Getting a fair settlement after a car accident requires understanding how your particular auto insurance policy works. Utah is considered a no-fault state for car insurance, which adds an extra step to getting full compensation after a wreck when compared to how things work in at-fault states.

 

Types of Auto Insurance in Utah

Utah requires all drivers to carry two types of auto insurance in their policy:

  • No-Fault – Also known as personal injury protection (PIP), no-fault insurance covers you and your family and apply regardless of who was at fault for causing the accident. The coverage limits will be determined by your individual policy.
  • Liability – This insurance pays for damage done to another vehicle and injuries sustained by other drivers if you were at fault for the accident.

 

Personal Injury Protection: The First Step

After being involved in a car accident, the no-fault provisions in your insurance policy will kick in. Your PIP should pay for your medical bills and a portion of your lost wages, up to the limits of your policy.

In theory, this is a good situation because your bills are paid right away. However, medical bills and lost wages can quickly surpass the no-fault limits on your policy. PIP also doesn’t cover a number of other damages you will experience, such as pain and suffering and lost enjoyment of life. This creates the need to also file a personal injury lawsuit so that you can recover full compensation.

 

Going Beyond PIP: Personal Injury Claims

In Utah, your medical expenses must exceed the threshold of $3,000 before you are legally allowed to file a personal injury claim seeking compensation beyond what your PIP will provide. Additionally, your injury must qualify as “serious,” which usually means meeting one of the following criteria:

  • Bone damage in the form of a break or fracture
  • Permanent disability
  • Permanent disfigurement

 

The Insurance Company Is Not on Your Side

Many accident victims learn this truth the hard way: the insurance company is not your advocate—not even your own. Their objective is to make as much money as possible, and they do so by limiting what they pay out in claims.

It is common for insurance companies to make lowball offers that pay less than what victims deserve. They might even try to blame you for the accident and claim that you were negligent, which could reduce the amount they’ll have to pay you.

You need a true advocate on your side to fight for your rights. Our firm can ensure that your rights are protected at all times. Instead of speaking directly with the insurance company, have them go through us for all negotiations. We can also assist you in completing any forms or paperwork and ensure that they are not asking questions designed to trap you.

 

Help from a Salt Lake City Car Crash Attorney

Craig Swapp & Associates can maximize the value of your injury claim by calculating all of your expenses, wage losses, and non-economic damages. Meet with an experienced car crash attorney during a free consultation by calling 1-800-404-9000 or by completing the form below.