Kentucky is one of eleven no-fault insurance states that have some form of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance mandate in place. This must be carried alongside normal auto insurance required to own and operate a vehicle. PIP insurance has the main function of ensuring policyholders receive effectively and timely medical and financial assistance to supplement auto or health insurance compensation.
Understanding PIP Coverage
PIP coverage is put into effect in no-fault insurance states to provide potential compensation for a variety of different damages and expenses incurred by a policyholder. This includes:
Medical expenses. PIP will encompass all essential medical expenses for a policyholder, including hospitalization, surgical procedures, prescribed medications, and rehabilitation.
Wage loss. After evaluating evidence of income loss by the policyholder, personal injury protection insurance will provide reimbursement for up to 80% of the income they were unable to earn as a result of an accident. In the event that injuries from the accident hinder your ability to work, PIP can offer compensation for lost income and potential future wage losses.
Funeral expenses. Should a tragic fatal accident occur, PIP can provide assistance in bearing the costs of burial expenses, as well as covering the medical bills and incurred expenses leading up to the individual’s passing.
Key PIP Requirements in Kentucky
Because PIP payments and requirements are not affected by the way fault or negligence can be attributed in a car accident, these payments are usually received sooner than other types of car accident compensation. This streamlines the process to compensation for medical care that can bypass any type of length legal battle or court decision. Here are some of Kentucky’s state mandates for PIP insurance:
The minimum PIP coverage required to drive under Kentucky law is $10,000 per accident. This can be allocated for lost wages, medical expenses, and other costs incurred following a car accident. This must be included within your Kentucky car insurance in order to comply with state law.
Since this is only a minimum, Kentucky residents can also pay higher premiums to receive increased PIP compensation in the event of an accident. More comprehensive coverage can be provided with the potential to add additional PIP protection.
PIP benefits and coverage typically covers expenses incurred within a specific time frame following a car accident, often up to one year. This is intended to be the first source of financial assistance following an accident and health insurance comes into play after PIP compensation is exhausted.
In Kentucky’s no-fault insurance system each party’s insurance covers their own PIP benefits. However, PIP coverage can be extended to pedestrians or passengers involved in a car accident. Coverage for the vehicle involved in your accident can provide additional coverage for your medical expenses and losses even if you weren’t directly involved as a driver.
How Can a Kentucky Attorney Help?
In cases where a PIP policy holder doesn’t receive fair compensation for the damages they dealt with following an accident, a Paducah car accident attorney could help fight with insurance providers so you don’t have to. While it offers significant benefits, PIP coverage can be confusing to navigate. Understanding the nuances of PIP coverage and potential limitations is important when working towards getting quality financial support. In the past, insurance companies have been notorious for rejecting legitimate claims as a cost-saving measure, prioritizing their profits over your injury claim.
