PIP versus Pain and Suffering Claims
Personal Injury Attorney – Hillsboro – Beaverton – Portland Oregon
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Personal Injury Protection better known as PIP is no-fault medical coverage on auto policies that cover medical bills and often lost wages. Regardless of whether or not the accident was your fault, you are entitled to your PIP benefits. In the state of Oregon, all personal insurance policies are required to have two years or $15,000 of PIP coverage with the exception of motorcycle insurance policies which may or may not offer pip. For lost wages, you can receive up to 70% of your monthly income, but no more than $3,000 per month. This is good for a total of 52 weeks at any time during the two year period following the accident. PIP wage loss payments are not taxable. However, for pip to start paying wage loss, you must be off work for 14 consecutive days.
PIP is extended to all persons in the vehicle at the time of the accident. PIP can also include pedestrians that you injure with a car who have no health insurance or car insurance of their own. For example, if you are in a car with your mom and dad when an accident occurs, all three of you are entitled to the one year or $15,000 of PIP to cover your injuries and wage loss benefits. Even better PIP coverage is instant. Your medical bills and wage loss claims will be paid directly by the insurance company and there is typically no waiting period.
To use your PIP coverage, you must see a licensed health care provider such as a general care physician, chiropractor or physical therapist. If you are interested in seeing an alternative health care provider, call your insurance company to make sure it will be covered through your PIP. For example, to see a licensed massage therapist, you will want to have a referral to ensure that PIP pays that person’s bills.
Personal injury protection is different than pain and suffering compensation. PIP is no-fault coverage. Pain and suffering is another matter and is what you go after once you are medically stationary. You usually pursue that through the at-fault person’s insurance, but it can also be something you pursue through your own insurance if the at-fault party had no insurance. Pain and suffering cover emotional and physical pain and suffering as a result of the auto accident.
Pain and Suffering Compensation
If you have been injured in a car accident, and you are not liable, you can file a pain and suffering claim against the at-fault party’s insurance policy. This can be a difficult endeavor because the at-fault insurance company will not make it easy for you to get the compensation that you deserve. When filing a pain and suffering claim, you should choose an experienced car accident attorney to fight for your right for a fair settlement.
To ensure you get the best settlement possible, be sure you choose a credible auto accident attorney with a proven record of success. Your lawyer should be able to walk you carefully through the entire claim and settlement process to ensure you are properly compensated.