According to the Ohio state patrol, 69,100 automobile accidents were investigated in 2015. Liability insurance, as per auto insurance plans, covers the costs of damages and bodily injuries to others, but what about personal injury? Better understanding your coverage and determining if personal injury protection insurance (PIP) is right for you, can save you thousands in medical bills should a worst-case scenario occur.
Health and auto insurance are mandatory, but comprehensive plans and insurance extensions can be the difference between walking away from an accident with peace of mind and struggling to survive. One such extension, personal injury protection, is designed to cover medical costs in the case of personal injury due to an automobile accident.
For clarity, the following are insurance requirements in the state of Ohio.
- $12,500 bodily injury per person.
- $25,000 total bodily injury per accident.
- $7,500 total property damage per accident.
This does not take damage to a driver’s vehicle (covered by collision insurance) or damage to the driver’s person into consideration.
Who typically uses PIP?
Not every healthcare plan is created equal. If you are unsatisfied with your current health insurance, PIP might be a good supplement.
The benefit of personal injury protection is that it will help you when it comes time to pay escalating medical bills resulting from an auto injury. No matter who caused the accident, PIP will contribute to the costs of medical care for you and your passengers until it reaches the policy threshold. The compensation PIP provides can be beneficial if the opposing parties insurance delays payment to you, the case goes to court, or the other parties insurance company decides to challenge the claim.
How much will PIP cover?
Coverage can range from $1,500 to $250,000 depending on the insurer and the state of residence, and covers ambulance fees, care and medication for the driver and all passengers involved, lost wages, and, rehabilitation costs.
Cost is always a concern when contemplating adding additional coverage. PIP insurance costs vary depending on the age of the driver, the vehicle type, and the location of the driver’s residence.
What if I am not the one driving when an accident occurs?
Many PIP plans will cover the costs of a passenger with an injury, in the case of the driver not being PIP insured, regardless if the victim is the driver or a passenger. It is good practice to check with individual plans. The same goes for looking into specialty services. One example of a service occasionally covered is acupuncture.
How important is PIP?
Currently, some degree of PIP coverage is required by 15 states. The remaining states offer it as an optional extension to regular car insurance.
If you have sustained a personal injury and are considering hiring a personal injury lawyer, consult with attorney Robert D. Erney. He is committed to helping those who have suffered injuries due to the negligence of others obtain the compensation they deserve.
