If you were injured in a car accident in Pennsylvania, you’ll likely hear the term PIP (short for Personal Injury Protection) when dealing with your insurance claim. PIP coverage is a required part of every auto insurance policy in the state and plays a major role in how accident victims receive compensation for medical bills and other losses.
Under Pennsylvania’s “choice no-fault” insurance system, each driver’s own insurance pays for their injuries, regardless of who caused the crash. PIP makes that possible. It helps ensure that injured drivers and passengers can access medical treatment and financial support immediately after an accident, without waiting for fault to be decided.
Learn more about how PIP works below, and contact a personal injury lawyer if you need help with a claim.
How Does PIP Work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is one of the few states that uses a hybrid no-fault system. This means that, depending on the type of coverage you purchased, your right to sue and collect damages can vary. However, no matter what, PIP coverage is included in every policy.
When you’re in an accident, your own insurance company pays for your medical expenses through your PIP benefits. This is true whether you caused the crash or not. You’ll file a “first-party benefits” claim with your insurer, and they’ll cover medical costs up to your policy’s limit.
PIP does not cover damage to your car or the other driver’s vehicle. Instead, it focuses on things like hospital bills, surgeries, and rehabilitation. If your losses exceed your PIP limits or if your injuries meet certain legal thresholds, you may be able to step outside the no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
What Does PIP Cover?
PIP benefits can cover several types of expenses related to your injuries. While every policy has its own limits, Pennsylvania law requires at least $5,000 in medical benefits for every insured vehicle.
PIP typically pays for:
- Medical bills: Hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, medication, physical therapy, and other necessary treatment.
- Rehabilitation: Costs for ongoing medical care, therapy, or recovery services.
- Lost income: If your injuries keep you from working, some PIP policies reimburse a percentage of your lost wages.
- Funeral and death benefits: If an accident results in a fatality, PIP can cover funeral expenses and limited survivor benefits.
- Essential services: In certain cases, PIP helps pay for services you can’t perform due to your injuries, such as household chores or childcare.
PIP coverage is designed to provide quick access to funds so that you don’t have to wait for the outcome of a personal injury lawsuit to afford care.
Full Tort vs. Limited Tort Coverage
When you purchase car insurance in Pennsylvania, you choose between full tort and limited tort coverage. This choice determines how far your right to sue goes after a crash.
- Full Tort: You retain the unrestricted right to file a lawsuit against an at-fault driver for all your losses, including pain and suffering.
- Limited Tort: Your ability to sue for non-economic damages (like pain and suffering and emotional distress) is restricted unless you meet specific exceptions.
However, note that even if you selected limited tort coverage, you can still file a claim for economic losses like medical bills or lost wages through your PIP benefits. However, if your injuries are classified as “serious” under Pennsylvania law or if another exception applies, you can pursue additional compensation beyond your PIP limits.
How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help With a PIP Claim
Although PIP is designed to simplify recovery, insurance companies sometimes delay or deny valid claims. They may, for instance, try and dispute the cause of your injuries, claim that treatment was unnecessary, or question the severity of your condition.
A knowledgeable Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer can:
- Review your insurance policy and explain your rights
- Communicate with the insurance adjuster on your behalf
- Gather evidence and medical records to support your claim
- Appeal a denied or underpaid claim
- Determine whether you qualify to step outside the no-fault system and pursue a lawsuit
Having legal representation ensures that you aren’t taken advantage of during the claims process and that you receive the full amount your policy provides.
Contact Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC for a Free Consultation
PIP coverage can be confusing, but it’s one of the most important protections available under Pennsylvania law. It helps pay medical bills and lost wages right after an accident, regardless of fault, and can also provide crucial financial support while you recover.
If you’re struggling with your PIP claim or believe your insurance company isn’t paying what you’re owed, contact a Scranton car accident lawyer at (570) 714-4878 at Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC for a free consultation today. An attorney can help you work toward an outcome that results in maximum compensation for you and your loved ones.
