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Automobile accidents can involve many different considerations, such as who was responsible for an injury and who will pay for the recovery of injuries sustained. Naturally, it always helps to be prepared, and the best way to do so is to obtain adequate automotive insurance. When it comes to insurance, however, there are several options that most people might not understand or be aware of. One such option is known as personal injury protection, or PIP insurance coverage. While it is not mandatory for individuals to own PIP insurance coverage, the benefits of having this coverage can far outweigh the costs.
What is PIP?
Before looking to the advantages, it is important to understand what exactly PIP coverage encompasses. Typically, personal injury protection coverage is an optional extension of car insurance that covers medical expenses incurred as a result of an automobile accident. In addition to covering medical expenses, PIP coverage may also cover lost wages, and provides benefits to individuals regardless of their personal level of fault.
Advantages of Having PIP Insurance
Obtaining PIP insurance can provide a wide benefit of advantages. One of the primary benefits, as mentioned above, is that PIP coverage, unlike the standard form of automotive insurance in South Carolina, provides recovery to individuals regardless of their level of fault. This is important because South Carolina is a tort liability state, which means that the individual who was not at fault can pursue a claim against the party who was at fault. In addition, South Carolina follows a comparative negligence model, which means that a party’s recovery will be reduced by whatever percentage he is found to be at fault. With PIP insurance, parties can obtain medical coverage up to the limits set by their insurance providers.
The benefits of PIP, however, are not only limited to individuals who may be found to be at fault for an automobile accident. Personal injury protection coverage can also benefit individuals who are not at fault by providing them with recovery in the event that payment from the opposing insurance company is delayed. If the case goes to court, or if the opposing party’s insurance company chooses to contest the amount of your medical bills, you could go months without receiving any monetary compensation, which can put even more strain on an already stressful situation if your injuries prevent you from finding or maintaining gainful employment.
It is important to keep in mind, however, that while PIP will provide benefits to individuals regardless of their level of fault, recovery is limited by the policy limits set by your insurance company.
Contact an Attorney
Understanding more about your own insurance, as well as the types of insurance available to you, can help you better understand your rights and recovery in an automobile accident. If you or someone you love has been involved in an automobile accident, then you need the assistance of a dedicated, experienced attorney. Contact the David Aylor Law Offices for a free case evaluation.