What Is Personal Injury Protection (PIP)?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, your first concern is likely your health and how to pay for medical care. That’s where Personal Injury Protection (PIP) comes in. At the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC, we want you to fully understand your insurance coverage so you can make informed decisions and protect your rights. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about PIP insurance in Texas. What it is, how it works, what it covers, and whether it’s right for you.

What Is PIP Insurance?

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a type of no-fault car insurance coverage that helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs after a car accident, no matter who caused it. In Texas, PIP is not mandatory, but insurance companies are required to offer it. Unless you reject it in writing, your auto insurance policy will likely include it.

PIP is designed to cover you, your passengers, and sometimes pedestrians, regardless of fault. This means even if you were at fault in the crash, you could still access benefits to cover some of your expenses without having to wait for liability to be determined.

How Does PIP Insurance Work?

If you’re hurt in a car crash, PIP coverage kicks in to help with costs right away. After the accident, you can file a claim under your PIP coverage to get reimbursed for:

Medical expenses, including ambulance services, hospital visits, surgeries, and physical therapy
80% of lost wages due to time missed from work
Reasonable expenses for services like childcare or housekeeping if your injuries prevent you from handling daily responsibilities

PIP works quickly, which can be a major relief when you’re dealing with unexpected bills and recovery. You don’t have to wait for a lawsuit or liability dispute to get paid.

What Does Personal Injury Protection Cover?

PIP is broader than basic medical coverage. Here’s a closer look at the types of expenses it typically includes:

Medical Costs: This includes doctor visits, X-rays, emergency room care, surgeries, medication, and rehab services directly related to your accident injuries. PIP also covers follow-up appointments, specialist consultations, and durable medical equipment like crutches or a wheelchair.
Lost Income: If your injuries prevent you from working, PIP may reimburse up to 80% of your lost wages, depending on your policy limit. This is especially important for hourly workers, freelancers, or anyone without paid time off.
Substitute Services: If you can’t perform tasks like cleaning your home, cooking meals, or taking care of your kids, PIP can help pay for those services temporarily. It’s meant to ease the stress of daily living while you recover.
Funeral Costs: In tragic cases where someone passes away from accident injuries, PIP can help cover funeral and burial expenses, offering some financial relief during an incredibly difficult time.
Passenger and Pedestrian Coverage: In Texas, PIP doesn’t just cover the policyholder. It also protects your passengers or even pedestrians involved in the crash. This broader scope ensures that everyone affected gets some level of immediate support, regardless of fault.

How Much PIP Coverage Should I Get?

Texas law requires insurance companies to offer a minimum of $2,500 in PIP coverage, but you can choose to purchase higher limits, such as $5,000 or $10,000, for added protection.

When deciding how much PIP coverage to carry, consider:

Your current health insurance coverage (some plans have high deductibles)
Your financial ability to cover costs in an emergency
How often you drive and your level of risk
Whether you often have passengers in your vehicle

At the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC, we often recommend opting for more than the minimum coverage if it fits within your budget. The extra premium is often minimal compared to the benefits you receive after an accident.

Why PIP Matters?

You may be wondering: “If I already have health insurance, do I really need PIP?”

Yes, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) offers key benefits that traditional health insurance doesn’t, including:

Covers Lost Wages: Most health insurance policies don’t reimburse you for time missed at work.
No Deductibles or Co-Pays: PIP pays out without requiring you to meet a deductible or pay co-insurance. You get faster access to financial support without the typical out-of-pocket costs.
Quick Reimbursement: Health insurance claims can take weeks to process. PIP usually provides benefits more quickly, allowing you to cover medical bills and essentials right away.
Helps With Non-Medical Costs: PIP may also pay for substitute services, like childcare or housekeeping, if your injuries prevent you from handling daily responsibilities.
Covers More Than Just You: PIP extends coverage to passengers and sometimes pedestrians involved in the crash, offering broader protection than most health plans.

Together, these features make PIP a smart safeguard even if you already have medical insurance.

Filing a PIP Claim in Texas

To access your benefits, you’ll need to file a PIP claim promptly. Here’s what to do:

Report the accident to your insurance provider right away
Seek medical treatment immediately to ensure your injuries are documented
Keep detailed records of medical expenses, lost wages, and any other accident-related costs
Work with a car accident attorney who can ensure your paperwork is correct and submitted on time

Remember, your insurance company may request medical records, employment proof, or other documentation to process your claim. Missing deadlines or paperwork errors can delay your payment or reduce your benefits.

Common PIP Misconceptions

“PIP replaces the need for a personal injury claim.”

False. PIP is a helpful supplement, but it’s not a substitute for pursuing compensation when someone else is negligent. You may still be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages that exceed your PIP benefits.

“I have to pay back my PIP benefits if I get a settlement.”

Not necessarily. Unlike health insurance or workers’ compensation, Texas PIP benefits are not generally subject to subrogation. That means you can receive your PIP payout and still keep your settlement money.

“If I caused the accident, I can’t use PIP.”

Wrong. PIP is no-fault coverage. You can still use it even if you were partially or entirely responsible for the crash.

How an El Paso Car Accident Lawyer Can Help?

After an accident, insurance companies often look for ways to limit what they pay. A knowledgeable El Paso car accident attorney at the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC can help by:

Explaining your insurance coverage and how PIP fits into your case
Ensuring your PIP claim is filed accurately and on time
Gathering the right evidence to prove your damages
Negotiating with the insurance company if they deny or underpay your PIP claim

If your injuries are severe or your expenses exceed your PIP limits, we can also help you file a personal injury claim to pursue the full compensation you deserve.

What to Do After an Accident? Step by Step

If you’re in an accident in El Paso, here’s what to do:

Call 911 and get medical help – Even if injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to get checked out. Adrenaline can mask pain.
Document the scene – Take clear photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect names and contact information from any witnesses.
Notify your insurance provider – Let them know about the accident, but avoid going into detailed statements right away.
File your PIP claim promptly – Texas doesn’t give you unlimited time. The sooner you file, the faster you get access to benefits.
Contact an El Paso car accident lawyer – Speak with legal counsel before making official statements to insurers. What you say can affect your claim.

Being prepared with this information helps you stay in control during a chaotic and stressful time. Taking the right steps early on protects your rights and builds a stronger foundation for any future compensation.

Get Help From the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC

Understanding what personal injury protection is and how to use it can make a major difference in your financial recovery after a car crash. Whether you’re dealing with minor injuries or more serious trauma, PIP can help ease the burden. But it’s not always enough.

At the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC, we’re committed to helping you understand your rights and options. If you’ve been in a car accident in El Paso, let us evaluate your case, help you file a claim, and pursue full compensation for your injuries. We offer free consultations and are available 24/7 to support you when you need it most.

Call 915-333-3333 or contact us online today to speak with an experienced El Paso car accident attorney who will stand up for your rights.

Michael J. Gopin

Michael J. Gopin has practiced law in El Paso since 1987. Even after more than 30 years, he still remembers his first jury case. It was two weeks after receiving his license, when he represented a person whose life had been forever changed after being blinded in a work-related incident...