What Is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Car Insurance and How Can It Help?

If you've ever been injured in a car accident in Washington, you know how quickly medical bills and lost wages can pile up. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is designed to help cover these expenses, providing financial support regardless of who was at fault. In this guide, we'll explore what PIP is, how it works in Washington State, and why we, as experienced car accident lawyers, always recommend this valuable addition to your auto insurance policy.

What Does PIP Coverage Do?

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 insurance, 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 who hit you has insurance.

Who Is Covered Under Personal Injury Protection Insurance?

PIP coverage extends to:​

• The automobile policyholder
• Household members related by blood, marriage, or adoption
• Step or foster children
• Non-family passengers and pedestrians involved in the accident

What Expenses Does PIP Cover in Washington State?

In Washington, PIP is optional, but insurance companies are required by law to offer it to all drivers. If you decline PIP coverage, you must do so in writing; otherwise, it’ll be automatically included in your policy.​

Standard PIP coverage in Washington includes:​

• Medical expenses: Up to $10,000 in medical costs per person for injuries sustained in an auto accident, which may be increased to $35,000.
• Lost wages: Up to $200 per week for lost income, with a maximum of $10,000, if you cannot work due to accident-related injuries.
• Funeral expenses: Up to $2,000 in the event of a fatal accident.
• Loss of services: Up to $200 per week, with a maximum of $5,000, to cover tasks you can't perform due to your injuries, such as household chores.

Please note that these benefits are subject to policy limits and conditions in your agreement with the insurance company. Contact them if you wish to increase your PIP coverage.

What Isn’t Covered by PIP?

There are specific limitations and exclusions that policyholders should understand.

Vehicle and Property Exclusions Not Covered

• Damage to vehicles
• Damage to third-party property
• Injuries sustained while operating farm equipment
• Accidents involving recreational or off-road vehicles
• Injuries occurring on mopeds
• Motorcycle-related injuries (PIP coverage for motorcycles exists, but typically comes at significantly higher premiums)

Circumstantial Exclusions Not Covered

• Injuries resulting from intentional actions
• Injuries sustained during organized racing events
• Accidents occurring during the commission of a felony or other crime
• Injuries caused by an uninsured vehicle owned by the policyholder or an immediate family member
• Injuries to other drivers involved in accidents
• Accidents occurring during employment-related vehicle use

How to File a PIP Claim in WA?

To use your PIP benefits, you should:

1. Notify your insurance company promptly: Report the accident and your injuries as soon as possible.
2. Submit required documentation: Provide medical records, proof of lost wages, and any other necessary information.
3. Follow up regularly: Stay in contact with your insurance adjuster to ensure your claim is processed efficiently.

Remember, PIP benefits are available for expenses incurred within three years of the accident date.

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. Unlike medical coverage, 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, this coverage can be very beneficial.

Other Auto Coverage to Consider

For liability coverage (the coverage that protects you if you cause an accident), 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 from being sued if you cause someone to be seriously injured in a car crash or cause significant property damage. For people with substantial assets, we suggest minimum coverage of $500,000 (or the most PIP coverage you can afford), plus an umbrella on top of another $1,000,000.

For added protection, many Washington drivers also choose Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage (UM/UIM), which can help pay for injuries caused by a driver with little or no automobile insurance. This coverage is especially useful once your PIP limits are exhausted. Together, these coverages offer broader financial security after an accident, including paying you for pain and suffering damages if the at-fault driver had low or no liability coverage.

Get the Compensation You Deserve with Lehmbecker Law

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance offers essential benefits that can ease the financial burden following a car accident. At Lehmbecker Law, for almost 40 years, our Seattle car accident attorneys have helped injured drivers and passengers get the medical care, lost wages, and compensation they need to recover..

Contact Lehmbecker Law today for a free consultation, and let us fight to get you the protection and support you deserve.