After a car accident, injured drivers and passengers often face a flood of medical bills, lost wages, and insurance paperwork. This is where Personal Injury Protection (PIP) can offer fast relief, but many people are unsure whether it is required, what it covers, or how it works under Texas law.
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we help injured Texans navigate the insurance system and fight for the compensation they deserve. If you are asking, “Do I need PIP insurance in Texas?”, this guide explains what you need to know about personal injury protection in Texas, when it applies, and how an experienced El Paso, Texas accident lawyer can help you recover after a crash.
Please don’t hesitate to call (575) 222-1000 or reach us online today for a free consultation.
What Is Personal Injury Protection (PIP)?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a type of no-fault auto insurance coverage that pays for certain expenses after a car accident, regardless of who was at fault. Under Texas law, insurers must offer PIP to every policyholder. If you do not want it, you must reject it in writing. Otherwise, it will be automatically included in your coverage.
What Does PIP Cover in Texas?
PIP coverage in Texas is designed to provide quick access to funds for basic costs following an accident. It applies whether you were driving, riding as a passenger, or were a pedestrian.
This coverage typically includes:
- Medical expenses—treatment for crash-related injuries, including hospital visits, surgery, medications, and therapy;
- Lost wages—a portion of your income if you cannot work while recovering; and
- Essential services—costs for assistance with daily tasks, such as childcare or housekeeping, that you cannot manage due to your injuries.
Because PIP pays benefits no matter who caused the accident, it can relieve financial pressure while you pursue a broader claim for damages.
How Much PIP Coverage Is Available?
Texas law requires insurers to offer a minimum of $2,500 per person in PIP coverage. However, drivers can choose to buy higher limits—typically $5,000, $10,000, or more. If your injury-related expenses exceed the policy limits, you may need to pursue a liability claim against the at-fault driver. An experienced attorney can help coordinate your benefits and build a claim for full compensation.
Is Personal Injury Protection Required in Texas?
No, you are not required to purchase PIP insurance in Texas. However, insurers must offer it, and you must decline it in writing if you do not want the coverage. If no written rejection is on file, the insurance company must treat your policy as if PIP was included. Many drivers discover they have this coverage only after an accident, and often after the insurer tells them otherwise.
Do I Need PIP Insurance in Texas?
While not legally required, PIP insurance in Texas can provide valuable protection and peace of mind.
It offers:
- Quick payment of medical bills without waiting for fault to be determined,
- Partial wage replacement if your injuries prevent you from working,
- A safety net when the other driver is uninsured or underinsured,
- Supplemental help alongside health insurance or MedPay, and
- Support for out-of-pocket costs that arise immediately after a crash.
Whether you need PIP depends on your financial situation, driving frequency, and comfort level with risk. Many clients find that this small addition to their policy offers significant post-accident relief.
How PIP Differs From Other Coverages
Texas drivers often confuse PIP with other forms of auto insurance. Here is how PIP compares.
PIP vs. MedPay
MedPay only covers medical expenses. PIP also covers lost wages and essential services, making it more comprehensive.
PIP vs. Liability Insurance
Liability insurance pays for damage you cause to others. PIP covers your own injuries and losses, regardless of fault.
PIP vs. UM/UIM
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage applies when the other driver has no insurance or insufficient limits. PIP pays without delay or liability determinations.
Understanding how these coverages interact can help you maximize compensation and avoid coverage gaps after a crash.
What to Do If Your PIP Claim Is Denied or Underpaid
Even though PIP coverage in Texas is meant to provide immediate help, insurance companies may still deny or underpay claims.
Common tactics include claiming:
- You weren’t injured seriously enough;
- You failed to submit required documents;
- Expenses were excessive or unrelated to the accident; or
- PIP was waived, even without a valid written rejection.
It can be frustrating if your PIP claim is denied, but you still have options.
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we can take action by:
- Reviewing your insurance policy to confirm PIP applies;
- Challenging claim denials and low settlement offers;
- Coordinating benefits between PIP, health insurance, and other coverages;
- Pursuing additional damages beyond your PIP limits; and
- Filing legal action when necessary to compel payment.
You do not have to face the insurance company alone, especially if your recovery is on the line.
How PIP Coverage Affects a Lawsuit
PIP coverage is helpful, but does not stop you from suing the at-fault driver. If your losses exceed your PIP limits, or if you suffered pain and suffering, emotional distress, or long-term disability, you can file a personal injury claim. Our attorneys at Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. help clients use their PIP insurance in Texas to get immediate help, while also preparing strong lawsuits for full compensation when the harm goes beyond what PIP pays.
Why Work with Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C.?
Our firm is committed to helping clients in Texas and New Mexico recover from serious accidents. Whether you’re dealing with PIP coverage in Texas, a lawsuit against a negligent driver, or both, we are ready to help.
We offer:
- Straightforward advice about your rights and coverages,
- Timely follow-up when insurance companies delay or stall,
- Skilled negotiations to secure fair outcomes, and
- Client-centered service backed by extensive experience.
We understand how stressful the aftermath of a crash can be, and we are here to make the process easier while protecting your best interests every step of the way.
Contact Us Today
If you have questions about personal injury protection in Texas or were recently injured in a crash, do not wait to get legal help. At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we can evaluate your coverage, pursue all available benefits, and take action to recover the compensation you need. Contact us online or call (575) 222-1000 today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you recover with confidence.
James Tawney
James Tawney is a native of the Southwest dedicated to serving his community. He was born and raised in Arizona, where he attended Northern Arizona University and graduated summa cum laude.
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