A motor vehicle accident can have devastating consequences, such as serious injuries that lead to extensive medical bills. Thankfully, there are certain measures in place to assist with this after an auto accident, such as personal injury protection.
In an effort to get the most out of a policy, there are a few things to understand.
What it is
When a person carries a personal injury protection policy, the insurer pays for the claimant’s medical bills after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. This applies to different types of auto accidents, including DUI accidents. According to Minnesota Statute 72A.20 subdivision 23, insurance companies are not able to raise the rate of a claimant, unless he or she is at fault for over 50 percent of the accident.
Available benefits
A PIP policy may not cover all medical expense types, but it does provide payment for a good number of benefits, including the following:
- Surgery
- Hospital care
- Rehabilitation
- X-rays
- Prosthesis
- Transportation for medical appointments
These are some of the most common medical expenses covered. The medical treatment must be reasonable and necessary, and at a minimum, the policy must cover up to $20,000 in medical bills.
Additional medical coverage
For those claimants who stack their insurance, or carry more than one insurance policy, getting additional medical coverage may be as simple as filing a claim under one or more of the other policies, or utilizing a health insurance policy. In some instances where the accident was the other party’s fault, and the necessary medical treatment far exceeds the at-fault policy payment, it may be possible to seek damages through a civil suit.
By understanding these main facts about PIP insurance, a victim of an auto accident can gain a clearer understanding of how to handle medical bills. It may also be beneficial to review related laws and the specifics of the insurance policies.
