Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Overview
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is a type of auto insurance coverage required in all no-fault states. If you reside in a no-fault state and sustain an injury in an auto accident, your own auto insurance will cover your medical bills up to a certain limit. In the state of Utah, the minimum requirement for PIP is $3,000. If you think you are going to surpass your PIP limit, you should consider hiring an attorney. They can help you receive the compensation you deserve from the at-fault party’s insurance.
How to Track Your Expenses
If an ambulance arrived on the scene of your accident and transported you to the E.R., it is likely that your PIP limit has already been exceeded. However, this should not prevent you from seeking further medical care, as it is essential for your recovery. If you have not yet received medical care, you should do so and promptly.
When you receive medical care, ask your providers for a copy of any bills being sent to your insurance provider. You can also ask your provider how much you have spent on your medical treatment. However, they will only be able to relate the expenses originating from their facility. Leaving you to calculate the total of your expenses.
If you think you are going to exceed your PIP limits, you may want to consider hiring an attorney. They can help you continue to receive the medical treatment you need without receiving a bill. Attorney’s can issue a letter of protection, or help you obtain liens on your medical treatment. Both of these will prevent your unpaid medical bills from going to collections and can delay your payments until after your settlement.
How Will I know I have Exceeded My PIP Limits?
Once you have exceeded your PIP limits, you may receive a letter in the mail from your insurance company stating that you have exhausted your PIP benefits. However, this doesn’t mean that you should stop getting treatment for your injuries. You can also receive compensation for remaining costs by the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. If they do not have any insurance, you may pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
What Happens After I Have Exhausted my PIP Coverage?
After you have exceeded your PIP limits, your health insurance may be used to front the cost of medical treatment. However, if you use your health insurance you will be responsible for any co-pays or deductibles associated with your policy. Additionally, if you have Medicare, or participate in other state-run insurance programs, you can utilize these programs to front the cost of medical treatment. However, if you do not have any form of medical insurance, it will be up to you to work out payment plans with your medical providers.
You can hire an attorney to ensure you get the medical care that you need in order to recover. Attorneys can issue letters of protection or liens. A letter of protection prevents any legal action from being taken against you while your case is ongoing, by those financially invested in your case. A lien is an agreement between your attorney and your medical provider stating that they will receive payment after your case has settled.
As another alternative, you may pursue a personal injury lawsuit for compensation. In the state of Utah, the state tort threshold requires your medical bills to exceed $3,000 before you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit. You can receive compensation for lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, etc.
Were you or someone you know involved in a recent auto accident? Call Auto Accident Care Network now at 801-683-1948 to connect with a live care advocate. Our team at AACN can connect you to trusted attorneys and doctors to schedule a free legal consultation, a free thirty-minute massage, and a no-cost medical exam!
