Texas offers personal injury protection under auto insurance.
Personal injury protection (PIP) in Texas pays for your medical bills, wage losses and other services under your auto insurance policy if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident. This jurisdiction must offer this coverage, but you have the option to waive it. Alternatively, you can purchase these benefits by paying an insurance premium in consideration for a certain limit of coverage.
Covered Individuals
Personal injury protection in Texas covers you as the driver or passenger, your family members and any drivers or passengers occupying your car with permission. Fault for the accident does not matter. If you are a covered individual, you may file for benefits under this coverage.
Medical Bills
This insurance pays for medical bills as long as they relate to the motor vehicle accident. Medical bills can include any treatment received from the accident. Examples may include emergency room services, chiropractic treatment, orthopedic or other specialist visits and major hospital treatment.
Lost Income
Your insurance encompasses lost income as a result of the motor vehicle accident. Typically, your employer needs to complete a verification of employment for time away from work. Likewise, your treating doctor needs to complete a disability form signing off that you are disabled as a result of the motor vehicle accident.
Other Services
The expenses associated with hiring a caregiver are also covered, according to attorney Bill Berensen of Fort Worth, Texas. This includes hiring help for upkeep around the household in case the injured party becomes unable to do it on his own.
Funeral Services
Another coverage afforded under personal injury protection in Texas includes the availability of funeral expenses in case a covered individual becomes deceased as a result of the motor vehicle accident. Depending on your limit of coverage, all or part of the funeral parlor's expenses fall under this part of insurance.
Considerations
Texas PIP insurance is mandatory, unless you sign a waiver declining the coverage. The waiver is available because in many cases your health insurance will cover medical issues arising out of a car accident, according to Tri-Star Insurance Professionals. Consider, however, whether you can afford any lost wages from your job if you cannot return to work for an extended period. If not, PIP becomes a source of wage benefits during your absence.
Tags: motor vehicle, motor vehicle accident, vehicle accident, injury protection, injury protection Texas, result motor