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Personal Injury Protection (PIP): How it Works

You’ve been injured in a car crash. Who is going to pay for your medical expenses and/or lost wages? That’s where Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, benefits come into play. PIP benefits are included as part of any Massachusetts auto insurance policy but what exactly is it and how does it work?

PIP benefits are known as “no-fault” insurance coverage, which means that if you are in an accident, you are entitled to make a claim for your PIP benefits irrelevant of whether or not you or your vehicle was the cause of the accident. Benefits are paid only for medical expenses or losses actually incurred up to two years after the accident.

What do PIP benefits cover? In general, PIP benefits cover medical expenses, lost wages, and replacement services arising out of the accident.

Medical Expenses: PIP will pay all reasonable medical expenses incurred as a result of the accident for necessary medical, surgical, X-ray and dental services, including prosthetic devices. It also includes ambulance, hospital, professional, nursing and funeral services.

However, PIP can be complicated when it comes to medical expenses. If the claimant has private health insurance, PIP will pay the first $2,000 in medical bills. Subsequent bills will be billed to the health insurance. Any co-pays, deductibles, or other out-of-pocket expenses that the claimant incurs after health insurance has paid can be billed back to PIP for reimbursement. If the claimant does not have private health insurance, has health insurance through an ERISA plan, Medicare, Medicaid or other public plan, then PIP will pay up to $8,000 in medical bills. Reasonable medical bills must be incurred within two years from the date of the accident. Additionally, at any point, the insurer may request that the claimant submit to an Independent Medical Examination (IME). This is a medical exam by an insurance selected doctor who will decide if the medical treatment to date was reasonable and necessary and whether or not future medical treatment is required. If the IME doctor finds that future medical treatment is no longer required, then PIP will most likely refuse to pay any further medical bills even if the claimant continues to treat

The attorneys here at Studley Law Offices have a combined 45 years of experience representing people who have been injured in car crashes. We understand what you’re going through and we know how insurance companies work. If you have been injured in a car crash and would like to speak with us, please call us at 508-946-0070.

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  • "I completely agree with a prior reviewer...a complete class act! He is highly efficient, extremely knowledgeable, personable, totally professional, highly successful and very entertaining. I have dealt with Atty. Studley on a few matters over the course of 12 years and he (and his staff!) have consistently provided the time and means to successfully litigate my cases/issues. I was fortunate enough that he was referred to me and I have had absolutely no regrets. If you're looking for the best, he's the person to hire." - L - December 1, 2016

  • "Posted by Michelle September 16, 2015 John Studley is a true class act. I have been a client of his since 2008. He puts the needs of the child first and foremost. He is direct and honest with his clients in a compassionate manner. I would highly recommend Studley Law Offices. I have great faith in John, Sandy and the rest of the team and I remain truly greatful for all of their hard work." - Michelle - September 16, 2015

  • "Attorney Studley and his staff are exceptional! They all are very professional, courteous, efficient and empathetic for our case. Attorney Studley knew the "ins and outs" of the laws and was able to implement them in our case. He was always available to us in a timely manner. He explained various situations and avenues we needed to explore. He provided us with the information we needed to move forward in our case. Attorney Studley was always prepared for any situation in court. He even had copies of documents that the judge did not have available to him during court proceedings. We have already recommended him to a fellow grandparent and would do so again." - Bev - August 31, 2015

  • "John Studley is very professional. I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs a lawyer. He kept me informed by promptly responding to my emails and phone calls." - Roger - January 31, 2015

  • "John and his staff were very professional from the beginning. He is very persistent and thorough. My case took over a year to settle but his staff had to do a lot of research. They constantly kept me in the loop as to how the case was progressing. I would not hesitate to use his services again." - Ron - August 21, 2014

  • "John helped my family in a difficult child custody case. His excellent work was instrumental in saving my granddaughters from ongoing physical and mental abuse." - Tom - August 12, 2014

  • "This was my first experience dealing with a lawyer. I found John Studley to be very professional in dealing with my case. He explained everything to me in detail and his knowledge of the law reassured me that my case was justified. I had complete trust in him as he was confident and I would highly recommend him to any person in need a lawyer. John dealt with my personal injury case. He set up appointments with Doctors, Neurologists and Physical therapists for me. He and his team were very responsive in returning my phone calls and communicated all correspondence in this matter. He showed a compassion for my health and well being during a difficult time in my life. He was instrumental in facilitating a fair settlement in my case." - Brian - February 21, 2014

  • "John Studley has been my attorney for over 20 years and has never disappointed me. He is, in my opinion the best lawyer you could have. Rest assured that if you have Attorney Studley for your lawyer he will definitelyl do the best that he can do for you. He definitely is a cut above the rest..." - Edna - February 11, 2014

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