What is PIP Coverage in Waldorf, Maryland?
PIP coverage, or insurance, is short for personal injury protection. It is a benefit that is offered through your automobile insurance carrier and is bundled into automobile insurance policies. It is standard unless you have officially waived this coverage.
What is PIP Coverage?
PIP will pay for your medical expenses and lost earnings up to a certain dollar amount based on your individual policy. Usual benefit limits are $2,500, $5,000, or up to $10,000. PIP applies no matter who is at fault for the accident. PIP limits are per person.
PIP coverage can be specifically tailored to cover or exclude certain individuals. A limited PIP policy may only pay benefits for any occupant under 16 years of age, while a comprehensive one may provide benefits for everyone in the vehicle, even occupants who are not family members.
What Does PIP Cover?
PIP coverage may pick up a variety of expenses and costs that are not covered under your regular health insurance. Some of these include:
- Hospitalization
- Medical bills, nursing services, ambulance transport, dental services, medical supplies
- Medications
- Prosthetics
- Funerals
- Child care
- Substitute services for duties you can not do (like cleaning and maintenance of your own home)
- A percentage of your lost wages due to inability to work
Why PIP is Important
Some people believe it is not wise to use your own insurance coverage, but this is a no-fault coverage, so the insurance company can not penalize you for using it. It is technically the only no-fault coverage available in the state, so it is wise to have. The coverage pays out quickly after a loss, which is the opposite of a typical liability claim that is being investigated. If your case ends up in litigation, it could be a year or more before you see any type of monetary benefit, so PIP coverage can be a big help from the start.
If the accident was not your fault and you do eventually receive a settlement from the other party, you can essentially collect twice under the collateral source rule. This means your PIP coverage pays your bills and wages, and the at-fault party is also responsible for reimbursing you for medical expenses and lost wages you sustained because of his or her negligence.
If you think you might have waived your PIP coverage, contact your insurance company and verify. In many cases, the cost of PIP is minor to your annual policy premium. The only way your future premium will increase is if you are found to be at fault for the accident, not because you used your PIP coverage.
How to Use PIP
Once you have been in an accident, you need to contact your insurance company and request the applicable forms for PIP claims. Fill out the forms completely and promptly to get the process moving quickly.
Hiring a Maryland Accident Attorney
If you were in an accident in Maryland and were injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, it is important to have a knowledgeable Charles County accident attorney on your side. Contact the Law Office of Robert Castro at 301-705-5253 or visit our website at Law Office of Robert Castro.
