Caliber LegalIntake Reference

State PI Intake — Insurance, Negligence & SOL Quick Reference

For internal use during plaintiff intake calls · Verified against legislative sources as of May 2026 · Not legal advice

📖New to PI intake or unfamiliar with the terminology below? Jump to the Intake Glossary — a plain-language guide to everything in this reference.
⌕
51 jurisdictions
Filter:
LegendRed flag — verify carefully at intakeCaution — process considerationNo-fault statePlaintiff-friendly (pure comparative)
AlabamaAL
At-fault (tort)
At-fault
PI SOL2 yearsAla. Code § 6-2-38
NegligencePure contributory (1% bars)
PIPNot required
Min BI25/50/25
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMOptional
⚠ Red flags / intake notes
  • CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE STATE — even 1% claimant fault completely bars recovery
  • Vet liability hard. Disputed-fault cases are very difficult to place.
Notes
  • One of only 4 states (+ DC) still using pure contributory negligence.
AlaskaAK
At-fault (tort)
At-fault
PI SOL2 yearsAlaska Stat. § 09.10.070
NegligencePure comparative
PIPNot required
Min BI50/100/25
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMOptional (mandatory offer)
Notes
  • Among highest minimum BI limits in the country.
ArizonaAZ
At-fault (tort)
At-fault
PI SOL2 yearsA.R.S. § 12-542
NegligencePure comparative
PIPNot required
Min BI25/50/15
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMOptional (mandatory offer)
Notes
  • No comparative negligence benefit if claimant's conduct was intentional, willful, or wanton (A.R.S. § 12-2505).
ArkansasAR
At-fault (tort, with optional PIP)
At-fault
PI SOL3 yearsArk. Code § 16-56-105
NegligenceModified comparative (50% bar)
PIPOptional (insurers must offer)
Min BI25/50/25
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMOptional (mandatory offer)
Notes
  • 50% bar means claimant cannot recover if their fault is 50% or more.
CaliforniaCA
At-fault (tort)
At-fault
PI SOL2 yearsCal. Civ. Proc. Code § 335.1
NegligencePure comparative
PIPNot available
Min BI30/60/15
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMOptional (mandatory offer, 30/60 min)
⚠ Red flags / intake notes
  • Government claims need pre-suit notice within 6 months (Gov. Code § 911.2)
Notes
  • Min liability raised from 15/30/5 to 30/60/15 effective Jan 1, 2025 (first increase since 1967).
  • Pure comparative — can recover even at 99% fault, reduced proportionally.
ColoradoCO
At-fault (tort)
At-fault
PI SOL3 years for MVAColo. Rev. Stat. § 13-80-101(1)(n)
NegligenceModified comparative (50% bar)
PIPNot available
Min BI25/50/15
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMOptional (mandatory offer)
Notes
  • MVA claims get 3 years (§ 13-80-101(1)(n)); general PI is 2 years.
  • Colorado abolished no-fault in 2003.
ConnecticutCT
At-fault (tort)
At-fault
PI SOL2 yearsConn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584
NegligenceModified comparative (51% bar)
PIPNot available
Min BI25/50/25
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMRequired (matches BI limits)
⚠ Red flags / intake notes
  • 3-year repose from act/omission, regardless of discovery.
Notes
  • Connecticut repealed its no-fault system in 1994.
DelawareDE
At-fault (tort, mandatory PIP)
At-fault
PI SOL2 years10 Del. Code § 8119
NegligenceModified comparative (51% bar)
PIPRequired ($15K/$30K)
Min BI25/50/10
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMOptional (mandatory offer)
Notes
  • Delaware requires PIP but is NOT a no-fault state — no tort threshold. Claimants can sue at-fault driver without restriction.
District of ColumbiaDC
Choice no-fault / tort hybrid
Choice
PI SOL3 yearsD.C. Code § 12-301(a)(8)
NegligencePure contributory (1% bars; exception for vulnerable road users)
PIPOptional PIP
Min BI25/50/10
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMRequired
Notice deadline
60-day no-fault election
⚠ Red flags / intake notes
  • CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE — vehicle-occupant claimants barred by any fault.
  • EXCEPTION (2016 amendment, expanded 2025): Pedestrians, cyclists, scooter/PMD users get modified comparative (51% bar).
  • Claimants electing PIP have 60 days to switch back to tort recovery.
Notes
  • Government claims: short notice periods apply.
FloridaFL
No-fault (PIP)
No-fault
PI SOL2 years (was 4 yrs pre-3/24/2023)Fla. Stat. § 95.11(5)(a)
NegligenceModified comparative (>50% bars; pre-3/24/2023 was pure)
PIPRequired $10KEMC required for full $10K; capped at $2,500 without EMC
Min BINOT REQUIRED
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMOptional (mandatory offer)
Treatment deadline
14 days — HARD FORFEITURE
Tort threshold
  • Serious injury threshold to step outside no-fault for non-economic damagesFla. Stat. § 627.737(2)
⚠ Red flags / intake notes
  • 14-DAY TREATMENT RULE — if claimant didn't seek qualifying treatment within 14 days of crash, PIP is FORFEITED. Hard rule, no exceptions. Confirm at intake.
  • SOL only 2 years (post-3/24/2023). Aggressive disqualifier if >18 months from incident.
  • No mandatory BI coverage — minimum is PIP $10K + PDL $10K only. At-fault driver may have NO BI coverage.
Notes
  • EMC (Emergency Medical Condition) determination by MD/DO/dentist/PA/APRN required for full $10K PIP. Without EMC, capped at $2,500.
  • Chiropractors can provide initial 14-day treatment but cannot diagnose EMC.
  • HB 837 (3/24/2023): also moved FL from pure to modified comparative negligence (med-mal still pure).
  • Tort threshold (§ 627.737(2)) requires significant/permanent injury, scarring, disfigurement, or death to sue for pain & suffering.
  • PIP repeal proposals (SB 522, HB 1181) introduced 2025-2026 sessions but DIED in committee. PIP still in effect as of May 2026.
GeorgiaGA
At-fault (tort)
At-fault
PI SOL2 yearsGa. Code § 9-3-33
NegligenceModified comparative (50% bar)
PIPNot available
Min BI25/50/25
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMOptional (mandatory offer)
Notes
  • 50% bar — claimant 50%+ at fault recovers nothing.
HawaiiHI
No-fault (PIP)
No-fault
PI SOL2 yearsHaw. Rev. Stat. § 657-7
NegligenceModified comparative (51% bar)
PIPRequired $10K minimum
Min BI20/40/10
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMOptional (mandatory offer)
Tort threshold
  • Monetary threshold ($5,000) OR injury threshold (death, significant permanent loss, disfigurement)Haw. Rev. Stat. § 431:10C-306
⚠ Red flags / intake notes
  • Must meet $5K medical threshold OR significant permanent injury to step outside no-fault for pain & suffering.
Notes
  • Lowest PIP minimum among required-PIP states; tort threshold uses dollar amount.
IdahoID
At-fault (tort)
At-fault
PI SOL2 yearsIdaho Code § 5-219(4)
NegligenceModified comparative (50% bar)
PIPNot available
Min BI25/50/15
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMOptional
IllinoisIL
At-fault (tort)
At-fault
PI SOL2 years735 ILCS 5/13-202
NegligenceModified comparative (51% bar)
PIPNot available
Min BI25/50/20
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMRequired
IndianaIN
At-fault (tort)
At-fault
PI SOL2 yearsInd. Code § 34-11-2-4
NegligenceModified comparative (51% bar)
PIPNot available
Min BI25/50/25
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMOptional (mandatory offer)
IowaIA
At-fault (tort)
At-fault
PI SOL2 yearsIowa Code § 614.1(2)
NegligenceModified comparative (51% bar)
PIPNot available
Min BI20/40/15
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMOptional (mandatory offer)
KansasKS
No-fault (PIP)
No-fault
PI SOL2 yearsKan. Stat. Ann. § 60-513(a)(4)
NegligenceModified comparative (50% bar)
PIPRequired ($4,500 med + wage/svc benefits)
Min BI25/50/25
MedPayN/A (PIP)
UM/UIMRequired
Tort threshold
  • Tort threshold: $2,000 in medical expenses OR permanent injury/disfigurement/fractureK.S.A. § 40-3117
Notes
  • Comparatively low monetary tort threshold ($2K) makes stepping outside no-fault relatively easy.
KentuckyKY
Choice no-fault (drivers can opt out via written rejection)
Choice
PI SOL2 years for MVA (1 yr default; MVRA extends to 2)Ky. Rev. Stat. § 304.39-230(6) / § 413.140
NegligencePure comparative
PIPRequired $10K unless rejected in writing
Min BI25/50/25
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMOptional (mandatory offer)
Tort threshold
  • Tort threshold: $1,000 medical OR fracture/permanent injury/permanent disfigurement/deathK.R.S. § 304.39-060
⚠ Red flags / intake notes
  • SOL is ONLY 1 YEAR for non-MVA personal injury. MVA gets 2 years under Motor Vehicle Reparations Act.
Notes
  • One of three choice no-fault states (with NJ and PA).
  • Drivers can reject PIP via written form, opting into pure tort system.
  • Wrongful death is 1 year from PR appointment.
LouisianaLA
At-fault (tort)
At-fault
PI SOL2 years (was 1 yr pre-7/1/2024)La. Civ. Code art. 3493.11
NegligencePure comparative
PIPNot required (MedPay optional)
Min BI15/30/25
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMOptional (mandatory offer)
⚠ Red flags / intake notes
  • Pre-7/1/2024 incidents still use 1-year prescription (former art. 3492). Verify date of loss carefully.
Notes
  • Act 423 (2024) doubled prescription period from 1 year to 2 years for incidents on/after 7/1/2024.
  • Louisiana uses 'prescription' (civil law) not statute of limitations.
MaineME
At-fault (tort)
At-fault
PI SOL6 yearsMe. Rev. Stat. tit. 14 § 752
NegligenceModified comparative (50% bar)
PIPNot available
Min BI50/100/25
MedPayRequired ($2,000)
UM/UIMRequired
Notes
  • LONGEST PI SOL in the US (6 years) — tied with North Dakota.
  • One of only two states requiring MedPay (Maine $2K, Wisconsin).
MarylandMD
At-fault (tort, optional PIP)
At-fault
PI SOL3 yearsMd. Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101
NegligencePure contributory (1% bars; exception for vulnerable road users)
PIPOptional (insurers must offer $2,500)
Min BI30/60/15
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMRequired
⚠ Red flags / intake notes
  • CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE STATE — 1% claimant fault bars recovery for vehicle occupants.
  • EXCEPTION (2025 amendment): Vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists, scooter users) get modified comparative (51% bar).
Notes
  • One of only 5 contributory negligence jurisdictions (with AL, NC, VA, DC).
MassachusettsMA
No-fault (PIP)
No-fault
PI SOL3 yearsMass. Gen. Laws ch. 260 § 2A
NegligenceModified comparative (51% bar)
PIPRequired $8,000
Min BI25/50/30
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMRequired
Tort threshold
  • Tort threshold: $2,000 in medical expenses OR death/serious disfigurement/fracture/loss of body part/loss of sight or hearingM.G.L. ch. 231 § 6D
Notes
  • Min liability raised from 20/40/5 to 25/50/30 effective July 1, 2025 (first increase since 1988). PIP unchanged at $8K.
  • Lower tort threshold ($2K medical) than most no-fault states.
MichiganMI
No-fault (PIP) — tiered choice system
No-fault
PI SOL3 years for BI tort claimMich. Comp. Laws § 600.5805
NegligenceModified comparative (51% bar)
PIPRequired, tier choice: $50K (Medicaid), $250K, $500K, Unlimited, or opt-out w/ QHC
Min BI50/100/10
MedPayN/A (PIP)
UM/UIMRequired (matches BI)
Notice deadline
1-year PIP claim filing deadline (strict)
Tort threshold
  • Serious impairment of body function, permanent serious disfigurement, or deathMCL 500.3135
⚠ Red flags / intake notes
  • PIP TIER MATTERS — claimant's selected tier caps first-party medical recovery. $50K tier with TBI = catastrophic gap.
  • 1-YEAR PIP CLAIM RULE — PIP claims must be filed within 1 year of accident or expenses, whichever later (strict).
  • Serious impairment threshold heavily litigated; objective medical proof required.
Notes
  • 2019 reform replaced mandatory unlimited PIP with tier system.
  • Mini-tort: claimant can recover up to $3K for vehicle damage from at-fault driver.
  • Pre-6/11/2019 policies retain unlimited PIP (Andary v. USAA, 2023).
  • Min BI raised from 20/40/10 to 50/100/10 as part of 2019 reform.
MinnesotaMN
No-fault (PIP)
No-fault
PI SOL6 years (negligence); 2 yrs intentional tortsMinn. Stat. § 541.05
NegligenceModified comparative (51% bar)
PIPRequired $40K ($20K medical + $20K wage/other)
Min BI30/60/10
MedPayN/A (PIP)
UM/UIMRequired
Tort threshold
  • Tort threshold: $4,000 medical, 60+ days disability, permanent injury/disfigurement, or deathMinn. Stat. § 65B.51
Notes
  • 6-year SOL is among the longest for negligence claims.
  • $4K medical threshold to step outside no-fault.
MississippiMS
At-fault (tort)
At-fault
PI SOL3 yearsMiss. Code § 15-1-49
NegligencePure comparative
PIPNot available
Min BI25/50/25
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMOptional (mandatory offer)
MissouriMO
At-fault (tort)
At-fault
PI SOL5 yearsMo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120
NegligencePure comparative
PIPNot available
Min BI25/50/25
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMRequired
Notes
  • 5-year SOL is among the longest for general PI claims.
MontanaMT
At-fault (tort)
At-fault
PI SOL3 yearsMont. Code § 27-2-204
NegligenceModified comparative (51% bar)
PIPNot available
Min BI25/50/20
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMOptional
NebraskaNE
At-fault (tort)
At-fault
PI SOL4 yearsNeb. Rev. Stat. § 25-207
NegligenceModified comparative (50% bar)
PIPNot available
Min BI25/50/25
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMRequired
Notes
  • 4-year SOL is among the more generous.
NevadaNV
At-fault (tort)
At-fault
PI SOL2 yearsNev. Rev. Stat. § 11.190(4)(e)
NegligenceModified comparative (51% bar)
PIPNot required (MedPay optional)
Min BI25/50/20
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMOptional (mandatory offer)
New HampshireNH
At-fault (tort) — insurance OPTIONAL
At-fault
PI SOL3 yearsN.H. Rev. Stat. § 508:4
NegligenceModified comparative (51% bar)
PIPNot available; MedPay required IF buying policy
Min BI25/50/25 (if buying policy)
MedPayRequired ($1,000 if buying policy)
UM/UIMRequired (if buying policy)
⚠ Red flags / intake notes
  • ONLY state where auto insurance is not mandatory. At-fault driver may be uninsured.
  • Drivers can prove financial responsibility via bond or cash deposit instead.
Notes
  • UM/UIM is critically important here given many drivers carry no insurance.
New JerseyNJ
Choice no-fault (limitation on lawsuit vs. unlimited right to sue)
Choice
PI SOL2 yearsN.J. Stat. § 2A:14-2
NegligenceModified comparative (51% bar)
PIPRequired $15K minimum (Basic Policy) or $250K (Standard)
Min BI35/70/25 (eff. 1/1/2026; Standard Policy)
MedPayN/A (PIP)
UM/UIMRequired (matches BI)
Tort threshold
  • Verbal/serious injury threshold (if 'Limitation on Lawsuit' option selected)N.J. Stat. § 39:6A-8
⚠ Red flags / intake notes
  • CHECK TORT OPTION — 'Limitation on Lawsuit' (default; cheaper) requires serious injury threshold for pain & suffering. 'No Limitation on Lawsuit' (more expensive) preserves unlimited right to sue.
  • Basic Policy has very low limits ($15K PIP, $5K PDL, NO BI). At-fault Basic Policy holders may have no BI coverage.
Notes
  • Min BI raised from 25/50/25 to 35/70/25 effective Jan 1, 2026 (final step of 2023 phased increase).
  • Serious injury = death, dismemberment, significant disfigurement, displaced fracture, loss of fetus, permanent injury, or significant scarring.
  • Lowest effective minimum coverage in the US under Basic Policy.
New MexicoNM
At-fault (tort)
At-fault
PI SOL3 yearsN.M. Stat. § 37-1-8
NegligencePure comparative
PIPNot available
Min BI25/50/10
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMOptional (mandatory offer)
New YorkNY
No-fault (PIP)
No-fault
PI SOL3 yearsCPLR § 214
NegligencePure comparative
PIPRequired $50K (Basic Economic Loss)
Min BI25/50/10
MedPayN/A (PIP)
UM/UIMRequired
Notice deadline
30 days — written no-fault application (NF-2)
Tort threshold
  • Serious injury threshold to sue for pain & sufferingInsurance Law § 5102(d)
⚠ Red flags / intake notes
  • 30-DAY NO-FAULT NOTICE — written application (NF-2) due to insurer within 30 days of accident. Missing it forfeits PIP unless 'clear and reasonable justification' submitted in writing.
  • Medical bills must be submitted within 45 DAYS of treatment.
  • Serious injury threshold (§ 5102(d)) required to sue for pain & suffering — heavily litigated.
  • Municipal defendants: 90-day Notice of Claim under GML § 50-e; suit within 1 yr 90 days.
Notes
  • Serious injury categories: death; dismemberment; significant disfigurement; fracture; loss of fetus; permanent loss/limitation; significant limitation; medically determined non-permanent injury preventing usual activities for 90/180 days.
  • Pure comparative — claimant can recover even at 99% fault.
  • Lost wage claims must be filed within 90 days of disability start.
North CarolinaNC
At-fault (tort)
At-fault
PI SOL3 yearsN.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52(16)
NegligencePure contributory (1% bars recovery)
PIPNot available
Min BI50/100/50
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMRequired
⚠ Red flags / intake notes
  • CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE STATE — even 1% claimant fault completely bars recovery.
  • Disputed-fault cases very hard to place. Vet liability tightly.
Notes
  • Min liability raised to 50/100/50 effective July 1, 2025.
  • Highest property damage minimum in the US ($50K).
  • Last clear chance doctrine may rescue some claims.
North DakotaND
No-fault (PIP)
No-fault
PI SOL6 yearsN.D. Cent. Code § 28-01-16
NegligenceModified comparative (50% bar)
PIPRequired $30K
Min BI25/50/25
MedPayN/A (PIP)
UM/UIMRequired
Tort threshold
  • Tort threshold: $2,500 medical, 60+ days disability, serious/permanent injury, disfigurement, or deathN.D. Cent. Code § 26.1-41-08
Notes
  • 6-year SOL ties with Maine as longest in country.
OhioOH
At-fault (tort)
At-fault
PI SOL2 yearsOhio Rev. Code § 2305.10
NegligenceModified comparative (51% bar)
PIPNot available
Min BI25/50/25
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMOptional (mandatory offer)
OklahomaOK
At-fault (tort)
At-fault
PI SOL2 yearsOkla. Stat. tit. 12 § 95(A)(3)
NegligenceModified comparative (50% bar)
PIPNot available
Min BI25/50/25
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMOptional (mandatory offer)
OregonOR
At-fault (tort, mandatory PIP)
At-fault
PI SOL2 yearsOre. Rev. Stat. § 12.110
NegligenceModified comparative (51% bar)
PIPRequired $15K
Min BI25/50/20
MedPayN/A (PIP)
UM/UIMRequired
Notes
  • Oregon requires PIP but is NOT a no-fault state — no tort threshold.
PennsylvaniaPA
Choice no-fault (Limited Tort vs. Full Tort)
Choice
PI SOL2 years42 Pa.C.S. § 5524
NegligenceModified comparative (51% bar)
PIPRequired $5,000 (medical benefits)
Min BI15/30/5
MedPayN/A (PIP)
UM/UIMOptional (mandatory offer)
Tort threshold
  • Limited Tort: serious injury threshold for pain & suffering (death, serious impairment of body function, or permanent serious disfigurement)75 Pa.C.S. § 1705 / § 1702
⚠ Red flags / intake notes
  • CRITICAL — ASK ABOUT TORT ELECTION on intake. 'Limited Tort' (cheaper) blocks pain & suffering unless serious injury threshold met. 'Full Tort' has no threshold.
  • Lowest minimum BI in the US ($15K/$30K).
Notes
  • Limited tort EXCEPTIONS (auto recovery as if Full Tort): DUI conviction/ARD; out-of-state-registered at-fault vehicle; pedestrian/cyclist; passenger on commercial vehicle/motorcycle; uninsured at-fault driver.
  • Pedestrians and cyclists always get Full Tort treatment regardless of own auto policy election.
  • Children always get Full Tort protection.
Rhode IslandRI
At-fault (tort)
At-fault
PI SOL3 yearsR.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14
NegligencePure comparative
PIPNot available
Min BI25/50/25
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMOptional (mandatory offer)
South CarolinaSC
At-fault (tort)
At-fault
PI SOL3 yearsS.C. Code § 15-3-530
NegligenceModified comparative (51% bar)
PIPNot available
Min BI25/50/25
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMRequired
South DakotaSD
At-fault (tort)
At-fault
PI SOL3 yearsS.D. Codified Laws § 15-2-14
NegligenceSlight/gross negligence (unique)
PIPNot available
Min BI25/50/25
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMRequired
⚠ Red flags / intake notes
  • UNIQUE NEGLIGENCE RULE — claimant recovers only if their negligence was 'slight' compared to defendant's 'gross' negligence. Otherwise barred.
Notes
  • Only state using slight/gross comparative rule.
TennesseeTN
At-fault (tort)
At-fault
PI SOL1 YEAR — shortest in countryTenn. Code § 28-3-104
NegligenceModified comparative (50% bar)
PIPNot available
Min BI25/50/25
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMOptional (mandatory offer)
⚠ Red flags / intake notes
  • SHORTEST PI SOL IN THE US — only 1 year. Aggressively flag any TN claim >9 months from incident.
Notes
  • Tied with Kentucky for shortest SOL; Louisiana extended to 2 yrs in 2024.
TexasTX
At-fault (tort)
At-fault
PI SOL2 yearsTex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003
NegligenceModified comparative (51% bar)
PIPOptional ($2,500 if not rejected in writing)
Min BI30/60/25
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMOptional (mandatory offer)
⚠ Red flags / intake notes
  • Government claims: 6-month notice required under Texas Tort Claims Act.
Notes
  • PIP is automatic on policies unless rejected in writing.
UtahUT
No-fault (PIP)
No-fault
PI SOL4 yearsUtah Code § 78B-2-307
NegligenceModified comparative (50% bar)
PIPRequired $3,000
Min BI30/65/25
MedPayN/A (PIP)
UM/UIMOptional (mandatory offer)
Tort threshold
  • Tort threshold: $3,000 medical OR permanent disability/disfigurement/dismemberment/deathUtah Code § 31A-22-309
Notes
  • Min liability raised to 30/65/25 in 2025.
  • Lowest required PIP ($3K) among no-fault states — also matches tort threshold.
VermontVT
At-fault (tort)
At-fault
PI SOL3 yearsVt. Stat. tit. 12 § 512
NegligenceModified comparative (51% bar)
PIPNot available
Min BI25/50/10
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMRequired
VirginiaVA
At-fault (tort)
At-fault
PI SOL2 yearsVa. Code § 8.01-243
NegligencePure contributory (1% bars recovery)
PIPNot required (MedPay optional)
Min BI50/100/25
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMRequired
⚠ Red flags / intake notes
  • CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE STATE — even 1% claimant fault completely bars recovery.
  • Vet liability tightly. Disputed-fault cases very difficult.
Notes
  • Min BI raised to 50/100/25 effective July 1, 2025.
  • Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) fee option ended July 1, 2024 — all VA drivers now must carry insurance.
  • Last clear chance doctrine may rescue some claims.
WashingtonWA
At-fault (tort, optional PIP)
At-fault
PI SOL3 yearsWash. Rev. Code § 4.16.080
NegligencePure comparative
PIPOptional $10K (must be offered)
Min BI25/50/10
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMOptional (mandatory offer)
West VirginiaWV
At-fault (tort)
At-fault
PI SOL2 yearsW. Va. Code § 55-2-12
NegligenceModified comparative (51% bar)
PIPNot available
Min BI25/50/25
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMRequired
WisconsinWI
At-fault (tort)
At-fault
PI SOL3 yearsWis. Stat. § 893.54
NegligenceModified comparative (51% bar)
PIPNot available
Min BI25/50/10
MedPayRequired ($1,000)
UM/UIMRequired
Notes
  • One of only two states requiring MedPay (the other is Maine).
WyomingWY
At-fault (tort)
At-fault
PI SOL4 yearsWyo. Stat. § 1-3-105
NegligenceModified comparative (51% bar)
PIPNot available
Min BI25/50/20
MedPayOptional
UM/UIMOptional (mandatory offer)

Intake Glossary

Plain-language definitions for terms used in the state reference above

Insurance Coverage Terms

PIP (Personal Injury Protection)
First-party coverage that pays your own medical bills and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. Required in no-fault states. Coverage typically ranges from $2,500 to $50,000 depending on the state.
MedPay (Medical Payments Coverage)
Optional first-party coverage that pays medical expenses for you and passengers, regardless of fault. Similar to PIP but usually without wage loss benefits. Common in tort (at-fault) states.
BI (Bodily Injury Liability)
Coverage that pays for injuries you cause to others. Shown as three numbers like "25/50/25" meaning $25K per person / $50K per accident for bodily injury / $25K property damage.
UM/UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist)
Coverage that protects you when hit by a driver with no insurance (UM) or insufficient coverage (UIM). Critical in states where many drivers are uninsured or underinsured.
Minimum Limits
The lowest amount of liability insurance a driver must carry by law. Example: "25/50/25" means $25,000 per person bodily injury, $50,000 per accident bodily injury, $25,000 property damage.

Insurance System Types

Tort (At-Fault) State
Traditional system where the at-fault driver's insurance pays for damages. The injured party can sue the at-fault driver for all damages including pain and suffering.
No-Fault State
System where each driver's own insurance (PIP) pays their medical bills regardless of who caused the accident. To sue for pain and suffering, injuries must meet a "tort threshold."
Choice No-Fault
States (KY, NJ, PA) where drivers can choose between no-fault coverage with lawsuit restrictions OR traditional tort coverage with full lawsuit rights. The choice affects both premiums and recovery options.
Tort Threshold
In no-fault states, the injury severity required to step outside the no-fault system and sue for pain and suffering. Can be a dollar amount (e.g., $2,000 in medical bills) or injury type (e.g., permanent injury, disfigurement).

Negligence Rules

Pure Comparative Negligence
Most plaintiff-friendly rule. You can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault, even if you're 99% at fault. States: AK, AZ, CA, FL (pre-2023), KY, LA, MS, MO, NM, NY, RI, WA.
Modified Comparative (50% Bar)
You can recover if you're 49% or less at fault, but NOT if you're 50% or more at fault. States: AR, CO, GA, ID, KS, ME, NE, ND, OK, TN, UT.
Modified Comparative (51% Bar)
You can recover if you're 50% or less at fault, but NOT if you're 51% or more at fault. Most common rule. States: CT, DE, FL (post-2023), HI, IL, IN, IA, MA, MI, MN, MT, NV, NH, NJ, OH, OR, PA, SC, TX, VT, WV, WI, WY.
Pure Contributory Negligence
Most defendant-friendly rule. If you're even 1% at fault, you recover NOTHING. Only 4 states + DC still use this: Alabama, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington D.C.
Slight/Gross Negligence
Unique to South Dakota. You can only recover if your negligence was "slight" compared to the defendant's "gross" negligence.

Statutes of Limitation & Deadlines

Statute of Limitations (SOL)
The deadline to file a lawsuit. For personal injury, this ranges from 1 year (Tennessee, Kentucky non-MVA) to 6 years (Maine, North Dakota). Missing this deadline bars the claim forever.
Prescription
Louisiana's term for statute of limitations (from civil law tradition). Currently 2 years for PI claims that occurred on/after July 1, 2024 (was 1 year before).
Treatment Deadline
Some states require treatment within a specific timeframe to preserve benefits. Most critical: Florida's 14-day rule — if you don't seek treatment within 14 days, you forfeit PIP benefits entirely.
Notice Deadline
Deadline to notify an insurer of a claim. New York requires written no-fault application (NF-2) within 30 days of accident. Michigan requires PIP claims within 1 year.
Government Claim Notice
Short deadlines (often 30-180 days) to notify government entities before suing them. California requires 6-month notice for government claims. New York requires 90-day Notice of Claim.

Red Flags at Intake

Contributory Negligence State
Cases in AL, MD, NC, VA, or DC require extremely clear liability. Any claimant fault (even 1%) can completely bar recovery. Disputed-fault cases are very difficult to place.
Short SOL
States with 1-2 year statutes of limitations require immediate action. Tennessee (1 year) is the shortest. Any claim over 9 months old in a 1-year state is urgent.
14-Day Treatment Rule (Florida)
Florida's hard deadline for seeking medical treatment. If the claimant didn't see a qualifying provider within 14 days of the accident, PIP benefits are FORFEITED. No exceptions.
EMC Requirement (Florida)
Emergency Medical Condition determination by MD/DO/dentist/PA/APRN required for full $10K PIP. Without EMC documentation, PIP is capped at $2,500.
Tort Election (NJ, PA)
In choice states, the claimant's policy election affects recovery. "Limited Tort" or "Limitation on Lawsuit" restricts pain and suffering claims. Always ask about tort election at intake.
PIP Tier (Michigan)
Michigan's tiered PIP system (since 2019) caps medical benefits based on the policy selected: $50K, $250K, $500K, or unlimited. A $50K tier with serious injuries creates a major coverage gap.

Other Important Terms

Last Clear Chance Doctrine
Exception to contributory negligence that may allow recovery if the defendant had the "last clear chance" to avoid the accident. Available in some contributory negligence states (NC, VA).
Vulnerable Road Users
Pedestrians, cyclists, scooter/PMD users who may get different negligence treatment than vehicle occupants. DC and Maryland (2025) apply modified comparative instead of contributory negligence to these users.
Mini-Tort (Michigan)
Allows recovery of up to $3,000 for vehicle damage from the at-fault driver, even in Michigan's no-fault system.
Serious Injury Threshold
The injury standard that must be met to sue for pain and suffering in no-fault states. Examples: death, permanent injury, significant disfigurement, loss of body function, or specific medical bill amounts.