Riding a motorcycle is a wonderful form of excitement, but at the same time, it can be very dangerous. Accidents can occur, and cause serious injuries and huge financial losses. It’s very important that all riders know exactly what their insurance policy will cover. One type of insurance coverage that can help motorcycle riders in the event of an accident is called Personal Injury Protection, or PIP.
If you have been in a motorcycle accident, you are definitely wondering what you can do legally. If that’s the case, choosing the best motorcycle accident lawyers is crucial. They can help you handle complicated insurance claims and see to it that you get adequate compensation. However, before getting into legal problems, let’s clarify everything that’s usually covered for motorcycle accidents by PIP insurance.
What is PIP Insurance?
PIP insurance is designed to help pay for your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of whether the accident was your fault or another’s. In other words, it is supposed to provide instant coverage without the need for lengthy legal battles. PIP is different from state to state and varies with different policy details pertaining to motorcyclists.
Medical Expenses
One of the primary things PIP insurance covers is medical expenses. This can include:
- Emergency room visits
- Hospital stays
- Doctor’s appointments
- Surgeries
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Medical equipment
PIP insurance pays for these expenses up to your policy limit. You need not wait for a settlement from a lawsuit to get the necessary medical treatment. This is a big help when dealing with injuries and trying to recover.
Lost Wages
If you are unable to work due to injuries in a motorcycle accident, PIP insurance can be provided to replace lost wages. This coverage normally pays a certain percent of a person’s regular wage or other income in many cases. Even though it is not going to fully replace the lost earnings, it may be of great financial importance during your recovery.
How much your lost wage coverage is and how long it lasts depends on your policy and state laws. Many policies provide several months of lost wages; some will extend for a year or more.
Funeral Expenses
In the tragic event that one dies from a motorcycle accident, many PIP insurance plans will cover at least funeral and burial expenses. This helps make a rather painful situation a little easier on loved ones.
Such funeral expense coverage normally has a specific limit, otherwise specified by the policy; it will vary. Refer to your specific policy to see exactly what type of coverage may apply for this.
Transportation to and from Medical Appointments
Medical appointments can be a challenge when you are injured. Many PIP policies pay for the transportation costs related to your treatment. This might include:
- Ambulance bills
- Taxi or rideshare expenses
- Fares for public transportation
Limitations of PIP Insurance
Though PIP policies can be really advantageous, it is essential to note what is not covered under this insurance plan. The following are the limitations:
- Coverage limits: PIP policies have a cap on the maximum amount payable. Beyond that limit, you will have to pay the bills from your pocket.
- Non-economic damages: Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, are not covered under the PIP. For this type of damage, you have to rely on some other type of claim.
- Property Damage: PIP only covers injuries to people; it does not pay to repair your motorcycle or other damaged property.
Conclusion
PIP insurance can be very useful after a motorcycle accident. It is designed to assist by providing coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and other connected costs resulting from an accident.
While PIP may be able to immediately assist with such issues, it won’t fund all losses, especially serious accident-related ones. Then, a lawyer specializing in motorcycle accidents can guide you toward getting the right compensation. Stay safe on the roads; be sure to have adequate insurance coverage before riding.
