Utah Car Accident Lawyers

Helping Auto Accident Victims Across Utah

Car accidents are a leading cause of death and injury in the United States. Unfortunately, most drivers will eventually be involved in a car accident. It can be difficult to navigate the insurance claims process to secure fair compensation for your injuries, but you can turn to the Utah car accident lawyers at Pearson Butler for help during this difficult time.

Our team can deal with the insurance company so you don’t have to. When you have a lawyer representing your interests after a car accident, you can focus on recovering from your injuries while the dedicated attorneys at Pearson Butler file all paperwork and negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf.

After a car accident, there are many things to consider:

• How will my medical bills get paid?
• Can I get compensated for my lost wages?
• Should I go to the doctor?
• How much is my auto accident claim worth?
• What if I had a pre-existing injury?

Our Utah car accident attorneys can help you navigate these complicated questions and ensure the insurance companies don’t take advantage of you. Call 385-444-2102 for a free case review.

Understanding Utah's Car Accident Laws

In Utah, car accident laws are designed to govern the process of determining liability, handling insurance claims, and seeking compensation for injuries and damages. Utah operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning that drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. This type of coverage allows individuals to file claims with their own insurance company to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket costs, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.

Utah is a no-fault insurance state so, in the event of an accident, you will recover compensation for medical bills and property damage from your own insurer. However, 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.

Utah's fault-based component comes into play when these thresholds are met, allowing victims to pursue additional compensation from the at-fault party. In these cases, the principle of comparative negligence is applied. Comparative negligence means that if an injured party is partially at fault for the accident, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault.

For instance, if a driver is found to be 20% responsible for an accident, their compensation will be reduced by 20%. If the injured party is found to be 50% or more at fault, they are barred from recovering any damages from the other party.

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Utah is four years from the date of the accident. This time frame is crucial for preserving the right to seek compensation through the court system. For property damage claims, the statute of limitations is three years. It is essential for accident victims to be aware of these deadlines to ensure they do not forfeit their right to legal recourse.

In the aftermath of a car accident, Utah drivers are required to report the incident to law enforcement if it results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $2,500. This report can be vital for insurance claims and legal proceedings. Failure to report such accidents can result in penalties and complications in the claims process.

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

What to Do After a Motor Vehicle Accident

It’s important to keep in mind that insurance companies are notorious for denying accident claims. Their main objective is protecting their bottom line—not paying you the compensation you deserve.

Take the following steps after an accident so your insurer has no reason to deny your claim:

• Check for injuries and make sure everyone is ok. Call an ambulance if needed.
• Stay at the scene. You can be charged with a crime if you leave the scene, especially is someone is injured.
• Call the police, even if it is a minor accident. Having a police report is helpful to determine liability.
• Tell the truth and don't apologize. Everything you say is probably going to be written down in a police report. If it wasn’t your fault, then don’t say it was and don’t apologize. Just give an accurate and detailed witness statement. It will likely be used later to help determine liability.
• Take pictures. If possible to do safely, take pictures of the accident before cars are moved. However, it is important to stay safe and move the vehicles to the side of the road. If you weren’t able before, take pictures once the cars are moved.
• Exchange information with all other parties. It is important to know who all was involved. Don’t rely on the police to preserve the information. They are usually pretty good, but mistakes do happen. Write down the names, contact information, and license plates of all parties involved, including witnesses.
• Seek medical attention; it won’t cost you anything initially. All insurance policies have PIP, which covers a minimum of $3,000 of medical care after an accident. Many people don’t seek care because they are worried about paying for it. For the purposes of your case, it is important to document your injuries as well. Seek medical care from a certified injury professional, whom we can recommend if you'd like.
• Contact your insurance company. Report the claim to your insurance company at your earliest convenience. Many people think if they were not at fault they don’t need to file a claim. That is not true; you do need to file a claim. Utah law states that your premiums will not go up if you file a claim for which you are not at fault.
• Seek legal advice. Almost all car accident attorneys offer free consultations. Seek advice early on. We can steer you away from common pitfalls and tell you if you do or do not have a case. Find a qualified attorney who focuses on personal injury, not your neighbor or church member. Personal injury law is just as specialized and complicated as any other area of law. Insurance companies will try to convince you not to seek an attorney, because they don’t want you to have one. Protect your own rights.
• Do not sign things without reading them. Many times, insurance companies try to get you to sign things that are prejudicial to you. For example, sometimes they slip in a full release of your bodily injury claims in the property damage papers. Make sure you are reading everything or hire an attorney before you have to sign anything.
• Keep a journal and accurate records. Lots of things will happen all at once, and you think you’ll remember everything later, but over time you will start to forget things. Keep accurate records and notes in case you need to recall details about the accident or your injuries later.

FAQs About Car Accident Claims in Utah

Can I sue the at-fault driver in Utah?

You can only file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if your injuries meet certain thresholds, such as:

• Medical expenses exceeding $3,000, or
• Sustaining permanent disability, disfigurement, or impairment.

What types of damages can I recover in a car accident claim?

Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to:

• 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?

If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may file a claim through your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage—if you have it. This coverage is optional in Utah but highly recommended.

Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt?

Yes, but Utah law allows your compensation to be reduced if failing to wear a seatbelt contributed to your injuries. This is handled under comparative negligence rules.

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?

It’s best to avoid speaking with the other driver’s insurer without legal guidance. Anything you say can be used to devalue or deny your claim. Direct them to your attorney or insurer instead.

How can a Utah car accident attorney help me?

Our experienced car accident lawyers in Utah can:

• Handle all communications with insurance companies
• Investigate the accident and gather evidence
• Assess and prove your damages
• Negotiate a fair settlement
• Represent you in court, if needed

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.

Contact our Utah car accident attorneys today at 385-444-2102 for 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.