When you’re in a car accident, insurance claims will likely follow. You may need to quickly learn about the different types of car accident insurance and how they apply to your claim.

One type of insurance that may be important is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. Bobby Jones Law explains PIP insurance and how it affects your Greenville personal injury claim.

What Is PIP Insurance and How Does It Work?

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is car accident insurance that pays for monetary losses from a car accident, regardless of fault.

Here’s how PIP insurance works:

You’re in an accident.
You get medical care for your injuries.
There are other losses, such as lost income.
You report the accident to your insurance company.
The insurance company reimburses you for covered losses, up to your policy maximum.

It doesn’t matter who is at fault for the accident. If you have PIP insurance, you are paid for covered losses.

Unlike required liability insurance, PIP insurance doesn’t depend on who is at fault for the accident. It’s a way to know that your medical bills and other covered losses will be paid, even if you’re responsible.

Is PIP Insurance Required in South Carolina?

No. PIP insurance is not required in South Carolina.

South Carolina requires drivers to have at-fault liability insurance. Drivers must have at least $25,000 per person bodily injury, $50,000 per accident bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. This insurance pays people other than the policyholder for injuries or property damage from a car accident when the policyholder is at fault.

PIP insurance is optional and elective, in addition to the at-fault requirements. Policyholders may choose the amount of PIP coverage they want, often sold in $1,000 increments.

What Does PIP Insurance Pay in South Carolina?

PIP insurance in South Carolina may pay for expenses related to:

Ambulance
Emergency care
Doctor care
Diagnostic tests
Medical treatment
Physical therapy
Prescriptions
Assistive devices
Lost income
Household help
Childcare for dependent children

A PIP policy may pay for the policyholder, passengers, household members and relatives, others driving the car with permission, and pedestrians. Check your policy for details of how it extends to others.

Does PIP insurance pay for vehicle damage?

No. PIP insurance doesn’t pay for vehicle damage. Look for comprehensive insurance coverage for vehicle damage, regardless of fault.

Does PIP insurance usually have a deductible in SC?

No. PIP insurance usually doesn’t have a deductible. Check your policy for exact terms.

Does PIP insurance cover pain and suffering in SC?

No. PIP insurance does not cover pain and suffering in SC. You must seek pain and suffering compensation from the party at fault for the accident.

How Does South Carolina’s Fault System Affect Your Injury Claim?

South Carolina’s fault system may affect your injury claim in several ways.

The party at fault for the accident is liable to pay compensation. SC uses a modified comparative fault system, so a party more than 50% at fault doesn’t have a right to any compensation.
When you have PIP coverage, you claim your PIP benefits directly from your own insurer. Even if you qualify for compensation from the at-fault driver, PIP payments are from your own insurer.
PIP insurance does not lower the at-fault driver’s responsibility. They are still liable for full damages.
Your insurer may reclaim amounts paid to you from a liability policy for what they have paid you in PIP benefits. You won’t double-recover.
If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may have separate coverage, in addition to your PIP coverage, that can help.

With no double recovery, you may think it’s not worth having PIP insurance. That’s not true! You may be able to access PIP benefits faster than waiting for a third-party claim. In addition, PIP benefits keep you covered when you are at fault and can also help when the other driver is uninsured or underinsured.

PIP vs. Health Insurance: Which Should You Use After a Car Accident in SC?

You should use your PIP coverage first to pay medical bills after a car accident. Usually, PIP benefits are primary to health insurance. South Carolina law prevents the health insurance company from subrogating or setting off PIP benefits.

Note: In addition to PIP insurance, check whether you have MedPay. MedPay is similar to PIP, but it only covers medical expenses, while PIP covers a broader range of losses.

PIP vs. Uninsured Motorist Coverage: What’s the Difference in South Carolina?

Uninsured motorist coverage provides compensation only if the other driver is at fault. It may cover a broader range of damages than PIP insurance. PIP coverage applies regardless of fault and covers only economic losses. Both types of coverage are important to have in the necessary amounts, and you may claim from both when you have covered losses.

What Happens When PIP Coverage Isn’t Enough After a Greenville Car Accident?

When PIP coverage isn’t enough after a Greenville car accident, you may seek monetary compensation from the at-fault driver. In fact, if you have physical injuries, you likely have pain and suffering and other non-economic damages that won’t be covered by PIP. A third-party claim is the way to get compensation for these losses.

To have a third-party claim, the other driver or another party must be responsible for the accident.

Learn About Car Accident Claims: Greenville Car Accident Lawyer

How PIP Insurance Affects the Value of Your Personal Injury Settlement

PIP is an agreement between you and your own insurance company. It doesn’t reduce what you can claim in damages in a Greenville, SC, car accident claim.

What To Do When Your PIP Claim Is Denied in South Carolina

If your PIP claim is denied in South Carolina, you can sue the insurance company for wrongfully denying it. You may also pursue compensation from an at-fault party. An attorney can help you with how to proceed.

Why Greenville Car Accident Victims Should Consult an Attorney Before Filing a PIP Claim

Insurance companies often delay or undervalue good claims. An attorney knows the different types of insurance, how to maximize your compensation, and how to protect your interests.

Bobby Jones Law is a Personal Injury Protection insurance lawyer in Greenville, SC. He knows how PIP insurance affects a personal injury claim. Call or message us now.