A car accident in Centralia, Chehalis, Lewis County, or anywhere in Southwest Washington can leave you dealing with more than vehicle damage. Medical bills can begin arriving while you’re missing work and still trying to recover from your injuries.
That is where Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance in Washington State can make an important difference.
PIP can provide benefits after an auto accident without requiring you to wait for the insurance companies to determine who was at fault.
4 Things to Know About PIP Insurance in Washington
1. PIP is optional in Washington.
Washington drivers are not required to purchase PIP, but insurance companies must offer it. If you don’t want PIP coverage, you must reject it in writing.
2. PIP is generally no-fault coverage.
You may be able to receive PIP benefits regardless of who caused the accident.
3. PIP can cover more than medical bills.
Depending on your policy, benefits may include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of services, and funeral expenses.
4. Check your coverage before an accident.
Review your auto insurance declarations page to determine whether you have PIP and what coverage limits apply.
What Is Personal Injury Protection (PIP)?
Personal Injury Protection is optional automobile insurance that helps pay certain expenses when you or others covered under your policy are injured in a motor vehicle accident.
Unlike liability insurance, PIP generally does not depend on who caused the collision. This can be especially important when fault is disputed or an insurance investigation takes weeks or months.
Under RCW 48.22.085, Washington auto insurers must offer PIP coverage. If an insured does not want the coverage, it must be rejected in writing.
What Can PIP Cover After a Washington Car Accident?
Medical expenses can accumulate quickly following an accident on I-5, Highway 6, Highway 12, or local roads throughout Lewis County and Southwest Washington.
Depending on your policy and applicable limits, PIP may provide benefits for:
- Medical and hospital expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of services, including certain household tasks you cannot perform because of your injuries
- Funeral expenses
Having PIP can mean having access to insurance benefits while your claim against the at-fault driver is still being investigated.
Why Health Insurance May Not Be Enough
Some Washington drivers decline PIP because they already have health insurance. But health insurance and PIP serve different purposes.
Health insurance may involve deductibles, copays, network restrictions, and other limitations. It also generally does not replace wages lost because an injury prevents you from working.
PIP can therefore provide an additional layer of financial protection following a serious accident.
Review Your PIP Coverage Before You Need It
The best time to understand your automobile insurance is before an accident happens.
Check your insurance declarations page and ask:
Do I have PIP coverage? What are my limits?
If you aren’t sure, contact your insurance agent or company. Knowing what protection you have today can prevent unpleasant surprises after an accident.
Centralia & Chehalis Car Accident Attorneys
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Centralia, Chehalis, Lewis County, or Southwest Washington, understanding the different insurance policies available to pay your losses can be confusing.
At Althauser Rayan Abbarno, our personal injury attorneys help injured people understand their PIP coverage, navigate PIP and liability claims, communicate with insurance companies, and pursue fair compensation for their injuries and losses.
Our firm has served individuals and families in Centralia, Chehalis, Lewis County, and communities throughout Southwest Washington for generations.
Injured in a Washington car accident? Learn more and get help at CentraliaLaw.com.
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This article provides general information about Washington law and automobile insurance and is not legal advice. Insurance coverage and benefits depend on the terms of the individual policy and applicable law.
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