Understanding Utah Personal Injury Protection Benefits (PIP)

What Are Utah Personal Injury Protection Benefits (PIP)?

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a mandatory part of all Utah car insurance policies. Designed to help accident victims recover, PIP covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs related to a car collision. Learn how PIP works, how much it pays, and what to do if your claim is denied.

Key Features of Utah Personal Injury Protection Benefits

1. Mandatory PIP Coverage

  • All Utah car insurance policies must include at least $3,000 in PIP coverage.
  • PIP is not required for motorcycles, ATVs, trailers, or street-legal all-terrain vehicles.
You can purchase higher PIP limits for added protection. For instance, Jake Gunter recommends a $10,000 PIP policy, which offers significant health care benefits for a minimal increase in premiums.

2. Purpose of PIP

PIP benefits provide financial assistance after a car accident to cover:
  • Medical expenses related to your injuries
  • Lost wages due to time off work
  • In-home services for household tasks you cannot perform
  • Funeral and burial expenses up to $1,500 per person
  • Death benefits of $3,000 payable to the deceased person’s heirs

3. Medical Expenses

PIP covers at least $3,000 in medical bills for car accident injuries. Importantly, PIP operates on a no-fault basis, meaning it applies regardless of who caused the accident.

4. Wage Loss

PIP helps cover lost income if you cannot work. Benefits include:
  • 85% of your lost income, capped at $250 per week
  • A maximum of 52 consecutive weeks of wage replacement
To claim wage loss benefits, you may need to provide a doctor’s note verifying your inability to work.

5. Special Allowance

PIP offers a special allowance of $20 per day for up to 365 days to cover household services you cannot perform. Like wage loss benefits, you may need medical documentation to support your claim.

What to Do If Your PIP Claim Is Denied

Sometimes, your PIP carrier may deny benefits, alleging:
  • Your medical care is unrelated to the accident.
  • Your treatments are excessive.
Under Utah Code Ann. 31A-22-309(5)(d), you have the right to sue your insurance company for denying PIP benefits. If successful, the court may order the insurer to pay overdue benefits, interest, and attorney fees.

Stacking PIP Policies for Maximum Coverage

In some situations, you can stack PIP policies to increase your coverage. For example:
  • If you were driving a rental car, both the rental car’s PIP policy and your own car insurance policy may apply.
  • If you were a passenger in someone else’s car, their PIP coverage applies first, followed by your own.
Stacking multiple PIP policies can provide essential financial support after a collision.

PIP Priorities: What Pays First?

If you have multiple types of coverage, payments follow a priority system:
  1. Workers’ Compensation: Primary if the accident occurred during work hours.
  2. PIP Insurance: Applies after workers’ compensation benefits are exhausted.
  3. Private Health Insurance: Kicks in after PIP coverage is depleted.

Why Hire an Attorney for Utah Personal Injury Protection Benefits?

A personal injury attorney with PIP experience ensures you:
  • Maximize your benefits under Utah law.
  • Navigate complex claims and appeals.
  • Receive fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Jake Gunter, a skilled Utah personal injury attorney, has successfully handled numerous PIP disputes, ensuring clients receive the benefits they deserve.

Contact Jacob S. Gunter for Help With Utah PIP Benefits

Don’t let denied PIP claims or confusing policies stop you from recovering after a car accident. Attorney Jake Gunter can help you apply for and enforce your Utah Personal Injury Protection benefits. Call or text (801) 373-6345 for a free consultation today.

Learn More About Utah Accident Lawyer Jake Gunter Jacob S. Gunter | Personal Injury Attorney in Provo

For additional insights on Utah personal injury law and to get to know Jake Gunter better, check out these helpful videos: 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.