As a motorist in Texas, you’re required to have auto insurance, but there's an optional coverage known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP) that you can add to your policy. This coverage provides valuable benefits for a relatively low cost. Here’s an in-depth look at what PIP can do for you if you’re involved in an accident.

What is PIP Insurance?

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is an optional add-on to your auto insurance policy that covers immediate medical costs after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. The primary benefit of PIP is that it provides quick access to funds for medical care from your own insurance company, eliminating the need to wait for the other driver's insurance. Moreover, PIP does not require deductibles or copays.

PIP applies after any medical insurance you have, further reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.

Is PIP Required in Texas?

Texas is not one of the states that mandate PIP coverage. However, Texas law requires insurance companies to offer PIP coverage to all policyholders. If you choose to decline it, you must do so in writing. Otherwise, it will be included in your policy, and you will be charged for it. Thus, you might already have PIP without being aware of it.

How Do I Know if I Have PIP Insurance?

To find out if you have PIP insurance, check your auto insurance policy declarations page for a line item labeled “Personal Injury Protection.” If you’re unsure, contact your insurance agent for verification.

Who Does PIP Insurance Cover?

PIP covers the policyholder and:

• Immediate members of their household
• Step and/or foster children
• Non-family passengers and pedestrians involved in an accident

What Does PIP Insurance Cover?

PIP focuses on covering people, not property. It covers the following expenses:

1. Medical Costs: PIP will pay up to $2,500 per person for medical expenses. You can opt for higher coverage limits, commonly up to $10,000 or more, depending on your policy.
2. Lost Wages: PIP will cover 80% of lost wages if you are unable to work due to your injuries.
3. Loss of Services: PIP will cover the cost of hiring someone to perform household services that you are unable to do due to your injuries.
4. Funeral Expenses: PIP covers funeral expenses up to the policy limits.

PIP will only cover costs that are reasonable and directly related to the accident. It will pay the actual amount incurred up to the policy limits.

Will PIP Cover Pain and Suffering?

No, PIP does not cover pain and suffering. If another driver is at fault for the accident, you can file a personal injury claim against their insurance for non-economic damages, including pain and suffering.

When Will PIP Not Cover Me?

PIP will not cover you if you were:

• Committing a felony
• Intentionally causing the accident
• Participating in racing activities
• Injured while using motorcycles, farm equipment, mopeds, or off-road/recreational vehicles (unless you have separate PIP coverage for those vehicles)

How Long Do I Have to Submit a PIP Claim in Texas?

In Texas, you generally have up to three years after the accident to submit a PIP claim. It’s important to notify your insurance company as soon as possible and keep all relevant records and bills to support your claim.

What Does “PIP Subrogation” Mean?

PIP subrogation occurs when your insurance company seeks reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance after paying your claim. This process can impact the final settlement amount you receive.

MedPay vs. PIP

MedPay is similar to PIP but only covers medical expenses. PIP, on the other hand, also covers lost wages, loss of services, and funeral expenses. Discuss your needs and budget with your insurance agent to determine the best option for you.

Can I Still Receive a Personal Injury Settlement if I Have PIP Insurance?

Yes, having PIP insurance does not prevent you from filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. PIP is designed to provide quick access to funds for minor accidents, and its coverage limits might not suffice for severe injuries. Therefore, you may need to pursue additional compensation through a personal injury claim.

For assistance with your case, contact a personal injury attorney in Texas. They can help you navigate your PIP and personal injury claims and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

If you're a motorist in Washington State, you're required to have auto insurance. However, you can also opt for an additional coverage known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which offers significant benefits for a relatively low cost per month. Here’s an in-depth look at what PIP can do for you in the event of an accident.

What is PIP Insurance?

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is an optional add-on to your car insurance policy that covers your immediate medical costs after an auto accident, regardless of who is at fault. The main advantage of PIP is that it provides quick access to funds for medical care from your own insurance company, bypassing the need to wait for the other driver's insurance. Additionally, there are no deductibles or copays with PIP.

PIP applies after your medical insurance, further reducing your out-of-pocket costs.

Is PIP Required in Washington State?

Washington is not one of the 15 states that require motorists to have PIP. However, all insurance carriers in Washington must offer PIP coverage. If you wish to decline it, you must do so in writing. Otherwise, it will be added to your policy, and you will be charged for it. Therefore, you might already have PIP without realizing it.

How Do I Know if I Have PIP Insurance?

To determine if you have PIP insurance, check your auto insurance policy declarations page for a line item labeled “Personal Injury Protection.” If you’re unsure, contact your insurance agent for confirmation.

Who Does PIP Insurance Cover?

PIP covers the policyholder and:

• Immediate members of their household
• Step and/or foster children
• Non-family passengers and pedestrians involved in an accident

What Does PIP Insurance Cover?

PIP focuses on covering people, not property. It covers the following expenses:

1. Medical Costs: Up to $10,000 per injured person. You can opt for additional coverage up to $35,000 per person.
2. Lost Wages: Up to $200 per week for missed work (up to $10,000 maximum). The injured person must prove they’ve been unable to work for 14 consecutive days for this benefit to apply.
3. Loss of Services: Up to $200 per week for services you can’t perform due to the accident (up to $5,000 total). This includes paying for childcare, housework, or yardwork.
4. Funeral Expenses: Up to $2,000 for funeral expenses per deceased person covered by the policy.

PIP only covers reasonable costs directly related to the accident. It will pay the actual amount incurred up to the policy limits.

Will PIP Cover Pain and Suffering?

No, PIP does not cover pain and suffering. If another driver caused the accident, you could file a personal injury claim against their insurance for non-economic damages, including pain and suffering.

When Will PIP Not Cover Me?

PIP will not cover you if you were:

• Committing a felony
• Participating in racing activities
• Injured while using motorcycles, farm equipment, mopeds, or off-road/recreational vehicles

You may be able to purchase PIP for motorcycle insurance, though it can be expensive.

How Long Do I Have to Submit a PIP Claim in Washington?

You have up to three years after the accident to submit a PIP claim. Notify your insurance company as soon as possible and keep all relevant records and bills.

What Does “PIP Subrogation” Mean?

PIP subrogation occurs when your insurance company seeks reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance after paying your claim. This process can affect the final settlement amount you receive.

MedPay vs. PIP

MedPay is similar to PIP but only covers medical expenses. PIP, on the other hand, covers medical costs plus lost wages, loss of services, and funeral expenses. Discuss your needs and budget with your insurance agent to choose the best option for you.

Can I Still Receive a Personal Injury Settlement if I Have PIP Insurance?

Yes, having PIP insurance does not prevent you from filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. PIP is designed for quick access to funds for minor accidents, and its coverage limits might not be sufficient for severe injuries. Therefore, you might need to seek additional compensation through a personal injury claim.

In a significant update effective October 1, 2023, the 2024 ICD-10-CM code set underwent modifications, with 25 codes being deleted. These alterations might impact medical record keeping, billing processes, and patient care strategies. Among the removed codes are some noteworthy entries:

In the intricate world of personal injury cases, attorneys face not only the complexities of legal proceedings but also the financial challenges intertwined with ensuring comprehensive care for their clients. The financial aspect often poses a significant hurdle, diverting attention from the legal strategies crucial for success.