Most drivers can agree on two things: no one likes paying for insurance and no one likes getting into a car accident.
Unfortunately, accidents happen even if we’re careful. And dealing with insurance can get really complicated. Am I covered if I’m not at fault? What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance? Who will pay my bills?
In California, PIP is an optional insurance coverage that drivers can obtain. It means that even though this coverage is available, it’s not compulsory (drivers aren’t required by law to carry it). But in cities like Los Angeles where traffic accidents happen every day, drivers must decide if the benefits of carrying PIP insurance outweigh the costs.
What is PIP?
PIP insurance covers medical expenses if you’ve been involved in an accident – regardless of who is at fault. Depending on your insurance provider and policy, PIP may provide additional coverage not included with your basic insurance coverage.
Below are some of the advantages and disadvantages of having PIP insurance:
Advantages of Having PIP Insurance
There are several advantages of having PIP insurance, but some of the more significant ones include:
- PIP insurance will provide essential compensation, no matter who is at fault for the accident.
- PIP insurance will pay even if you “lose” your case. If your case goes to court and you lose, the financial results could be devastating. With PIP, you would be covered.
- PIP insurance typically pays more quickly compared to third-party insurance. Injury claims can a long time to get resolved. Some claims take months or even years if a lawsuit is filed.
PIP covers your passengers, uninsured drivers, and under insured drivers. This insurance also covers hit and run drivers.
Costs covered under PIP insurance may include but is not necessarily limited to:
- Hospital bills
- Doctor bills
- Ambulance bills
- Costs associated with visiting the ER
- X-ray and MRI bills
- Funeral expenses
Disadvantages of Having PIP Insurance
On the other hand, PIP insurance does have some disadvantages that should be considered. For example,
- PIP insurance can be quite expensive and increases the cost of your car insurance.
- PIP claim payment is likely to be significantly less than payment obtained by an injury claim since pain and suffering aren’t included.
Pain and suffering compensation in a lawsuit can be significantly greater than the compensation for lost earnings and medical costs. Although PIP insurance can prevent you from having to file an injury claim, you should think carefully before deciding if you should do so.
Sometimes, using PIP insurance isn’t your best bet. An experienced lawyer can help you figure out the best course of action so you can get the maximum compensation.
Consult with a PIP Insurance Lawyer Today
Getting into an accident is already complicated enough. You should be able to focus on recovery, rather than dealing with insurance and paperwork. If you or a loved one suffered injury from an accident, you should contact Mesriani Law Group today for a free legal consultation. We are confident that our experienced attorneys can obtain the maximum compensation for your case and offer a “no win, no fee” guarantee.
