Understanding Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage in Pennsylvania
A car accident can change your life in an instant. Between medical appointments, missed work, and unexpected bills, the financial pressure often begins before fault is established. In Pennsylvania, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is intended to offer immediate financial assistance following a car accident, allowing injured drivers and passengers to access benefits quickly. Understanding how PIP works and its limitations is crucial. In this article, we explain what Pennsylvania PIP coverage includes, the minimum requirements, its limitations, and when additional legal options may be available after a serious crash.
What Is Personal Injury Protection?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a form of auto insurance coverage on your policy that pays for specific accident-related expenses regardless of who is at fault. In Pennsylvania, PIP is included in what insurers call first-party benefits (FPB).
After a car accident, your own insurer will cover your eligible expenses up to your coverage limits without waiting for fault determination. This allows you to receive treatment and financial assistance without delay.
Is PIP Required in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania law requires all drivers to carry PIP as part of their auto insurance policy. While the minimum coverage you are allowed to carry is $5,000, you may purchase significantly higher PIP benefits. In fact, it is highly advisable that you purchase higher PIP limits. Often, the legal minimum falls short in serious accidents. Choosing higher PIP limits can provide financial security, especially if injuries require extensive treatment, long-term care, or rehabilitation.
What Does PIP Cover?
Personal Injury Protection coverage in Pennsylvania provides compensation for economic losses associated with injuries from an auto accident, including:
- Medical Expenses: Reasonable and necessary medical expenses such as emergency care, hospital stays, doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, surgeries, and therapy or rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: If you can’t work due to the accident, PIP may reimburse a part of your lost income. PIP also applies if you are self-employed and need to hire temporary workers.
- Funeral Expenses and Death Benefits: In the event of a fatal crash, PIP may cover funeral expenses for burial or cremation. In some cases, PIP may also provide benefits to surviving family members.
- Essential Services: Some policies include coverage for services you can’t perform due to your injury, such as childcare and housekeeping.
How Does PIP Work With Pennsylvania’s Insurance System?
Pennsylvania is a “choice no-fault” state. This means that drivers still carry liability coverage and may pursue claims against negligent drivers while still maintaining first-party benefits, which apply regardless of fault.
When purchasing auto insurance, drivers must choose between limited and full tort coverage. Limited tort coverage limits the ability to claim compensation for pain and suffering unless the injury qualifies as “serious” under the law. On the other hand, full tort allows you to maintain the right to seek all damages, including non-economic losses.
What Happens When PIP Benefits Are Exhausted?
If your PIP benefits run out and you still have medical expenses or other losses, you may receive additional compensation from your health insurance or the liability insurance of the at-fault driver. Depending on your choice of tort and the extent of your injuries, you might also have the option to file a personal injury lawsuit to claim additional damages.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you’ve been in a car accident, contact a Lehighton & Carbon County civil litigation attorney at Adam R. Weaver, Esq. We will review your insurance coverage, explain your options, and work to protect your rights every step of the way.
