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Personal injury protection 101: Why your own insurance pays first

On Behalf of | Jan 6, 2026 | Personal Injury

Have you ever wondered about who pays for your injuries after an accident in Oregon? Whether you were at fault, your insurance company shoulders the bills. This is because purchasing Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is mandatory, so that you can get back on your feet without waiting for a courtroom battle.

Understanding what PIP is all about is essential to recovering compensation for your losses.

The no-fault rule behind PIP

Under state law, all drivers must have an auto policy that includes PIP. This no-fault benefit activates when you get into an accident. The entitles you to receive this coverage even if the crash was 100% your fault. PIP insures you, your family members, passengers and pedestrians involved in the accident.

The coverage of PIP

Generally, PIP offers these benefits for you:

  • A minimum of $15,000 allocation for reasonable and necessary medical, dental and surgical expenses you incurred within two years of the accident
  • A 70% coverage for your lost income, with a cap of $3,000 per month, for up to 52 weeks if you cannot work for at least 14 days
  • A $5,000 allocation for funeral costs if your accident results in death within one year of the date of your injury

PIP acts as a vital safety net that keeps your lights on while you heal. To file an injury claim, you must contact your auto insurer.

Why you should not navigate this alone

Getting involved in an accident can be overwhelming, but your PIP can help alleviate the financial and mental burden. However, it is possible to experience disagreements with your auto insurer about the coverage amount or a denial of benefits.

If this happens to you, you can settle a dispute via arbitration if both parties agree. Seeking legal advice can offer answers to your concerns and provide guidance in the legal landscape of injury claims in Oregon.