfair denials.

Do I need a lawyer to file a PIP claim?

You're not required to have one, but insurers don't always pay fairly or promptly. A lawyer can help make sure your claim is filed correctly, your damages are fully documented, and deadlines (like D.C.'s 60-day election window) aren't missed.