Understanding Personal Injury Protection in Grand Prairie Car Accident Cases
Personal injury protection (PIP) is coverage in purchase with their auto insurance policy that covers medical expenses and lost wages as the result of injuries sustained in a car accident. PIP includes physical and occupational therapy, rehabilitation costs, psychiatric expenses, and other professional health services. It also offers insurance coverage for wages from loss work, other reasonable non-medical or work-related losses, as well as their death benefit. Understanding personal injury protection in Grand Prairie car accident cases can be challenging without legal help. Seek help from a car accident attorney as soon as possible following a motor vehicle collision.
What Is PIP Coverage?
PIP is no-fault coverage. It means that if a driver is entitled to the personal injury protection benefits regardless of fault. PIP has no right, or subrogation or reimbursement in the event they get a settlement for their injuries. This means the injured motorist can collect medical benefits on their PIP coverage and also submit those very same bills as part of their injury claim. PIP does not have to be repaid to the insurance carrier.
The Texas Insurance Code provides that all policies of automobile insurance issued in Texas must provide for PIP coverage for a minimum of $2,500 per person, but they can carry more if they like. There are usually increments of $5,000 and $10,000 available either.
The minimum coverage must be provided unless rejected in writing by the insurer. If the driver chooses not to carry PIP coverage in the State of Texas, then the insurance company is required to obtain their signed rejection of that personal injury protection coverage. Unless the PIP is rejected, then the motorist will be entitled to the minimum coverage, even if they were never charged a premium for it.
What If A Driver Does Not Have PIP Coverage?
If someone does not have PIP and there is still insurance coverage on the at-fault party, then they should still go after a settlement. Additionally, if the insurance carrier cannot the claimant’s attorney with a signed PIP rejection, then they have to pay PIP benefits.
Common Misconceptions
A common misconception about PIP is that drivers have to pay it back if they collect a settlement. If a driver makes a claim against their own insurance for uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage or underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage, their insurance carrier cannot reduce the amount payable on that coverage by the amount that they’ve already paid them on PIP.
It is best to seek help from a local attorney to learn about personal injury protection in Grand Prairie.
Let A Car Accident Attorney Explain PIP Coverage In Grand Prairie
PIP is a valuable coverage to be able to make a recovery from, and it is important to know and understand the way PIP works in order to ensure an insurance company adjuster does not accidentally or deliberately handle the claim off. So, seeking the advice of an experienced car wreck attorney can ensure that their claim for benefits is properly handled. Understanding personal injury protection in grand prairie car accident cases is vital. Discuss your options today.