If you drive a car in the state of Washington, you are required to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage as part of your auto insurance policy. PIP insurance is designed to provide coverage for medical expenses and lost wages for anyone who is injured in a car accident, regardless of who is at fault for the accident.
Here's a closer look at what PIP insurance covers and how it works in the state of Washington:
What does PIP cover? PIP insurance covers a variety of expenses related to medical treatment and lost wages resulting from a car accident. Specifically, PIP insurance can cover:
- Medical expenses: This includes doctor's visits, hospital bills, surgery, X-rays, and other medical treatments.
- Rehabilitation expenses: This includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation services.
- Lost wages: This covers any lost income due to an inability to work as a result of the accident.
- Funeral expenses: PIP insurance can also cover funeral expenses if someone is killed in a car accident.
- Child care expenses: If a parent is unable to care for their child as a result of the accident, PIP insurance may cover child care expenses.
How does PIP coverage work in Washington state? In Washington state, PIP coverage is mandatory and provides a minimum of $10,000 in coverage for medical expenses and lost wages resulting from a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. This means that if you are injured in a car accident, you can file a claim with your own insurance company to receive benefits under your PIP coverage.
One important thing to note is that there is a time limit for filing PIP claims in Washington state. Claims must be filed within one year of the accident, or they may be forfeited.
Another important feature of PIP coverage in Washington state is that you have the right to choose your own medical providers, including chiropractors, physical therapists, and other specialists. This gives you the ability to select the healthcare providers that you trust and feel comfortable working with.
Lastly, it's important to understand that PIP coverage is a form of no-fault insurance. This means that you are entitled to benefits under your PIP coverage regardless of who caused the accident. However, if you are injured in a car accident due to the fault of another driver, you may also be able to file a claim against their insurance policy for additional compensation.
In summary, PIP coverage is mandatory in the state of Washington and provides coverage for medical expenses and lost wages resulting from a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. If you are involved in a car accident in Washington state, it's important to understand your PIP coverage and how it can help cover your expenses and lost wages. Speak with an experienced insurance agent or attorney for more information on PIP coverage and your legal rights under Washington state law.
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