Understanding Personal Injury Protection Coverage Following An Automobile Accident
When an individual in Pennsylvania sustains injuries due to improper maintenance or use of a motor vehicle, personal injury protection (PIP) coverage acts to cover potential medical expenses that may be involved. This is a mandatory charge on car insurance that takes precedence over health insurance to ensure that victims are granted the appropriate coverage for medical treatments and other rehabilitations.
Additionally, Pennsylvania law requires that every PIP policy have no-fault benefits (medical bills are to be paid by car insurance regardless of who is at fault). This is to ensure that even if the fault of the accident was on the injured party, they will still seek out medical treatment. The minimum amount of medical benefits provided in Pennsylvania automobile insurance policies is $5,000, and Astor Weiss Kaplan & Mandel LLP lawyers can help set up any injury claim to make sure these benefits can be used.
We Can Help You Pursue Additional Compensation
Victims who are injured in car accidents can also be compensated for the damages and/or loss based on a number of different factors like pain and suffering. In addition, the lawyers at Astor Weiss Kaplan & Mandel LLP also work to make sure medical bills which are not paid and other out-of-pocket expenses become part of the overall claim.
Our attorneys have made strong, longstanding relationships with a large network of doctors across the Philadelphia area and can help you find the right doctor who will give you the treatment you need. Furthermore, our lawyers will try to make sure that the insurance company will be the only one paying.
Injuries sustained from an automobile accident can make life difficult for the injured party. If you have experienced a personal injury sustained during an automobile accident, you may need a lawyer to ensure you receive proper compensation from your or the third party’s insurance company. Our attorneys have much experience handling cases for individuals with automobile injuries from automobile accidents.
Important Steps To Take If Involved In An Automobile Crash
If you are involved in a automobile crash, there are several important steps that you should take to best protect yourself, both medically and legally:
Step 1: Contact the police – By contacting the police, you will ensure that a record of the incident is made and that the proper information is exchanged between you and the other driver(s). The police may also be of assistance in making sure you receive emergency medical care. If the police will not come to the scene, make sure to document the other driver’s license plate, make/model of their vehicle and their car insurance information. The more information you obtain at the scene, the less risk you run in failing to obtain a crucial piece of information which may be difficult to obtain at a later date.
Step 2: Take photographs – Photograph all of the vehicles involved which were damaged as a result of the crash. Additionally, if you have cuts or bruises as a result of the crash, it is important to take photographs so that your condition is documented.
Step 3: Seek medical attention – Often after a motor vehicle crash, victims feel overwhelmed with emotion and are generally shaken up. Pain due to injuries suffered from the crash can set in immediately or may take several days to begin negatively affecting you. It is always better to err on the side of caution and to visit the nearest emergency room or to see your family doctor as soon as possible for an evaluation of any part of your body which was affected from the crash. It is additionally important that you express to the doctor who examines you that your symptoms began or worsened as a result of the crash.
Step 4: Contact an attorney – The quicker you contact an attorney, the better off you will be. By contacting an attorney, you can ensure that your rights are protected, as there are many circumstances for which your failure to act in time may cause you to be without any recourse. Additionally, contacting an attorney will ensure you will not have to deal with any of the insurance companies involved and that all necessary steps are taken to make sure that your vehicle is fixed or replaced, and that you receive necessary medical care.
Have Additional Questions? Discuss Them During An Initial Consultation.
To speak to one of our experienced attorneys about your legal options after a automobile accident, call 215-790-0100 or fill out our online contact form.