Is Personal Injury Protection Required in Texas?

In Texas, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is an essential component of auto insurance policies, though state law doesn’t require drivers to carry PIP coverage. 

The following is a look at the significance of PIP and why you should have it. You’ll also learn about the role a car accident lawyer with Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP can play in ensuring you receive fair compensation if you’ve suffered an injury in a wreck that wasn’t your fault. 

Why You Should Have Personal Injury Protection in Texas

Texas operates under an “at-fault” system regarding car insurance. When an accident occurs, the insurance company covering the at-fault driver pays for the other driver’s damages up to the policy limit. 

Drivers can include or exclude PIP coverage from their policy, with the default option being inclusion unless the policyholder explicitly rejects it in writing. The state requires insurers to offer PIP when selling a motorist a policy.

Even though state law doesn’t require you to have PIP, it’s an excellent idea for many reasons. These are just a few:

• Financial protection: First and foremost, PIP coverage typically provides financial protection for medical expenses, lost wages, and other non-medical costs incurred due to a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. This immediacy and no-fault nature ensure that victims receive timely support without waiting for the lengthy fault determination process.

• Legal requirements: Even though personal injury protection isn’t required in Texas, the state does require insurance companies to offer a minimum of $2,500 in PIP coverage. Again, drivers must formally reject this coverage in writing if they choose not to include it in their policy.

• Flexibility and peace of mind: Opting for PIP coverage offers drivers flexibility and peace of mind, as they know they can access funds for medical treatment and other expenses following an accident. 

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help?

Despite PIP coverage’s advantages, dealing with insurance companies after a car accident can be challenging. Your insurer will likely do whatever it can to minimize your payout or deny your claim. A car accident lawyer with Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP can help in the following ways if you find yourself in this situation. 

• Maximizing compensation: A car accident lawyer understands the nuances of Texas insurance law and how to leverage this knowledge to maximize your compensation. This includes not just PIP benefits but also exploring other avenues of compensation you may be entitled to.

• Negotiating with insurers: Insurance companies are often more willing to negotiate fair settlements when they know the policyholder has a skilled car accident lawyer on their side. An attorney will work to ensure the company pays what you deserve for your recovery.

• Legal representation: Your car accident lawyer will file a lawsuit against the insurer if negotiations fail to result in fair compensation. While negotiations will continue, your attorney will be ready to argue your case in court if the insurer refuses to do what’s right.

Again, even though personal injury protection isn’t required in Texas, you should have this coverage. If you do, and the insurer refuses to pay what you deserve, contact a car accident lawyer with Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP for a free consultation. You can call 832-402-6637 or use our online contact form.

C.J. Baker

C.J. Baker represents victims with serious injuries and he won’t let any corporation or insurance company stop his clients from getting complete justice. He has won millions of dollars for victims of 18-wheeler crashes, oilfield equipment failures, offshore platform explosions, and defective medical devices. Our lawyers have 25+ years of combined experience.

Get in touch with C.J. Baker now.