When someone suffers an injury in a car accident, they shouldn’t have to spend their recovery haggling with the insurance company or fighting with an at-fault party. What they require is immediate financial and medical support, irrespective of how the accident happened. That is why North Dakota has Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in place.
How does PIP work?
North Dakota mandates Personal Injury Protection for all auto insurance policies. When someone in North Dakota gets into an accident, irrespective of whose fault, the injured person can claim a minimum of $30,000 from their insurance company as part of their PIP. Further, it is a strict legislative mandate and insurance companies can rarely deny this basic coverage amount.
What losses will PIP Cover?
While you get monetary support, PIP only covers specific types of out-of-pocket financial losses. These covered categories include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Childcare
- Home services
To receive reimbursement for these expenses, you must provide the insurance company with detailed medical records, receipts and proof of missed work.
What Happens If You Were On the Job?
If you were injured while driving for your employer, your primary path for relief is different. Under North Dakota law, Workforce Safety and Insurance (WSI) handles on-the-job injuries first. However, workers’ compensation may not cover the entirety of your lost income or specialized medical needs. In this scenario, you may claim PIP in addition to WSI to successfully cover the financial gap left by the latter.
What if PIP doesn’t cover the damages?
PIP insurance is a great safety net, but it doesn’t always cover the full cost of a serious accident. In such cases, you can still file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to cover your additional charges. With the help of a legal professional in a personal injury claim, you can file a lawsuit against your insurer to hold them accountable and claim the exact share of your benefits.