FAQs About Auto Accident Injury

The Washington statute allows up to 3 years from the date of the collision in which to file a claim. The Oregon statute allows up to 2 years. However, the longer you wait, especially with no professional supporting documentation, the more likely a claims adjuster will try to attribute your current injury to something other than the collision. It is advisable to see a doctor for evaluation as soon after an auto collision as possible.

PIP is Personal Injury Protection — coverage attached to your auto insurance policy that pays for medical treatment related to auto collision injuries, regardless of who was at fault.

PIP covers medical treatment, lost wages, household services, and rental car expenses after a collision — up to your policy limit, and regardless of who was at fault. Treatment must be documented as reasonable, necessary, and related to the collision.

PIP is “no-fault” coverage, meaning it pays for your injuries whether the collision was your fault or not. Without PIP, there is a real risk of being stuck with unpaid medical bills either way.

PIP covers each passenger independently. If there is a $35,000 PIP policy on the vehicle, it can pay up to $35,000 per person, subject to medical necessity.

PIP also travels with you. If you are a passenger in someone else’s vehicle and that vehicle has no PIP coverage, your own PIP policy can be used.

PIP is not subject to co-pays, co-insurance, or deductibles up to your policy limit. It is also not bound by health insurance restrictions such as annual visit caps, maximum dollar amounts per year, or a restricted referral network. You have the freedom to choose a doctor who specializes in auto collision injuries and the right to reach maximum medical improvement.

In Washington the minimum PIP policy is $10,000. In Oregon the minimum is $15,000. These minimums were set years ago and have not kept pace with the cost of health care. We recommend at least $35,000 — one ambulance ride and a few hours in the ER can consume a good chunk of that.

No. By law, your insurance company cannot raise your rates or cancel your policy for using PIP. The insurer may raise premiums on the at-fault party.

You can still receive treatment for your injuries under your own PIP policy after a hit-and-run. Document everything you can: the offending vehicle’s license plate number and state, make, model, year, color, and the location of impact. Look for witnesses who will provide written statements, and collect photos, names, and phone numbers.

In most cases, no — if you have PIP coverage and your treatment is documented properly. There are variables involved, even when you are not at fault. Your best chance of little to no out-of-pocket cost is to work with a doctor, clinic, or attorney that genuinely specializes in auto collisions and has done so for years. legitimately specializes in auto collisions and has done so for many years.