I have been helping injured drivers financially recover from auto accidents for 25 years and consequently, am often asked about car insurance. One coverage available to drivers in Washington State that I ALWAYS recommend is PIP Coverage (Personal Injury Protection).

What is PIP coverage?
PIP pays your medical expenses and a portion of lost wages resulting from injuries related to the use of a vehicle. It’s a “no-fault” coverage, meaning you are entitled to the benefits no matter who caused the accident. That means medical bills get paid immediately, without having to litigate who is responsible. The coverage has no co-pays or deductibles, and you can see any doctor you want!

It’s a great coverage, because it begins paying your medical bills immediately regardless of whether the person that hit you has insurance. There are two common coverage amounts in Washington: $10,000 of medical care for up to one year, or $35,000 of medical care for up to three year’s coverage.

Do you need PIP if you already have health insurance?
Yes. Most health insurance policies require co-pays and have deductibles. They also limit the number of visits for certain types of providers. PIP does not have these requirements or limits. Anything that is “reasonable” is covered. Furthermore, PIP also pays for a portion of lost wages (80% up to $200/wk or $700/wk, depending on which coverage you pay for). If you suffer a serious injury, you will be very glad you have this coverage!

For liability coverage, the amount you should buy depends on your personal assets. The more net worth you have, the more important it is to have high insurance limits to protect you. For people with substantial assets, I would suggest minimum coverage of $500,000, plus an umbrella on top of that of another $1,000,000.

My advice is to get a premium quote and buy the most PIP coverage you can afford!

Car accidents are common. Most people I know have been rear-ended at some point in their lives. I’m writing this article in an attempt to educate people on how to handle a whiplash accident from the moment after their car accident to how they converse with their insurance agents to where to go to seek treatment regarding their injuries.

I will start with a brief story about my experience as a victim of a minor whiplash accident. I was in a car that was rear-ended by another car going 15 mph. After the accident I called the insurance adjustor and they asked me a series of questions. I remember being very flustered from the accident and they went right into the specific details of the incident. They asked me “do you have any injuries?” I responded I don’t think so.

The next morning I woke up with a severely stiff neck. I wasn’t sure what the procedure was next so I went to see my Doctor. He told me going to see a Doctor of Chiropractic was my best option. It seemed pretty simple, I received treatment from a talented chiropractor for 2 months. During that time we restored my previous neck alignment, decreased my pain levels and stopped my headaches. I thought it was a closed case, my personal injury protection section form insurance should have been paid.

I received a call from my insurance representative and she informed me my medical bills were not going to be paid because I must have lied about my whiplash condition. This conclusion was come to because I answered the question “do you have any injuries? ” with the response I don’t think so. This was 8 minutes after my accident. Current research shows your elevated adrenaline after an auto case can mask pain.

Insurance adjustors assumed I was dishonest about my injuries which was not true. I ended up having to go through an independent medical exam, get an attorney and fight the insurance company. Ultimately I won and my chiropractic bills were paid and I was actually given a large sum of money for my pain and suffering.

I want people to know how careful you have to be while conversing with insurance adjustors after a whiplash accident. They may try and get you to admit you are okay in order to protect their company from paying any of your medical bills.

Please be careful not to tell insurance adjustors you are completely healthy after a whiplash accident until you get checked out by a medical professional.

Please don’t go through what I did, be careful with what you say.
Dr. Ben Baker, DC

http://www.primespines.com/whiplash

After a car accident remember these tips:

1. Remain calm and non-confrontational.
2. Call the police and ask that the officer files a police report. If an officer is not able to respond, go to a police station and file an accident report within 72 hours of the incident.
3. Obtain the vehicle driver’s insurance information, address, phone number and license plate number.
4. Request the name, phone number and address of every witness.
5. Take care of yourself—make sure you seek any necessary medical treatment.
6. Take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and all other involved vehicles.
7. Do not give a statement to the vehicle driver’s insurance without first consulting us.
8. Do not rush into any settlement until you know the full extent of your injuries and rights—contact us for a complimentary consultation.