A car accident can turn your life upside down in the blink of an eye. Beyond physical injuries and emotional trauma, many people injured in car accidents start feeling the pressure of mounting medical bills and lost wages while they are home recovering. Vehicle repair costs and potential long-term care needs add to the pressure. This is why having a financial safety net is so important. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is an affordable add-on to a car insurance policy that can make life after a car accident a lot less stressful.
What is PIP Coverage?
Personal Injury Protection, commonly known as PIP, is a type of car insurance coverage designed to cover medical expenses and, in some cases, lost wages and other damages, regardless of who is at fault in the accident. As a car accident attorney, I often advise clients on the importance of PIP coverage because it can provide immediate financial relief, allowing you to focus on recovery rather than worrying about how to pay for medical bills.
How Much Does PIP Cover?
- Pip covers up to $10,000 for reasonable and necessary medical and hospital expenses for each person injured in a car accident for up to three years from the date of the accident. Additional coverage may be added to provide up to a $35,000 benefit for medical and hospital costs.
- PIP includes up to $2,000 for each person who died due to the accident.
- PIP provides up to $200 per week up to $10,000 total for income replacement coverage for up to one year after a person becomes disabled for 14 consecutive days after the accident. Additional coverage may be added to provide income benefits of up to $35,000, paid at a maximum of $700 per week.
- PIP coverage pays up to $200 per week up to $5,000 total to pay non-family members for work you can’t do, such as household chores. Additional loss of services coverage can be added to increase the total benefit to $14,600.
Why You Should Have PIP Coverage
The aftermath of a car accident can be a tumultuous time filled with uncertainty and stress. Medical bills and other expenses can quickly add up, creating a financial burden that is hard to manage. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage offers a safety net that can help mitigate these challenges, providing immediate financial support for medical expenses and lost wages.
- Immediate medical expense coverage. PIP coverage ensures that your medical bills are paid at the time of service, reducing the stress of out-of-pocket expenses. This includes hospital bills, surgical costs, medication, and even rehabilitation services up to your coverage limit.
- Coverage for lost wages. If your injuries prevent you from working, PIP can cover a portion of your lost wages, helping to ease the financial strain during your recovery period.
- Comprehensive coverage. PIP not only covers medical expenses and lost wages but can also include other costs such as funeral expenses and essential services like childcare or housekeeping if you are unable to perform these tasks due to your injuries.
- No-fault coverage. One of the most significant benefits of PIP is that it provides coverage regardless of who was at fault in the accident. This means you can get the help you need without waiting for a determination of fault or a settlement from the at-fault driver’s insurance.
- Peace of mind. Knowing that you have PIP coverage can give you peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your recovery instead of being bogged down by financial worries.
Is PIP Coverage Required in Washington State?
In Washington State, PIP coverage is not mandatory, but it is automatically included in your auto insurance policy unless you specifically reject it in writing. As a car accident attorney, I strongly recommend that drivers do not waive this valuable coverage. Opting for PIP can be a lifesaver in the aftermath of an accident, ensuring that you and your loved ones are financially protected.
If you have any questions about PIP coverage please contact your insurance provider. If you need assistance after a car accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced car accident attorney who can provide the guidance and support you need.
Seek the Help of a Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!