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What is Personal Injury Protection?

Personal Injury Protection

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Car accidents are unpredictable and can occur anywhere and anytime. The CDC indicates that more than 2.3 million people nationwide visit hospital emergency departments for car accident-related injuries annually.

After a car accident, one of the most expensive consequences is the medical costs associated with injuries. Paying off high medical bills is a major part of resolving a personal injury case. For these reasons, it is a good idea to plan for the unexpected and seek extra protection to cover injuries in the event of a car accident.

Personal Injury Protection (“PIP”) is an optional coverage that can be added to your insurance policy, and it acts as a preventive measure to cover certain expenses, including medical costs, when a car accident happens. Unlike some other states, California does not require insurance policyholders to carry PIP on their car insurance policy. However, it is worth considering PIP coverage for peace of mind while on the road.

What is Med-Pay?

California has a type of PIP known as Med-Pay. Med-Pay can be used to cover or reimburse policyholders for medical expenses. Med-Pay serves as a great backup or supplement if you already have health insurance. However, unlike other types of PIP that are more expansive, Med-Pay does not cover lost wages, repair or replacement of damaged property due to an accident, or injuries that are unrelated to the accident.

Med-Pay Coverage

Med-Pay covers or reimburses for health services related to the accident, including, but not limited to the following:

Doctor visits
Hospital visits and stays
Ambulance and EMT
Surgery and operations
X-rays
Dental care and procedures
Chiropractor visits and physical therapy
Medical equipment
Funeral costs
Health insurance deductibles

Benefits of Med-Pay

Med-Pay has some great advantages, including coverage that extends to your family members if they were passengers injured in the policyholder’s car. Additionally, Med-Pay is generally paid out more quickly than filing a lawsuit or seeking coverage from third-party insurance. Another highlight is that Med-Pay works like a no-fault coverage, which means it is available to you regardless of whether you or the other party was at fault for the accident.

Seek Legal Assistance

If you are considering a Med-Pay claim, an attorney well-versed in personal injury and accident law can help you:

understand the specific Med-Pay provisions of your auto insurance policy;
determine the cost of your coverage and the amount you need;
submit medical bills to your insurance company for payment or reimbursement;
negotiate where possible

Many people do not realize that even their own insurance company will do everything it can to minimize paying out its insureds. However, working with an attorney can ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to under the law.

If you are interested in PIP or Med-Pay, our attorneys can help you get started by explaining your options, navigating what your auto policy offers, and assisting you with your claims. Ali Razavi and his team of experienced Santa Ana personal injury lawyers have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of injured victims and are standing by to help you as well. Learn how to find a personal injury lawyer. Call our office today at (949) 500-1926 or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation with a lawyer.

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