If you’ve been involved in a car accident in New York, one of the most important terms you’ll hear during your recovery and legal journey is Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Understanding what PIP covers, how it works, and how it impacts your personal injury case can be the difference between receiving the compensation you deserve and being left to cover your losses out-of-pocket.
At Griss Law Group, PLLC, our Brooklyn Personal Injury Attorneys help injured New Yorkers navigate the complexities of PIP claims and ensure they understand their rights under the state’s no-fault insurance laws. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about PIP in New York, including eligibility, coverage limits, exclusions, and how it affects your right to sue.
What Is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in New York?
Personal Injury Protection, commonly known as PIP, is a component of auto insurance that covers medical expenses and certain other financial losses resulting from a car accident—regardless of who was at fault. In New York, PIP is mandatory under the no-fault insurance system, which is designed to streamline compensation for accident victims and reduce the need for litigation in minor injury cases.
Key Features of PIP in New York:
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It covers you, your passengers, and pedestrians hit by your vehicle.
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It applies no matter who caused the accident.
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It pays for reasonable and necessary medical expenses, lost wages, and other essential services.
Minimum PIP Coverage in New York
Under New York law, every registered vehicle must carry a minimum of $50,000 in PIP coverage. This is also known as “basic no-fault coverage.” Here’s a breakdown of what that typically includes:
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Medical Expenses: Covers necessary hospital and doctor bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and more.
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Lost Wages: Reimburses up to 80% of lost earnings from work, capped at $2,000 per month for up to three years.
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Essential Services: Provides up to $25 per day for expenses such as household help if you are injured and cannot perform routine tasks.
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Death Benefit: Offers a $2,000 death benefit in addition to the $50,000 minimum coverage.
Policyholders can also purchase additional PIP (APIP) to increase these limits.
Who Is Covered Under PIP?
PIP covers a wide range of individuals depending on the circumstances of the accident:
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You, the policyholder, if you are injured while driving your vehicle.
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Your passengers, no matter who they are.
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Pedestrians or bicyclists you may hit with your vehicle.
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Members of your household, if injured in your insured vehicle.
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Individuals driving your vehicle with your permission.
What Does PIP Not Cover?
While PIP is broad, it does not cover everything. Common exclusions include:
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Property damage (e.g., damage to your car or belongings).
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Non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
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Accidents outside of New York, unless the policyholder resides in the state and the insurer is authorized in New York.
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Injuries caused during intentional acts, criminal activity, racing, or while driving under the influence.
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Injuries to motorcyclists and their passengers (motorcycles are exempt from the no-fault system in NY).
How to File a PIP Claim in New York
You must act quickly after a crash. PIP claims have strict deadlines:
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File a Notice of Claim within 30 days of the accident. Failing to do so may result in a denial of benefits.
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Submit proof of medical treatment and any bills as soon as possible.
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Provide verification of lost wages and any other necessary documentation.
It is wise to consult a Brooklyn Personal Injury Attorney to ensure you do not miss any steps or deadlines.
How PIP Affects Your Right to Sue
New York’s no-fault law limits your ability to file a personal injury lawsuit unless your injuries meet what is known as the “serious injury threshold.”
You may file a lawsuit against the at-fault party if your injuries involve:
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Significant disfigurement
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Bone fractures
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Permanent limitation of a body organ or member
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Significant limitation of body function or system
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Substantial disability lasting 90 of the first 180 days after the accident
If your injuries qualify, you can pursue compensation for pain and suffering and other non-economic damages beyond PIP’s scope. This is where having an experienced Injury Attorney in NYC becomes critical.
Coordination With Other Insurance Policies
PIP is considered the primary insurance coverage for injuries in a motor vehicle accident. This means:
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Your health insurance typically will not pay until PIP benefits are exhausted.
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If you have disability insurance, it may only kick in after your PIP wage loss benefits are maxed out.
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If you have workers’ compensation, it may take priority if the accident occurred while you were on the job.
Proper coordination can prevent duplicate payments and denials, and a seasoned Brooklyn Personal Injury Law Firm can help guide you through this.
Common Challenges with PIP Claims
Despite being no-fault coverage, PIP claims are not always smooth. Insurers may:
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Deny claims for “unnecessary” treatment
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Delay payments beyond the 30-day deadline
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Demand independent medical exams (IMEs) to verify injuries
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Limit the number of visits to certain specialists
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Contest wage loss claims with excessive documentation requests
If you’re facing pushback, it’s critical to get help from an experienced New York Personal Injury Lawyer.
What If PIP Isn’t Enough?
Given that the basic policy only covers up to $50,000, serious accidents can easily exceed that amount. Options include:
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APIP (Additional PIP): Extends the coverage limits for medical and wage loss benefits.
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Optional Basic Economic Loss (OBEL): An additional $25,000 in coverage, often applied toward lost wages first.
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Filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver if your injuries qualify.
At Griss Law Group, PLLC, we help clients maximize their PIP benefits and explore all possible avenues for additional compensation.
Why You Need a Brooklyn Personal Injury Attorney for PIP Issues
While PIP is supposed to be straightforward, it rarely is. Our firm has seen clients:
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Denied benefits without explanation
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Undercompensated for legitimate wage losses
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Harassed by insurance adjusters demanding unnecessary exams
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Misled about their legal rights
Our Injury Attorneys in NYC take over the legal burden so you can focus on your recovery. We ensure insurance companies comply with the law, and we aggressively pursue additional compensation if you’ve suffered a serious injury.
How Griss Law Group, PLLC Can Help
As one of the leading Brooklyn Personal Injury Law Firms, we offer:
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Free consultations
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No fees unless we win
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Decades of experience handling PIP and personal injury claims
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Direct, honest legal guidance
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Aggressive representation in court when necessary
We’re not just lawyers—we’re advocates who fight for justice when insurance companies try to take advantage of injured victims.
Contact Us Today
If you’ve been hurt in an accident, don’t guess your way through the PIP claims process. Let our seasoned team of Brooklyn Personal Injury Attorneys protect your rights, fight for your compensation, and guide you every step of the way.
Call Griss Law Group, PLLC today at (718) 561-1111 for a free, no-obligation consultation or fill out our online contact form to get started with a Free Case Evaluation. Let us stand by your side and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
