Does PIP Cover Non-Motorists’ Injuries in a Car Accident?

Covering Your Injuries After a Car Accident

As a no-fault state, Florida drivers are required to have PIP car insurance in the event of an accident. If you were the passenger or driver of a vehicle involved in a crash, knowing what your coverage is for medical treatment is vital. However, if you were a non-motorist and involved in an accident, knowing your rights is equally important.

What is PIP Insurance?

PIP stands for Personal Injury Protection and is a form of car insurance that covers expenses that commonly happen after a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. PIP insurance can include coverage for medical bills, legal fees, lost wages, and other expenses. However, it does not cover property or vehicle damage or accidents where the driver was using their car for work, committing a crime, or covering other drivers and their property.

PIP insurance is also referred to as “no-fault insurance” and is required in many states that have no-fault laws. Florida happens to be the largest no-fault state in the United States. Tennessee, on the other hand, is considered a “fault state,” where a driver must be at-fault for you to receive coverage.

Non-Motorist Rights After an Accident

Being a non-motorist involved in a car accident would mean that you were a pedestrian involved in the crash, such as walking across the road or biking at the time of the incident. So, are you covered?

The short answer is yes: As someone injured in a motor vehicle accident, your PIP insurance would allow you to receive the medical care you need. According to Florida state law, your insurer will pay PIP benefits if you are struck by a motor vehicle and suffer from bodily injury, but not as an occupant of a self-propelled vehicle.

In addition, if you do not own a car but another household family member does, you may be covered under their PIP insurance depending on the policy.

Car Accident Aftercare in Florida and Tennessee

Receiving the care you need after a car crash is vital, even if you were not a passenger or driver. At iRISE Spine and Joint, we have the professionals, resources, and therapies necessary to evaluate and treat injuries that arise after a crash. We can help you manage your chronic pain.