After a car accident, you may wonder who is responsible for your damages. Texas is a fault accident state, requiring at-fault drivers to pay for their victims’ losses using liability insurance. If someone else caused your accident, you can hold him or her liable for your medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and other damages. In situations where a driver does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to pay for your injuries, you may need to use personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
What Is PIP Insurance and How Does it Work?
Since Texas is a fault state, drivers must carry certain amounts of insurance. While this coverage may allow you to provide compensation to victims in an accident you cause, liability insurance does not pay for your own damages.
If you suffer injuries in a collision with another driver, you can recover compensation by filing a claim against the liable party’s insurance. However, if this driver does not have insurance or you need to pay for certain expenses while your case is in progress, PIP coverage can help.
Personal injury protection coverage pays for expenses that you incur after an accident. If you hold this type of insurance, you can file a claim and recover compensation regardless of fault. When you file a successful claim, you are able to recover immediate benefits and can pay for your losses while you are filing your claim. Even if you collect compensation from your PIP policy, you still retain the right to file a car accident lawsuit against the at-fault driver for your damages.
Is PIP Mandatory in Texas?
While liability insurance is mandatory, Texas does not require drivers to purchase PIP coverage. However, purchasing this coverage can protect your interests in the event of a car accident.
Insurance claims can take several months to a year to resolve, depending on the complexity of the case. Additionally, an uninsured driver may not be able to pay for your damages out of pocket, leaving you to pay for these losses by yourself. In these situations, PIP insurance can provide you with the resources you need.
What Does PIP Insurance Cover?
PIP insurance pays for most losses following a car accident.
- Medical expenses: PIP will cover any past and future medical expenses related to your accident, such as hospital stays, medication, surgeries, and ambulance fees.
- Funeral and burial expenses: If someone dies in the accident, PIP will pay for reasonable funeral, cremation, and burial expenses.
- Lost wages: If you cannot work due to your injuries, PIP will pay for a portion of your lost income.
- Childcare expenses: If your injuries prevent you from taking care of your children, PIP will pay for daycare or babysitter expenses.
- Household services: If your injuries prevent you from cleaning your home or taking care of your household, PIP may cover some of these services.
- Survivors’ losses: If someone dies in an accident, PIP will pay for lost income and replacement services for his or her dependents.
Keep in mind that PIP coverage does not extend to vehicle repairs or property damage. You may need to purchase another type of coverage, known as collision coverage, to pay for these losses. Additionally, PIP does not cover any person who suffers an injury outside of your vehicle.
If you are in a Texas car accident, it is important to contact an attorney. Your McAllen personal injury lawyer will evaluate your claim and determine your optimal path to recovery. Once you receive medical attention, speak to a lawyer as soon as possible.
