Kentucky is one of several states that uses a “No-Fault” system for motor vehicle accident. What this means is that if you’re involved in an accident in Kentucky, you will have coverage for medical bills, lost wages and other costs, no matter who is at fault for the accident. Also, if you are a Kentucky resident with No-Fault coverage and are involved in an accident in any U.S. state, you are entitled to No Fault benefits no matter who is at fault. In Kentucky, No-Fault benefits are known as Personal Injury Protection, i.e. PIP.
PIP will provide coverage if you are injured due to a motor vehicle accident so long as:
- The accident was not work-related
- You have not rejected PIP coverage
Aside from those cases, you are covered by PIP, whether you were at fault or not at fault, whether you were a driver, passenger, pedestrian or bicyclist. PIP will pay for medical expenses, 85% of lost wages (with a maximum of $200/week) and other costs, such as replacement services. By law, the PIP carrier must issue payment wreck within 30 days of submission of these expenses. At least $10,000 of PIP insurance is mandatory for all Kentucky resident drivers.
Even if you have health insurance, you should use PIP first to pay your medical bills.
PIP claims generally must be filed within two years of the date of the accident.
PIP covers virtually all Kentucky motor vehicle accidents. If you own the vehicle involved in the wreck, your insurance company will provide PIP coverage for all passengers and drivers with permission to drive. If another driver was at fault, his or her insurance company will pay your company back for the PIP benefits it paid.
If you were a passenger and the vehicle was not insured, you can claim PIP benefits through your own insurance company or the other driver’s. if you were a pedestrian or a bicyclist, you can claim PIP benefits through the other driver’s insurance company. If the vehicle was not insured, you may be able to claim PIP benefits through the Kentucky Assigned Claims Bureau.
Of course, PIP may not cover all of your expenses and certainly does not cover your pain and suffering from an automobile accident. You may claim expenses over and above the PIP limits and for pain and suffering against the person at fault for the wreck.
At Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima, our personal injury attorneys are licensed to practice law in Kentucky and have extensive experience with PIP claims. We will handle all aspects of your PIP claim, including completion of the application, submission of medical bills and lost wage forms and questions from your doctors.
Many insurance companies deny payment of legitimate PIP expenses. At Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima, we will fight for your rights to these lawful benefits.