What Are Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Benefits?

For those that have been involved in a car accident that was caused by someone’s carelessness, you could be eligible for compensation for your lost income, personal injury treatment, pain, suffering and the like. In pursuing compensation, the first thing you’ll need to do is apply for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits.

What is PIP?

If you have a Massachusetts car insurance policy, most will include PIP coverage. Regardless if you were at fault, if you received injuries in a car accident, the policy of the car you were driving will offer PIP benefits. Because it is accessible to anyone injured despite their liability, PIP coverage is sometimes known as “No-Fault” coverage. For those injured in someone else’s car, the benefits of PIP are offered by the insurer of the car you were in as a passenger. If you were struck while riding your bike or walking, PIP benefits would be provided by the insurer of the car that hit you. PIP coverage is mandatory because the state of MA is considered to be a “No-Fault” state.

What Does PIP Cover?

One of the more important aspects of PIP is the covering for any money spent on treatment for injuries sustained in the car accident. This coverage is for medical expenses that were required and reasonable. Before paying PIP benefits, car insurers sometimes will request medical records to make sure that the treatment was necessary.

PIP coverage can also take care of any of the claimant’s lost wages as you recover from the car accident injuries. PIP will pay up to 75% of lost wages if you needed to take time off from work. Confirmation of this requires a doctor’s note and verification by your employer of your weekly income. Claimants are not eligible to receive compensation if they are still receiving a paycheck during this time off from work.

How Much Does PIP Cover?

Medical treatment or loss of income, PIP will cover up to $8,000. For those injured with private health insurance, PIP will cover $2,000. For any medical bills that surpass your PIP coverage, bills must be sent to your health insurer.

If you have been involved in a car accident and are looking to file a claim, contact personal injury Attorney Stephen M. Forlizzi today. Attorney Forlizzi is happy to explain PIP benefits in more detail and explore your options for compensation. For a free consultation, contact Attorney Forlizzi at 978-739-4898 or by filling out the online contact form.