If you have been in an accident, you will have likely heard the phrases "bodily injury" and "personal injury" being used. They sound the same, but actually they are not. Understanding the difference will make you understand what kind of claim to claim and what to claim for. Here is a simple, easy-to-understand guide from a personal injury attorney in Anaheim, explaining the differences.
What Is Bodily Injury?
Bodily injury means only injury to your body. It is a term generally applied in auto insurance policies and lawsuits for auto accidents.
If you notice "bodily injury liability" on your auto insurance policy, it is your insurance that will pay for the injuries you cause to other people if you are involved in an accident. It pays for things like medical bills, doctor visits, surgery, rehabilitation, and lost wages at times.
For example, if you cause a rear-end collision of someone else's car and the other driver has a broken arm, your bodily injury coverage will cover their medical expenses.
What is Personal Injury?
Personal injury is a much broader phrase in legal terminology. It includes bodily injury but also other types of injury that you can suffer as a result of another person's negligence or wrongful action.
Personal injury claims range from physical injury, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and even reputational harm in certain instances. Slip and falls, work accidents, dog bites, medical negligence, and product liability are all encompassed under personal injury law.
A personal injury attorney in Anaheim explains that in a personal injury case, you typically want money (called damages) for medical expenses, lost time, pain and suffering, and sometimes punitive damages to punish the offender.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Bodily Injury = Just physical injury; most often utilized with automobile policies.
- Personal Injury = Broader legal definition; includes physical, emotional, and psychological harm.
- Bodily Injury Claims = Typically filed against a motor vehicle insurance company after a collision.
- Personal Injury Claims = Typically handled by a personal injury attorney in a case or settlement contract.
Why It Matters
Knowing the difference between the two terms can help you take the right action after an accident. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident and are seeking damages from the insurer of the fault driver, you are making a bodily injury claim.
If you're injured because of unsafe working conditions in a company, a faulty product, or medical malpractice, you're filing a personal injury suit. In all such situations, having a personal injury attorney can actually strengthen your case so that you can get the maximum compensation.
Final Words
Both bodily injury and personal injury claims are intended to assist victims in recovering, but they take distinct legal routes. If you are unsure what type of claim fits your situation, it is always best to speak with a competent personal injury attorney in Anaheim who can walk you through the process and safeguard your rights. The most important aspect is punctuality. There are deadlines for making the claim and, if these are missed, the right to claim compensation is lost.