Salt Lake City Car Accident Attorneys
Fighting for Maximum Compensation for Car Crash Victims
Car accidents are a leading cause of injury and death in the U.S., and if you've been injured in a crash, you need an advocate to help protect your rights and seek maximum damages. At Pearson Butler, our personal injury attorneys have helped countless clients across Utah work with their insurance companies and recover the compensation they need and deserve after an accident. We know you’re likely facing mounting medical bills and lost wages, and we’re prepared to help you get your life back on track.
If you have been in a car crash in Salt Lake City, contact the auto accident legal team at (800) 265-2314 to discuss the details of your case in a free consultation!
Common Causes of Car Accidents
While car accidents have many different causes, the majority of car accidents happen as a result of human error. Whether by accident or by deliberately negligent behavior, people are the common factor in car accidents across the country.
As such, some of the most common causes of car accidents include the following:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Drowsy driving
- Driving too fast
- Driving too slowly
- Swerving in between lanes
- Defective equipment
- Hazardous road conditions
- Poor weather conditions
Since most car accidents occur due to human error, it’s in your best interest to work with a car accident attorney who can help you prove that the other driver was at fault in the crash. This will help you recover compensation from the other driver and their car insurance company.
Understanding Your Car Insurance Policy in Utah
It’s important to keep in mind that your car insurance policy may dictate the compensation you do or do not receive in the wake of an accident. The basic elements of a car insurance policy are listed below:
- Liability Insurance: Utah law mandates that all drivers carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. This coverage helps pay for damages to another person's property or injuries they sustain in an accident caused by you. However, it's important to note that your liability coverage limits may not be sufficient to cover all potential damages.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: This coverage is highly recommended for Utah drivers. It provides financial protection if you're involved in an accident with a driver who is uninsured or underinsured.
- Collision insurance: This coverage helps pay for repairs to your vehicle if it's damaged in a collision, regardless of who is at fault. You'll be responsible for paying a deductible before your insurance company covers the remaining costs.
- Comprehensive Insurance: This coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle caused by non-collision events, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. Like collision insurance, you'll typically need to pay a deductible.
Utah’s Car Accident Laws
Utah has unique laws that govern how victims can recover compensation after a motor vehicle accident. Understanding these rules is the first step in building a successful claim.
The No-Fault System (PIP)
Utah is one of a handful of "no-fault" insurance states. This means that after a crash, your own insurance policy’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is responsible for paying your initial medical bills and a portion of lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. In 2026, the standard minimum PIP coverage in Utah remains $3,000, though many drivers opt for higher limits.
The "Threshold" Rule
You can only "step outside" the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering if your injuries meet a specific legal threshold. These include:
- Medical expenses exceeding $3,000.
- Permanent disability or impairment.
- Permanent disfigurement.
- Dismemberment.
Modified Comparative Negligence
Utah follows a 50% bar rule for negligence. You can recover damages from another party as long as your fault is less than 50%. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000. If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages from the other driver.
Where Do Crashes Often Happen in Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City’s rapid growth has led to increased congestion and more frequent collisions. Some of the most hazardous areas in our city include:
- The I-15 Corridor: Specifically the stretch between 8000 South and 7200 South, which sees hundreds of crashes annually due to high speeds and heavy merging.
- State Street: Intersections at 4500 South and 3300 South are notorious for both vehicle-on-vehicle T-bones and pedestrian accidents.
- 400 South and Main Street: A complex hub where passenger vehicles, pedestrians, and the TRAX light rail system intersect.
- Redwood Road: Frequent collisions occur at the 4100 South intersection due to high traffic volume and turning lane confusion.
Recovering Compensation
Our goal at Pearson Butler is to ensure that your settlement reflects the true cost of your accident. We pursue various types of damages, including:
- Economic Damages: Coverage for all medical treatments (past and future), lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and property damage.
- Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium.
- Punitive Damages: In rare cases involving extreme recklessness (such as a high-BAC drunk driver), we may seek punitive damages to punish the offender and deter future conduct.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Salt Lake City
The steps you take immediately following a car accident will greatly affect your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and physical damage to your vehicle.
Therefore, make sure to take the following steps to protect your rights in the wake of an accident:
- Check to see if anyone requires medical attention. Call the paramedics if anyone needs assistance and help as necessary until they arrive.
- Contact the authorities. Make sure to file a police report when the responding officer arrives at the scene. This will help support your claim that the other driver was at fault in the accident.
- Obtain the other driver’s information. This includes their name, address, vehicle license number, driver’s license number, and insurance information.
- Get the contact information for witnesses at the scene. Make sure to collect their testimony of what occurred during the accident as well.
- Take photos. Capture photographic evidence of injuries and physical damage sustained at the scene.
- Seek medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, seek medical attention and retain all records of your treatment.
- Don’t speak with the other driver about the accident. Even a simple apology may later be used against you. Avoid discussing details of the accident with the other driver.
- Contact a car accident attorney. A qualified attorney can help you through the legal process and increase your chances of recovering maximum possible attention.
Protecting Your Rights After a Car Crash
There are two main elements to protecting yourself after a car crash: gathering evidence and not admitting fault.
Important evidence to gather at the accident scene includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Car Accident Claim FAQs
Do I have to call the police after a car accident in Utah?
Yes. Under Utah law, you must report an accident if it results in injury, death, or property damage of $2,500 or more. A police report can provide important documentation for your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Salt Lake City?
In Utah, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is four years from the date of the accident. If a wrongful death occurs, the deadline is two years. Missing these deadlines may prevent you from recovering compensation.
Should I talk to the other driver's insurance company?
No. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They may ask for a "recorded statement" or offer a quick "lowball" settlement before the full extent of your injuries is known. It is always best to let your lawyer handle all communications with the insurance companies.
How much is my car accident claim worth?
The value of a claim depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, liability, and insurance coverage. An attorney can help calculate the full scope of damages and negotiate with insurers.
Do I need a lawyer?
While you are not required to hire an attorney, working with a lawyer can greatly improve your chances of recovering full compensation—especially if your injuries are serious, liability is disputed, or the insurance company offers a low settlement.
Involved in a Car Accident in SLC? Contact Us Today
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident caused by another’s negligence, we’re here to help. At Pearson Butler, we have extensive experience protecting the rights of the injured and the wronged, and we’re here to fight for you, too.
Contact us today at (800) 265-2314 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our Salt Lake City car accident lawyers.
