Navigating the complexities of car insurance can be daunting, especially when dealing with Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance that is normally required under Kansas No-Fault laws. At Brian and Brian Pistotnik Law, we understand how important this insurance can be after a car accident. Here’s a comprehensive guide to walk you through everything you need to know about Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance in Kansas.

Introduction to PIP Insurance in Kansas

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is an essential component of Kansas’s no-fault car insurance system. But what exactly does it entail, and why is it so important? Break down the intricacies of PIP insurance, its benefits, and how it works to protect you financially after an accident with Brian and Brian Pistotnik Law. 

Understanding Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance: How it Works

In Kansas, drivers are required to have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. Specifically in Kansas, insurers are required to provide at least $4,500 of coverage for medical expenses. However, opting for more coverage is available. PIP insurance is designed to cover immediate expenses following an auto accident, regardless of who is at fault. Here are the key benefits:

  • Medical Bills: PIP covers your medical expenses up to a specific limit.
  • Lost Wages: If you miss work due to injuries, PIP can compensate a portion of your lost income. Generally, this is 85% of your monthly income, with a limit of $900 per month for one year. Like medical coverage, when you buy your coverage, you can buy higher coverages with longer benefits.
  • Essential Services: PIP can also cover costs for necessary services you can’t perform due to your injuries, such as housekeeping or childcare. You can typically receive $25 per day for a year to help with these responsibilities. 
  • Occupational Rehabilitation: PIP provides an additional $4,500 to cover occupational therapy services or psychiatric services focused on restoring your ability to work.
  • Death Services: In the tragic event that someone loses their life in a car accident, PIP insurance is required to cover at least $2,000 of the death care plans, such as burial or cremation. There are also survivor benefits that pay the wage loss benefits to the dependents of the deceased.

Who Is Eligible for PIP Insurance in Kansas?

In Kansas, PIP insurance is available to all drivers who own an insured vehicle. It’s not optional; every auto insurance policy must include PIP coverage. If you’re a Kansas driver, you already have PIP insurance as part of your auto insurance package.

These benefits follow you. If you are in a wreck, you get benefits from your own insurer, even when your vehicle is not involved.  If you don’t own a vehicle, you can get these benefits from the vehicle you were in at the time of the wreck. You may also get these benefits from any relative in your household who has an auto insurance policy on their car. 

Finally, the State of Kansas provides you with a PIP through the Kansas Auto Assigned Claims plan if there are no other sources of insurance, as long as you don’t own a vehicle.

Coverage Limits and Interactions With Other Insurances

Kansas law stipulates minimum but no maximum coverage limits for PIP insurance:

  • Minimum Coverage: $4,500 for medical expenses, $900 per month for lost wages, $4500 for occupational rehabilitation, and $25 per day for essential services.
  • Maximum Coverage: Higher limits can be purchased based on your needs and insurer offerings.

PIP insurance works in conjunction with other types of insurance. For example:

  • Health Insurance: PIP covers initial medical expenses, potentially reducing the burden on your health insurance.
  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: PIP provides immediate financial relief, while uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage kicks in later for additional expenses.

Filing a PIP Insurance Claim in Kansas

Filing a PIP insurance claim involves several steps:

  • Notify Your Insurer: Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible.
  • Gather Documentation: Collect medical records, proof of lost wages (most importantly, get a written note from your doctor that you can’t work), and receipts for any essential services.
  • Submit a Claim: Complete your insurer’s claim form and provide the necessary documentation.
  • Follow-up: Stay in touch with your insurer to ensure your claim is processed promptly.

Remember that the sooner you file, the quicker you can receive benefits.

Common Misconceptions and the Importance of Legal Consultation

There are several misconceptions about PIP insurance, such as:

  • Myth: PIP is optional in Kansas.
  • Reality: PIP is mandatory for all auto insurance policies in Kansas.
  • Myth: PIP only covers minor injuries.
  • Reality: PIP can cover significant medical expenses and lost wages.
  • Myth: PIP under the No-Fault laws prevents you from bringing claims against the negligent person/company
  • Reality: You can collect PIP AND present claims against the negligent person/company
  • Myth: When you get a settlement from the negligent person/company, you don’t have to pay back the PIP benefits from the settlement
  • Reality: Kansas law requires the PIP insurer to reimburse your settlement unless the value of your damages exceeds the negligent person/company’s coverage limits.  There are other ways to reduce the PIP subrogation, such as your own comparative fault.

Given the complexities of PIP claims, consulting with a personal injury attorney, like those at Brian and Brian at Pistotnik Law, can provide invaluable guidance and ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.

Been in a Car Accident in Kansas? Contact Us Today

PIP insurance is a crucial safety net for Kansas drivers, offering financial protection and peace of mind in the aftermath of an accident. At Brian and Brian Pistotnik Law, we’re dedicated to helping you understand and maximize your PIP benefits. 

If you have questions or need assistance with a PIP claim, don’t hesitate to contact us online or call (316) 689-8035. We’re here to help you every step of the way. 

Ensure you’re protected — reach out to Brian and Brian at Pistotnik Law today!