Your auto insurance policy protects you in situations in which you could be otherwise financially liable. Usually, your policy will include different coverages. Some of them could be optional or a legal requirement, depending on where you live. Personal injury protection, or PIP, is one such coverage offered in New Jersey.
PIP coverage is also called no-fault insurance. It kicks in when you get into an accident to protect you and your passengers. Essentially, PIP insurance will cover medical expenses and lost wages related to your accident. It can also cover death benefits in fatal accidents.
If you have questions about your PIP insurance or have been injured in a car accident, it is advisable to discuss your case with an expert Bayonne Car Accident Attorney.
What Is Covered by PIP Insurance?
Personal injury protection pays for your injuries and injury-related costs, regardless of who caused the accident. Simply put, you don’t need to establish fault to receive benefits. Your insurer will cover a percentage of your lost wages and medical bills to a specific limit. These protections can be extended to your immediate family members and passengers of an insured car.
It is crucial to note that PIP only covers injury-related costs. This means that you won’t receive payments for property damage caused by the accident. Additionally, it does not cover the other driver’s damages should you be sued for the accident.
Some PIP insurance providers offer a deductible. This is the least amount of money you should pay out of pocket before the insurer’s obligation kicks in. Generally, a high deductible means you will pay less premiums. It also means you will pay more out of pocket before receiving PIP benefits.
Like any insurance policy, PIP is also subject to a limit of liability. This refers to the maximum amount that the insurer is obligated to pay. Anything beyond this limit must be paid for out of pocket. However, you can choose to pay higher premiums for maximum coverage.
What Is Not Covered by PIP Insurance?
Personal injury protection coverage is subject to several exclusions. If your injuries fall under these, you could be ineligible for reimbursement from your PIP provider. Common exclusions in New Jersey include situations where:
- You caused the accident intentionally.
- The accident occurred during the commission of a crime or as you were fleeing the police.
- You caused an accident in an uninsured vehicle.
- You were driving your car for fare, such as a taxi.
- Your injury was caused by human activity, such as a nuclear explosion or war.
Talk to a Bayonne Car Accident Attorney
Personal injury protection covers your injury-related losses, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. In no-fault states like New Jersey, you are required to have the coverage as part of your auto insurance policy. This means that you and your passengers are always protected in an accident.
While PIP coverage protects you, it also limits your rights to sue. You can only file a lawsuit against an at-fault driver if the accident caused significant injuries, permanent disability, or death.
If you suffer losses not covered by your PIP coverage in an accident, contact Anthony Carbone Law to discuss your legal options with an expert Bayonne Car Accident Attorney.