Jones Injury Attorneys | April 6, 2026 | Car Accidents
After a car accident, many individuals wonder whether their insurance will cover their losses. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a type of auto insurance coverage that pays for certain expenses resulting from a car accident, regardless of who caused the crash. It is sometimes referred to as “no-fault” coverage because it pays benefits without requiring proof of fault.
PIP is most commonly available in states that follow no-fault car accident insurance systems. In these states, drivers generally turn to their own insurance coverage to recover compensation for initial medical expenses and other losses after an accident.
PIP may help cover costs such as:
- Medical bills related to accident injuries
- Hospital visits
- Rehabilitation or physical therapy
- Lost wages if injuries prevent you from working
- Certain essential services if injuries prevent you from handling daily tasks
Depending on the policy and coverage limits, PIP benefits may apply not only to the policyholder but also to passengers in the vehicle.
PIP benefits are usually paid quickly after a car accident. Since they do not depend on proving fault, the coverage can provide important financial support for injured victims.
What PIP Does Not Cover
PIP coverage can help with accident-related expenses. However, it does not cover every type of loss associated with a crash. For example, PIP typically does not cover property damage, such as the cost to repair or replace your vehicle. Those losses are usually addressed through collision coverage or a liability claim against the at-fault driver.
PIP also usually does not provide compensation for non-economic damages, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Long-term disability impacts beyond certain wage limits
Importantly, PIP benefits are subject to policy limits, meaning coverage will pay only up to the maximum amount specified in the insurance policy.
If an accident causes serious injuries or losses exceeding those limits, victims may still need to pursue compensation through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit against the driver responsible for the crash.
New Mexico Is an At-Fault State for Car Accidents
New Mexico follows an at-fault system for car accidents. This means the driver who caused the crash is generally responsible for paying damages resulting from the accident.
When a crash occurs in New Mexico, injured individuals typically seek compensation by filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If the insurance coverage is insufficient or the claim is disputed, the injured party may pursue a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages.
Required insurance minimums include:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $10,000 for property damage per accident
New Mexico does not require PIP as part of its mandatory auto insurance system, and drivers more commonly rely on liability coverage and optional MedPay for immediate medical expenses. Drivers may also choose other optional coverages, such as collision and comprehensive.
Contact an Albuquerque Car Accident Lawyer at Jones Injury Attorneys for Legal Help After a Crash
If you were injured in a New Mexico car accident, you may be wondering what insurance coverages are available to pay for your damages. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you examine your insurance policy to determine if you have first-party coverage entitling you to compensation. Your lawyer can also seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company and pursue a personal injury lawsuit to seek additional damages.
Contact an experienced car accident attorney in Albuquerque, NM at Jones Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation.
We proudly take cases in all of New Mexico.
Jones Injury Attorneys – Arroyo del Oso Office
8205 Spain Rd NE #111-B, Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 578-2620
Available: 24/7
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Jones Injury Attorneys – Downtown
1011 Lomas Blvd NW #106, Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 375-2700
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