Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, is an element of your auto insurance coverage which may pay for medical expenses and lost wages.
1.Will PIP pay for my medical expenses when I get in an accident?
In Oregon, PIP is mandatory under your automobile insurance coverage. The basic coverage is for $15,000 but you can purchase more coverage if you wish. PIP only continues for one year from the date of your accident. PIP is "no-fault" coverage, so even if the accident is YOUR fault, your PIP will still pay for medical expenses, as long as they're reasonable and necessary. This means that PIP will pay medical bills that are related to the injuries you received in your car accident. In other words, if your back is injured in a car accident, but you break your wrist a week later, PIP will only pay for medical expenses related to your back. Following an accident, you should make a claim with your insurance company and tell them to send you a PIP application so that medical providers can start billing to PIP.
2.Will PIP pay for my lost wages following an accident?
PIP will cover your lost wages if 1) you can prove you were employed at the time of the accident, and how much you made; and 2) you miss 14 or more days from that job due to your injuries. Your PIP should reimburse you at 70% of your normal income, up to $3,000 per month. This benefit is only available for one year from the date of the accident.
