Louisville Car Accidents and Cross-Border Injury Claims
The Ohio River separates Indiana and Kentucky and thousands of people cross the bridge to work and shop each day. So, it is not uncommon for Indiana residents to be injured in car collisions in Louisville and Louisville residents injured in Southern Indiana car accidents. When a car accident crosses state lines, important legal issues can arise and can involve the application of Indiana and Kentucky law in one accident. Understanding the differences can have a significant impact on the value and handling of your claim. Call 812-590-2213 to schedule your free consultation with a law firm that can help navigate the differences in the law. Ken is licensed in Indiana and Kentucky and can help you wade through the complex issues of your Louisville car accident.
What is PIP?
A common question that our clients involved in Kentucky accidents have is regarding PIP. It is one of the most significant differences between Indiana and Kentucky insurance law. PIP is an acronym that stands for Personal Injury Protection. This coverage is designed to cover medical bills and lost wages for Kentucky residents involved in a car accident. The minimum amount that is offered by insurance companies in the commonwealth of Kentucky is $10,0000. PIP does not apply, however, to motorcycles, if your accident was work related or if you rejected PIP coverage.
Reserving PIP Benefits
One benefit of hiring an attorney is that he can help you properly manage your PIP benefits. This is beneficial to many of our clients that are involved in serious accidents. By reserving PIP benefits it allows your to choose where the benefits are paid and does allow one provider to consume the entire amount before the bill could possibly be negotiated down.
The Kentucky statute relating to PIP claims is KRS 304.39-241 - Insured's direction of payment of benefits among elements of loss - Direction of payment to reimburse for medical expenses already paid. Strategic use of these benefits may help maximize available coverage and ensure that medical expenses and lost wage claims are addressed appropriately.
An insured may direct the payment of benefits among the different elements of loss, if the direction is provided in writing to the reparation obligor. A reparation obligor shall honor the written direction of benefits provided by an insured on a prospective basis. The insured may also explicitly direct the payment of benefits for related medical expenses already paid arising from a covered loss to reimburse:
(1) A health benefit plan as defined by KRS 304.17A-005(22);
(2) A limited health service benefit plan as defined by KRS 304.17C-010;
(3) Medicaid; (4) Medicare; or
(5) A Medicare supplement provider.
Basically, this statute states that your benefits can be reserved in writing for use in paying medical bills and a portion of your lost wages. If you are in a serious accident, it is beneficial to do this immediately.
Indiana Residents Injured in Louisville
Many Indiana residents are surprised to learn that different insurance rules may apply when they are injured in Kentucky. Indiana policies have a similar coverage called medical payment coverage ("med-pay") which is an optional coverage. Medical payment coverage can be very helpful to pay out of pocket expenses due to co-pays, deductibles and for those with no health insurance. The amount of medical payment coverage is listed on your declarations page. An experienced personal injury attorney can review your policy and determine if this elected benefit applies to your claim.
Schedule Your Appointment With a Louisville Injury Lawyer
Doane Law Office can help with the complexities involved with a Louisville Car crash and build your case to get you the settlement you deserve! If you were injured in a Louisville car accident or any collision involving Indiana and Kentucky legal issues, contact Doane Law Office, LLC today.
- ☎ Call 812-590-2213
- ✉ Complete our online contact form
Attorney Ken Doane is licensed in both Indiana and Kentucky and can help you navigate the legal and insurance issues involved in your claim.
There is no fee unless we recover compensation for you.