Insurance in a Personal Injury Case

If you are injured in an accident that prevents you working while you recover, how will you pay your bills? If your injuries are such that you are unable to drive or maintain your household, how will your children get to school? How will you be able to accomplish smaller tasks, such as shopping for groceries or even keeping up your yard?

Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, is an additional form of insurance coverage that is designed to cover expenses you may incur if you are injured in an accident. Requirements for PIP coverage vary from state to state, but most states have a legal minimum that you must carry. Your current insurance provider should offer some form of PIP.

What Does PIP Cover?

PIP can help reimburse you for lost wages if your injury keeps you from going back to work, and may even compensate you for loss of services, or any services that you have to hire out in order to maintain your life and family if you are injured, such as child care, yard work or even having your groceries delivered. In the unfortunate event of a death, PIP can also supplement funeral expenses.

PIP Eligibility

How much Personal Injury Protection do you need? Most states require minimum PIP coverage, however you may also consider raising the amount of coverage on your policy depending on the needs of your family.

In the event that you re injured, it is extremely important that you receive documentation of all medical care you receive. Medical documentation of your diagnosis and treatment is essential for your insurance company to determine the legitimacy of your PIP claim. Your insurance adjuster will review medical bills and records, including any records relating to your prescription or over-the-counter medical needs, as well as documentation (including photos) of you injuries. The adjuster will also require verified documentation of any missed work from your employer.

Comprehensive documentation is even more necessary if you are also seeking compensation for pain and suffering. Typically, the more medical treatment you require and the longer the recovery period, the more likely it is that the insurance company will assume that you will have endured more pain and suffering.

Filing a PIP claim with your insurance company after an accident can be a lengthy process. Be sure to stay organized, remain persistent and consult a personal injury attorney if you need additional assistance.