How Does Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Work in an Accident?
Pennsylvania requires all drivers to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. This type of coverage means that you will be able to obtain medical treatment as quickly as possible after a car crash. However, you should know that PIP insurance is limited, which means that there is a strong possibility you will need more compensation to cover your losses.
What is PIP and how does it work?
PIP can cover your medical expenses, lost income, funeral and burial fees, rehabilitation costs, and more. While this type of insurance covers you no matter who caused the crash, you must also prove that you suffered injuries in the car accident and that the bills you need money for are related to the accident (and you’re not asking for too much!).
Even though PIP is required for all Pennsylvanians, your insurance company may do everything they can to fight against your PIP claim. They may argue that the medical treatment you received was not related to the car accident or that your bills don’t match up with your injuries. If you are planning to or have already submitted a PIP claim, you should hire a Pittsburgh personal injury lawyer right away to increase your chances of receiving money for your injuries.
What is the PIP limit in Pennsylvania?
When it comes to PIP, Pennsylvania requires drivers to carry at least:
- $15,000 per person or $30,000 per car accident for bodily injuries
- $5,000 for medical benefits
- $5,000 for property damage
This type of insurance covers anyone listed on your insurance policy who is involved in the accident.
Is Pennsylvania an at-fault or no-fault state?
Pennsylvania is a no-fault state. This means that if you’re in a car crash, you will need to file a claim with your own insurance company to help you pay for your injuries regardless of who is at fault for the crash. That is why PIP insurance is considered “no-fault insurance coverage,” because it is meant to help you cover your costs even if you are the one who caused the accident.
Will my car insurance rate increase after filing for PIP?
The insurance company may increase your rate for other reasons, but they cannot raise it simply for filing for PIP. If you need to use PIP to pay for your expenses after a crash, you probably don’t need to worry that your premium will change because of this.
Can I file a lawsuit after using PIP?
If another driver caused your accident, you may be wondering whether you can file a lawsuit against them after using PIP. PIP may not be enough coverage for your bills. For example, if your medical costs are $10,000 but you only have $5,000 in medical benefits, your PIP will only cover $5,000. Then, the at-fault driver may be liable for the other $5,000, which you will need to file an insurance claim or lawsuit to obtain. However, if your medical bills were $4,500, you will not need to file an insurance claim or lawsuit, because your PIP insurance covers all of it.
Personal injury attorneys are experienced in car accidents. If your expenses from the accident are very high and you believe that you need to pursue both a PIP claim and personal injury claim, you should consult with an attorney as soon as you can. They will talk about your situation and determine if you need more compensation based on your damages. Personal injury cases can take a long time to settle, but you can begin collecting PIP right away.
Car insurance is a very complicated topic. Many people do not understand their insurance coverage after a car accident. If you were in a car crash recently and have questions or concerns related to your car insurance policy, the Pittsburgh car accident attorneys at Carmody & Ging, Injury & Accident Lawyers can help. Our team can go over your insurance coverage, explain your legal rights, and help you secure the maximum compensation possible. For over 30 years we’ve stood by our clients and ensured that they recover their losses, and we can do the same for you. To get started, call our office or submit our contact form to schedule your free case review today.