tification to the PIP insurer, as well as a completed, signed and submitted PIP application or forms to the PIP insurer.30 PIP payments must be made within 30 days of an insurer receiving satisfactory proof of the claim.31
If PIP payments are
not timely made, simple interest accrues on the unpaid benefits at a rate of 1.5 percent per month.
* * * * * * * * * *
PAETEC proudly supports the Maryland Trial Lawyers Association
PAETEC proudly supports the Maryland Trial Lawyers Association
PIP is an important part of Mary- land insurance coverage. In addition
30
Some insurers do not require specific forms, merely written notice of the claim. 31 Maryland Insurance Article §19-508(a)(1).
PAETEC proudly supports the Maryland Trial Lawyers Association
PAETEC proudly supports the Maryland Trial Lawyers Association
PAETEC proudly supports the Maryland Trial Lawyers Association
PAETEC proudly supports the Maryland Trial Lawyers Association
PAETEC provides personalized communications solutions for business customers across the U.S. by offering a comprehensive suite of data, voice and IP services, as well as enterprise communications management software, network security solutions, CPE, and managed services.
PAETEC provides personalized communications solutions for business customers across the U.S. by offering a comprehensive suite of data, voice and IP services, as well as enterprise communications management software, network security solutions, CPE, and managed services.
For more information, call PAETEC today at 443.573.6992.
For more information, call PAETEC today at 443.573.6992.
to providing minimal protections, PIP also helps settle automobile-negligence cases. PIP alleviates some of the finan- cial burdens on persons injured in car or pedestrian accidents. People injured in car accidents that do not have health insurance do not need to worry as much about hospitals or other medical provid- ers turning bills over to collections and having their credit affected. Rather than waiting for the settlement and/or judg- ment proceeds to arrive – which can take up to two or more years – PIP can pay hospital bills and other medical provid- ers months and possibly years before the insured receives a bodily injury re- covery. One of the “fundamental aims” is the speedy provision of PIP benefits
without the lengthy delays entailed by tort litigation. Such prompt payment is a basic purpose of no-fault insurance generally.”32
PIP also pays 85 percent of
an injured person’s lost wages. When the financial pressure of losing a paycheck is eased, an injured person can treat until they are healed. With more of their medical bills/lost wages paid promptly, clients have less pressure to accept a low settlement offer, and can insist on fair compensation for their claim. PIP benefits are important and should
be enforced. The recently enacted First Party Good Faith statute can assist you in recovering attorney fees and costs of litigation when bringing suit to collect wrongfully denied PIP benefits. Attorneys representing people injured
in a car accident are responsible for advising the client of their rights to PIP recovery. Failing to make a timely claim for PIP benefits could leave an attorney financially responsible to the client, and may be a breached of his/her ethical duty to diligently represent a client. n
About the Author
PAETEC provides personalized communications solutions for business customers across the U.S. by offering a comprehensive suite of data, voice and IP services, as well as enterprise communications management software, network security solutions, CPE, and managed services.
PAETEC provides personalized communications solutions for business customers across the U.S. by offering a comprehensive suite of data, voice and IP services, as well as enterprise communications management software, network security solutions, CPE, and managed services.
PAETEC provides personalized communications solutions for business customers across the U.S. by offering a comprehensive suite of data, voice and IP services, as well as enterprise communications management software, network security solutions, CPE, and managed services.
PAETEC provides personalized communications solutions for business customers across the U.S. by offering a comprehensive suite of data, voice and IP services, as well as enterprise communications management software, network security solutions, CPE, and managed services.
For more information, call PAETEC today at 443.573.6992.
For more information, call PAETEC today at 443.573.6992.
For more information, call PAETEC today at 443.573.6992.
For more information, call PAETEC today at 443.573.6992.
Sharon Lewis Tompkins graduated from American University in Wash- ington, DC and from the University of Missouri School of Law. Ms. Tompkins is a member of the Board of Governors of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Ms. Tompkins has served as the 2001, 2002, and 2007 Regional Coordinator of the American Trial Lawyers Association Student Trial Advocacy Competition in Washington, D.C. Ms. Tompkins has presented PIP/Medpay Insurance at the 2005 Trial Lawyer’s Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Seminar and the 2006 Maryland Trial Lawyer’s Association Seminar. Ms. Tompkins practices in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Missouri.
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www.paetec.com www.paetec.com
44 Trial Reporter
Insurance Commissioner v. Property & Casualty Insurance Guaranty Corpora- tion, 313 Md. 518, 532, 546 A.2d 458, 465 (1988).
Summer 2008
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