PIP (Personal Injury Protection) Insurance
When an automobile accident occurs, there are likely to be significant losses for those involved. States require drivers to carry automobile insurance to cover damages, but many drivers only have limited coverage. When injuries occur, insurance coverage may quickly be exhausted.
Personal injury law is in place to protect those who suffer injuries in an accident so that they can be compensated for damages stemming from an injury that was caused by the careless or negligent actions of another person or party.
Although these laws help, there are other steps people can take to minimize the financial hardship of an automobile accident. PIP (Personal Injury Protection) Insurance provides our Tacoma, WA clients with added protection in the event that they or other passengers of their vehicle are injured in a car crash. Here, we discuss the purpose of PIP Insurance, and why people should have it.
What Is PIP Insurance?
PIP Insurance is also often referred to as “no-fault insurance.” It is an optional addition to a basic car insurance policy. PIP insurance covers the cost of medical bills and rehabilitation after you or passengers of your vehicle have been injured in an automobile accident.
PIP insurance can also provide coverage in the event that you are injured while riding as a passenger in another person’s vehicle, or if you are struck as a pedestrian or cyclist. The difference between PIP insurance and the liability insurance that is required in nearly all states is that liability insurance covers the cost of damages to other vehicles and their passengers when you are at fault for the accident. Conversely, PIP insurance will cover your own medical expenses (plus those of other passengers in your vehicle) regardless of who is at fault for the accident.
Benefits of PIP Insurance
Many people question whether they can really benefit from PIP insurance. Between liability car insurance and medical insurance, they assume they are adequately protected from any financial damages stemming from a car accident.
However, PIP insurance is specifically intended to provide coverage for medical expenses stemming from an automobile accident, which some health insurance policies exclude. In addition, PIP insurance provides benefits that may not be offered by a regular medical insurance plan.
Following are some of the areas of coverage that may be offered by a typical PIP insurance policy (specific coverage will vary):
- Costs of medical treatment, including any surgical costs
- Costs of hospitalization
- Rehabilitation or physical therapy expenses
- Expense for any necessary ongoing medical care
- Lost wages for time away from work while recovering from injuries
- Funeral expenses or accidental death benefits
Learn More
Even with insurance policies in place, the victims of automobile accidents may be due financial compensation for damages if another person is liable for the accident. If you have been involved in an accident and have questions about your legal options, or would simply like to learn more about PIP insurance, contact us at your earliest convenience to set up a consultation with the experienced attorneys at Leahy Law.