What Does PIP Stand For?

What Does PIP Stand For? PIP stands for Personal Injury Protection. It is a type of no-fault car insurance coverage required by some states.

The insurance requirements for drivers vary by state. For example, some states require insurance coverage for bodily injury and property damage.

Other states require Personal Injury Protection coverage in addition to at-fault coverage. A few states require medical payments coverage that covers medical expenses after a car wreck.

States that require PIP are referred to as no-fault states. These states may or may not require liability insurance for drivers who might cause an auto accident. Other states may not require no-fault insurance at all.

New York is a mixed insurance state. It requires minimum coverage limits for Personal Injury Protection coverage and liability insurance.

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What Are the Minimum PIP Limits for New York Drivers?

New York drivers must have a minimum of $50,000 in PIP coverage for a car accident. This type of policy is referred to as basic no-fault coverage.

No-fault insurance covers you regardless of who causes the car accident. You do not need to prove negligence to file a PIP claim in New York. Even if you cause a car accident, you can receive payments for medical expenses and loss of income.

The basic no-fault coverage compensates the driver, passengers in the car, and any pedestrians injured because they were struck by the vehicle. Your PIP coverage also applies to all relatives who live with you for economic damages sustained in a car accident anywhere in the United States.

What Does Personal Injury Protection Insurance Cover?

PIP does not pay for property damage caused by a car accident. It only compensates you for personal injuries sustained in a traffic accident.

Basic no-fault automobile insurance pays for:

Up to 80 percent of your lost income up to a maximum of $2,000 a month for three years from the accident date
Necessary and reasonable medical costs if you are injured in a car accident
Reasonable and necessary expenses to help with household chores or transportation up to $25 per day for a year after the accident date
Death benefits of $2,000 payable to the estate of a person killed in a traffic accident

You might not receive PIP benefits if you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the car crash. In addition, PIP benefits do not apply if you intentionally caused your injuries, stole the vehicle, owned an uninsured vehicle, or were committing a felony. PIP does not apply to ATVs either.

Can I Sue Another Driver for Injuries Caused by a Car Accident in New York?

Generally, you cannot sue a driver who caused the car accident for financial losses unless your economic damages exceed the no-fault insurance limits. In addition, you can only sue for non-economic damages (pain and suffering) if you sustain a serious injury.

“Serious injuries” are defined in New York Insurance Law §5102(d) as:

Significant disfigurement
Dismemberment
Fracture
Death
Significant limitation or permanent loss of a body system or function
Loss of a fetus
Permanent loss of use or permanent consequential limitation of a body organ or member

A serious injury also includes a non-permanent impairment or injury that prevents you from performing all or substantially all of your daily activities for 90 out of 180 days after the auto accident. You must have medical proof to support your claim.

If you prove the other driver caused you to sustain serious injuries, you could receive damages including:

Past and future medical expenses
All loss of income, including diminished earning potential
Physical pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life
Funeral costs and funeral expenses (for wrongful death)
Out of pocket expenses
Emotional distress and mental anguish
Decrease in quality of life
Permanent impairments and disabilities
Long-term nursing care and/or personal care

The amount you receive for a personal injury claim depends on the facts of your case. Contributory fault, the New York statute of limitations, insurance coverage, and other factors impact how much you receive for a car accident claim.

Fighting Insurance Companies for Compensation After Car Accidents

Your insurance company or the insurance company for the other driver may fight your insurance claim. Companies try to limit their liability for auto accidents, even when the injured party is their policyholder.

Therefore, you should take steps to protect your right to receive all the compensation you are entitled to by law when dealing with an insurance company. Steps to take after a New York City car accident include:

Report the car accident to the police (calling 911 is the quickest way to report a crash)
Take photos and make a video of the accident scene
Gather contact information from eyewitnesses
Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries
Document your financial losses
Do not admit fault for the accident
Never provide a written or recorded statement without legal advice

Contact a New York City car accident lawyer as soon as possible for a free consultation. An attorney explains your legal options and provides an honest assessment of your case.

Contact Our New York Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation

We work with you to recover compensation from all available sources, including various insurance policies. Call our law office today at (212) 564-2800 or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation with experienced NYC personal injury attorneys.