Car Accident Laws in Utah

Posted on January 30, 2024 By legalchiefs
Car Accident Laws in Utah

Car Accident Laws in Utah

Understanding Car Accident Laws in Utah

Experiencing a car accident, even a minor one, can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. If you find yourself in this situation, the most crucial step is to remain calm and ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Essential Steps to Take After a Car Accident:

  1. Check for Injuries: First and foremost, assess whether you or anyone else is injured. If injuries are present, call 911 immediately.
  2. Move to Safety: If your vehicle is drivable and the roadway is clear, carefully pull over to the side. Encourage other vehicles involved to do the same, ensuring everyone’s safety.
  3. Exchange Information: It’s important to exchange relevant information with the other drivers. Be prepared to provide:
    • Your full name
    • Current address
    • Insurance details
    • Vehicle ownership information
  4. Document the Scene: Take detailed photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any relevant road conditions. Video evidence can also be helpful. Additionally, gather statements from witnesses present at the scene.

Reporting the Accident:

In serious accidents, you should call the police. A certified law enforcement officer will document the incident either on-site or within 10 days if further investigation is necessary. You have the right to request a copy of the police report for your records.

When to Submit an Accident Report:

In Utah, you may be required to complete an accident report form under the following circumstances:

  • If the accident results in injury or death to another person
  • If property damage totals $1,500 or more
  • If the existing police report is incomplete or insufficient

If requested to file an accident report, ensure that you submit it within 10 days. Failing to do so could result in a 30-day suspension of your driver’s license.

Seek Professional Help:

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be complex, especially when dealing with insurance companies and legal requirements. At Legal Chiefs, we can help connect you with experienced attorneys who understand Utah’s car accident laws. They can guide you through the process and ensure your rights are protected.

If you have any questions about car accident laws in Utah or need assistance with your case, visit Legal Chiefs today!

 

Find an Auto Accident Injury Attorney Today

 

 

Auto Accident FAQ

Your first and foremost action following an accident is to stay calm, check if you or anyone else involved has been injured, and call the police. Get the name and contact information of all parties involved in the accident as well as any witnesses of the event. To document the damage, take pictures of the accident scene, the vehicles, and your injuries. It’s important not to admit liability until you hire an attorney because they will conduct a thorough investigation to establish the driver at fault.
Right after a car accident, you may feel fine, but injuries can surface days, weeks, and even months later. That’s why it’s good to see a doctor even if you don’t believe you were injured in the accident. Your doctor can recognize issues or injuries that won’t immediately become apparent to you and alert you to warning signs of injuries that may arise due to the accident. If you fail to treat your injuries within a certain period of time, you may forfeit your right to get reimbursement for future medical costs. The general rule is not to settle auto accident claims without having been examined by a medical professional.
In most cases, you won’t have to go to court. The majority of auto accident claims are resolved outside of court after negotiating the terms with the insurer. Most insurance companies generally try to settle claims as quickly as possible and for as little money as possible, so it’s wise to have an attorney negotiate on your behalf.
In addition to taking pictures of the accident scene and taking the contact information of the involved parties and witnesses, your detailed explanation of how the accident happened is also necessary to file a claim. Law enforcement reports of the accident will also serve as crucial evidence in your claim.
Many factors determine the driver at fault in an auto accident case. Do not accept any part of the blame until the investigation has concluded. Even if the investigation finds that you are partially at fault, you may still be entitled to receive compensation. There are cases when the victim also shares part of the blame for an accident. If, for example, you were driving five to ten mph over the speed limit when the accident happened, this would have limited your reaction time, and you could likely be considered a negligent driver even if you weren’t the one to cause the crash. Different states have different ways of settling auto accident claims where more than one driver is at fault. So it’s best to check the specific laws in your state (or the state where the accident took place) or discuss the matter with your auto accident injury lawyer.
It happens surprisingly often that people get into an auto accident where the driver at fault doesn’t have insurance. In these situations, it’s wise to have an auto insurance policy that comes with Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. That way, if you get into an accident and the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, you will still be able to file your claim under the UM coverage you have with your own insurance company. Your insurer will then process the claim following the same process as it would for an opposing insurer. The only difference is that the claim will be against your UM coverage and not against another driver. Likewise, if you were involved in a hit-and-run accident where the responsible driver fled the scene before you could take their information, you can again seek compensation from your UM coverage.
Suppose you suffered injuries after an auto accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence. In that case, there are two main types of damages that you may seek compensation for: compensatory (a.k.a. monetary) and punitive damages. Compensatory damages are the most common type of damages in a personal injury claim, and they often include: ● Current and future medical bills ● Property damage ● Emotional duress ● Lost wages ● Loss of enjoyment of life ● Loss of future earnings potential On the other hand, punitive damages are much rarer, but they can occur in situations where the vehicle manufacturer is to blame.