Who Pays Medical Bills After a Car Accident in Utah?
Medical bills after an accident can be confusing. Learn who pays, when, and how to avoid getting stuck with bills that should be covered.
The 4 Sources That Pay Medical Bills
1. Your Auto Insurance (Utah PIP)
Pays first: $3,000-$10,000 minimum coverage. No fault determination needed. Covers medical bills, lost wages, and funeral expenses.
2. Your Health Insurance
Pays if PIP runs out: Subject to deductibles and copays. May demand reimbursement from your settlement (subrogation).
3. At-Fault Driver's Insurance
Pays at end: After you settle or win a lawsuit. Only if they were at fault. Can take months or years.
4. Medical Liens (Letter of Protection)
Doctors agree to wait: Treatment now, payment from settlement later. No upfront costs.
What is Utah PIP (Personal Injury Protection)?
Utah law requires all drivers to carry at least $3,000 in PIP coverage. This is "no-fault" insurance - it pays regardless of who caused the accident.
What PIP Covers:
- ✓ Medical bills up to policy limit ($3K-$10K typical)
- ✓ Lost wages (85% of gross income)
- ✓ Funeral expenses
- ✓ Household services if disabled
Important: You have 30 days from the accident to file a PIP claim with your insurance.
Learn More About Utah PIP →What If You Don't Have Health Insurance?
Don't skip treatment because you can't pay upfront. Options:
- Use Your PIP: Your auto insurance PIP pays first
- Find Lien Doctors: Accept treatment now, pay from settlement later
- Negotiate with Hospitals: Many offer payment plans or charity care
- Get a Lawyer: They can coordinate medical providers who work on liens
Medical Liens Explained
A letter of protection (LOP) or medical lien is a written agreement where a doctor/hospital agrees to wait for payment until your case settles.
How It Works:
- 1. Doctor agrees to treat you on lien
- 2. You receive treatment (could be months of care)
- 3. Doctor bills accumulate but you don't pay yet
- 4. When your case settles, doctor is paid directly from settlement
- 5. You receive remainder of settlement
⚠️ Warning: Medical liens must be paid before you get settlement money. Negotiate reductions before signing settlement.
🚨 Common Billing Mistakes to Avoid
- • Paying bills out-of-pocket before using PIP
- • Not filing PIP claim within 30 days
- • Using health insurance before PIP (PIP should pay first)
- • Settling claim without negotiating medical liens down
- • Ignoring subrogation rights (health insurance demands repayment)
Confused About Medical Bills?
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Get Free Help📞 (801) 458-2478💡 Learn About PIP
Understand your Utah Personal Injury Protection coverage and when to use it.
Utah PIP Guide →⚖️ High Medical Bills?
If bills exceed $10K or you're disabled, hire a lawyer to maximize your settlement.
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