Auto insurance is a crucial aspect of owning and driving a vehicle in Pennsylvania. It not only protects you financially in the event of an accident, but it also ensures that you can meet the state’s minimum insurance requirements. One of the key components of auto insurance in Pennsylvania is personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
Personal injury protection, also known as no-fault insurance, is a type of coverage that helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs if you or your passengers are injured in a car accident. PIP coverage is mandatory in Pennsylvania, and all drivers are required to carry at least $5,000 in coverage.
Under Pennsylvania law, PIP coverage is a form of no-fault insurance, which means that regardless of who is at fault for the accident, your PIP coverage will pay for your medical bills and other expenses up to the limits of your policy. This is different from other types of insurance coverage, such as liability insurance, where the at-fault driver’s insurance policy would typically pay for the damages.
In addition to PIP coverage, Pennsylvania drivers are also required to carry liability insurance, which covers damages to other people’s property or injuries that they suffer as a result of an accident that you cause. The minimum liability insurance limits in Pennsylvania are $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident.
It’s important to note that the minimum insurance requirements in Pennsylvania may not be enough to fully protect you in the event of an accident, especially if you are found to be at fault. You may want to consider purchasing additional coverage, such as collision coverage or comprehensive coverage, to ensure that you are fully protected.
If you are involved in an accident in Pennsylvania and suffer a personal injury, your first step should be to seek medical attention. Once you have received medical treatment, you should contact your insurance company to report the accident and begin the claims process. Your insurance company will typically require you to provide documentation of your injuries and medical expenses, as well as any lost wages or other related costs.
In some cases, you may also need to file a lawsuit against the other driver or their insurance company to recover damages beyond what your insurance policy covers. If this is the case, it’s important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation that you are entitled to.
