What Is Personal Injury Protection?

Car accidents of any kind are stressful. And especially when the crash results in significant injuries to either yourself or your passengers, a collision can be devastating. In many cases, personal injury protection insurance coverage can help alleviate the financial burdens associated with a car accident.

In the aftermath of a serious motor vehicle accident, the idea of filing an insurance claim or pursuing compensation may feel overwhelming. However, this is a critical step in getting your life back on track after an accident. The dedicated team of auto accident and personal injury attorneys at Fielding Law are here to answer your questions and guide you through every step of the claims process.

Call Fielding Law today at (877) 880-4090 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case review. Our legal team has representatives standing by 24/7 to take your call.

Understanding Personal Injury Protection

Personal injury protection (PIP) is part of an auto insurance policy and is often referred to as no-fault insurance. PIP covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs related to you or your passengers being injured in a car accident – regardless of who is at fault for the collision.

In some states, such as Utah, PIP insurance coverage is mandatory. Utah requires at least $3,000 of no-fault or personal injury protection coverage. In most cases, the PIP coverage must be exhausted before you can pursue damages against the other party.

In Texas, PIP coverage is considered optional. However, all auto insurance policies in Texas automatically include PIP coverage. If you wish to opt out, you must tell the company in writing.

Who Is Covered Under Personal Injury Protection?

Personal injury protection coverage is not limited to just the policyholder. PIP provides benefits to both you and those closest to you in the event of an accident.

Car insurance PIP provisions will typically provide coverage for:

• The vehicle owner and policyholder
• Any passenger riding in the policyholder’s vehicle
• Anyone who borrows the policyholder’s vehicle with permission
• Any pedestrian or bicyclist injured in an accident involving the policyholder’s vehicle

Having PIP coverage allows you to focus on your recovery after an accident, rather than on proving damages and liability to an insurance company.

What Personal Injury Protection Covers

The aim of PIP coverage is to provide prompt payment for injuries and certain other losses related to a car accident. Generally, then, PIP claims are paid out no matter who caused the auto accident. Thus, there is no need to prove fault against the other party before receiving your benefits.

In general, PIP insurance covers the following:

• Hospital and medical expenses: PIP will help cover medical bills for you and your passengers after an accident, including emergency medical services, hospital stays, surgeries, and prescription medication. At times, PIP coverage may also cover your health insurance deductible.
• Rehabilitation costs: PIP may cover physical and occupational therapy, as well as chiropractic treatment, as part of your recovery.
• Nursing care: If you require medical assistance while recovering from your injuries at home, PIP can help with this cost.
• Lost wages: PIP may provide a degree of compensation if you are unable to work for a time as a result of your injuries. If you are self-employed and your injuries require you to hire subcontractors or temporary employees, PIP will also, at times, help cover these costs.
• Essential services: PIP insurance can help pay for services you can no longer perform because of your injuries, such as house cleaning and childcare.
• Survivor benefits: If you lose your life in a car accident, your PIP insurance can help replace your lost income for your surviving dependents.
• Funeral expenses: PIP can help pay for funeral, burial, or cremation expenses after an auto accident.

The specific expenses to be covered by your own personal injury protection may vary based on your insurance company, which state you reside in, and your policy limits.

What Personal Injury Protection Does Not Cover

PIP coverage, while often required, only applies to certain losses in a vehicle accident.

For your reference, PIP insurance does not cover:

• Injuries to the other driver and his or her passengers
• Damage to your vehicle or to other people’s property
• Injuries sustained intentionally
• Injuries in an accident that occurred while you were driving for work purposes
• Injuries from an accident while you were committing a crime

Since PIP does not cover everything, nearly every state also requires drivers to carry liability insurance coverage. Liability insurance provides coverage for certain damages when the insured party is found responsible for the car accident.

Why It Is Advantageous to Carry Personal Injury Protection

Though personal injury protection coverage is not always required, time and again, it proves to be a valuable resource for those injured in an auto accident. Choosing to go without PIP coverage means you are taking on more financial risk should an accident occur.

There is relief in knowing that, regardless of who was at fault for the accident, your medical expenses, as well as those of your passengers, can be covered without much of a struggle.

Many states set a mandatory minimum amount for PIP coverage. Oftentimes, a policyholder purposely chooses to increase the PIP limit, depending on his or her circumstances. In this way, you can feel confident that you will have enough resources to meet your needs in the event of a significant injury.

As you can see, it’s vital to carry the right kind of insurance benefits for you and your family. 

While personal injury protection can be a lifesaver after an accident, insurance policies can be confusing. Understanding the coverage limits, claim procedures, and any necessary coordination of benefits is crucial for maximizing the benefits available to you.

A legal professional is the advocate you need after a serious injury. A car accident attorney at Fielding Law will be pleased to review your personal injury protection policy with you and help you attain full compensation after an accident.

Reach Out to Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys for Help After a Car Accident

A serious car accident can upend your life in a single moment. Critical injuries can negatively impact your life for the foreseeable future.

Having adequate and proper insurance coverage in a car crash is extremely important. That being said, after a severe accident, even the full amount of PIP coverage may not adequately cover your losses. In such cases, you might have the option of pursuing a claim against the driver who caused your accident.

The very thought of opening an insurance claim or pursuing legal action in the midst of your recovery may seem daunting. This is no time to go it alone. The compassionate and well-practiced accident attorneys at Fielding Law want to help you through this trying time. 

At Fielding Law, we believe that every accident victim deserves a voice. Our attorneys focus exclusively on auto accident and personal injury cases. When we take your case, we will use our considerable experience and resources to help you reach the best quality of life possible after your accident.

We are committed to seeing each and every case through to the end. Our personal injury attorneys are adept at negotiating with insurance companies – and if necessary, we are prepared to take each and every case to trial. With an extensive track record of successful car accident litigation, you deserve to have us on your side.

Please don’t wait to get the help you need. Call Fielding Law today at (877) 880-4090 or fill out our online form for a free case evaluation. We want to hear your story.