Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers | February 20, 2026 | Car Accident
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Maryland, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits are often one of the first sources of financial relief available to you. Maryland requires auto insurers to offer at least $2,500 in PIP coverage, although drivers may purchase higher limits. PIP helps cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages regardless of who caused the crash.
If your PIP benefits are exhausted, you still have options under Maryland law. Understanding your next steps can help protect your health, finances, and right to compensation.
What Does It Mean When PIP Benefits Are Exhausted in Maryland?
PIP coverage in Maryland comes with a policy limit. For many drivers, the minimum coverage is $2,500, though some policies provide $5,000, $10,000, or more. Once your medical bills and wage losses reach that limit, your PIP insurer will stop paying benefits.
This can happen quickly if:
- You required emergency room care.
- You needed surgery.
- You are undergoing physical therapy.
- You missed substantial time from work.
- You suffered serious or long-term injuries.
When your PIP benefits are exhausted, it does not mean your treatment must stop. It simply means you must turn to other sources of coverage.
Step 1: Use Your Health Insurance
In Maryland, once PIP benefits are exhausted, your health insurance typically becomes the primary source of ongoing medical treatment.
You should:
- Notify your health insurer about the accident.
- Provide documentation showing that PIP benefits have been exhausted.
- Confirm coverage for ongoing care.
Be aware that you may be responsible for deductibles or copays.
Step 2: File a Claim Against the At-Fault Driver
Maryland is an at-fault state for bodily injury claims. While PIP provides immediate benefits regardless of fault, you still have the right to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for your full damages.
If another driver’s negligence caused your accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- All past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent injury or disability
Because Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule, even being slightly at fault can impact your ability to recover compensation. This makes it especially important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Step 3: Consider Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage
If the at-fault driver does not have insurance—or does not have enough insurance to cover your damages—your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may apply.
UM/UIM coverage can help when:
- The other driver is uninsured.
- The at-fault driver’s policy limits are too low.
- You were injured in a hit-and-run accident.
Even though you are dealing with your own insurance company, UM/UIM claims can still involve disputes over liability and damages.
Step 4: Review Any Additional Medical Payments Coverage
Some Maryland auto policies include Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage in addition to PIP. MedPay may help cover additional medical expenses once PIP benefits are exhausted.
Review your policy declarations page or speak with your insurer to determine whether this coverage is available.
Step 5: Speak With Medical Providers About Billing Options
If you are pursuing a personal injury claim, some healthcare providers may agree to:
- Accept a letter of protection
- Set up payment plans
- Delay collections while your case is pending
Do not ignore medical bills. Unpaid balances can be sent to collections and affect your credit.
Contact a Calvert County Personal Injury Lawyer at Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If your PIP benefits have been exhausted, you should not have to shoulder the financial burden of someone else’s negligence. Medical bills, lost income, and ongoing treatment can quickly become overwhelming—especially when insurance companies start pushing back.
An experienced attorney can review your case, identify every possible source of compensation, and fight to recover the full amount you deserve for your injuries. Contact a Calvert County personal injury lawyer at Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
We proudly serve Charles County, Prince George’s County, and its surrounding areas. Visit our law offices at:
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers – Waldorf Office
8 Post Office Rd Waldorf, MD 20602
(301) 932-9997
Available 24/7
Find us also with our Geo Coordinates: 38.6183504,-76.9009741
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers – Lanham Office
4600 Forbes Blvd Ste #200 Lanham, MD 20706
(301) 936-0011
Available 24/7
Find us also with our Geo Coordinates: 38.9526172,-76.8360973