# Bodily Injury vs. Personal Injury: How Are They Different? | Edelman, Krasin & Jaye **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. What Is A Personal Injury? 2. What Is A Bodily Injury? 3. How Are Personal Injuries And Bodily Injuries Different? 4. When To Pursue a Bodily Injury Or Personal Injury Claim 5. File Your Claim With Our Attorneys Today  ![Girl hurt in an auto accident](https://ekjlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/ekj28.jpg) # Bodily Injury vs. Personal Injury: How Are They Different? You’ll sometimes hear “personal injury” and “body injury” used interchangeably. However, they each have different meanings in legal situations that can potentially impact your claim. Understanding the difference between these two terms will be extremely helpful as you navigate your case. Learn more about how these terms apply in the courtroom and how each type of case can affect your compensation. ## What Is A Personal Injury? Also known as tort laws, [personal injury laws](https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/resources/law_issues_for_consumers/injury/) protect victims harmed due to negligence or wrongful conduct. The scope of personal injury law is broad and covers a wide range of cases, including: - Car accidents - Slip and falls - Medical malpractice - Product liability - Spinal Cord Injury - Sidewalk Injuries In every personal injury case, the main goal is for a plaintiff to receive compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, or pain and suffering. For a free legal consultation, call [(800) 469-7429](tel:+18004697429) ## What Is A Bodily Injury? On the other hand, [bodily injury](https://www.libertymutual.com/vehicle/auto-insurance/coverage/bodily-injury-liability) is a common term that auto insurance companies use and  specifically refers to any physical damages a person suffers because of an accident. Most bodily injury claims will generally be against the defendant’s insurance company so it can cover costs related to permanent disability, rehabilitation, or medical care. Some states may require drivers to carry bodily injury insurance coverage to cover the victim’s damages. For example, New York drivers must have a minimum of $25,000 to cover bodily injuries that do not result in death. ## How Are Personal Injuries And Bodily Injuries Different? Despite sharing a few similarities, personal and bodily injuries differ in crucial ways. Personal injury lets you seek compensation for both physical and non-physical harm. On the other hand, bodily injury is usually limited to covering the costs of treating physical injuries and relevant pain and suffering. Bodily injury is also primarily used in car insurance policies, while personal injury applies to many types of incidents. [Click to contact](https://ekjlaw.com/contact-us/) our attorneys today ## When To Pursue a Bodily Injury Or Personal Injury Claim The type of claim you’re pursuing depends on your case’s details. A bodily injury claim against the other driver’s insurance company may be the best option if you were in a car accident and mainly suffered physical damages. But if your case has a wide range of damages, such as emotional distress, a personal injury lawsuit may be a more appropriate choice.   Complete a [Free Case Evaluation form](https://ekjlaw.com/contact-us/) now ## File Your Claim With Our Attorneys Today  While bodily injury and personal injury claims may sometimes overlap, these two legal terms have distinct meanings. Understanding these differences and the type of claim you wish to pursue is crucial when seeking compensation. If you’ve been injured and unsure whether to pursue a personal injury or bodily injury claim, we are here to help you take the next steps. Our [New York personal injury lawyers](https://ekjlaw.com/) can help you file the correct claim and ensure you win the benefits you deserve. Please [contact us](https://ekjlaw.com/contact-us/) if you have any questions or call us at (800) 469-7429 to schedule a free case review today. Call or text [(800) 469-7429](tel:+18004697429) or complete a [Free Case Evaluation form](https://ekjlaw.com/contact-us/) Personal Injury Blog Posts: [![Personal Injury: To Settle or Not Settle](https://ekjlaw.com/wp-content/themes/edelman-child/assets/app/img/default-image.webp)](https://ekjlaw.com/blog/pi-to-settle-or-not-settle/) ### [Personal Injury: To Settle or Not Settle](https://ekjlaw.com/blog/pi-to-settle-or-not-settle/) There are many questions that arise after a person has suffered an injury due to someone’s negligence and in most [![ER Doctors Are Treating Increasing Numbers of Cycling Injuries](https://ekjlaw.com/wp-content/themes/edelman-child/assets/app/img/default-image.webp)](https://ekjlaw.com/blog/er-doctors-are-treating-increasing-numbers-of-cycling-injuries/) ### [ER Doctors Are Treating Increasing Numbers of Cycling Injuries](https://ekjlaw.com/blog/er-doctors-are-treating-increasing-numbers-of-cycling-injuries/) The number of emergency room visits due to bicycle-related injuries has risen sharply in recent years, according to [![High Risks to Babies and Mothers from Forceps and Vacuum Delivery, Study Shows](https://ekjlaw.com/wp-content/themes/edelman-child/assets/app/img/default-image.webp)](https://ekjlaw.com/blog/high-risks-to-babies-and-mothers-from-forceps-and-vacuum-delivery-study-shows/) ### [High Risks to Babies and Mothers from Forceps and Vacuum Delivery, Study Shows](https://ekjlaw.com/blog/high-risks-to-babies-and-mothers-from-forceps-and-vacuum-delivery-study-shows/) Babies delivered with forceps or vacuum extraction are 80% more likely to suffer injuries and death than those [![8 Ways You Can Get Seriously Injured on a Cruise Ship](https://ekjlaw.com/wp-content/themes/edelman-child/assets/app/img/default-image.webp)](https://ekjlaw.com/blog/8-ways-you-can-get-seriously-injured-on-a-cruise-ship/) ### [8 Ways You Can Get Seriously Injured on a Cruise Ship](https://ekjlaw.com/blog/8-ways-you-can-get-seriously-injured-on-a-cruise-ship/) Most people associate cruise ships with fun and leisure. You can bask in the sun. Gaze out over the ocean. Enjoy --- Source: https://ekjlaw.com/faqs/bodily-injury-vs-personal-injury-how-are-they-different/