Imagine this: you’re driving home on I-35 after a long day enjoying your regular podcast. In an instant, traffic slows, brakes screech, and suddenly — crash. You’re rear-ended through no fault of your own. Your car is damaged, your back hurts, and the questions flood in afterward:
- How will I pay for the ER visit?
- What if I miss too much work?
- Who’s going to cover the cost of childcare while I recover?
This is the harsh reality for thousands of Texans every year. In fact, 251,977 persons were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2024 according to the TxDOT Crash Report. Each one of those accidents represents people suddenly facing medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about how to keep life moving forward normally.
That’s where PIP insurance (Personal Injury Protection) comes in. Often overlooked or waived to save a few dollars, PIP is actually one of the smartest protections you can carry. Unlike other add-ons, it doesn’t just cover your medical bills: it cushions your entire household from the ripple effects of an accident.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how Personal Injury Protection benefits work and why our personal injury lawyers at O’Hare and Koch Law Firm believe no Texas driver should ever opt out.
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What Is PIP (Personal Injury Protection) and How Does It Help?
Texas Insurance Code §1952.152 requires insurers to offer at least $2,500 in PIP coverage per person, but many drivers sign the required written waiver to save a few dollars on premiums. Much larger amounts can be obtained, like $25,000 and $100,000. What most don’t realize is that PIP is no-fault coverage, meaning it pays out regardless of who caused the accident. Until the PIP coverage amount is exhausted, PIP typically covers:
- Up to 100% of necessary medical expenses related to the accident, including ambulance rides, ER visits, rehab, and prosthetics
- Up to 80% of lost wages, with proof of income
- Essential services, such as childcare or household help if your injuries prevent you from handling daily tasks
- Funeral and burial expenses (within policy limits)
And because Texas law requires insurers to pay valid PIP claims within 30 days of receiving documentation, it’s one of the fastest protections available.
Unsure if You Can Afford PIP? Here’s Why You Can’t Afford to Skip It.
Let’s put the coverage into perspective:
- Hospital costs are rising fast. The average emergency room visit for non-life threatening conditions in Texas may cost $1,500–$3,000 according to national data . As soon as more significant treatment begins, the cost of emergency room care can skyrocket, easily exceeding the minimum liability coverage most drivers carry.
- Lost income hits families hard. With PIP, up to 80% of your lost wages are reimbursed depending on the amount of PIP coverage—meaning you will have help with rent or bills if you’re unable to work for a few weeks.
- Crashes are common. In 2024, a reportable crash occurred every 57 seconds in Texas. While the exact total number of crashes isn’t explicitly listed as it was in previous years, the report highlights the frequency of these incidents, with one person injured every 2 minutes and 5 seconds on Texas roads. The Crash Report data shows that in 2024, there were 14,905 serious injury crashes and 251,977 people injured in total.
When you weigh these realities, it becomes clear: skipping PIP insurance Texas might save a few dollars per month, but the financial hit from even a minor crash could easily outweigh those savings in a single day.
Your First Call After a Crash Can Make or Break Your Case.
The aftermath of a crash is stressful enough without worrying about insurance paperwork and medical bills. While PIP insurance in Texas provides quick relief, it’s only a temporary solution. Personal Injury Protection benefits aren’t designed to cover long-term rehabilitation, future medical procedures, or the full scope of your pain and suffering.
That’s where the Dallas and Carrollton car wreck lawyers at O’Hare and Koch Law Firm step in. We don’t just handle forms; we fight to secure the full compensation you deserve. From navigating car crash medical coverage in Texas to negotiating with insurance adjusters, we’ll help hold the at-fault driver accountable.
Injured in a Car Crash in North Texas? Get a Free Case Review Today.
You don’t have to face this alone. Before accepting a quick settlement or lowball offer, speak with a Dallas car accident lawyer who has your best interests at heart. Our team provides a free, no-obligation consultation to review the details of your case. There’s no risk—and no cost—unless we win.
Don’t let a crash define your future. Contact our office today and let our experience work for you. Call us today for a free consultation.
