Bodily injury liability (BIL) coverage is a type of auto insurance that helps motorists pay for the medical expenses and lost wages of people injured in an accident that they cause. It can also help pay for the driver’s legal fees if they are sued for damages.
BIL insurance is required in most states – unfortunately, Florida is not one of them. The minimum coverage limits vary from state to state, but they are typically $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. One may purchase more coverage than the minimum, but it is important to make sure that, as a driver, you have enough coverage to protect yourself financially in the event of an accident.
What’s covered?
Bodily injury liability insurance covers a wide range of expenses, including:
- Medical expenses, such as hospital bills, doctor’s visits, and prescription drugs
- Lost wages, if the injured person is unable to work
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent injuries, such as disfigurement or disability
- Death, if the injured person dies
Bodily injury liability insurance does not cover all expenses related to an accident. For example, it does not cover:
- Your own medical expenses
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering from emotional distress
- Punitive damages
As a legal professional and personal injury attorney, I have seen firsthand the importance of bodily injury liability insurance. In many cases, this type of insurance can make the difference between financial ruin and financial security for accident victims.
What to Do if You are in an Accident with Someone without Coverage
If you are in an accident with someone who does not carry bodily injury liability insurance, you may be able to file a claim with your own uninsured motorist coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of insurance that helps pay for your medical expenses and lost wages if you are injured in an accident by an uninsured driver.
Filing a Claim
To file a claim with your uninsured motorist coverage, you will need to contact your insurance company and provide them with the following information:
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- The names and contact information of the other driver(s) involved in the accident
- The police report number, if one was filed
- Your medical records, if you have any
- Any other documentation that supports your claim
Your insurance company will then investigate the claim and determine whether or not you are covered. If you are covered, they will pay for your medical expenses and lost wages up to the limits of your policy.
If you do not have uninsured motorist coverage, you may be able to sue the other driver for damages. However, this can be a difficult and time-consuming process. If you are considering suing the other driver, consult an attorney.
Tips for Dealing with an Uninsured Driver
Here are some tips for dealing with an accident with an uninsured driver:
- Get the other driver’s information, including their name, address, phone number, and driver’s license number.
- Take pictures of the damage to your car and the scene of the accident.
- Call the police and file a report.
- See a doctor if you are injured.
- Contact your insurance company and file a claim.
- If you do not have uninsured motorist coverage, you may want to consider hiring an attorney.
By following these tips, you can protect yourself financially and legally if you are in an accident with an uninsured driver.
Why Bodily Injury Liability Coverage is Important
If you do not have bodily injury liability insurance, I urge you to consider adding it to your current policy. It is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you are financially protected in the event of an accident.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about bodily injury liability insurance:
- You can purchase bodily injury liability insurance as part of your car insurance policy.
- The cost of bodily injury liability insurance varies depending on several factors, including your age, driving record, and the type of car you drive.
- You can increase or decrease your bodily injury liability coverage limits as needed.
- It is important to read your car insurance policy carefully to understand what is covered and what is not.
There is a wealth of information about Florida insurance requirements, should you wish to learn more on the topic. In the meantime, if you or someone you know is an accident victim with a motorist who does not carry BIL insurance, please do not hesitate to contact me or my team, and we can immediately help you understand your options.
