If you were recently involved in a car accident in Columbus, Georgia, you likely want to know what type of car insurance applies to your case. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is an optional insurance add-on in Georgia. If you added this coverage to your auto insurance policy, it can provide additional financial relief after a crash. Here’s what you need to know about PIP in Georgia.
How Personal Injury Protection Helps After a Car Accident
PIP is a form of no-fault insurance, so it provides coverage regardless of who is at fault. If you’ve elected optional PIP coverage, it can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and more, regardless of fault. It covers you and your passengers.
Having PIP can be helpful because you can get the medical care you require and compensation for your lost wages without having to dispute liability. PIP also applies to hit-and-run accidents and those involving uninsured or underinsured motorists.
Although not typically labeled “PIP,” Georgia insurers may offer similar coverage under MedPay, which functions similarly in covering medical costs regardless of fault.
Georgia Is an At-Fault State
Georgia is an at-fault state for car accidents, so the driver found at fault for the accident is responsible for covering the damages they caused to others. All drivers are responsible for maintaining minimum liability insurance that helps pay for these damages. The minimum liability amounts in Georgia are:
- $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 in property damage liability
In no-fault states, drivers typically must carry insurance that covers their own medical costs, such as Personal Injury Protection (PIP), and must file claims with their own insurer after an accident. No-fault states include Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Utah.
Filing a Claim in an At-Fault State Like Georgia
Many no-fault states prohibit claims against at-fault drivers unless motorists have suffered permanent disabilities or meet other legal thresholds. This is not the case in Georgia. If another motorist was negligent and caused your accident, you can file a legal claim against them for the full extent of your damages, which might include:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Costs to repair or replace your damaged vehicle
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Because fault is paramount to establishing legal liability in Georgia, another law you should be aware of is Georgia’s modified comparative fault law. This law applies if you contributed to the accident. You can pursue compensation from the at-fault driver as long as you were not more than 49% at fault for the accident.
For example, if you were injured in an intersection accident, you might be assigned 25% of the fault. In that case, you could still pursue compensation, but your damages would be reduced by 25%. However, if your fault is determined to be more than 49%, you wouldn’t recover any compensation.
Is PIP Mandatory in Georgia?
No, PIP is not mandatory in Georgia. Although PIP provides an extra layer of financial security in case of an accident, drivers are not required to purchase this type of insurance.
What Does PIP Cover?
PIP coverage will depend on the specific policy provisions. Generally, PIP covers the following:
- Medical expenses: Your PIP policy may help pay for emergency medical treatment, ambulance charges, diagnostic tests, your health insurance deductible, medication, and other medical expenses you incur because of the accident.
- Lost wages: If you lost wages because of the accident, you might be able to receive payment for these losses. This could apply even if you’re self-employed.
- Funeral expenses: PIP coverage may help pay for funeral, burial, or cremation expenses following a motor vehicle accident.
- Household services: PIP could help cover the costs of services you normally provide for your family, such as childcare and housekeeping.
Notably, PIP typically does not cover property damage. You might have collision coverage that can help pay for that, or you might be able to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability policy.
Contact Our Columbus Personal Injury Lawyers to Schedule a Free Consultation
If you’re having trouble navigating the claims process or understanding how PIP coverage applies after a car accident, we’re here to help. Call Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm at (706) 940-4030 to schedule a free consultation with a Columbus personal injury lawyer.
