Utah Car Accident Lawyers
Helping Auto Accident Victims Across Utah
Car accidents are a leading cause of injury in the United States. While navigating the complex insurance claims process to secure fair compensation for your injuries can be difficult, you do not have to go through it alone.
At Pearson Butler, our personal injury team—which clients have called the "best personal injury team in Utah" —is ready to stand up to large insurance companies on your behalf. Our dedicated attorneys deal with the insurer so you can focus on recovering from your injuries, ensuring all paperwork is filed correctly, and negotiations maximize your recovery.
- Award-Winning Team: Our personal injury division is led by experienced attorneys, including Kyle Adams and his team, who have earned high client praise for their results and professional handling of cases.
- Elite Standing: Pearson Butler is an established full-service firm, holding the AV Preeminent rating for ethical standards and legal ability, and consistently named among the Utah Legal Elite.
- Organizational Depth: Your case is backed by nearly 40 legal professionals with over 300 years of combined legal experience.
Client Testimonial from Stacey G.: "The best personal injury team in Utah. Kyle Adams and his team were amazing! They took the stress out of a bad situation and handled my case with ease. I was able to get the care that I needed and knew that I was being taken care of."
After a car accident, there are many critical questions: How will medical bills get paid? Can I get compensated for my lost wages? How much is my claim worth? Our Utah car accident attorneys can help you navigate these complicated questions and ensure the insurance companies don’t take advantage of you.
Call 385-444-2102for a free case review.
The Pearson Butler Difference: Results and Compassionate Guidance
Insurance companies are notorious for denying accident claims; their main objective is protecting their bottom line. When you hire Pearson Butler, you gain a dedicated advocate whose purpose is to protect your rights and future.
- Skilled Trial Lawyers: We are a full-service firm staffed with skilled litigators (trial lawyers). This means that while we strive for cost-effective settlement, the insurance company knows we are prepared to take your case to court to secure a favorable case result.
- Competence and Compassion: We understand that being injured is highly stressful. We handle every case with the competence and compassion you need during this time, helping you get the necessary care while handling the legal stress.
- Multi-Disciplinary Support: As a full-service firm, we ensure your personal injury case is aligned with any related issues, such as Workers' Compensation (if the injury occurred on the job) or Estate Planning (in wrongful death cases).
Understanding Utah's Car Accident Laws
In Utah, car accident laws govern liability, insurance claims, and compensation. Utah operates under a no-fault insurance system, requiring drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. This coverage allows you to file claims with your own insurance company to cover medical expenses (minimum $3,000), lost wages, and out-of-pocket costs, regardless of who was at fault.
Fault-Based Claims and Comparative Negligence
The ability to sue another driver is limited unless certain thresholds are met, such as incurring medical expenses exceeding $3,000 or suffering from permanent disability, disfigurement, or dismemberment. When these thresholds are met, Utah's fault-based component comes into play:
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Comparative Negligence: If the injured party is partially at fault for the accident, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. If you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any damages from the other party.
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Statute of Limitations: The deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Utah is four years from the date of the accident. Property damage claims must be filed within three years. It is essential to seek legal advice early to preserve your right to legal recourse.
What to Do After a Motor Vehicle Accident
Insurance companies will try to convince you not to seek an attorney because they do not want you to have one. Protect your own rights. Take the following essential steps:
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Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Many injuries don’t show immediate symptoms. All insurance policies include PIP, which covers a minimum of $3,000 of initial medical care.
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Contact the Police and Stay at the Scene: A police report is vital for insurance claims and legal proceedings, especially if the accident results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $2,500.
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Exchange Information: Record the names, contact information, and license plates of all parties involved, including witnesses.
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Do Not Apologize or Admit Fault: Everything you say is likely written in the police report and can be used to reduce your compensation later.
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Seek Legal Advice Early: Almost all car accident attorneys offer free consultations. We can steer you away from common pitfalls and tell you if you do or do not have a case.
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Do Not Sign Documents Unread: Never sign any papers from the insurance company without legal counsel. They may include a full release of your bodily injury claims in property damage documents.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents can result from various factors, often involving human error, mechanical failure, or environmental conditions. Here are some of the most frequent causes of car accidents:
- Distracted Driving
- Speeding
- Drunk Driving
- Reckless Driving
- Weather Conditions
- Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
- Night Driving
- Teenage Drivers
- Mechanical Failures
- Road Conditions
- Fatigue
- Tailgating
- Improper Turns
- Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
- Overloaded Vehicles
FAQs About Car Accident Claims
Can I sue the at-fault driver in Utah?
Only if your injuries meet statutory thresholds, such as medical expenses exceeding $3,000 or sustaining a permanent injury (disfigurement, disability, or impairment).
What types of damages can I recover?
Depending on the case, you may recover for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Loss of consortium (in wrongful death cases)
Do I need a police report to file a claim?
While it's not legally required to file a claim, a police report can be extremely helpful. It serves as an official record of the incident and may support your version of events in a dispute.
What if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance?
You may file a claim through your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage if you opted for this recommended coverage.
Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt?
You can still recover compensation, but your recovery may be reduced under comparative negligence if the failure to wear a seatbelt contributed to your injuries.
Do I need to see a doctor even if I feel okay?
Yes. Many injuries (like whiplash or internal trauma) don’t show immediate symptoms. Prompt medical treatment documents your injuries and supports your claim.
Should I speak with the other driver’s insurance company?
No. It is best to avoid speaking with the other driver’s insurer without legal guidance, as anything you say can be used to devalue or deny your claim. Direct them to your attorney instead.
Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer in Utah
If you are involved in a car accident, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries, loss of income, medical expenses, and more. When you call a car accident attorney at Pearson Butler to assist you after your accident, you are taking a proactive approach to protecting your future.
The insurance companies are not looking out for you. The auto accident lawyers at Pearson Butler can stand up for your rights against insurance companies and wrongdoers.
Contactour Utah car accident attorneys today at 385-444-2102for your free, no-obligation consultation.
We serve car accident victims throughout Utah, including those in American Fork, Provo, Tooele, Eagle Mountain, Farmington, Herriman, Midvale, West Valley City, Alpine, Park City, Riverton, Sandy, and all surrounding areas.