What Is the Difference Between Bodily Injury and Personal Injury?

You may wonder what happens next if you’ve been involved in an accident. In such a situation, it’s crucial to distinguish between involvement and liability. Additionally, you’ll need to determine whether you have incurred a bodily injury or personal injury since this can affect the outcome of your case.

Use this guide to learn more about the difference between bodily injury and personal injury, how this distinction affects insurance and compensation options, and more. You may also wish to consult a qualified Ft. Lauderdale personal injury lawyer to determine whether you have an individual injury case.

What Is Bodily Injury?

Enduring an accident can be a highly taxing experience, but understanding the essential legal terms can help facilitate the process.

You may hear one of two terms when navigating your case: bodily injury and personal injury.

Bodily injury liability insurance is a type of coverage that can help pay for any medical bills for an individual who sustained injury in an accident.

You may be required to carry bodily injury liability insurance coverage to compensate for damages and bills if you were at fault.

What Is Personal Injury?

Personal injury is a term that refers to specific types of civil legal claims and action against the responsible party.

Florida law defines personal injury as an injury incurred as a result of the action or inaction of another person. Such injuries may include bodily injuries, physical or emotional damages, and pain.

You may be eligible to file a personal injury claim for lost wages, injuries, pain and suffering as a result of negligence. The individual who caused the injury is responsible for your compensation for any loss sustained due to your injury.

Insurance Considerations

It’s also essential to distinguish between personal injury protection and bodily injury liability coverage.

Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance policy includes coverage for injury-related expenses, loss of current or future income, and funerary costs.

Bodily injury liability coverage typically covers physical injuries you receive in an accident, particularly one you may have caused.

How To Determine Compensation for Bodily and Personal Injury Cases

If you suspect you’ve been the victim of a bodily or personal injury, you may wish to speak with a local attorney who can provide the legal support.

Victims of injuries—whether bodily or personal—are often eligible for compensation. In both cases, you can receive compensation to cover the following:

• Medical bills
• Future medical care
• Wages and future wages
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Psychological harm

Under Florida’s statute of limitations, you have up to four years from your accident to file a lawsuit in civil court. However, your deadline may be even shorter if you are attempting to file a claim against a governmental organization.

Once you’ve filed your claim, the state of Florida will determine if you are to blame for the accident. They will do so by deciding “pure comparative negligence,” which means that the percentage of your role in the incident determines the amount you receive. Once your case is closed, you will receive your compensation.

How To Resolve a Bodily vs. Personal Injury Case

You should take several essential steps in the aftermath of an accident.

First, you should consult a doctor if you’ve been hurt. Remember to document all medical visits and bills to have evidence later on.

You can also gather other types of evidence. This can include:

• Photographs of the scene
• Testimonials
• Written accounts
• Bills
• Police reports

You’ll have to file your claim within a certain period. Remember to document everything, no matter your route; a paper trail is the best defense.

Final Thoughts

While you can file for injury by yourself, you may wish to consider enlisting the help of a legal professional. There are many important deadlines and specific laws you’ll need to understand throughout the process and a personal injury attorney can help.