When you incur an injury in an accident, your first concern will likely be to get medical assistance. This tends to include ambulance services, testing, treatment, hospital stays, or even rehabilitation. If your injuries are severe and require extensive treatment, you could fail to handle these costs out-of-pocket.
Personal injury protection (PIP) is a policy included in your auto insurance that covers any injuries suffered in an accident. In no-fault states, it is a legal requirement for road users.
There are concerns that PIP coverage overlaps with health insurance. Some drivers hold that they should not pay for both. This usually raises the question of personal injury protection vs. health insurance.
Have you been injured in an accident? Do you have questions about your insurance policy? Contact El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers to speak to expert Personal Injury Attorneys in Los Angeles.
What Is Personal Injury Protection?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is coverage available for vehicle owners. Essentially, it covers 80% of medical costs and 60% of lost wages caused by a car accident injury. It can be an option or mandatory requirement, depending on whether you live in a fault or no-fault state.
If you are injured and carry a PIP policy, you can access it immediately by providing the hospital with your PIP claim number. This is generally faster than waiting for a health insurance payout.
PIP insurance covers medical expenses to a specified limit. If this amount is not enough to settle your bills, you can turn to your health insurance or bring a lawsuit against the at-fault party of an accident.
PIP vs. Health Insurance
Like Personal Injury Protection (PIP), health insurance covers medical costs from an injury, illness, or accident. However, there are key differences between the two:
- Health insurance does not cover lost income resulting from an injury.
- Health insurance also does not cover the medical expenses of the passengers in your vehicle during an accident.
- Many health insurance policies have deductibles. You have to pay these before you can receive your benefits. This generally lengthens the process of getting a payout.
- PIP policies may or may not come with deductibles.
Lastly, if your health insurance pays for your medical bills, your insurance provider can bring a lien against your car accident settlement. This is a claim for repayment for any costs incurred.
PIP or Health Insurance: Which Is Better?
Both PIP and health insurance policies have their merits. However, PIP benefits are easier to claim, cover lost wages, and include your passengers. On the other hand, PIP policies are subject to a limit and could fail to cover your bills if you are severely injured.
Overall, it is advisable to carry both policies.
Talk to the Best Personal Injury Attorneys in Los Angeles
In no-fault states, Personal injury protection (PIP) is the first resource used to cover your medical expenses. Your health insurance can come into play if your treatment exhausts your policy limit. You could also talk to an attorney about suing the at-fault driver for damages.
The question of personal injury protection vs. health insurance is best answered by an attorney who understands your state laws.
If you have any questions regarding this matter, contact our offices today to schedule a consultation with top Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorneys at El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers.