What Is Bodily Injury Liability?

By Doug Standriff on July 15, 2025

Bodily injury liability is a key part of car insurance that helps cover medical expenses for others if you cause an accident. Many drivers are unsure about “What’s bodily injury?” and how it applies to their coverage.

This blog will explain how bodily injury liability works, what it covers, and why having the right protection is important for avoiding financial strain after an accident.

How Does Bodily Injury Liability Work?

Bodily injury liability insurance helps cover expenses resulting from injuries that another person suffers in an accident you caused.

If you are at fault, the insurance typically pays for the other driver’s medical bills, lost wages, and related costs. It does not cover your own medical bills or damage to your vehicle. This coverage is only for the other party involved in the accident.

The insurance can also help pay legal fees if you are sued for causing bodily harm. In some cases, it may cover funeral expenses if the accident leads to a fatality.

What’s Bodily Injury Liability Coverage Include?

Bodily injury liability is intended to cover a range of costs that the other party may incur. Some of the primary expenses covered by bodily injury liability include:

Medical Bills: This includes the cost of medical treatments, surgeries, doctor’s visits, medications, and physical therapy for the injured person.
Lost Wages: If the accident results in the other party missing work, bodily injury liability can help cover lost wages while they recover.
Pain and Suffering: While hard to quantify, this compensation is meant to address the physical and emotional pain caused by the injury.
Funeral Expenses: In cases where the accident results in death, this coverage can help with funeral and burial costs.
Legal Fees: If you are sued for the injuries caused, bodily injury liability insurance can cover your attorney’s fees and court costs.

What Does Bodily Injury Liability Not Cover?

While bodily injury liability provides critical financial protection, it does have its limitations. It does not cover:

Your Own Medical Expenses: If you are injured in the accident, your medical expenses are not covered by bodily injury liability. You would need personal injury protection (PIP) or health insurance to cover those costs.
Damage to Your Vehicle: Bodily injury liability will not pay for repairs to your car or property damage. For that, you will need property damage liability coverage.
Your Passengers: Bodily injury liability does not cover injuries to passengers in your vehicle. If you are at fault, passengers in your car may need to file claims with your insurance or their own.

How Much Bodily Injury Liability Insurance Do You Need?

Bodily injury liability insurance requirements vary by state, with each setting its own minimum coverage limits. These limits are typically expressed as three numbers, representing coverage per person, per accident, and for property damage.

For example, a state may require $25,000 in coverage per injured person, $50,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. While these minimums meet legal requirements, they may not fully protect you in the event of a serious accident.

Medical bills and other damages can quickly exceed the minimum coverage and leave you responsible for paying the difference out of pocket. Many insurance experts recommend purchasing higher coverage limits. Doing so offers stronger financial protection and greater peace of mind, which will help you handle the potential costs of an accident more effectively.

Is Bodily Injury Liability Insurance Required?

While almost all states require some form of bodily injury liability insurance, the specifics vary. Some states require higher coverage amounts, while others allow lower limits or offer alternatives. For example:

Florida does not require bodily injury liability coverage for most drivers, but it is mandatory after a DUI conviction.
New Jersey offers basic policies that may not include bodily injury coverage, though it is recommended for full protection.
New Hampshire does not require car insurance but mandates coverage if you choose to buy insurance.

Get the Legal Support You Deserve After an Accident

If you have been involved in an accident and are dealing with bodily injury liability claims, Bergen Law can help. Our experienced team, led by Certified Civil Trial Attorney Douglas Standriff, specializes in personal injury cases and civil litigation.

For assistance with bodily injury claims, Bergen County’s top-rated slip and fall lawyers are available to support your case. Additionally, our NJ civil litigation experts are here to handle all aspects of your claim.

For workplace-related accidents, reach out to our professional workplace injury lawyer in Bergen County to secure the best possible outcome for your case.