Which of the following has been abolished as a result of personal injury protection (no-fault) coverage?

Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, commonly known as no-fault insurance, is designed to provide immediate medical and other specified benefits to individuals injured in automobile accidents, regardless of who is at fault. One of the primary effects of implementing no-fault laws and PIP coverage is the limitation or abolition of certain types of tort liabilities related to automobile accidents.

In this context, the tort liability of the owner of an insured motor vehicle has been significantly reduced or abolished under many no-fault systems. Traditionally, injured parties could bring tort claims against the at-fault driver for damages like medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, with PIP coverage in place, individuals generally must seek compensation from their own insurance policies for medical costs and related expenses, thus diminishing the necessity for tort claims associated with minor injuries.

This approach aims to streamline the claims process, reduce litigation costs, and ensure that individuals receive prompt medical treatment without the delays often associated with proving fault in an accident. In states that have adopted comprehensive no-fault laws, this shift means that injured parties often cannot pursue tort claims for economic losses unless certain thresholds (like significant injury) are met, further emphasizing the protective role of PIP.