PIP
You may have heard of personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. You might be wondering whether PIP insurance is part of your car insurance policy and if it can help after an accident.
If you are injured in a car accident that was not your fault, an experienced car accident lawyer from Zaner Harden Personal Injury Lawers can review your insurance policy for all applicable coverage. We can also help you file a third-party claim against the party responsible for your accident.
Here is what you should know about PIP and Med Pay insurance in Colorado.
What Is PIP?
PIP is a type of insurance primarily used in no-fault states. In these states, parties injured in car accidents turn to their own insurance for coverage, regardless of fault.
PIP insurance is intended to minimize the number of personal injury cases filed in the courts and provide a streamlined approach for resolving car accident claims.
Because Colorado is an at-fault state for car accidents, PIP is not required in Colorado. However, Med Pay is a similar type of coverage available for Colorado drivers.
What Is Med Pay?
Insurance providers who sell policies in Colorado are required by law to offer medical payments (Med Pay) coverage to those purchasing auto insurance. Med Pay covers reasonable medical expenses stemming from a car crash, regardless of fault. It covers the insured and the other people in the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Med Pay does not have a deductible. Car insurance providers must offer Med Pay coverage of at least $5,000. If someone does not want Med Pay, they must opt out in writing. Consumers can purchase additional amounts of Med Pay insurance.
What Does Med Pay Cover?
Med Pay covers reasonable medical expenses for physical injuries you suffer in a car accident, which may include:
- Emergency care
- Ambulance rides
- Emergency room treatment
- Imaging and diagnostic tests
- Surgeries
- Hospital stays
- Medication
- Physical therapy
You can also use your Med Pay coverage for co-pays required by your health insurance.
Differences Between Med Pay and PIP Insurance
While Med Pay and PIP insurance both cover medical expenses stemming from a car accident regardless of fault, they do have important distinctions. One difference is the amount of coverage. The minimum amount of coverage auto insurance companies in Colorado must offer is $5,000. However, the minimum amount of PIP coverage in some no-fault states is $10,000.
Additionally, PIP insurance may cover more types of expenses than Med Pay. For example, Florida’s PIP insurance covers 60% of lost income and 100% of necessary replacement services due to a car accident.
Damages You Can Recover in a Car Accident Claim
Because Med Pay only provides for the payment of medical expenses, it is worth considering filing a personal injury claim so you can seek compensation for the full extent of your damages. Depending on the circumstances, this could include money for the following losses you incurred in the accident:
Future Medical Expenses
You may have suffered serious injuries in the accident that require ongoing care. A third-party claim can seek compensation for future medical expenses that are reasonably anticipated in the future, such as visits with a specialist, doctor visits with your primary care physician, physical therapy, chiropractic care, and other medical treatment.
Lost Wages
If you lost work because of your accident injuries, you can seek compensation for your losses, including:
- Hourly pay
- Salary pay
- Overtime pay
- Tips and commissions
- Bonuses
- Employment benefits
Your lawyer can gather your check stubs, tax returns, and employment verification letters to estimate the value of these losses.
Reduced Earning Capacity
In addition to your short-term losses, you can seek compensation for your long-term losses, including your reduced earning capacity. You may be able to recover money to compensate you for your reduced ability to earn a living caused by disabilities.
Non-Economic Damages
The law recognizes that motor vehicle accidents can have effects on victims that cannot be easily quantified. Even though the following types of damages do not have a direct economic impact, accident victims may still be able to recover compensation for them:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Disability and impairment
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Inconvenience
An experienced car accident lawyer can work closely with you to determine how the accident affected you and demand compensation for your full and fair recovery.
Contact a Denver Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, an experienced Denver car accident lawyer from Zaner Harden Law can help. We can review your case and explain the compensation you may be entitled to. Call today at (720) 613-9706 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced Denver personal injury attorney.
