Ogden, Utah Personal Injury FAQs
Get The Facts
There is so much confusion that occurs when someone gets hurt. You have questions; Kaufman, Nichols & Kaufman has answers.
What is personal injury?
Personal injury means that you have sustained a bodily injury because of someone else’s negligence. In other words, you have been hurt, and it was not your fault. Personal injury can include any of the following types of occurrence:
- Auto Accident
- Motorcycle Accident
- Semi-Truck Accident
- Medical Malpractice
- Dog Bite
- Slip & Fall
- Electrocution
- Wrongful Death
You’ve been hurt by someone else’s negligence. What now?
- Call your own insurance company.
- Don’t talk to the opposing insurance company.
- Consult an attorney at Kaufman, Nichols & Kaufman.
Who pays for your car?
When you are involved in an auto accident and it is not your fault, the at-fault party pays for your car. However, it can usually take some time while they investigate liability. If you have insurance on your own automobile, you can use your coverage to repair or replace your car. You will initially be responsible for the deductible, but once your insurance company is reimbursed, you will receive your deductible back.
What about a rental car?
If you have rental car coverage under your own insurance, talk to them first. If you do not have coverage, then you will have to discuss the issue with the at-fault insurance carrier. They usually will not provide you with a rental car until they have accepted liability. That can take several days. You have the option to get your own rental car. However, they may not reimburse you entirely. Insurance carriers struggle with rental cars and storage fees.
Who pays for your medical bills?
The injured party’s auto insurance pays the initial bills under their Personal Injury Protection Benefit. Once that is exhausted, it will be the injured party’s responsibility to provide health insurance information or make payment arrangements. It is the goal that if there is a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance, then the injured party will be reimbursed or any outstanding medical bills will be paid at that time.
Here are some terms to be aware of:
- Subrogation is the right for the injured party’s health or auto insurance to be reimbursed for costs that they paid in regards to the personal injury claim.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is the initial medical coverage provided by the injured party’s auto insurance in the event of an auto accident, bicycle accident, or pedestrian accident. The amount of coverage depends on the amount purchased when the insurance coverage began.
- Bodily Injury (BI) Liability Coverage is the benefit that provides compensation for the injured party from the at-fault insurance carrier. If this benefit is paid, it is paid out at the end of the case once all medical treatment has been completed and the injured party is as good as they will be.
- UM is Uninsured Motorist Coverage for someone who is injured by an uninsured vehicle.
- UIM is Underinsured Motorist Coverage is a benefit that you are entitled to in the event you are successful in obtaining the BI policy limits of the at-fault party. It is to protect you if you are injured from someone who does not have sufficient bodily injury coverage.
- An IME is an Independent Medical Exam that you may be asked to undergo to determine the causation of your injuries, determination of future treatment, and determination of qualification for whole person impairment rating. The injured party may be asked to undergo this exam from either their own attorney or by the at-fault insurance carrier.
What is a Statute of Limitations?
A Statute of Limitations is the amount of time you have to pursue a case. Each state has its own Statute of Limitations. Each type of case, such as personal injury, medical malpractice, products liability, etc. has its own Statute of Limitations. Therefore, you will want to consult an attorney immediately following knowledge of such a claim so as to preserve your right to compensation.
What is a contingency fee?
In all personal injury cases, our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means they only get paid if you receive a settlement. If you do not receive a settlement, you do not owe our personal injury lawyers anything for their time.
How much insurance coverage should I have?
Which insurance coverage is right for your lifestyle? Watch this video to find out.
Contact Kaufman, Nichols & Kaufman for a FREE consultation.
At Kaufman, Nichols & Kaufman in Ogden, we believe it is imperative that you be comfortable with your legal counsel. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation to see how our firm can assist with your case.