What You Need to Know About Car Accident Injuries
In 2016, in Utah, 26,738 people were injured in car accidents. 30% of the total number of automobile accidents in 2016 resulted in injuries. Car accidents are the leading cause of injury. So what happens if you’re injured in a car accident caused by another driver?
No-Fault State
Utah is one of about a dozen “No-fault” states, which means that you will file a claim through your own insurance company for damages and medical bills. Utah requires drivers to carry PIP (Personal Injury Protection) insurance, which means that your insurance is required to pay medical bills up to a certain threshold. If your medical bills exceed that threshold, your automobile insurance will no longer cover it. If you have health insurance, they will then be expected to pay further medical expenses. If you are not insured, it will fall onto your shoulders to pay for further medical treatment. If your medical expenses exceed your PIP threshold, you should look into hiring a personal injury lawyer.
Types of Damages
Generally, you can recover compensatory damages. In certain cases, punitive damages may also be available. Punitive damages are used in order to punish the defendant. Compensatory damages are intended to compensate you for incurred expenses.
Compensatory damages can be:
- Property damage
- Medical Expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
Keep in mind that the state of Utah only allows suits that exceed the PIP threshold.
Pre-litigation Negotiation
Many times, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will offer a settlement, to avoid the case going to trial. It can be difficult to know whether you should accept a settlement or take the case to trial, because a settlement is a guaranteed thing, while the jury decision is not. For guidance on the best thing to do about your personal injury lawsuit, we recommend consulting with one of our attorneys.
