Paying for Treatment Through PIP
Your own auto policy's personal injury protection responds first, without regard to fault, paying at least $3,000 of medical costs and wage loss at the lesser of 85% of gross income or $250 weekly for up to 52 weeks, per Utah Code § 31A-22-307. More on Utah no-fault.
The closest trauma care is in Layton, where Holy Cross Hospital – Davis and Layton Hospital are Level III centers, while McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden is Level II; a transport from the lakeshore side of the county plus a CT scan can drain the PIP benefit quickly. If you have or must carry PIP, pursuing non-economic damages against the responsible driver requires at least one item on the list in Utah Code § 31A-22-309(1):
- Medical expenses that exceed $3,000
- A fracture
- Objectively documented permanent disability or impairment
- Permanent disfigurement of any kind
- Dismemberment, the loss of a limb
- Death
Once you qualify, the negligent driver's liability insurer is on the hook for the complete loss. If that coverage is thin, underinsured motorist benefits under your own policy can make up the difference; our UIM article explains the rules.