After a car accident, your medical bills can stack up quickly. However, you may have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance that could help cover these expenses—even if you were partially at fault for the crash.
At Kode Law, we've seen how PIP insurance provides crucial financial protection when car accident victims need it most. Let's explore how this important coverage works and what benefits you may be entitled to receive after an accident.
What PIP Insurance Covers in Washington State
Unlike liability insurance, which pays for other people's damages, PIP coverage helps pay for your own accident-related expenses regardless of who caused the crash. This coverage extends to you, your passengers, and even pedestrians or cyclists involved in an accident with your vehicle.
Key benefits typically include coverage for:
- Medical treatment and hospital bills
- Lost wages if you're unable to work while recovering from your injuries
- Essential services you can't perform due to injuries
Coverage for funeral expenses is also available in cases of fatal accidents. The benefits would be paid to the estate of the deceased.
Your PIP coverage follows you whether you're driving your own car, riding as a passenger in someone else's vehicle, or even walking or cycling.
Washington State law requires all auto insurance companies to offer PIP coverage to their customers. Most insurers offer PIP coverage with limits between $10,000 and $35,000. While you can decline this coverage in writing, doing so could leave you financially vulnerable after an accident.
How PIP Insurance Works With Other Coverage
PIP coverage works alongside other insurance types to provide comprehensive protection. It can be used in conjunction with:
- Your health insurance
- The at-fault driver's liability coverage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist protection
- Workers' compensation (if the accident was work-related)
Understanding how these coverages interact helps ensure you maximize your available compensation after an accident.
How to Appeal a Denied PIP Claim
Common reasons for denial of a PIP claim after a Seattle car accident include:
- Missing or incomplete medical records
- Questions about whether treatments were medically necessary
- Disputes about whether injuries were caused by the accident
- Claims that you didn't seek treatment within the required timeframes
- Issues with how providers documented your care
Your appeal should address each reason for denial with specific evidence. For example, if the insurer questions medical necessity, you will need to provide documentation from your doctor explaining why treatments were required for your recovery.
Washington State law says the insurance company must acknowledge your appeal within 10 business days. In most cases, they must make a decision within 30 days and provide specific reasons if they uphold the denial.
If your insurance company upholds their denial after your initial appeal, you may have additional options:
- Request an independent medical examination
- File a complaint with the Washington State Insurance Commissioner
- Consider legal action if the denial was made in bad faith
How Working With a Seattle Car Accident Lawyer Strengthens Your PIP Claim
Many Seattle residents assume they don't need legal representation for PIP claims since they're dealing with their own insurance company. However, having an experienced advocate can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.
An attorney helps protect your interests from the start by ensuring all necessary documentation is properly submitted. At Kode Law, we handle crucial tasks such as:
- Reviewing your policy to identify all available benefits
- Documenting your injuries and treatment needs comprehensively
- Coordinating with medical providers to obtain required records
- Ensuring all claim forms are completed accurately
- Meeting important filing deadlines
Insurance companies often request independent medical examinations (IMEs) to verify injuries. When disputes arise about medical necessity or treatment costs, we advocate for your needs by:
- Working with your health care providers to justify treatment plans
- Challenging arbitrary claim reductions or denials
- Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf
- Documenting how injuries affect your daily life and work
- Supporting appeals with medical evidence and legal arguments
Don't let your insurance company prevent you from receiving the full PIP benefits you deserve after an accident. Kode Law is here to help you get the funds you need to recover from your injuries and face the future with confidence.
