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Auto AccidentsPersonal Injury

Assessing the Benefits of PIP Insurance in Washington State

By April 21, 2021July 1st, 2021No Comments

Coping with an auto accident injury can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. As you focus on your recovery, you must also deal with the unanticipated medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses resulting from the accident. Although Washington state doesn’t require drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, many drivers opt in to this coverage to ensure that they receive the benefits they need if they suffer an auto accident injury in the Vancouver or Camas area. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of PIP insurance so that you can make informed decisions moving forward.

Comprehensive Coverage

PIP insurance coverage helps to pay for costs associated with an auto accident, such as medical and hospital expenses, lost wages, loss of services, and even funeral expenses. PIP will cover up to $10,000 for “reasonable and necessary” medical costs for each injured person (i.e., the policyholder, their relatives, their step or foster children, or other passengers and pedestrians injured in the accident). If your injuries render you unable to work, PIP will provide up to $200 per week (or $10,000 total) to make up for lost income. Additionally, if non-family members need to step in to help you perform tasks you can no longer do on your own, PIP can compensate them up to $200 per week ($5,000 total). Depending on your anticipated needs, you can increase your PIP coverage to receive additional benefits should the need arise.

A More Streamlined Process

Some people assume that their health insurance coverage will be enough to cover their auto accident expenses. However, even with a solid health insurance plan, obtaining the benefits you need after the accident can be complicated. Most health insurance plans involve copays and deductibles, which could lead to significant out-of-pocket expenses. With a PIP plan, you won’t have to worry about out-of-pocket costs as long as the treatment you need is considered reasonable and necessary. You may also find that PIP coverage is less restrictive than your healthcare insurance, as you can seek treatment outside of your typical healthcare network (again, as long as the treatment is both necessary and reasonable).

How a Vancouver Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

Most Washington residents don’t realize how complicated the accident recovery process is until they become injured themselves. Whether or not you have PIP insurance, you deserve clear and helpful answers to your questions about the claims process. Working with a trusted and compassionate personal injury attorney can relieve much of the stress and anxiety you experience as you try to put your life back together. Enlist their guidance to ensure that you have the tools and support you need to move forward.

 

Reach out to the dedicated and empathetic legal team at Henderson Taylor Law Firm today by calling our Vancouver office today at (360) 737-1478.

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