Practice Areas

Motor Vehicle Accidents

• Car Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Semi Truck Accidents
• Pedestrian, Crosswalk, Bicycle Accidents
• Passenger Van Accidents
• Drunk Driving (DUI) Collisions
• RV and Motor Home Accidents
• Delivery Truck Accidents
• Distracted Driving Accidents
• Bus, Shuttle, Taxi & Mass Transit Accidents
• ATV Accidents
• Boating & Personal Watercraft Accidents

Wrongful Death

Injuries to Minors & Children

Serious Accidents & Catastrophic Injuries

• Head Injuries & Brain Damage
• Back & Spinal Cord Injuries

Insurance Coverage Disputes & Bad Faith Claims

Medical Malpractice, Surgery Errors & Hospital Injuries

Dog Bites & Animal Attacks

Nursing Home Neglect & Elder Care Abuse

Library

Car Accidents

• Car Accident Report: Aurora T-Bone Collision in Busy Intersection
• Car Accident Report: Bothell Head-On Collision
• Car Accident Report: Auburn Way Commuter Struck by Uninsured Driver

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Answers To Your Legal Questions

 

Q:

I'm confused about the different types of coverage listed on my automobile insurance policy -- what exactly is BI, UM and PIP coverage?  And what do they mean if I have been in a car accident?

A:

I'm confused about the different types of coverage listed on my automobile insurance policy -- what exactly is BI, UM and PIP coverage?  And what do they mean if I have been in a car accident?

BI stands for 'bodily injury .' This type of coverage will pay claims for injury you negligently cause to another as a result of the use of your vehicle. Washington state law requires that every driver carry insurance for bodily injury with policy limits of at least $25,000. UM stands for 'uninsured motorist' or 'underinsured motorist .' If you are injured by a negligent driver who does not have liability insurance (or inadequate liability insurance), you may make a claim with your own insurance carrier if you have UM coverage. When you make a UM claim, your insurance carrier "stands in the shoes" of the negligent driver and is permitted to assert all defenses that this driver may have had against you (e.g., comparative fault, excessive medical treatment, etc.).

 

PIP stands for 'personal injury protection .' PIP pays for your reasonable and necessary medical expenses, regardless of who is at fault for the collision. Although the law does not require that you carry UM and PIP coverage, insurance companies must offer these types of coverages to you. If you choose to reject UM and PIP coverage, your insurance company must record your rejection in writing. An insurance company's failure to obtain your written rejection of UM or PIP coverage prevents the carrier from denying the claim, even if you didn't specifically pay for this type of coverage.

More Legal Questions About Car Accidents?

Do you have more legal questions about car wrecks and truck accident cases?  Return to the car & truck accidents frequently asked legal questions page. 


To get more information about Washington state car accident law, auto accident injury cases, and Seattle personal injury attorneys visit our car accident information page.  Or order your FREE copy of The Ten Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Washington Accident Case.

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