What Is Bodily Injury Liability in Car Insurance?
Bodily injury liability is a component of most car insurance coverage. However, not every policyholder fully understands what it entails. To help you and the drivers in your household understand this important aspect of automobile insurance policies, the Kansas car accident lawyers at Patterson Legal Group explain what bodily injury liability coverage is and what is required in your state.
Bodily Injury Liability Coverage Defined
Bodily injury liability insurance is a part of your auto insurance policy that kicks in when you’re injured in a crash or collision that was caused by another party. It’s meant to cover your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and along with legal fees if you pursue a lawsuit. Here’s a breakdown of what bodily injury liability typically covers:
- Medical expenses: This includes your hospital bills, doctor visits, medication, and physical therapy.
- Lost wages: If you can’t work because of your injuries, then the at-fault party’s insurance may help cover your lost income.
- Legal fees: If you are unable to reach a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company, then their coverage can help pay for your legal defense, should you win a trial.
- Pain and suffering: The at-fault party’s coverage may also cover compensation for your pain and suffering resulting from the accident.
Bodily injury liability is required by law in most states–including Kansas and Missouri–but it’s important to note that it doesn’t cover any damage to vehicles or property involved in the accident. This would be covered by a car insurance policy’s personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, depending on your state’s laws.
Bodily Injury Liability Minimums in Kansas and Missouri
As mentioned above, bodily injury liability is required for automobile insurance policies issued in Kansas and Missouri. The minimum coverage amounts are the same–$25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident–but the definitions are slightly different. Here is each state’s definition of bodily injury insurance coverage.
Bodily Injury Liability Insurance in Kansas
Kansas defines this type of coverage as an insurance component that, “pays for the other person’s medical expenses, rehabilitation, funeral costs, and other covered costs if you or your family are at fault in an auto accident. It also pays for settlement of lawsuits and your legal expenses.”
Bodily Injury Liability Insurance in Missouri
Missouri defines this type of coverage as insurance, “which protects you and your family financially if you are sued by someone injured in an accident in which you were involved. It will pay legal and court costs and damages awarded up to the limits written into the policy.” The state caps this type of coverage.
Some Insurance Companies Combine Liability Coverage
Depending on your state and insurance company, multiple types of liability may be covered under one umbrella. The insurance industry refers to this as “combined single-limit” (CSL) coverage. As an example, a policy may include bodily liability and property liability under a single number. So if you suffered physical injuries and vehicular damage, your expenses may be covered by the at-fault party’s CSL coverage.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer from Patterson Legal Group
If you’ve suffered injuries in a car wreck, then contact Patterson Legal Group for immediate assistance. One of the tremendous advantages we offer is that our team has a proven track record of winning favorable settlements for injury victims and extensive experience as trial lawyers. Whether your claim is settled with the insurance company or proceeds to court, you can be assured that you’re getting the highest level of legal service with Patterson Legal Group.
You can reach Patterson Legal Group for a free consultation by phone at (888) 687-2400 and online through our encrypted contact form or connecting with our LiveChat representatives. Our team of accomplished trial lawyers has recovered more than $250-million in settlements for injury victims in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Don’t forget that we work under a “no win, no fee” promise, so you will not pay a cent unless a settlement has been recovered on your behalf.
