Personal Injury Protection Insurance Can Save Your Finances After an Accident
If you live in Washington State, you may have heard of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. This type of insurance is a requirement for all drivers in the state, and it is designed to provide compensation for medical expenses and lost wages in the event of an accident. In this blog post, we will explain how PIP insurance works and how it can benefit you if you are involved in a car accident.
What is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is a type of no-fault insurance that is designed to provide compensation for medical expenses and lost wages in the event of an accident. It is mandatory for all drivers in Washington State to carry a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage. PIP coverage will pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other related expenses regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
While PIP insurance is required in Washington, you can sign a waiver with your insurance company to exempt yourself. If you have waived PIP to lower your car insurance payment, you are at great financial risk if you get in a car accident. How much PIP coverage should you have? We recommend $35,000, this is a reasonable amount to cover your losses caused by the accident. Talk with your insurance broker or give us a call and we would be happy to recommend one.
How does PIP Insurance Work?
If you are involved in a car accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention for any injuries you may have sustained. Once you have received medical treatment, you should notify your insurance company that you were involved in an accident. You will then need to file a claim with your insurance company and provide documentation of your medical expenses and lost wages.
Your insurance company will then review your claim and determine whether or not you are eligible for PIP benefits. If you are eligible, your insurance company will pay for your medical expenses and lost wages up to the limits of your PIP coverage. If your PIP coverage is not enough to cover all of your medical expenses and lost wages, you may be able to seek additional compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company or through a personal injury lawsuit.
What Does PIP Insurance Cover?
PIP insurance will typically cover the following expenses:
Medical Expenses – PIP insurance will pay for your medical expenses, including hospital bills, doctor visits, and prescription medications.
Lost Wages – If you are unable to work as a result of your injuries, PIP insurance will pay for a portion of your lost wages.
Funeral Expenses – If you or a passenger in your vehicle dies as a result of the accident, PIP insurance will pay for funeral expenses.
Child Care Expenses – If you are unable to care for your children as a result of your injuries, PIP insurance will pay for child care expenses.
Household Expenses – If you are unable to perform household duties as a result of your injuries, PIP insurance will pay for the cost of hiring someone to perform these duties.
Why is PIP Insurance Important?
PIP insurance is important because it provides immediate compensation for medical expenses and lost wages in the event of an accident. This can be particularly beneficial if you do not have health insurance or disability insurance. PIP insurance can also help to cover expenses that may not be covered by your health insurance, such as chiropractic care, acupuncture, and physical therapy.
In addition, PIP insurance is a no-fault insurance, which means that you can receive benefits regardless of who was at fault for the accident. This can help to speed up the claims process and avoid lengthy legal battles.
If you have been involved in a car accident in Washington State, it is important to understand how PIP insurance works and how it can benefit you. If you have any questions about PIP insurance or need help filing a claim, contact Washington Auto Law, we can guide you through the process and help you receive the compensation you deserve.