Is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) a must?
Often times, people ask themselves whether Personal Injury Protection
(PIP) is a must? The answer depends, as some states also known as “No Fault” states do require this type of insurance and others are okay with just the Health and Disability insurance your employer provides.
What is PIP Insurance?
When an individual suffers an accident, the damages are not only physical. Many things come into play for a victim, as they do not only have to worry about recovering. Often time, they are faced with medical bills, lost wages, no transportation, life-threatening conditions, lifetime disabilities, and other expenses that can have a serious impact on their bank accounts.
Let’s not forget about the mental challenges that most victims often face, as many accidents can be traumatizing, and require help from a mental health doctor.
That being said, PIP insurance is there to help defray such costs and even protect the family and friends of the victims after a covered accident. This insurance helps individual receive compensation for their damages from an accident they were not found guilty for.
Keep in mind, the individuals cannot be found in fault of the accident in order to be covered by such insurance.
Personal Injury Insurances may pay for as much as 80% of medical expenses, and other such expenses that result from a covered accident, ( this also depends on the limits of the policy). This may include and is not limited to, medical treatment of the injuries suffered by the victim and the passengers. If you were a passenger in a car accident or a pedestrian this type of insurance may also pay for your medical expenses if injured. Additionally, PIP insurance may cover:
- Service replacement of someone injured in a covered car accident
- Rehabilitation costs
- Funeral costs (in cases of Wrongful Death)
Who is this insurance different than any other Health Insurance?
There are many differences between PIP and any other type of Medical Insurance. The biggest one being, that in order to be covered by PIP, the individual must not be at fault. In other words, they cannot be found responsible for the accident, not even by a small percentage.
Another difference is that normal Health Insurance (the one often provided by your employer) often time does not over other expenses such as lost wages, rehabilitation services, funeral costs and other possible expenses.
Which states require PIP?
The following states require Personal Injury Protection:
- Delaware
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
- Utah
Just know, if you suffered an injury and are unsure whether you are at fault or what your insurance covers, most Clinton Personal Injury law firms are there to help and guide you through the entire process. They can also help you fight to receive the compensation you deserve. The important part is to go to a lawyer you feel you can trust and will look out for your best interest as a victim of someone else’s negligence.
If you suffered an injury, give us a call today at (202)-464-0727 to see how our team of experts can help you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.
Source: Nationwide- Personal Injury Protection (PIP)