If you’ve been in a car accident in Portland, Oregon, your first source of financial recovery might come from your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. Oregon law requires all auto insurance policies to include PIP benefits, which provide financial relief for medical expenses and other accident-related costs regardless of who caused the crash.
PIP coverage is designed to give accident victims fast access to essential funds while they recover. Rather than waiting for an insurance claim or lawsuit to be resolved, you can rely on your PIP benefits to cover at least some of your immediate expenses. Learning about how this system works can help you protect your rights after an accident.
How PIP Coverage Works in Oregon
Under Oregon Revised Statutes § 742.520, every driver must carry at least $15,000 in PIP coverage. This coverage pays for necessary and reasonable medical expenses for up to two years following the date of your crash.
PIP also provides other benefits, including:
- Lost income: If your injuries prevent you from working for at least 14 days, PIP can cover up to 70% of your lost wages, capped at $3,000 per month for 52 weeks.
- Essential services: If you’re not employed and can’t perform household tasks such as cleaning for at least 14 days, PIP can reimburse up to $30 per day for replacement services for up to 52 weeks.
- Funeral expenses: In the event of a fatal accident in Portland, PIP provides up to $5,000 in funeral benefits to the deceased’s family.
- Childcare benefits: If you’re hospitalized for more than 24 hours, PIP can pay up to $25 per day for childcare, up to $750.
Since these benefits are considered without regard to fault, you can still access PIP funds immediately after the accident even if you share some of the blame.
How PIP Interacts With Other Claims
PIP coverage is not a substitute for a personal injury claim; it’s meant to bridge the financial gap while liability is being determined. Once your PIP benefits are used up, you can still potentially pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
If another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you can file a claim for damages not covered by PIP, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical costs
- Property damage
- Loss of earning capacity
However, note that, depending on the facts of your case, your PIP insurer may later be reimbursed (through a process called subrogation) if you recover money from the at-fault party.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a PIP Claim?
While PIP claims seem straightforward, the car insurance company might still try to deny (or at least limit) your claim to protect its profits. For example, they might argue that your medical care was unnecessary or that certain expenses aren’t covered.
A skilled Portland personal injury lawyer can handle these issues on your behalf and work to ensure you receive everything you’re entitled to under the law. They can also advise you on your other legal options for recovering maximum compensation, such as by filing a lawsuit against the responsible party.
Contact Sears Injury Law for Help After an Oregon Car Accident
PIP benefits are meant to make your life easier after an accident, but the rules can be confusing. Getting legal advice early on can help you recover faster and avoid mistakes.
Set up a free consultation with Sears Injury Law today for more information on what you may be owed after getting into a car accident. You can get in touch by calling (253) 286-7444 or by filling out our contact form.
