FAQs on Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits claim
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is one of the insurance types that you can avail to cover for injuries and losses caused by vehicular accident. It includes compensation for your medical bills and other losses.
Here are some frequently asked questions on PIP:
Q. How will I know if I have PIP benefits?
A. Ask your insurance provider if your PIP is included in your insurance plan. PIP is considered important by the state and would normally require a written declaration of rejection if the insured doesn't want to avail of its benefits.
If you have not signed any letter denouncing your privilege for PIP, try to request a copy of the letter from the insurance company for you to verify any proof.
PIP benefits offer financial assistance for surgeries and medication. If the at-fault driver has available insurance, he or she may pay for your injuries; however, the coverage may be limited. Pedestrians, passengers, and cyclists are often given exemption and the law demands full compensation for their injuries.
Q. What is the PIP coverage exemption for pedestrian and cyclists?
A: Pedestrians and cyclists are given extended coverage for treatment of injuries. If the driver has available PIP benefits, this will include the victims. It is important to verify from your insurance provider, if your insurance plan includes PIP benefits. If you and the other driver both have PIP benefits, the one who caused the accident will have primary responsibility to provide coverage for the expenses of the victim.
Should the primary coverage have limited amount to pay for all your expenses, Your PIP benefit (secondary coverage) will pay for the remaining amount.
Q: How can I ensure protection when in someone else's vehicle?
A: Ask the owner if the car has PIP benefit or adequate insurance coverage. If the owner has PIP benefits, then you will be automatically entitled to receive compensation for injuries or losses should an accident occurs. However, you have to make sure that you are legally and explicitly invited or allowed to ride/use/drive the owner's car.
Q: How can I open a PIP claim?
A: After a vehicular crash, you need to contact your insurance provider and tell the personnel that you will open a PIP claim. Your insurance representative may ask pertinent information about the accident and your insurance policy. You will be given a claim number, and a "PIP" adjuster will handle your claim. You will need to submit all receipts or certificates from the hospital which treated your injuries. You may need to follow up the medical records to speed up the claim process.
Consult a professional Personal Injury Protection (PIP) lawyer in Los Angeles to learn more on how you can receive maximum compensation for your injuries.
