What is PIP or no-fault insurance?

An important facet of auto insurance is PIP or no-fault coverage. The following is an explanation of what PIP is, how it works, and how it affects you as a driver.

Personal Injury Protection

PIP stands for personal injury protection and is commonly referred to as no-fault insurance. It’s a type of insurance coverage that kicks in after you’ve been injured in an auto accident, independently of who is at fault for the accident.

Who is it available to?

In Utah, all auto insurance policies must include this type of coverage. It is not however required on motorcycles or trailers.

How much is it? 

$3,000.00

How does it work?

Here’s an example of how PIP is applied after an accident. Let’s say Martha is in a car accident when another driver runs a red light and hits her. She has symptoms of a concussion so she’s taken to the emergency room. After the ER, visit she gets a bill for $2,900.00. Her PIP coverage pays the full amount because she’s under the $3,000.00 threshold. 

What if I caused the accident?

PIP is available whether or not you caused the accident. It’s often called no-fault insurance because it applies to you regardless of who is at fault for the accident.

Does it apply to pedestrians hit by vehicles?

Yes. If a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle in Utah, the PIP on the at-fault driver’s insurance is applied to the injured pedestrian.

What if my medical bills exceed $3,000.00?

Let’s return to the example of Maria. Let’s say after the PIP covered her ER visit she had some back pain. She goes to a chiropractor and receives treatment for a couple months. She receives a bill for $1,200. Her PIP becomes exhausted. At this point, Maria is responsible for her medical bills, through her health insurance or other payment options. Hopefully, the at-fault driver’s insurance company offers a settlement amount that will at least cover Maria’s medical bills.

At this point in Maria’s case, it’s in her best interest to hire an experienced personal injury attorney. Insurance companies exist to make money, and it is in their best interest to minimize the amount they have to pay out when their clients cause an accident. Once a settlement has been reached, there is no going back for more compensation, even if more medical treatment is needed. That’s why it’s essential to reach a fair and full settlement. An experienced attorney maximizes the total settlement that victims of accidents receive.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by another driver, the attorneys at Craig Swapp & Associates will fight for the following compensation for you:

• All medical bills associated with the accident
• Lost wages from time missed at work
• General pain and suffering
• A decrease in quality of life
• Much more depending on the specifics of your unique case

Get in Touch 

Give the experienced attorneys of Craig Swapp & Associates a call today to set up a free consult with one of our specialists at 1-800-404-9000 or tell us your story by filling out the online form at the bottom of this page.

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New Utah Winter Weather Restrictions Rule for Vehicles

A new rule from the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) that went into effect on September 1st, 2019 requires snow tires or snow chains on most passenger cars and light-duty trucks during weather restrictions on Utah roads.

Who it Applies To

The new rule applies to all 2-wheel drive vehicles under 12,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight. That means there are no updates that concern drivers of 4-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles, and they may continue to use all-season tires on roads with weather restrictions.

What’s New

In previous years, drivers entering roads with weather restrictions could get away with tires indicated with a mud and snow rating (M+S or M/S). Now, 2-wheel drive vehicles will need certified snow tires with the three-peak mountain snowflake logo or an acceptable traction device.

Snow Tires vs Chains

Chains or similar traction devices are also acceptable for drivers of 2-wheel vehicles on weather restricted roads. There are pros and cons to both snow tires and snow chains. The following is a comparison:

Snow Tires

Pros:

• Provide excellent traction on snowy/icy roads.
• Won’t cause damage to dry roadways.
• Can be used effectively on dry pavement.

Cons:

• More expensive than chains ($100-$200 per tire on most 2-wheel drive vehicles).
• Will need to be installed and removed by professionals at the start and the end of the winter.
• Wear out faster when driven on dry pavement.

Chains

Pros:

• Provide the greatest amount of traction on ice, packed snow, and deep snow.
• Substantially cheaper than snow tires ($20-$40 per chain).
• Easily installed and removed by the driver.

Cons:

• Are not meant for use on dry pavement.
• Can only be used at a low speed of travel.
• Requires the driver to pull over and install them every time they’re used.

Which Utah Roads May be Affected

A map specifying which roads are subject to weather restrictions across the state can be found at www.ksl.com/article/46653198/ 

The most frequently traveled roads include:

•  I-80 East between Salt Lake City and Park City
• US 89 between Brigham City and Logan
• Big Cottonwood Canyon
• Little Cottonwood Canyon

Penalty for Non-Compliance

Depending on the road and the severity of the weather conditions, a police or transportation officer may check each vehicle intending to travel on the affected road. Entrance may be denied if the vehicle doesn’t have the appropriate snow tires or chains.

Non-compliant drivers may also be given a warning or an infraction which may include a fine.

Winter Driving Accidents

Adverse driving conditions, especially snowy and icy ones, inevitably create more car accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a winter driving accident caused by the negligence of another driver you deserve fair and full compensation for the damages and injuries you’ve suffered.

At Craig Swapp & Associates our attorneys have the experience necessary to reach the maximum compensation for your individual case. Give us a call at 1-800-404-9000 to set up a free consultation with one of our specialists. You can also get in touch with us by filling out the online form at the bottom of this page or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/craigswapplaw.

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