Personal injury protection (PIP) benefits are extremely important to someone who has been injured in a car accident. Often referred to as no-fault benefit coverage, it’s readily available to reimburse necessary medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, regardless of who’s liable for the incident. 

In most cases, PIP coverage might be enough to provide proper financial recovery after a car crash. However, here are a few more details about what to expect from this benefit from the knowledgeable personal injury attorneys at Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson & Humphrey.  

How PIP Benefits Protect You

PIP is mandatory automobile policy coverage in Kentucky. Depending on the insurance carrier, policyholders have the option to choose higher benefits and deductibles, but basic PIP benefits provide up to $10,000 per person per accident to cover: 

  • Medical bills and expenses for immediate care 
  • Out-of-pocket mileage or taxi service to and from doctors’ appointments
  • Up to $200 weekly to cover lost wages
  • Household expense reimbursement for tasks you’re not able to do during accident injury recovery

Regardless of who was at fault for the accident, the carrier of the insured vehicle pays basic PIP benefits to any person injured as a result of the accident. This could be a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or bicyclist. 

What Happens If PIP Benefits Aren’t Enough?

There are some instances when the $10,000 in PIP coverage doesn’t provide adequate coverage. For example, more severe injuries may require further treatment and expenses. Here are some additional possibilities for financial recovery: 

  • First, file under your private health insurance coverage. 
  • If that’s not an option, a personal injury attorney might need to review your claim to determine if it exceeds particular thresholds for waiving tort rights as per the state’s KRS 304.39-060 statute. This stipulates that you may have the right to recover medical expenses, wage loss, other accident-related costs, or pain and suffering from the at-fault party if you or a loved one’s injury threshold exceeds: 
    • $1,000 or more in medical expenses
    • A broken bone
    • Permanent disfigurement, permanent injury, or death  

While you can file a claim with your insurer for PIP benefits and private health insurance coverage independently, you’ll need to consult a skilled personal injury attorney for assistance in seeking financial recovery from the negligent driver.

Do You Need to Speak to an Experienced Central Kentucky Personal Injury Attorney?

For nearly half a century, Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson & Humphrey has been one of the most respected personal injury law firms in the region. We serve clients throughout Central Kentucky, including Hardin County, Meade County, LaRue County, Nelson County, Breckinridge County, Jefferson County, and Grayson County. If you’ve recently been injured in an accident caused by the negligence of someone else, please call us at 270-351-4404 or simply fill our contact form to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced Kentucky personal injury attorneys.