Navigating PIP Insurance and Securing Your Compensation

There are many ways to financially recover from a car accident or other mishap. Many types of insurance policies cover property damage and liability to help that process along.
 
But what happens if you sustain an injury following a traffic collision? How can you recover the money you need to compensate for the costs of your injuries?
 
One option is to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. This type of coverage can be chosen as an add-on to most standard auto insurance policies. Some states in the U.S. require drivers to carry a certain amount of PIP insurance. But even if you have this type of coverage, you might wonder how to collect PIP insurance. 
 
Below, we will explain personal injury protection coverage and discuss how to collect PIP insurance in the aftermath of an accident. To secure all the money that you are owed, it is helpful to hire a skilled personal injury attorney.
 
The compassionate lawyers at Morgan & Morgan boast a strong track record of success for our clients. We know how to deal with tightfisted insurance companies and recover the money that you are due.
 
Time is of the essence following a traffic accident. If you are wondering how to collect PIP insurance, complete the contact form on the Morgan & Morgan website. We will happily arrange a no-cost evaluation to discuss your case.

What Is PIP Insurance?

Personal injury protection insurance plans are a type of automotive insurance. These policies can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket costs following an accident.
 
However, to collect PIP insurance, you must have this type of coverage on your policy. 
 
Most states only require motorists to carry liability insurance to drive legally. Liability insurance covers the damages to other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. 
 
This type of insurance does not compensate the policyholder for any medical injuries that they sustain. 
 
Around a dozen states follow a “no-fault” automotive insurance system. These no-fault states require drivers to hold PIP insurance policies to ensure that their medical expenses are covered.
 
Whether the policy is mandatory or not, you can collect PIP repayments without regard to who caused your accident. The steps for how to collect PIP insurance are the same, regardless of who is liable.
 
It is important to note that PIP coverage does not apply to property damage resulting from a collision. Costs for repairing or replacing a vehicle will not be covered by your PIP policy.

How to Collect PIP Insurance: the Basics

Soon after your car accident, it is vital to report the collision to your insurance provider. This will ensure that you claim your PIP insurance in a timely manner.
 
The insurance company should compensate you for any accident-related medical expenses. The company should also repay your lost income and wages up to the PIP insurance policy’s limit. 
 
Some states allow auto insurance providers to split the cost of medical care with the victim’s health insurance provider. If this is the case in your state, your PIP provider may only have to pay a small percentage of your medical costs.
 
If you have sustained damages beyond the limit of your PIP insurance policy, other options are available. Speaking with a skilled personal injury attorney can help you to determine the best course of action in your case. 

Monetary and Verbal Limits

A PIP insurance policy’s limits can either be monetary or verbal. This will depend on the specific laws in your state.
 
A monetary limit is a certain dollar amount, after which the PIP policy does not compensate for further damages. A verbal limit means that the claimant’s injuries must reach a certain threshold of severity to qualify. 
 
In applicable states, minor injuries usually do not reach the required verbal limit for compensating the claimant. However, catastrophic and long-lasting injuries usually will. 
 
After you have filed a claim with your insurance provider, they should cover the costs up to the limit of your policy. Unfortunately, many claimants find that their insurance company is uncooperative.

Uncooperative Insurance Providers

It is vital to remember that insurance companies are not always working in the best financial interests of their policyholders. These corporations can increase their profits by devaluing or undermining the claims of car accident victims. 
 
When you’re speaking with an insurance adjuster, you should never say anything that might downplay your injuries. Even saying that you are “doing fine” or “feeling okay” might undermine your PIP claim.
 
If you are looking for effective strategies on how to collect PIP insurance, contact a skilled personal injury law firm. A knowledgeable legal professional can speak with your insurance provider on your behalf.
 
The accomplished team at Morgan & Morgan knows the strategies that insurance adjusters use to deny claimants the money that they deserve. We recognize these tactics and can effectively counter them. 

Which States Require PIP Insurance Policies?

Most states allow motorists to forego personal injury protection coverage. However, twelve states require drivers to maintain a certain level of PIP insurance.
 
The following states operate on a “no-fault” system and require all legal drivers to hold PIP coverage:

• Florida
• Hawaii
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Utah

Other states require PIP insurance, even though they do not operate on a “no-fault” auto insurance model. They are:

• Arkansas
• Delaware
• Maryland
• Oregon

The remaining states allow individual motorists to make the decision as to whether to secure PIP coverage. If your state does not require you to hold this type of insurance policy, you may decide to forego it.
 
However, this will leave you reliant on your health insurance coverage to ensure that your medical bills are paid. If you need assistance on how to collect PIP insurance, reach out to the skilled legal specialists at Morgan & Morgan.

How Can a Car Insurance Lawyer Help with My Claim?

Insurance providers place many requirements on policyholders throughout the claims process. Some of these requirements are complex and nuanced.
 
Failing to adhere to the company’s requirements could result in the denial of your claim. You should not have to worry that you are receiving less than you are owed.
 
An experienced personal injury attorney will oversee your insurance claim and work to recover maximum compensation for you. State laws require policyholders to comply with their insurance provider when making a PIP coverage claim.
 
You will need to respond to any requests in a timely manner. You will also need to be truthful about the extent and nature of your injuries.
 
In some cases, claimants must discuss their case with the insurance provider of the other driver. Most accident victims do not have experience negotiating with an insurance adjuster, especially an adversarial one.
 
A knowledgeable Morgan & Morgan attorney will speak to the other motorist’s insurance adjuster on your behalf. One of our legal professionals will gather the relevant evidence to present the strongest claim for you. This information includes:

• Medical treatment history
• Evidence of medical expenses
• Accident-related receipts and invoices
• Photographic evidence of the crash
• Statements from witnesses
• Police reports
• And more

If an insurance company denies you the money that you are due, your representative will help you explore all of your legal options.
 
Do not settle for less than you are owed. You should not have to face the financial costs of your injury without the insurance coverage that is rightfully yours. 
 
Let the team at Morgan & Morgan work for you. We know what it takes to take on big insurance companies to recover money for our clients.