Accidents cause health and financial problems, both to the injured and at-fault party. One of the main concerns after a personal injury accident is the medical bills. Who is going to pay for your treatment? How do you ensure that your car accident medical bills are paid properly?
In this article, we’ll discuss who pays the medical bills in an accident and how to seek compensation for them.
General Rule: You Are Responsible for Your Medical Bills
The simplest answer is that you are responsible for paying for your medical bills as they come in. However, if you live in a no-fault state, then your insurance company will pay for your bills using the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.
Motorists who live in Utah usually pay for medical bills through a combination of their insurance benefits and out-of-pocket costs.
Is Utah a “No-Fault” State?
Yes, Utah is a no-fault state. This means that your insurance company pays you for your injuries and damages after an accident, instead of the insurance paying out the other party. Regardless of who causes the accident, you are expected to file a claim with your own insurance company.
No-fault insurance may cover the following for the owners and passengers:
- Hospital and medical bills paid using the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.
- Income loss due to the inability to work.
- Funeral and burial expenses.
Although no-fault insurance covers economic losses, property damages are shouldered by whoever is responsible for the accident.
Personal Injury Protection
Utah requires all car owners to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. PIP pays for medical expenses and lost income resulting from your accident. Utah requires motorists to carry a minimum of $3,000 of PIP coverage per accident.
Healthcare Insurance
Medical bills are first paid using the PIP coverage. If your expenses exceed your PIP benefits, then your healthcare insurance will be responsible for covering additional medical bills.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
If the at-fault party doesn’t have insurance or sufficient coverage to pay you for the damages, this is where the Uninsured/Underinsured (UM/UIM) coverage comes in. Utah requires you to at least get $25,000 worth of coverage per person.
How to Seek Compensation for Medical Bills
After an accident, the most important thing to do is to immediately seek medical attention for any injuries. It is important to see a doctor even if you don’t think you have been hurt badly or if your injuries are minor.
If there were significant injuries and damages, you will need to call the police and obtain a police report. Gather as much information about the scene of the accident as possible, including the other driver’s contact information and insurance information. Take pictures, make notes of any witnesses’ names and contact, and gather any other information that may count as evidence in your favor.
Oftentimes, dealing with the at-fault party’s insurance companies can be a difficult ordeal. A personal injury attorney can provide assistance in filing insurance claims, negotiating a settlement, gathering evidence, and filing a lawsuit if necessary.
Where to Ask for Help About Personal Injury Accidents
Accidents can be a significant health and financial burden. Medical bills can easily pile up and it might seem unfair to pay for expenses when the accident wasn’t your fault. If you need assistance in securing fair compensation for your damages, the attorneys at 801-INJURED can help you with this.
Call us today to speak with an attorney who will do a free case review.
