Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a mandatory coverage for most noncommercial vehicles in Utah. It ensures that certain benefits are available to accident victims, regardless of who caused the crash. Here’s a concise breakdown of PIP benefits and how they work in Utah.
What Are PIP Benefits?
PIP provides no-fault insurance benefits attached to your car insurance policy. These benefits apply to Utah-issued insurance policies for consumer vehicles (e.g., cars, vans). However, PIP is not mandatory for motorcycles, ATVs, or motorhomes, although optional coverage may be available.
Standard PIP Benefits in Utah
- Medical Pay
- Covers up to $3,000 in medical expenses, regardless of fault.
- Pays for treatment related to injuries sustained in the car accident.
- Lost Wages
- Pays 80% of your lost weekly income or $250 per week (whichever is less) for up to one year.
- Requires a doctor’s note and proof that you’ve been unable to work for at least two consecutive weeks.
- Funeral Benefits
- Covers up to $1,500 per person.
- Death Benefit
- Provides $3,000 per deceased person.
- Household Tasks
- Pays up to $20 per day if you’re unable to perform household tasks due to your injuries.
Understanding Utah’s PIP Threshold
To pursue general damages (e.g., pain and suffering) in a car accident lawsuit, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Medical Bills Over $3,000
- The medical expenses must be reasonable and necessarily related to the accident.
- Common qualifying treatments: ER bills, chiropractic care, or physical therapy immediately after the accident.
- Permanent Injuries
- Includes permanent disfigurement, disability, or impairment backed by objective medical findings.
- Specific Injuries
- Examples: Death, dismemberment, permanent disfigurement, bone fractures.
Examples of PIP Threshold in Action
Scenario 1: Rear-End Collision in Orem
- Your ambulance ride and ER bills total $4,700.
- You exceed the $3,000 threshold and can seek general damages.
Scenario 2: Head-On Collision in Provo Canyon
- Tragically, your spouse is killed in the crash.
- The death qualifies as meeting the threshold, allowing for general damages claims.
Scenario 3: Intersection Collision in Orem
- You sustain a permanent scar on your head but incur only $2,200 in medical bills.
- The permanent disfigurement qualifies, so you breach the threshold despite lower medical expenses.
Exceptions to PIP Threshold
- Uninsured Motorist Claims
- If the at-fault driver is uninsured or flees the scene, the PIP threshold doesn’t apply.
- Premises Liability Cases
- Slip-and-fall accidents or incidents involving homeowner or tenant insurance policies are not subject to PIP thresholds.
Why PIP Benefits Matter
PIP ensures immediate coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and other necessities after a car accident. However, understanding the PIP threshold is essential if you plan to pursue additional compensation for general damages.
Contact Attorney Jake Gunter for Help with Your PIP Claim
Jake Gunter has nearly 20 years of experience handling car accident cases in Utah. He understands the intricacies of PIP benefits and can help you navigate the legal process to secure the compensation you deserve.
Call/Text for a Free Consultation
- Phone: (801) 373-6345
- Ask for Jake
