Oregon law requires that every automobile or truck insurance policy include Personal Injury Protection (PIP). It is a no-fault provision. That is, even if you caused the accident, you are entitled to PIP benefits. This article discusses the statutory minimum required by Oregon law. Your own insurance policy might provide more, so you should read it.

Q. Who does PIP insurance cover under Oregon Law?

A. PIP covers:

• All family members residing in the same household as the insured plus unrelated children residing in the household and being raised as the insured’s own,
• Passengers in the insured car or truck, and
• Pedestrians hit by the insured automobile or truck.

Q. What medical bills does PIP pay for?

A. PIP insurance pays for reasonable and necessary medical, hospital, ambulance, dental and even prosthetic services, but only for one year after injury and only up to the policy limit. The minimum limit in Oregon is $15,000.

Q. Does Oregon Personal Injury Protection insurance cover wage loss?

A. Yes. If you are unable to work for at least 14 days, then your car or truck insurance must pay 70% of your wages up to $3,000 per month for up to 52 weeks. Again, this is limited by the PIP maximum in your insurance contract.

Q. Does Oregon PIP cover childcare?

A. Yes. If a parent of a minor child is injured and hospitalized, then PIP must pay at least $25 per day.

Q. Does PIP pay for help around the house?

A. Yes, it can. If the injured person (1) typically does not work outside the home for money and (2) must pay for help around the house, then PIP must up to $30 per day toward that person’s work. However, the helper cannot be a relative or someone who resides in the home.

Q. My own PIP insurance company wants to send me to an Independent Medical Exam. Can they require that? Must I go?

A. Beware of so-called “independent” medical examinations or evaluations. If the insurance company were happy to pay for your current treatment plans, then your insurer would not send you to a doctor of its own choosing for a second “opinion.” Typically, insurance companies require an insurance medical exam (IME) as a step toward cutting off your benefits. If your insurer makes such a request, contact your attorney immediately to determine your best option.

If you were injured in a car or truck accident, you really should get an Oregon attorney involved as soon as possible. The insurance company has pros working to defeat or minimize your claim. You need someone on your side. So, feel free to call me, right away, at 503-665-4234.