Well, it took almost eight years, and four attempts, but finally the issue is settled as to who is responsible for medical bills, incurred as a result of an automobile accident, which exceed the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits coverage chosen by the injured party. The choices were: the tortfeasor who caused the accident or the innocent injured party. The answer see-sawed from plaintiff, to defendant, to plaintiff and eventually properly ended with the bills being the responsibility of the party causing the injury.

This significant legal issue arose following an Oct. 19, 2011, auto accident causing injuries to Joshua Haines that resulted in medical bills amounting to $43,000. Unfortunately, Haines had chosen the $15,000 PIP option. He therefore sought to recover the excess bills ($28,000) from the tortfeasor.

Round #1