QUESTION:
I was just in a car accident in Provo, Utah. Who is going to pay for my medical bills?
ANSWER:
If you’ve been in a car accident in Provo, Utah, your medical bills will be covered in the following order:
1. Workers’ Compensation
If you were working and driving at the time of the accident, your employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurance will be the primary payer. This coverage takes care of most medical bills within the Workers’ Compensation system.
2. Personal Injury Protection Benefits (PIP)
If you have a Utah car insurance policy, the first $3,000 of your medical expenses will be covered by your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. These benefits apply regardless of fault.
- Tip: Consider purchasing more than the state minimum of $3,000 PIP coverage for additional protection.
3. Private Health Insurance
Once your PIP benefits are exhausted, your private health insurance will take over.
Steps to Ensure Coverage:
- Obtain a PIP exhaustion letter from your car insurance company.
- Submit the letter and a medical bill payment ledger to your health insurance provider.
4. Lien-Based Medical Care
If your medical expenses exceed your PIP and health insurance coverage, you may need to arrange lien-based medical care.
- Medical providers agree to treat you and wait for payment until your personal injury case settles.
- Ultimately, you are responsible for paying these bills, even if treated on a lien basis.
5. Avoid Doing Nothing
Failing to document your injuries and seek medical care after a car accident will severely impact your ability to recover fair compensation.
Even if you:
- Have out-of-state insurance without medical pay benefits
- Lack private health insurance
You should still:
- Visit a doctor to document your injuries.
- Consult with a personal injury attorney to explore lien-based medical care options.
Why Documenting Your Medical Injuries is Critical
Properly documenting your injuries ensures that the at-fault driver’s insurance fairly compensates you. Neglecting to do so weakens your claim and reduces the settlement you may receive.
Conclusion: Protect Your Rights After a Car Accident
Understanding who pays for car accident medical bills in Utah is crucial for navigating your recovery process. If you’re unsure how to handle your medical expenses, consulting an experienced attorney can make all the difference.
Contact Jacob S. Gunter Today
For a free consultation, call personal injury attorney Jake Gunter at (801) 373-6345.
Learn More About Utah Accident Lawyer Jake Gunter 
For additional insights on Utah personal injury law and to get to know Jake Gunter better, check out these helpful videos:
- Meet Jake Gunter – Learn more about Jake Gunter’s background, experience, and dedication to helping clients throughout Utah.
- How to Choose a Utah Personal Injury Attorney – This video offers guidance on selecting the right personal injury attorney to ensure you receive effective representation.
- What Jake Gunter Does and Who He Represents – Discover the types of cases Jake Gunter handles and how he advocates for the rights of injured individuals statewide.
These resources will provide you with valuable information as you consider your legal options. For any questions or to schedule a free consultation, feel free to reach out to us directly.