If you’ve been hurt in a crash in Salem, PIP is likely the first insurance benefit you’ll use, and one of the most misunderstood. Here’s the plain-English version.
What Is PIP?
Oregon requires PIP on every auto policy issued in the state. It’s no-fault coverage, meaning it pays regardless of who caused the accident. Under Oregon Revised Statutes 742.524, PIP provides at least $15,000 in medical benefits for injuries from a motor vehicle accident, along with other benefits (Oregon State Legislature, oregonlegislature.gov).
PIP generally covers:
- Reasonable and necessary medical treatment for up to two years after the crash
- A portion of lost wages if your injuries keep you off work
- Essential services, like household help you’d normally handle yourself
- Passengers in your vehicle, and often you as a pedestrian or bicyclist
How to Use It
Filing on your own policy after someone else hit you feels backwards, but it’s how the system works, and it won’t be held against you.
- Report the accident to your own insurer promptly, even if you weren’t at fault
- Get medical care right away and tell your providers you have PIP
- Give your PIP claim number to every clinic and hospital that treats you
- Keep records of missed work and out-of-pocket costs
- Don’t sign broad medical authorizations before talking with an attorney
Questions About Your Coverage? Ask Lance.
Whether it was a car accident, a motorcycle crash, or a collision with a drunk driver, Lance Youd can walk you through what your PIP actually covers and what comes next. Contact us for a free case review; no recovery, no fee.