What You Need to Know About PIP Coverage
States generally follow no-fault or fault-based insurance systems. If you live in a state with a no-fault insurance system, you will be required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. PIP insurance provides coverage for your medical bills, lost wages, and other reasonable accident-related losses.
If you live in a state with a fault-based insurance system, you are not required to carry PIP insurance but may have the option to add on additional coverage to protect yourself in case of an accident.
At Flesch and Beck Law, we provide experienced representation for individuals who have been seriously injured in accidents throughout Denver and the surrounding areas. Our lawyers work hard to ensure you receive the largest recovery possible in your case. Contact our office today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Understanding Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Personal Injury Protection or PIP insurance covers your medical bills, lost wages, and more after an accident. PIP, also referred to as no-fault insurance, provides coverage regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
In states that follow a no-fault insurance system, a person may file a claim for no-fault benefits even if they were responsible for the accident. Unlike liability insurance, PIP covers your expenses in the event of a car accident.
In at-fault states like Colorado, drivers are not required to purchase personal injury protection (PIP) insurance as they would be in no-fault states. However, some insurance companies may offer PIP coverage as an optional add-on to auto insurance policies, even in at-fault states.
Typical Details and Benefits
PIP protection and coverage differ depending on the state where you reside. Currently, there are 12 states that follow a no-fault insurance system. Each of the 12 states requires that you purchase a minimum amount of PIP insurance. In addition to the 12 no-fault states, there are also several that give you the option to purchase PIP coverage.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance generally covers your:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of services
- Other reasonable accident-related losses
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance typically covers your medical bills, lost wages, and reasonable accident-related expenses. In many cases, you must exceed a certain no-fault threshold in order to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against a liable party.
PIP Laws and Regulations
There are 12 states that require motorists to purchase Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage. Other states, including Colorado, follow a tort or fault-based insurance system. In a few states, you have the option to opt into the no-fault system.
In states like Colorado, you may be able to select optional coverage such as Medical Pay or MedPay. MedPay provides compensation for your medical bills if you are injured in an accident that you caused. Unlike Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, MedPay does not cover lost wages or other accident-related losses.
Most no-fault states have provisions that allow individuals to still sue an at-fault driver if they meet certain thresholds, such as their economic losses exceed a specific amount or they sustain serious injuries.
Navigating the Claims Process
If you are injured in a car accident as a result of another party’s negligence, you may be able to pursue compensation. The most common way to pursue compensation is through a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance.
Colorado law requires motorists to carry mandatory minimum liability insurance in the following amounts:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person;
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death per accident; and
- $15,000 for property damage per accident.
As noted above, Colorado allows you to purchase additional coverage such as MedPay to cover your medical expenses if you are responsible for an accident. MedPay may also provide coverage for your passengers after an accident.
What to Do If You Have Been Injured in a Car Accident
The first thing you need to do if you have been injured in a car accident is to consult with an experienced attorney. An attorney can help you navigate the claims process and determine the best course of action moving forward.
In order to secure a full and fair recovery in your case, you will want to provide adequate documentation of your injuries and the events that occurred before, during, and after the accident. In Colorado, you will need to prove liability. In order to prove liability or that another party was responsible for your injuries, you will need to show that they caused or contributed to the accident.
You will also need to prove the extent of your injuries. One of the best ways to prove your injuries is by providing your attorney a copy of your medical records and by keeping a daily record of your physical and mental health. It is essential to seek medical attention immediately after an accident. A delay in diagnosis or treatment could negatively impact your case.
Comparative Negligence in Colorado
Colorado law still allows you to pursue compensation against a liable party if you were partially to blame for your injuries. According to the Colorado Revised Statutes Section 13-21-111, contributory negligence will not bar a person’s right to recover damages.
If you are found to be partially responsible for your injuries, your recovery may be reduced in proportion to your percentage of the fault. Any time that there is a question of fault or liability, it is important to work with an attorney. Insurance companies may try to deny your claim or downplay their client’s percentage of fault, reducing your potential for recovery.
Working with an attorney as early in the process as possible can help to ensure you do not end up settling for less than your case is worth. It is important to consult with an attorney prior to making any statements to an insurer or other party.
Choosing the Right Attorney
If you are injured in a car accident, it is important to choose the right attorney. At Flesch & Beck, we provide focused representation for individuals who have been injured in car accidents throughout Denver and the surrounding communities. Our lawyers will help guide you through the claims process, working to determine whether you have a valid claim for damages.
When you are injured in a car accident, you should choose an attorney who is:
- Experienced
- Local
- Client-focused
- Trial-tested
Our attorneys have a proven track record of success. We have secured multiple multi-million dollar verdicts and six-figure settlements on behalf of our clients. We know the law and will not rest until you receive the best possible outcome in your case. When you are injured in an accident, you need a lawyer you can trust. You need a dedicated advocate that will make sure you do not settle for less than your case is worth.
Flesch & Beck Injury Attorneys
Were you injured in a car accident? Our lawyers can help you understand your legal options including how to pursue a claim against the person or persons that caused your injuries.
It is important to remember that the insurance company may not have your best interests at heart. They may try to get you to settle for as little as possible. When you retain our firm, we will work to ensure you always get the largest recovery based on the facts of your case.
Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation. Let our legal team provide you with the support and guidance you need to make informed decisions about your case. Get the legal help you need today so you can focus on your health and recovery after an accident.
