A serious crash can leave you facing surgery, months away from work and growing medical bills. You may then learn that the at-fault driver has limited bodily injury coverage. Since July 1, 2025, most new or renewed Massachusetts policies must provide at least $25,000 per injured person and $50,000 per crash.
That amount can fall short after a spinal cord injury, brain injury or lasting disability. However, the other policy is not always the only source of payment.
Other insurance that could help
Your auto policy could offer more protection. If you bought underinsured motorist coverage, it could help when your coverage is higher than the other motorist’s. The state usually subtracts the other policy amount from yours. If your UIM limit is $50,000 and the other policy provides $25,000, your policy could add up to $25,000.
Massachusetts personal injury protection, or PIP, generally pays the first $2,000 in medical expenses. After that, bills usually go to your health insurer. PIP may then cover eligible copays, deductibles and services your health plan does not cover, up to the $8,000 limit.
A review of the crash may also identify another responsible party, such as:
- Another motorist who helped cause the crash
- An employer whose employee caused the crash while working
- A company that failed to maintain the vehicle involved
The facts of the crash will determine whether anyone besides the other motorist shares responsibility.
When the driver’s personal assets may matter
If available coverage remains inadequate, the driver’s assets that Massachusetts law allows creditors to pursue may become relevant. However, filing a lawsuit or obtaining a judgment does not guarantee collection. Massachusetts protects certain wages, benefits and property, and collection efforts may require additional proceedings. The amount awarded by a court may therefore differ from what you can actually collect.
Why you should review every source of compensation
Before accepting a policy-limit offer, consider the full extent of your injuries and every policy or responsible party that may apply. Reviewing insurance documents, crash evidence and employment records may preserve options for seeking compensation. Experienced legal guidance can help you determine which sources may be available in your case.