Oregon is a fault-based motor vehicle accident state. Ultimately the driver (or other party) who is responsible for a crash can be held liable for the resulting damages but all insurance policies issued in the state of Oregon are required to provide no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. At the Law Offices of Jon Friedman, we have extensive experience with PIP claims. Here, our Portland auto accident attorney provides an overview of Personal Injury Protection coverage in Oregon.
An Overview of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance in Oregon
Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services explains that all motorists in our state (except for motorcyclists) are required by law to obtain Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. PIP is no-fault coverage that exists to help ensure that drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists have prompt access to medical care and financial support following a crash. Your PIP claim will pay up to $15,000 per injured party for the reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to a crash.
Additionally, if an injury prevents you from working for at least 14 consecutive days, PIP can provide you with wage loss benefits. PIP wage loss will either pay you 70% of what you would have made or a maximum of $3,000 per month, whichever is less.
Note: Some motorists have additional PIP coverage beyond the mandated minimum standard.
Three Tips for PIP Claims in Oregon
Tip #1: Get Prompt Medical Attention After the Crash
It’s important to see a doctor right after an accident in Portland. Not only is doing so a must for your health and safety, but it is also required for bringing a PIP claim. Oregon’s PIP benefits are designed to cover medical expenses incurred right away, so do not delay seeking care. Waiting too long could result in denied claims or limited coverage. When you see your doctor, make sure you tell them you were injured in a car crash.
Tip #2: Do Not Assume that a PIP Insurance Adjuster is On Your Side
PIP coverage is provided through your own insurance. It provides no-fault benefits after a crash. With that being said, even your own insurance company can be difficult to work with. Be aware that anything you say to a PIP adjuster can become part of the PIP file, and may become discoverable to the other side during litigation. You should be prepared to negotiate for the full and fair financial compensation that you deserve. A top-tier Portland PIP claims attorney can help.
Tip #3: Remember You Can Still Bring a Fault-Based Claim
If you were hurt in a crash caused by another negligent driver, you can and should hold them accountable for your injuries. A PIP claim is a starting point that helps to ensure that you can get the medical care you require after a crash. Opening a PIP claim with your own insurer does not prevent you from pursuing a fault-based personal injury claim.
Set Up a Free Case Review With Our Portland, OR Auto Accident Attorney
At the Law Offices of Jon Friedman, our Portland car accident lawyers are skilled, aggressive advocates for injured victims. If you have any questions about PIP claims, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review. With an office in Portland, we represent injured victims throughout the state, including in Bend, Eugene, Grants Pass, Medford, and Salem.
