How PIP (Personal Injury Protection) works in Kentucky

Drivers, passengers, pedestrians and household members are eligible

If you've been involved in an accident in Kentucky, you're going to have to reckon with PIP.

PIP, or personal injury protection, is what pays the bills when accidents happen. That includes medical bills, lost wages and other out-of-pocket expenses.

But what is PIP? How does it work?

Understanding PIP

To fully understand PIP, one must understand Kentucky's no-fault system of insurance.

All drivers are required under Kentucky law to carry insurance. When accidents happen, drivers turn to their own insurance company to pay for damages, regardless of who is at fault.

Every policy written in Kentucky includes $10,000 in PIP. That's $10,000 per accident per person. Additional coverage can be purchased at a higher premium.

Pedestrians and passengers

What happens when a car strikes a pedestrian or bicyclist? What if a passenger is injured while riding in a vehicle?

The pedestrian, bicyclist and passenger are all eligible for PIP coverage under the driver's policy.

If the driver does not have an insurance policy, PIP benefits can often be obtained through the policy of a household member.

If no policy can be found, accident victims can file a claim through the Kentucky Assigned Claims Plan and collect basic PIP.

Unlike car insurance, basic PIP coverage is not automatically included on motorcycle policies.

Motorcycle PIP can be purchased at an additional charge.

Obtaining PIP funds

PIP funds can be obtained directly from the insurance company providing coverage.

The first step is to contact the insurance company to set up a claim. If possible, have the name of the policyholder and policy number available when you call.

PIP funds can be distributed directly to medical providers, in some cases, or paid to accident victims as reimbursement for expenses. Be ready to provide documentation, such as medical bills, receipts or proof of lost wages.

Disputes and exceptions

If parties involved in an accident cannot agree on the source of PIP, the Kentucky Insurance Arbitration Association can step in to solve disputes.

There are four primary circumstances in which PIP coverage does not apply.

First, if the incident in question was a work-related accident. Secondly, if PIP has voluntarily been rejected.

Thirdly, if the driver is driving without insurance. Or lastly, if one of the vehicles is a motorcycle without PIP coverage.

Kentucky residents who are involved in an accident in another state still have access to PIP coverage.

PIP threshold

By law, accidents must reach a certain level of severity for PIP to become available.

PIP does not apply in accidents in which medical expenses total less than $1,000, or where the victim does not suffer permanent disfiguration, a broken bone, compression fracture, loss of bodily member, probable permanent injury, permanent loss of function or death.

This threshold does not apply to pedestrians, bicyclists and passengers.

Have more questions? Contact the law offices of Dallas & Turner. Our team of Kentucky auto accident experts can help you negotiate all facets of a personal injury claim, including PIP.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident and are trying to sort out PIP-related issues, speak to an experienced injury lawyer today. We offer free consultations, with no obligation on your part.

James Ryan Turner, Experienced Injury Lawyer in Florence, KY