What’s personal injury protection?

What is personal injury protection?

Personal injury protection is a type of insurance that covers any medical and rehabilitation expenses should you be involved in a road traffic accident. A personal injury protection policy has a specific value amount set out within the policy details when it’s taken out. This determines the amount of insurance coverage which can be used to pay for any medical bills related to the accident.

Personal injury protection allows the injured party to have instant access to any medical or rehabilitation treatment needed for their injuries. It also helps ensure that medical professionals receive quick and easy payment in full for their work.

Many car insurance policies have a basic amount of personal injury cover, but insurers often offer an additional policy with a much higher pay out amount, which doesn’t rely on fault being assigned to the other party. These types of personal injury protection also cover policyholders who are hit by an uninsured driver.

How does personal injury protection work?

Personal injury protection policies don’t rely on the other parties involved in the road traffic accident having the same relevant cover. They work on a no-fault basis, meaning that there is no requirement for the policy holder to be proven innocent in the accident, or for the other party to be proven to be at-fault for the money to be paid out.

What does personal injury protection cover?

So, what is covered under personal injury protection? Personal injury protection policies cover most medical and rehabilitation costs that you might incur while recovering from your injuries after a road traffic accident. While it can differ between policies, this generally includes cover for:

• Loss of limbs
• Loss of sight
• Broken bones
• Loss of speech
• Dental reconstructive surgery
• Long-term treatment and rehabilitation services

This is not an exhaustive list, and you should always check with your insurance provider as to what your specific policy covers.

Does personal injury protection cover passengers?

If you’re involved in a car accident while driving, your personal injury protection cover will only cover you as the driver. Passengers in your car will not be covered. In most personal injury protection policies, the policyholder will also be covered on their own policy when travelling as a passenger.

Do I need personal injury protection?

You might still be wondering, “do I need personal injury protection?”. A personal injury protection policy can be a huge benefit for those who suffer from injuries in a road traffic accident, particularly when they were fully or partially at fault for the accident. These people are often unable to obtain compensation under a personal injury claim, or are only offered a portion of the compensation available for their injuries.

If you have been injured in a road traffic accident and are looking to speak to an expert about what compensation you could be entitled to, then our team are here to help. Our specialist road traffic accident solicitors have supported clients for decades with their injury claims, and will guide you through the process every step of the way.

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