HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY
IF YOU ARE INJURED ON DUTY BY AN AUTOMOBILE
As a police officer, when you are injured on duty in an automobile accident, even in the cruiser or struck by an automobile as a pedestrian while directing traffic, you will receive your base pay and some of your medical expenses will be paid, but you could still lose earnings for overtime and detail not worked. Did you know that there is a way to protect yourself from losing those earnings - and to receive additional compensation for your disability, and pain and suffering?
To be protected and receive this additional money you need
to have the right motor vehicle insurance on your personal vehicles.
3 Simple Steps To Make Sure You And Your Family Are Protected
Step 1: Find your auto insurance policy’s “Coverage Selections Page”
(also called a “Declarations Page”).
If you can’t locate it, ask your insurance agent to fax you a copy.
Step 2: Check the Coverages and Limits.
You need to have these 4 coverage parts and the right limits for each part:
Part 3 - Bodily Injury Caused By An Uninsured Auto
Part 5 - Optional Bodily Injury To Others
Part 12 - Bodily Injury Caused By An Underinsured Auto
Part 6 - Medical Payments
Here are the (4) parts that you need and why:
(1) Part 3 - Bodily Injury Caused By An Uninsured Auto
Commonly called "Uninsured Coverage," this insurance allows you to recover lost overtime and detail pay - even if you collect Injured On-Duty (IOD) pay - and get additional money for disability, and pain and suffering when you are injured by a stolen vehicle, a vehicle without insurance, or in an "hit and run."
Recommended coverage limits: $250,000/500,000 or $100,000/300,000.
(2) Part 5 - Optional Bodily Injury To Others
This coverage limit has to match the limits for Part 3 (Uninsured) and Part 12 (Underinsured).
Recommended coverage limits: $250,000/500,000 or $100,000/300,000.
(3) Part 12 - Bodily Injury Caused By An Underinsured Auto
Referred to as "Underinsured Coverage," this part allows you to recover lost overtime and detail pay -again, even if you collect Injured On-Duty (IOD) pay - and get additional money for disability, and pain and suffering when the vehicle that caused the collision does not have enough insurance to pay you for all your damages.
Recommended coverage limits: $250,000/$500,000 or $100,000/300,000.
NOTE: You must have more than the minimum limits of $20,000/40,000 (per person/per accident) for Parts 3, 5, and 12.
(4) Part 6 - Medical Payments
Even if you have health insurance, this inexpensive coverage provides you with money to repay liens and may make other money available for lost wages before a case is completed. If you have a motorcycle then you especially need this part. By paying certain liens and medical expenses through this coverage you may also receive additional money for lost earnings before a case is resolved.
Recommended coverage limits: $10,000 or 25,000.
Step 3: Buy the right Limits for each Coverage of insurance.
When you are injured having the right Coverage and Limits would mean many thousands of additional dollars to you and your family. The process is simple and can be done in one telephone call at any time; you do not need to wait until the end of the year to renew your policy. Buying the right insurance to protect you and your family will likely add about $400 to $500 per vehicle to your premium depending on the age and model of your vehicle and other factors - but it is important insurance to have. An agent can give you an exact quote.
As one of our police clients said:
“Scott’s advice about my auto insurance helped me avoid going in debt from lost overtime and lost detail pay, and medical bills. And while the pain and injury I suffered from the on-duty auto accident were tremendous, Scott helped me get fully compensated.”
Don't wait until you are injured on duty in a car accident to find out whether you are protected. For a free consultation please call me at 617-227-1888 or email me directly at scott@goldberglawfirm.net.
