Frequently Asked Questions

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• Get Yourself and your passengers to safety asap and call 911.
• Get medical care right away — even for minor pain or discomfort
• Report the accident and get a copy of the report
• Document everything:  vehicles, scene,  injuries, witnesses, etc.
• Do not give recorded statements without guidance
• Keep all medical and expense records
• Learn your PIP, MedPay, and injury claim options
• Contact Personal Injury Consultants right away

That's one of the most common questions Personal Injury Consultants will help you answer.  In short, not every victim of an auto-related or workplace accident will benefit from an attorney.  We will work with you to evaluate your situation and help you understand your legal rights and options.  We work with top attorneys in your area who can save you time, minimize worry, reduce risk of jeopardizing your case or settlement, deal with the nonsensical insurance game on your behalf, and on average negotiate a much higher financial settlement than you could on your own.

On average, an experienced personal injury attorney can help their clients receive 3.5 times greater compensation versus if the client goes it alone.  Settlements can range from a few thousand dollars to well into 6 figures, depending on severity and degree of injuries, insurance policy limits, likelihood of future pain and discomfort, as well as other factors.  Even though there are decades of precedent, every personal injury case is assessed individually and evaluated thoroughly before offering more clarity.

 Utah is what is known as a no-fault car insurance state. Under a no-fault system, in the event of a car accident, your own car insurance coverage, referred to as Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, will pay for any medical treatment and other financial losses sustained by those covered under the policy, up to the set limits of the policy, despite who is at fault for the incident The state of Utah mandates that all drivers have a minimum of $3,000 in no-fault PIP coverage, but insured policy holders can increase their benefit up to $100,000 in coverage . 

 The benefit of PIP in a no-fault state, is it doesn’t matter if you or another driver cause an accident, the coverage is there to all. Now, if you are not at fault, the at-fault party’s insurance will reimburse your insurance company paid out PIP coverage. Your car insurance rates should not increase because you used your PIP coverage.

LEARN MORE ABOUT P.I.P. HERE:  https://mypiconsultant.com/p-i-p

• Medical Bills
• Lost Wages/Lost Income
• Household Duties and Services
• Funeral and/or Survivor Benefits

LEARN MORE ABOUT P.I.P. HERE:  https://mypiconsultant.com/p-i-p

 MedPay (Medical Payments Coverage) helps cover immediate, accident-related medical bills for you, your passengers, and sometimes yourself as a pedestrian/cyclist, regardless of fault, paying for things like doctor visits, hospital stays, ambulance rides, X-rays, surgeries, and health insurance copays/deductibles, but generally excludes lost wages or vehicle damage. It acts as a first-payer, paying quickly before your main health insurance or liability claims are settled, with limits usually from $1,000 to $10,000 or more. 

What MedPay Covers:

• Medical & Dental: Doctor visits, hospitalizations, emergency room care, surgeries, X-rays, dental procedures, prosthetics, and rehabilitation.
• Emergency Services: Ambulance fees and EMT costs.
• Health Insurance Gaps: Your health insurance deductibles and co-pays.
• Other Expenses: Nursing services and, in some cases, funeral expenses.
• Extended Coverage: Can often cover you if injured as a pedestrian or cyclist, and passengers in your car. 

What MedPay Doesn't Cover (Typically):

• Lost Wages: Pay for time missed from work.
• Property Damage: Damage to vehicles or other property.
• Long-Term Care: Usually focuses on initial costs, not extensive long-term care. 

Key Things to Know:

• Regardless of Fault: Pays out without waiting for fault to be determined.
• Optional: It's usually optional but recommended, especially in states without Personal Injury Protection (PIP).
• Limits: Has set limits (e.g., $5k, $10k), and pays only up to that amount. 

Most Personal Injury Attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case. There are no upfront costs or fees, so you don't have to worry about paying for a lawyer out of pocket. If you lose, you typically owe no attorney fees, making legal help accessible for those who can't afford upfront costs, especially common in personal injury cases. 

How it Works

1. No Upfront Fees: You don't pay the lawyer hourly or for their time initially.
2. Shared Risk: The lawyer takes on the financial risk, showing confidence in your case's merit.
3. Percentage-Based Payment: If you win, the lawyer takes their agreed-upon percentage from your settlement or award.
4. Loss Means No Fee: If you don't win, you don't pay the attorney's fee. 

Why It's Used

• Access to Justice: It allows people with limited funds to pursue legal action, particularly in personal injury or wrongful death cases.
• Aligned Interests: It aligns the lawyer's motivation with yours – they work hard to get the largest possible award because their payment depends on it.
• Financial Flexibility: It removes the barrier of costly hourly billing for clients. 

In essence, it's a "no win, no pay" system, making legal representation possible for many who couldn't otherwise afford it 

 You don't have to sue your friend directly; your claim goes to their auto insurance company, which pays for damages like medical bills and lost wages, not your friend personally, because that's what insurance is for, protecting policyholders and compensating injured parties. You can file a claim against your friend's insurer for their negligence, or against another driver's insurance if they were at fault, or even use your own PIP/UM/UIM coverage, keeping your friend out of the direct financial burden. 

How claims work with friends/family

• It's the insurer's job: Insurance exists for this exact scenario. The claim is against the policy, not the person, so your friend's personal assets (like their house) are protected, and their rates only go up if they're at fault and not covered by other factors.
• Most communication is with the insurer: You'll deal with claims adjusters, not your friend, to handle the process, focusing on your recovery and damages.
• Multiple options for compensation:
  • If your friend was at fault: File a claim against their bodily injury liability insurance.
  • If another driver was at fault: File a claim against that driver's insurance.
  • If fault is shared: You can file against both, or potentially your own policy.
  • Your own insurance: You might use your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, especially if your friend's policy limits are low. 

Key takeaway:

Don't let discomfort stop you from getting compensation. Filing a claim is standard procedure, and it's the insurance company's responsibility to pay for the harm caused by their policyholder's negligence, not your friend's personal bank account.  

At Personal Injury Consultants, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if you win your case. There are no upfront costs or fees, so you don't have to worry about paying for a lawyer out of pocket.

At Personal Injury Consultants, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if you win your case. There are no upfront costs or fees, so you don't have to worry about paying for a lawyer out of pocket.

If injured at work, your rights generally include filing for workers' compensation to cover medical bills and lost wages, getting necessary medical treatment (often from a chosen doctor), returning to your job if cleared, and appealing claim denials, with protections against employer retaliation for reporting the injury or seeking benefits, but you must report the injury promptly and document everything. 

Your Key Rights

• Medical Care: You have a right to reasonable and necessary medical treatment for your work-related injury, including doctor visits, prescriptions, and travel reimbursement, often with the right to choose your own treating physician.
• Income Replacement: You can receive disability payments for lost wages if the injury prevents you from working, either temporarily or permanently.
• File a Claim: You have the right to file a workers' compensation claim, and your employer must provide forms.
• Return to Work: If your doctor clears you, you have the right to return to your job, potentially in a modified role.
• Protection from Retaliation: Your employer cannot fire or retaliate against you for reporting an injury or filing a claim.
• Appeal Denials: You can appeal decisions by the insurer or employer regarding your claim.
• Legal Representation: You have the right to a lawyer to help navigate the process. 

Immediate Steps to Take

1. Seek Medical Help: Get immediate care for your injury.
2. Report to Your Employer: Inform your supervisor ASAP, detailing the injury and how it happened.
3. Document Everything: Write down details, get witness info, and save all related paperwork.
4. Notify Your Doctor: Make sure your medical records clearly state the injury happened at work.
5. File Your Claim: Complete the workers' comp forms accurately and keep copies.
6. Be Wary of Pressure: Refuse if your boss suggests using personal insurance or discourages filing a claim—it's illegal. 
7. Contact Personal Injury Consultants to understand the process and your options.

Important Considerations

• State Laws Vary: Workers' compensation rules differ by state (e.g., Utah's Labor Commission website provides state-specific info).
• Third-Party Claims: In some cases, you might also file a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent third party for more complete damages (like pain and suffering).
• Legal Advice: Getting connected with a workers' compensation attorney early can help protect your rights, especially if your claim is complex or denied. 

At Personal Injury Consultants, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if you win your case. There are no upfront costs or fees, so you don't have to worry about paying for a lawyer out of pocket.

 In Utah, personal injury claims must be filed within a specific time frame, known as the statute of limitations. This is typically four years from the date of the accident. Other states have much different timeframes and it's important to understand how quickly the clock is ticking.  Acting quickly ensures your case can be properly investigated and your rights protected. 

At Personal Injury Consultants, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if you win your case. There are no upfront costs or fees, so you don't have to worry about paying for a lawyer out of pocket.

At Personal Injury Consultants, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if you win your case. There are no upfront costs or fees, so you don't have to worry about paying for a lawyer out of pocket.

At Personal Injury Consultants, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if you win your case. There are no upfront costs or fees, so you don't have to worry about paying for a lawyer out of pocket.

Yes, you should always see a doctor after a car accident, even if you feel fine, because adrenaline masks pain, and many serious injuries like whiplash, concussions, or internal issues don't appear for hours or days, making prompt medical documentation crucial for your health and any potential insurance claims. Seeking care within 72 hours is ideal to connect any developing symptoms to the crash, preventing complications and strengthening your legal standing for compensation. 

Why immediate medical attention is vital:

• Delayed symptoms: Your body releases adrenaline after an accident, dulling pain and masking injuries like whiplash, concussions, internal bleeding, or spinal damage.
• Hidden injuries: Conditions like soft tissue damage, spinal issues, or even traumatic brain injuries might not be obvious right away but can worsen over time.
• Health complications: Early diagnosis and treatment prevent minor issues from becoming chronic pain or long-term problems.
• Insurance claims: A medical record creates a vital link between the accident and your injuries, which insurance companies look for to validate claims; a "gap in treatment" can weaken your case. 

No, all doctors are not the same after an accident. Different doctors have varying expertise in treating specific types of injuries, and some may have policies or concerns (such as legal involvement or insurance billing) that affect their willingness or ability to treat accident victims. 

Key Differences Among Doctors After an Accident

• Expertise in Accident Injuries: General practitioners (PCPs) are a great resource for overall health and referrals, but they may not specialize in traumatic injuries, such as whiplash, soft tissue damage, or spinal issues, that are common after a collision. Specialists like orthopedists, neurologists, or physical therapists often have more experience with these specific conditions and the specialized treatments needed for recovery.
• Billing and Insurance Procedures: Most PCPs are set up to bill major medical insurance. Accident-related treatments, however, often involve other forms of payment like personal injury protection (PIP) or auto insurance claims, which require different billing procedures and paperwork that some general offices are not equipped to handle.
• Documentation and Legal Involvement: Proper and thorough documentation is critical for any potential insurance claims or legal cases. Doctors specializing in accident injuries are often more familiar with the specific documentation requirements for personal injury cases. Many PCPs may choose not to get involved in litigation due to the time, stress, and extra paperwork required for court appearances and attorney requests.
• Availability of Specialized Treatments: General practitioners typically prescribe pain medication, but specialists in accident injuries may offer a wider range of treatments like spinal manipulation, electrical stimulation, or injection therapies that address the underlying cause of pain and promote healing without the risk of addiction associated with some painkillers. 

It is important to note that due to adrenaline and shock, pain may not be immediately apparent and can develop in the hours or days following the incident. 

Common areas and associated symptoms of discomfort include:

• Neck (where the spine meets the scull)
• Back (Especially between or under shoulder blades)
• Head (Headaches, pressure, dizziness, fogginess)
• Abdomen and Chest (Especially anywhere the seatbelt touched)
• Limbs and Joints (shoulder and hip rotation, ankles, knees, and wrists)

If you experience any persistent or worsening discomfort after an accident, you should seek medical attention promptly, even if the symptoms were not immediately present. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for preventing long-term complications and chronic pain.   

What to look for (even if you feel okay):

• Pain
• Numbness or tingling
• Dizziness or confusion
• Weakness
• Reduced Range of Motion
• Increased Irritability
• Lethargy or a Decrease in Energy (feeling more tired than normal)

Diminished value in auto accidents is the loss of a vehicle's market worth after a collision, even if it's fully repaired, because its history now includes damage, making it less valuable to future buyers. This difference between its pre-accident value and its post-repair value (often due to accident history reports like Carfax) is a real financial loss you may be able to recover through a diminished value claim against the at-fault driver's insurance.  This can be a cumbersome process, but most attorneys know the levers to pull and the buttons to push to make the insurance carriers cooperate.

Types of Diminished Value

• Inherent Diminished Value: The most common type, this is the permanent drop in resale value due to the accident history, regardless of repair quality.
• Immediate Diminished Value: The loss in value right after the accident, before repairs even begin.
• Repair-Related Diminished Value: An additional loss caused by poor workmanship, low-quality parts, or incomplete repairs. 

Why It Happens

• Buyer Perception: Buyers are wary of previously damaged cars, fearing hidden issues or improper fixes, and are unwilling to pay top dollar.
• Vehicle History Reports: An accident report (like on Carfax) permanently lowers its resale value.
• Lower Trade-In Value: Dealerships offer significantly less for cars with accident histories. 

How It Works (Example)

1. A car is worth $25,000 (pre-accident).
2. After a $5,000 repair, it's worth $22,000 (post-repair value with history).
3. The diminished value is $3,000, which you might claim. 

Personal Injury Attorneys may use diminished value as a way to support your overall personal injury claim and increase probability for suitable compensation. 

It is extremely common for insurance companies to make things complicated and difficult for victims after an auto accident.  Once you realize that they are more concerned about profitability than actually doing what is right, you'll start to see them in a different light.

When it's time to ask for help:

• If they deny, delay, or undervalue your claim.
• If you feel overwhelmed.
• To negotiate for a better settlement.

At Personal Injury Consultants, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if you win your case. There are no upfront costs or fees, so you don't have to worry about paying for a lawyer out of pocket.