Legal Update with Richard Hood

What You Need to Know about Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance in Texas

Take another look at your auto insurance and find the section labeled Personal Injury Protection (“PIP” for short). Following an auto accident in Texas, your PIP insurance can cover the cost of medical treatment, dental services, professional nursing, and more. In addition, if you miss work due to your injuries in an auto accident, PIP insurance can reimburse you for lost wages. The attractive feature of PIP insurance is that you can use it even if you are at fault in an accident. Having it can give you the comfort that no matter what, you are going to be able to get the initial medical treatment you need. Please be advised that this article discusses PIP insurance in Texas. Other states also have statutory mandates for PIP insurance, but the details of those statutes differ state-by-state.

An insurance company selling you an auto insurance policy in Texas has to offer you PIP insurance. The minimum offer must be $2,500 of coverage. However, considering the costs of medical services today, $2,500 may just get you in the door for treatment. Many insurers offer significantly higher amounts of coverage if you decide you want to purchase more.

Don’t see PIP in your auto insurance policy? No worries. Call your insurance company and ask them about it. You likely denied PIP coverage when you initially purchased your auto insurance policy with that company. Once you reject PIP coverage in a previously issued policy, the insurance company is not required to provide PIP in a renewal of your policy.

If you have been in an auto accident and you are using PIP to cover initial medical bills and lost wages due to your injuries, ensure you keep all your documentation. An insurance company is going to want to see your medical bills and a doctor’s note explaining that you need to take time off work to facilitate your recovery process. When the insurance company asks for these records, it is ensuring that the medical expenses are reasonable and that the treatment was necessary.

In sum, PIP insurance is a great protective measure for you and your family. We understand that navigating the world of insurance after an auto accident can be confusing and time confusing. If you have any questions, O’Connell West, PLLC always here to assist you. H

Richard Hood is an Associate Attorney at the law firm of O’Connell West, PLLC. Before attending law school, Richard spent 8 years in the U.S. Army serving as an Infantry Officer. If you would like to know more about PIP protection or think you may have a personal injury claim, call O’Connell West, PLLC at 512-547-7265.

145th National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) General Conference & Exhibition

August 18-21, 2023 • Reno, Nevada www.ngat.org/ngaus-conference

Join us at the 145th NGAUS General Conference & Exhibition. More than 2,000 Army and Air National Guard officers from all 50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia will gather to connect, party and get down to business setting the NGAUS upcoming legislative agenda.

The National Guard Association of Nevada is planning some great events so you may want to come early. On August 18 take advantage of the outdoors on a motorcycle ride, a hike of a local mountain or participate in the traditional NGAUS golf tournament.

Conference attendees should expect a few changes in the traditional schedule. The NGAUS board has approved the host-state’s plan to hold the States Dinner on August 19 after the First Business Session. The last evening will feature a farewell reception.

Texas will be staying at the Silver Legacy, so watch our website for update. Registration will open in late April. H