If you are in a no-fault state, you may already be aware of PIP insurance and how it works. Personal Injury Protection (PIP), also known as the no-fault insurance, is a coverage added to an already existing auto insurance policy. No-fault states require all drivers to have PIP insurance coverage to help pay for some damages in the event of an accident.
If you are in such states or are involved in an accident in a no-fault state like Florida, call a reputable car accident law firm in West Palm Beach to know how to claim compensation. Here is what you should know about this insurance coverage.
What Is PIP?
PIP insurance coverage is mandatory in several states. The primary purpose of PIP is to compensate for medical expenses, loss of services, lost wages, funeral expenses, and other damages that a victim may incur after an accident, regardless of whether they were at fault.
States that require the drivers to have this coverage do so to reduce or eliminate the number of car accident claims, especially if the accident was minor. The laws that govern no-fault claims vary from state to state. Some states limit the compensation that a victim or dependents can get. Your lawyer will advise you on the laws of your state.
How It Works
A car accident victim cannot file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company in no-fault states. The PIP allows divers to file a claim with their insurer. The compensation will help cover their losses, either fully or to some limit as per the state laws.
In some states, your auto insurer will only pay part of your medical bills and let your health insurance cover the rest of the bills. If your medical bills exceed the limit of your auto and health insurance policy, you will have to cover the difference out of pocket.
If you are in a state that has state-run health insurance coverage such as Medicaid, the insurance can pay any medical bills that the insurer cannot cover. Note that, though the no-fault policy does not allow victims to hold the other driver liable, they may claim damages from the negligent driver if they sustain severe injuries.
How to Make a Claim
Though your insurer is responsible for your compensation, you still have to file a claim with them. You can seek legal help to file the claim, especially if it is your first time so that you can get it right.
Your lawyer will review all your damages and claim your present and future damages. Your lawyer will give the insurance company medical records and proof of other effects of the accident to prove your claim. This can include the doctor’s recommendations for physical therapy, psychological therapy, and other future medical needs and expenses. These documents will help make the right estimate of your damages.
Your insurer may require you to go for a full medical examination with a physician of their choice for a second opinion and prove your claim. Once they are convinced, they will determine the value of your claim and make a settlement offer.
Insurance companies aim at settling such claims without going to court. However, if you are not satisfied with the offer and cannot come to an agreement, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and take the case to court.
Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer
The success of your claim depends on your negotiation skills and how you cooperate with the insurance company. It would be ideal to hire an experienced car accident lawyer in your state to guide you through the process and handle the negotiations. Your lawyer has your best interests at heart and will fight to get you fair compensation.
