Car accidents can often be devastating, so it's crucial to get as much protection as possible in case one were to happen. Getting a policy from an insurance company ensures the victim gets enough money to pay for their medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to the car accident.
In Texas, there are many types of auto insurance. One of the most common ones is PIP coverage. A great benefit of this auto insurance policy is that it covers the car driver and anyone else inside it, which is great if the auto accident was severe.
The auto insurance coverage from PIP may vary depending on the state. This page will cover everything to know about Texas law and what it says about PIP insurance in the state. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can also help with proving fault in personal injury accidents.
What Is Personal Injury Protection (PIP)?
Personal Injury Protection (also referred to as "PIP") is a type of auto insurance. It covers car drivers and their passengers after car accidents.
What makes PIP coverage different than other insurance policies is that it pays the driver regardless of who was at fault for the accident. This makes PIP insurance slightly different from auto liability insurance, which covers the person who was at fault for the accident. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys are able to assist with other questions like Is personal injury protection required in Texas?
What Does PIP Cover?
PIP coverage kicks in as soon as an auto accident happens. After filing a PIP claim, the victim can get money for:
Medical expenses, including diagnostics, nursing care, medications, surgeries, medical devices, physical therapy, and others
Funeral services
Lost wages
Ambulance expenses
Child care, household maintenance, or any other service that was usually provided by the victim
Is It Mandatory to Get Personal Injury Protection Coverage in Texas?
Texas law is straightforward when it comes to PIP insurance. All insurance companies are required by law to offer PIP coverage at the time of getting auto liability insurance. Likewise, these companies must offer a minimum of $2,500 in PIP coverage.
Now, drivers don't have to accept PIP coverage if they don't want it. Texas doesn't force drivers to carry this type of insurance.
Even though PIP coverage isn't mandatory, it's heavily recommended to get it, as it covers the driver in special cases. If the at-fault party flees the scene of the accident, for example, the driver can still get money to cover their medical treatment and other related expenses. Moreover, filing a PIP claim won't cause the driver's insurance rates to rise.
One of the most crucial factors of PIP is that it also covers passengers. If a driver were to get into an accident and get injured alongside their passenger, they would get the same amount of coverage, depending on the case.
It's important to note that, even though Texas doesn't require drivers to carry PIP insurance, it requires them to get a minimum amount of liability insurance. Regardless of the liability policy the driver gets, it should cover at least:
$30k per injured person
$60k for multiple injured parties in an accident
$25k in property damage
As mentioned previously, drivers may get a minimum of $2,500 in PIP coverage, so the minimums mentioned above don't apply to this kind of insurance.
Unlike with PIP, insurers aren't required to offer medical payments coverage (Med-Pay). It's important to note that drivers can't get both options; they may only choose one. Med-Pay tends to be much more affordable than PIP, but it offers fewer benefits.
Med-Pay, for example, doesn't reimburse drivers for lost wages.
Moreover, Med-Pay is subject to subrogation in Texas. Insurance companies can ask the other party's insurance to reimburse them for Med-Pay. If the driver exhausts all liability protection from the other driver, they may get less money from their Med-Pay claim.
Ultimately, both insurance options will protect the driver, but generally speaking, PIP will be better in the long term.
How Much Does Personal Injury Protection Insurance Cost in Texas?
The amount a person pays for PIP coverage depends on several factors, including:
Where they live
The amount of coverage they want
Their driving history
Those interested in getting PIP insurance should get quotes from at least three different insurers and compare them to find the best deal.
Even though the minimum offered by all companies is $2,500, the driver could get as much as $10,000 in coverage. That amount may not be much in cases involving severe injuries, but it may help when dealing with all the expenses related to the accident.
How Does Someone File a PIP Claim in Texas?
According to the law, PIP coverage will only work for any costs that occur within three years of the car accident. Even though three years may seem like a lot, it's always better to report the injuries as soon as the victim is aware of them.
Missing the three-year deadline will likely result in the claim getting denied.
At the time of filing a claim, it's important to include as much documentation and evidence as possible. This includes bills, receipts, and others.
PIP claims can offer different types of reimbursement, depending on the case:
100% coverage of the cost of ambulance services, medical treatments, and funeral expenses, up to the maximum amount.
80% coverage of lost wages. The victim would have to show proof of what their income was before the accident and that the loss of income was directly associated with it.
80% coverage of expenses for caregivers (if needed).
Whether the victim receives 100% or 80% in coverage depends on how much proof they show about their injuries. If they're unsure of which documents they can use to start building their claim, they should contact personal injury lawyers in Houston TX.
Bottom Line
Understanding how car insurance in general works is crucial and can even save lives when the time comes. Not all health insurance companies offer the same packages, but PIP coverage tends to offer the same benefits to most drivers.
Even if the victim is receiving PIP benefits, they must get legal help if they weren't at fault for the accident. Those interested in getting assistance can schedule a free consultation with Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys in Houston, Texas.
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