Personal Injury Protection in Pennsylvania
Life can be unpredictable, and oftentimes accidents happen. Unfortunately, many of these accidents cause serious injury to the people involved. While some accidents are unavoidable, it is important to know what to do if an injury, or even death, occurs. Personal Injury Protection helps people injured in a vehicle-related incident – no matter who is at fault.
PA Car Insurance Includes PIP
Many people do not know that in Pennsylvania, all drivers with car insurance have “Personal Injury Protection” coverage. In fact, all car and truck insurance policies in Pennsylvania include Personal Injury Protection. Even state-minimum car insurance includes $5,000 of coverage. The only exception is motorcycle insurance.
Pennsylvania Motorcycle Coverage Is Different
Motorcycle insurance policies do not include personal injury protection coverage by default. Many insurance companies don’t even offer it for motorcycles. But, motorcycle accidents have full tort coverage by default. Read this article about motorcycle-related accidents and what limited and full tort mean.
What Is Personal Injury Protection Coverage?
PIP covers injuries only. So what does that mean for a driver in Pennsylvania that has been injured in a car-related accident? PIP coverage applies when a covered person needs treatment due to a car-related injury. In some cases, even a person without their own car insurance could have coverage under Personal Injury Protection from a family member in the same household. Additionally, uninsured people may have some coverage available to them without ever knowing.
PIP Use Outside Of A Car Accident
What if you’re not in a car, but a car hits you? In specific circumstances, this kind of insurance can also cover your injuries as a bicyclist or pedestrian. Again, you don’t need to have your own car insurance. You might qualify for coverage under the policy of someone in your household or the at-fault driver. Each case is different, and it is important to talk to a local personal injury lawyer for advice on your specific situation.
Additional Information About PIP Coverage
Your PIP coverage applies up to the maximum amount of your coverage. Using Personal Injury Protection will not affect your premiums. Your insurance rates will not go up when you use this coverage. Our paralegal, Tannia, says PIP coverage the cheapest medical coverage you can buy.
When it comes to medical care, there are many treatment options. People with neck injuries or whiplash can even use their coverage to pay for chiropractor treatments.
Personal Injury Protection insurance can be used to pay for:
- ambulance services
- surgery
- medical treatment
- rehabilitation
- x-rays
- dental care
- prostheses
- vision care
- chiropractic treatments
- and more
How To Use Personal Injury Protection
You are eligible to use your PIP coverage immediately after an accident. You don’t have to wait for a settlement from the at-fault driver’s insurance. But, you will need to start a claim with your insurance. Before you file a claim, you should consult a lawyer for advice to protect your rights.
PIP For At-Fault Drivers
It is important to note that even if you are the at-fault driver, you are still covered under your own insurance.
Using PIP Is Simple
To use Personal Injury Protection coverage, provide your healthcare provider with your insurance claim number. They can bill your car insurance directly. Your Personal Injury Protection coverage will apply to the maximum amount of your coverage. Before talking to your insurance about PIP coverage, you should talk to a local injury lawyer.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Lancaster
When you’re injured, you should talk to a local injury lawyer for advice. At Haggerty & Silverman, we provide free consultations. We’ll discuss how Pennsylvania injury laws can help you. There may be money available for medical bills, loss of income, future earning loss, and more.
Free Consultations
Contact us today for a free consultation. If you have a valid injury claim, we can help you get the maximum compensation for your injury. You don’t pay us anything unless we recover money for you.