Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage and benefits are a required part of every auto insurance policy but not motorcycle, truck or trailer policies. PIP is your right to medical benefits and lost wages if you have been injured in a car accident. Your owner insurance company will step in and cover up to $3,000 for medical, dental, rehabilitation services, hospital care, and nursing services. The mandatory legal minimum benefit of $3,000 can be increased by the policy owner for a nominal additional premium. I suggest you contact your insurer and ask about increasing this benefit. The increase in premium should be negligible. These benefits are available to you from your own auto insurance policy without regard to who was at fault. There is no deductible with respect to PIP coverage. If you make a full recovery without exceeding $3,000 your insurance company remains fully responsible for those expenses. If you exceed the $3,000 you can bring a lawsuit against the driver who was at fault and request compensation for your pain and suffering, and for your medical care. Utah Code 31A-22-307
Another benefit of your PIP coverage is your entitlement to lost wages. The lost wages are limited to $250 per week or 85% of your gross income whichever is less. This benefit terminates after 52 weeks following the accident. In addition to this lost wage benefit, you can collect up to $20 per day for a maximum of 365 days for services you would have performed in your home but for the injuries sustained in the accident. Calculate your net wages here.
If you have questions please feel free to call Ken Carr. Remember, with the passage of time, your claim for injuries sustained could be lost. Get the care you need from your medical provider and your personal injury attorney. We are here to help.