Episode 129: In today’s episode, Calloway County car wreck attorney Jeff Roberts discusses important changes to Kentucky’s PIP laws. PIP stands for personal insurance protection. The new PIP law provides additional benefits. It’s an automatic safety net for anyone who was hurt in a car wreck, regardless of whose fault it was. It also covers each passenger, in either car. The changes in the new law will take place in July, 2026.
What’s the Minimum Amount of PIP Coverage?
The initial limit of $10,000 per person, was set in the late 1970s. Back then, $10,000 would cover a significant amount of medical bills. That limit doesn’t go as far today, given the increasing cost of medical bills. While the minimum amount of coverage did not increase, other provisions in the new law are beneficial to drivers and passengers.
Lost Wage Benefit Increased Under the New PIP Law
PIP benefits cover a number of types of expenses, including medical expenses and lost wages. The amount of lost wages that PIP covers will now be $500 per week. It had only been $200 per week, until this new law was passed.
Jeff also takes the opportunity to stress the importance of having a short-term disability policy. He does not sell insurance, but he’s seen the value it can provide based on his 33 years of experience working with injured clients.
Payment for Funeral Expenses Increased Under the New PIP Law
Another change in the new PIP law allows more money to be allocated to the cost of a funeral, if someone dies as a result of injuries related to an automobile accident. Since the mid-70s, the maximum PIP would pay to cover funeral expenses was $1,000. The amount is now increasing to $5,000.
It’s important to note that the $500 per week in lost wage benefits and the $5,000 funeral expense benefit will be deducted from the baseline $10,000 coverage provided by Kentucky PIP benefits. It does not add to the $10,000 per person coverage.
However, it is possible for you to increase the baseline benefits by purchasing additional PIP coverage. This would be a good way to ensure you have additional coverage, especially for lost wages. It can be an important safety net for many Kentucky households. You should contact your automobile insurance carrier to discuss your options.
Kentucky is a No-Fault State
To clarify, your PIP benefits are automatically available. You do not have to wait until the case is settled to collect your benefits. It’s not based on negligence. This is why PIP is also referred to as “no-fault benefits.” The drivers and each passenger, of each car involved in the collision, typically have PIP coverage. It enables you to quickly get medical treatment for your injuries related to the car wreck.
PIP Now Uses the Kentucky Workers’ Comp Fee Schedule
Jeff points out that another beneficial change is the fact that PIP now reimburses the medical providers based on the workers’ comp fee schedule. Why is this important?
The workers’ comp fee schedule has reimbursement levels that are lower than what PIP usually paid. For instance, if the hospital bill was $500, PIP would have paid $500. Now, the fee schedule may only allow for a payment $200-$250. The law also limits the medical provider to that amount. The provider cannot bill the injured person for the remainder.
This provision enables more of the baseline $10,000 to saved and allocated to other, allowed expenses, such as lost wages or funeral expenses. Basically, it stretches the money to benefit the injured person.
You Have a Right to Direct the PIP Funds
Under Kentucky law, you have the right to instruct the PIP carrier which medical expenses to pay, or to reserve them until later. This avoids the carrier paying the first medical bills, simply to close out the $10,000 baseline claim. As Jeff explains, it may be more beneficial for to use your health insurance to initially pay the bills, and then have PIP pay a discounted amount.
Your insurance company may have negotiated rates with the medical provider and/or hospital. This might reduce the medical bill from the outset. It’s also possible your attorney could negotiate an additional reduction. Then, then PIP would have a lesser amount to reimburse. Once again, the money from your PIP benefits can be stretched further. This can be very helpful to an injured person. You may want to let your attorney handle this, but it’s definitely good information to know.
Jeff offers FREE CONSULTATIONS to handle your initial questions about your specific situation. You’ll get the benefit of his 33 years of experience.
Jeff attributes some of his success to his involvement in the Kentucky Justice Association. He’s learned a lot from the seminars and communications provided by the members of this association. Jeff is a past-president of the Kentucky Justice Association and often gives seminars for his peers on specific issues in the law.
We hope you found this episode insightful and helpful.
Thank you for listening!
What Do Other Clients Think About Jeff?
We always encourage listeners to read the Google Reviews Jeff Roberts has received from many of his clients. A 5-Star rating and the comments are earned recognition and demonstrate Jeff’s commitment to his clients. As a solo attorney, he has more Google Reviews than some firms with multiple attorneys. Jeff shares the credit with his staff at the Roberts Law Office. Successfully representing injured clients is a team effort. It’s why Jeff likes to say his firm offers “Small Town Service with Big City Results.”
Jeff Roberts Represents Injured Clients Throughout Kentucky
With offices located in Calloway County (Murray) and now in Christian County (Hopkinsville), Jeff has a history of representing personal injury clients, workers’ compensation clients and social security disability clients across the state. He’s represented clients from Paducah, Bowling Green, Louisville, Covington, Whitesville and many other Kentucky locations. He’s not just a Western Kentucky injury attorney.
Is It Time to Speak with an Attorney about Your Car Wreck Claim?
The office phone number is (270) 753-0053 or toll free at 800-844-5108. For more information, visit www.JeffRobertsLaw.com. This podcast is meant to provide information and is not legal advice. Jeff’s principal office is located at 509 Main Street, Murray, Kentucky. Co-host Jim Ray is a non-attorney spokesperson. This is an advertisement.
