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Personal Injury Protection Coverage for Pedestrians Involved in Motor Vehicle Accidents
Accidents involving pedestrians and motor vehicles can result in serious injuries, costly medical bills, and lost income. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage can provide crucial financial support for those affected by such accidents. In this blog, we'll discuss PIP, how it works for pedestrians in Washington State, the type of coverage included for pedestrians under PIP, and how to find out if you have PIP coverage. We'll also provide guidance on obtaining legal help after being involved in a pedestrian accident.
What is Personal Injury Protection (PIP)?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is an optional auto insurance coverage that provides financial support for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident, regardless of who was at fault. PIP coverage ensures that accident victims receive timely compensation for their losses without going through lengthy litigation to determine fault.
What is a PIP Waiver?
A Personal Injury Protection (PIP) waiver is a legal document that allows policyholders to opt out of PIP coverage, which is otherwise mandatory in some states. Contrary to what one might assume, you are not required to opt into PIP coverage; instead, you must actively choose to opt out by signing the waiver. This distinction is crucial because, in the event of an accident, if the insurance carrier cannot provide evidence that you willingly opted out of PIP coverage, they are obligated to furnish you with $10,000 in benefits at no additional cost.
How Does PIP Work for Pedestrians in Washington State?
In Washington State, PIP coverage extends to drivers and passengers of insured vehicles and pedestrians injured in motor vehicle accidents. Suppose a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle with PIP coverage. In that case, the pedestrian may be eligible to receive benefits under the driver's policy. This applies even if the pedestrian was partially at fault for the accident.
If the pedestrian has their own PIP coverage through their auto insurance policy, they would also be eligible access benefits under their own policy. In cases where multiple insurance policies are involved, coordination of benefits by a skilled personal injury attorney will be necessary to ensure proper payment of claims.
What Type of Coverage is Included for Pedestrians under PIP?
PIP coverage for pedestrians typically includes:
- Medical expenses: PIP will cover reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to the accident up to the policy limits.
- Lost wages: If the injured pedestrian cannot work due to injuries, PIP may compensate them for a portion of lost income.
- Funeral expenses: PIP may cover funeral and burial costs in the unfortunate event of the pedestrian's death.
- Essential services: PIP may also provide compensation for necessary services that the injured pedestrian cannot perform, such as housekeeping or childcare.
It's important to note that PIP coverage limits vary depending on the specific policy, so it's crucial to review your policy or consult with an insurance professional to understand the extent of your coverage.
How Can I Find Out if I Have PIP Coverage?
Review your auto insurance policy documents or contact your insurance agent for clarification to determine if you have PIP coverage. Remember that PIP is an optional coverage in Washington State, so it may not be automatically included in your policy. If you don't currently have PIP coverage, consider discussing the benefits of adding this coverage with your insurance agent.
How Can I Get Legal Help After a Pedestrian Accident?
If you or someone you know needs legal help after a pedestrian accident, Kode Law Firm, PLLC is here for you. Our founder, Attorney Preet Kode, is a highly proficient personal injury lawyer with more than a decade of experience as an attorney and several years prior as a legal assistant. She is dedicated to assisting accident victims across Washington State in their pursuit of justice and obtaining the necessary compensation to move forward with their lives.
Get in touch with us today at (206) 312-4320 or visit our website to schedule your complimentary consultation.