Chris Cockayne

About Chris Cockayne

Chris Cockayne is a Utah-based personal injury attorney and the founder of Cockayne Law. Chris focuses exclusively on representing victims of car accidents, dog bites, and other injury claims, helping clients recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care. With over 15 years of legal experience, Chris has handled a wide range of personal injury and motor vehicle accident cases and is known for his client-focused advocacy and strong negotiation with insurance companies. Know more about Chris

Entries by Chris Cockayne

Can You Lose Your House Due to an At-Fault Car Accident in Utah?

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Losing your home because you caused a car accident in Utah, specifically in West Jordan, seems inconceivable, but this outcome is possible. If this is your concern, a consultation with an experienced car accident attorney is sensible. 

The good news is that your house isn’t immediately at risk if you are judged to be at fault in a collision. Utah laws are a bit more nuanced, and in the event of an at-fault car accident in Utah, the likelihood of a lien being placed on your property would depend on the specific circumstances and your insurance coverage. 

In addition, while a judgment lien can be attached to real estate in Utah, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can be forced to sell your home. If you’re concerned about liability in a car accident, an attorney’s advice can be invaluable. 

Read on to explore more.

Understanding Liability Insurance and Damages 

What you can lose due to an at-fault car accident in Utah depends on your auto insurance coverage. 

Utah is one of many states with a no-fault liability system. Here, injured motorists must turn to their own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance to be compensated for medical bills, lost income, and other expenses—and this is the case no matter who is to blame for a car crash.

A claim against you is only possible if the damages exceed the PIP limit. In that scenario, however, whether your home might be at risk hinges on the liability limits on your insurance policy. In Utah, the minimums effective January 1, 2025, are: 

  • $30,000 in bodily injury liability per person or $65,000 per accident 
  • $25,000 in property damage liability per accident 

If you haven’t extended your coverage, that’s the amount you can expect your insurance provider to pay. Should damages resulting from a West Jordan car crash go beyond that, you could face a lawsuit, as an injured motorist could sue you to recover the remainder.

If you are found to be at fault and unable to pay, a lien may be placed on your property – and if you don’t satisfy the debt, the court may agree to enforce the lien, resulting in a forced sale of your home.

A seasoned car accident in Utah attorney can protect your rights and interests, but that could be the result if you happen to be underinsured. 

What Happens If Damages Exceed Your Insurance Limits? 

If the at-fault driver’s policy doesn’t cover your damages completely, you have alternative options.  

Consult with a personal injury attorney at the first possible.  

They will be able to go over your options with you. Your attorney can advise you or handle a denied claim and identify individuals that share blame in a claim. You Can File Under Your Own Insurance Coverage.

Whether you have this choice will depend on what kinds of insurance policy you have: Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM) if the negligent party that caused the wreck lacks sufficient insurance coverage for your injury.  

The more, the merrier in UM/UIM. It’s just a smart, cost-efficient thing to get, so you don’t wind up liable to pay for medical treatment you shouldn’t be responsible for after the fact. In Utah, you might have PIP insurance, which helps cover a portion of medical expenses and wages, regardless of who is at fault for the wreck.  

Note: Pursuing your insurance carrier might not be in your best interest if it increases your premiums depending on what type of insurance you have, however. There may be other negligent parties. The driver might have been on the clock during the course of the incident.  

(Their company may be responsible.) The vehicle the driver was driving might have been manufactured with a defective part.  

(The company that built the car can be liable). If roads themselves contributed to the wreck, a government agency would. We examine all aspects of a crash to find everybody accountable to pursue the most appropriate compensation from a client. Who was awarded compensation for the pain and suffering, and what did it include?  

The at-fault driver may not have enough – or sufficient – insurance but can still afford to compensate you. If you owe health care claims as well as have a medical lien (money your healthcare company wants in repayment for medical care), your lawyer may also be capable of facilitating the negotiation as well. 

Protection from the Utah Homestead Act 

In Utah, homeowners who are at fault in a car crash can often keep their property from being sold thanks to a homestead exemption. 

If your insurance is exhausted, the injured motorist must first win a lawsuit against you to attach a lien to your home. A judgment of lien could result in a foreclosure situation if the debt remains unpaid, but for that to happen, the motorist must ask the court to order you to pay.

The court could order a forced property sale, but as an experienced car accident attorney in Utah would tell you, the state’s homestead act may offer protection. 

Under Utah law, a portion of your equity in the home you live in isn’t touchable to satisfy a court judgment. That being so, it isn’t likely that you will lose your home due to an accident.

You might be ordered to liquidate other assets, though, and it’s worth noting that a judgment lien will remain attached to your home for eight years. So, if you were to sell during that period, you would have to pay the amount you owe to the lienholder from the proceeds. 

Can a Judgment Lien Be Put on Your House? 

Having a lien on your home can lead to different outcomes, ranging from a small problem to something more serious, like having to sell your home. 

In case a lien is placed on your home, you will most likely encounter one or all the following:  

  • Sale: Depending on the kind of lien and depending on your local regulations, the entity placing the lien on your property may decide to sell your property in case you fail to repay the debt.  
  • Impact on credit rating: Lien information is regarded as unpaid debts by credit bureaus; thus, your credit rating may be affected negatively. 
  • Trouble selling or refinancing: It might be harder to sell or get a loan for your home if there’s a lien. Most buyers want to see that the home has a clear title, and lenders are less likely to offer a loan if the home could be taken away. 
  • Priority in payments: If you sell your home with a lien, the money from the sale will go to pay the lien first, and then you’ll get what’s left. 
  • Interest charges: Some liens add interest over time, so the amount you owe might keep growing until you pay it off. 

Other Assets You Could Lose After an At-Fault Accident  

If you get into a car accident where you are at fault, and you are sued, your insurance company will represent you as far as your insurance coverage goes. But, if the damages are greater than the insurance covers, then you will probably be forced to pay the additional amount personally.

This is what you could be facing: 

  • Insurance defense: Your insurance company will hire an attorney to represent you in court, and they will pay your legal fees to the maximum extent that your policy coverage allows.  
  • Exceeds limit judgment: If the court rules that you must pay more than the insurance policy covers, you will personally pay that amount.  
  • Lien on assets: The court can rule that the injured party will be able to seize any of your assets or possessions to cover the debt.  
  • Wages: The court could rule that a portion of your earnings are garnished until the debt is paid.  
  • Settlement negotiations: Your attorney may attempt to negotiate a settlement without going to trial. 
  • Umbrella policy coverage: If you have an umbrella policy, it may give additional coverage beyond your standard automobile insurance policy coverage. 

How Much Home Equity Is Protected Under Utah’s Homestead Exemption?  

Utah’s homestead exemption protects up to $53,700 in home equity for single filers and up to $107,400 for married couples filing jointly. This applies to your primary residence and is calculated by subtracting your mortgage balance and other liens from the total market value of the home.  

How Exemption Protects You  

  • Equity Protection: The exemption protects your equity, not the full value of your home. For example, your home is worth $300,000, and you owe $200,000, and then your equity is $1000,000.  
  • Bankruptcy Rules: If your equity falls below the exemption, then the trustee cannot sell your home to pay unsecured creditors.  
  • Non-Primary Residence: If the property is real estate and not your primary residence (such as a vacant lot or rental), the exemption drops to a maximum of $6,400 per owner.  

Do You Need a Car Accident In Utah Attorney if You’re at Fault for a Crash? 

Your insurance provider may hire an attorney and defend your rights, but only if they believe doing so would be worthwhile. 

To protect yourself, contacting a well-qualified car accident attorney is the right step to take after a collision where you may be at fault. Skilled legal professionals understand the ins and outs of every Utah law regarding car crashes, negligence, fault, and liability.

The right lawyer will be able to draw on years of experience in assessing the situation. After working with clients in similar circumstances, they’ll be prepared to handle your legal proceedings. 

Consulting with an experienced car accident attorney is the best course of action, even when you’re to blame for a collision, as they will be eloquent in court. With a lawyer who specializes in collision-related cases, the outcome will be much better than what you might expect if you represent yourself. 

Contact Cockayne Law for a Free Consultation Today 

If you’ve been in a car crash and you believe you were at fault, Chris Cockayne of Cockayne Law is here to help. Whether you’re intimidated at the thought of talking to insurance adjusters, need expert help facing a lawsuit, or can’t bear the idea of losing your home due to an at-fault car accident in Utah, an attorney with proven experience is what you need. 

Contact Cockayne Law, and our highly skilled legal team will review your case and advise you on next steps. For a free, no-obligation consultation with one of the experienced car accident attorneys in West Jordan, Utah, contact our law office today. 

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Under what circumstances can an individual sue me following a car accident in Utah?





Utah law has a statute of limitations that imposes a strict time limit. The period for filing a suit on a normal personal injury car accident case would be four years, starting from the date of the car accident. 

Yes, you may risk losing your house if the judgment exceeds the insurance coverage limit. If the judgment is more than the coverage limit, then the court may go ahead to seize all your unsecured property, including your house, other property, bank account, and wages in the future. 

When your insurance limits are exhausted, you remain personally responsible for the remaining balance of the damages. The injured parties can sue you for the “excess”, which may put your personal assets, savings, and future earnings at serious risk.  

Umbrella insurance protects your home by providing excess liability coverage. If you cause a severe car accident and are sued for damages exceeding your standard auto insurance limits, the umbrella policy pays the remaining balance.   

Personal assets are at risk if an at-fault car accident lawsuit yields damages that exceed your liability insurance coverage limits. In such scenarios, the injured party can pursue a legal judgment against your personal wealth to recover the remaining balance.

Why Is My Car Accident Settlement Taking So Long?

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If you were injured in a collision caused by someone else, the road to recovery may be a long one. As you may know, working with an experienced West Valley […]

How Much Does Car Insurance Go Up After an Accident?

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Were you involved in a car crash in Magna, Utah? Injuries and vehicle damage are your primary concerns—and if you did not cause the collision, the expenses should not be yours to bear. A car accident attorney SLC can provide you with much-needed guidance, protecting your rights and your financial future.

That said, collisions can result in other ramifications, like seeing your car insurance rates rise, even when seeking insurance for minor accidents. So, how much of an increase can you expect in your car insurance after an accident?

The amount depends on several factors, including your driving record, the severity of the crash, and whether you were at fault. Here, an experienced Magna car accident lawyer explains the impact a collision can have on what you pay for coverage.

Does Insurance Always Go Up After An Accident?  

No, insurance doesn’t automatically increase after every accident. Whether your premium rises depends on a lot of factors, including the size of the claim, who caused the crash, your insurer’s rating system, and your driving history. 

Some drivers qualify for accident forgiveness programs that prevent a first accident from affecting rates. Others might avoid a surcharge if the claim amount is small or if they have maintained a clean driving record for several years. 

What’s more, insurance companies evaluate each claim in a different way. While at-fault accidents are more likely to trigger a premium case, many drivers are surprised to learn that some accidents have little or even no impact on renewal rates.

Here are some common factors insurers typically review:

  • Injury claims
  • Fault determination
  • Prior accidents
  • Repair costs
  • Traffic violations
  • Claim severity
  • Accident forgiveness eligibility
  • Traffic violations 

The only way to know for sure how an accident affects your premium is to review your renewal notice or directly speak with your insurance provider. 

Average Car Insurance Rate Increase After a Car Accident

According to BankRate, drivers with a single at-fault accident pay around 43% more, on average, for complete coverage compared to drivers with clean records. 

Drivers in every state pay more for car insurance after an at-fault accident, and indeed, Utah is not at the top of the scale. 

Residents of Utah are hit with an average 48 percent increase, which is much less than what drivers in California, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, and many other states pay. 

However, drivers in the states that neighbor Utah—Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, and Wyoming—all receive lower rate hikes than drivers here.

In any case, the average 48 percent rise in car insurance we see in Utah adds up to a significant amount of cash. With a clean driving record, the average cost for coverage is $1,928, or $161 per month. 

After an accident, Utah drivers could pay as much as $2,855 annually, or $238 per month.

How Much Do Major Insurance Companies Raise Rates After An Accident?  

Well, there’s no specific rate increase after an accident, as every insurance company uses its own risk assessment model and underwriting. 

Companies like State Farm, Farmers, Allstate, Progressive, and GEICO evaluate accident claims differently when calculating future premiums. 

In Utah, a single at-fault accident raises your car insurance premium by 20% or 50% on average, depending on your provider. For the average Utah driver, that means an annual increase from roughly $2,294 to over $2,850.

Here’s how major factors affect your rates:

  • At-Fault Accidents → Rates jump by about 40% on average, as per claim severity.
  • Not-At-Fault Accidents → Under Utah Code §31A-19a-212, insurers can’t raise your rates in case you’re 0% at fault.
  • Comparative Fault → If you’re found even partially at fault (i.e., 20%-30%), your rates can still rise, and your payout will be reduced. 
  • Duration → These surcharges usually remain on your record for 3-5 years, after which your rates should return to normal.
  • Accident Forgiveness → Many major companies waive rate hikes for the very first minor at-fault crash if you purchased this particular coverage beforehand.

How Much Does Insurance Go Up After A Minor Accident?  

There’s no fixed percentage increase after the minor accident, as every insurance company evaluates a claim in a different way. 

Generally, accidents involving only minor vehicle damage tend to have less impact on insurance premiums compared to collisions with extensive repairs, bodily injuries, or multiple vehicles.

For most drivers, a first minor at-fault accident may result in only a modest increase at renewal. 

Anyhow, drivers with speeding tickets, previous claims, or a history of traffic violations often see larger increases because insurers view repeated incidents as indicators of future risk.

Remember:

  • Insurance companies also look beyond the visible damage to a vehicle. 
  • Even a relatively small collision can become costly if rental car expenses, medical treatment, or supplemental claims are involved.

Consequently, two accidents that appear similar on the surface might affect premiums differently. Factors like property damage vs. injury claims, total claim costs, and violations also influence rate increases to some extent. 

Some insurers offer accident forgiveness programs that prevent a driver’s first qualifying accident from triggering a surcharge. Because underwriting rules differ substantially between carriers, comparing quotes can sometimes help drivers find lower rates. 

Why Does Car Insurance Go Up After an Accident?  

Insurance companies calculate their premiums based on risk, and there’s no second opinion on that.

When the accident occurs, especially an at-fault crash, insurers may view the driver as more likely to file future claims. 

Car insurance companies look at risk profiles when calculating rates, and if a driver is seen to be more at risk of requiring an insurance payout, their rate will rise.

Personal injury lawyer Rose Park believes that this is the possible outcome with:

  • An at-fault accident, as car insurance providers see drivers who are to blame for car crashes as high risks for future claims.
  • An accident with serious injuries, as higher car insurance premiums are intended to reflect the high costs of pursuing compensation and navigating car insurance and settlements.
  • An accident involving a traffic law violation, such as speeding or driving under the influence (DUI), can result in higher claims costs.
  • A history of filing a car insurance claim multiple times, as several claims within a brief period indicate a pattern of risk to insurers.

Does Insurance Go Up After a Not-At-Fault Accident?  

In many cases, a not-at-fault accident has little or no impact on insurance premiums. But the answer depends on your insurance company, state, and claim cost. 

Some insurers primarily focus on at-fault accidents when calculating future premiums. Others might still consider a not-at-fault claim as part of your whole insurance history, particularly if many claims occur within a short period.

Also, what drivers most likely assume is that being innocent guarantees their rates will remain unchanged. But that’s not always true.

While that is mostly the case, it’s not guaranteed, which is why reviewing your renewal documents carefully after the claim is super crucial. 

Do Insurers Raise Rates When a Driver is Not at Fault?

Experienced car accident lawyers know that Utah car accident laws prohibit car insurance companies from increasing rates after a not-at-fault collision. Despite this, insurers sometimes find ways to raise rates. The reasons they get away with this are many:

  • Insurance companies use obscure, complex formulas to calculate rates during insurance company investigations and premium reviews.
  • Insurers define fault for a car crash differently than the state of Utah.
  • In cases where fault is unclear, car insurance providers blame their customers.
  • Increasing premiums at the end of a policy period is not against the law.

So, you might see your rates rise, even though you were not to blame for your collision. However, your insurance company might still have to pay for your initial damages through your PIP coverage, depending on how car insurance pays for medical bills after an accident, no matter who was at fault.

Or, if you were hit by an uninsured driver, your insurer may have to cover the costs through uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

Does A Hit-And-Run Affect Insurance Rates?  

A hit-and-run accident can affect insurance premiums, although the outcome depends heavily on the circumstances of the crash.

If another driver strikes your vehicle and leaves the scene, your insurer may cover damages through collision coverage or uninsured motorist property damage coverage. While you may not be found at fault, the claim itself can still become part of your insurance history.

Several factors influence whether rates increase after a hit-and-run:

  • Whether the responsible driver is identified
  • The amount paid by the insurer
  • State insurance regulations
  • Previous claims history
  • Available accident forgiveness benefits

Some drivers see little change after a hit-and-run claim, while others experience premium adjustments at renewal. Reviewing your policy and speaking with your insurer can help clarify how a specific claim may affect future rates.

What Happens If You Have Multiple Accidents?  

Multiple accidents can drastically increase insurance premiums because insurers view repeated claims as evidence of higher future risk. Each additional accident becomes part of your claims history.

That said, it may impact underwriting decisions during policy renewals. Hence, drivers with multiple accidents may face reduced discount eligibility, huge premium increases, higher deductibles, and sometimes, non-renewal of coverage.

Apart from this, insurance companies place considerable weight on claims frequency. Even if individual accidents are comparatively minor, multiple claims within a short period can lead to higher insurance costs.

Maintaining a claim-free driving record after the accident is the best way you can rebuild a favorable risk profile and prevent rate increases in the future. 

When Does Car Insurance Go Back Down After An Accident? 

For many drivers, the impact of a car accident decreases with time, as it is expected. Most insurance companies consider at-fault accidents while calculating premiums for about 3-5 years, although exact timelines differ by state and insurer.

As the accident becomes older, insurers place less weight on it during risk evaluations. Drivers who maintain a clean record after the course see their premiums improve at renewals most of the time.

Other factors that influence the timelines include driving violations, the number of claims filed, insurance company guidelines, and, not to mention, the accident severity.

So, make sure you maintain safe driving habits during this time to stay safe and reduce insurance costs.

Can You Lower Insurance Rates After An Accident?  

Yes, you can.

Although it’s not possible to erase the accident completely from your insurance history instantly, there are many ways to reduce your future premium increases.

Here’s what you should do:

  • Compare insurance quotes regularly
  • Maintain a nice driving record
  • Avoid any additional claims 
  • Bundle insurance policies
  • Try increasing deductibles
  • Finish defensive driving courses when available

Some insurers also offer discounts for telematics programs, safe driving habits, long-term customer loyalty, and low annual mileage.

Note:- If your rates significantly increase after the accident, shopping around can usually produce substantial savings, as insurers evaluate accident history differently. 

Does Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer Cause Rates to Rise?

While many people in Magna, Utah, think that hiring a car accident lawyer automatically results in an insurance rate hike, this is not the case. The misconception likely stems from concerns about the potential for litigation and how car insurance providers view it as a risk factor.

In reality, your decision to have an experienced car accident lawyer manage your case will not be reported to insurers, nor does having legal representation factor into the formulas they use to calculate rates.

Having a qualified car accident lawyer on your side ensures you receive fair treatment throughout the claims process, especially when dealing with insurance adjusters. However, the outcome could indirectly affect your future car insurance premiums. 

For instance, if your attorney’s efforts help to establish that you were less at fault for a car crash, that would reflect positively on your risk profile. If the opposite happens, of course, that could have a negative impact on your car insurance claim timelines and rates.

When to Contact a Lawyer About a Car Accident

If you were recently injured by another driver in Magna, Utah, you could benefit from the assistance of a skilled car accident lawyer, like Chris Cockayne at Cockayne Law.

Contacting an attorney early on helps ensure you get the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses and determine whether filing a personal injury lawsuit is necessary. 

At Cockayne Law, we offer free, no-obligation consultations, so there is no need to wait to get the assistance you need. To explore your options after a Magna collision, contact our office and speak with an experienced car accident lawyer today.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Will My Insurance Go Up If Someone Hits Me?





Not necessarily. In Utah, insurers usually can’t increase your premium if you were completely not at fault for the accident. Anyhow, it’s still a good idea to review your renewal documents very carefully after a claim. 

No. Whether your rates increase depends fully on different factors, such as claim severity, fault, your driving history, and your insurer’s policies. Some drivers might qualify for accident forgiveness or avoid a surcharge altogether.

Most insurance companies consider an at-fault accident for about 3-5 years. During that time, maintaining a clean and clear driving record is what saves you and help reduce the long-term impact on your premiums.

It can, but not always. The overall effect depends on your insurer, claim costs, state laws, and whether the at-fault driver is identified. Some drivers see little to no change in their rates.

Yes, you can. Comparing quotes, bundling policies, maintaining driving record, and taking benefit from available discounts can help lower your insurance costs over time.

When to Consult a Lawyer for a Truck Accident

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Were you injured in a collision with a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or other big rig? A lawyer for a truck accident in Kearns, Utah, may not be the first person you call, but you should absolutely talk to a legal professional soon.

Right now, your number one priority should be to get better. However, depending on the nature of your injuries, the total cost of medical treatment for your injuries could amount to tens of thousands of dollars or more, and if you didn’t cause the collision, the expense shouldn’t be your responsibility.

Being on the fence about hiring a lawyer for a truck accident is certainly understandable, but discussing your situation with an experienced legal professional is a good idea. Most attorneys who specialize in this area of law offer free initial consultations, allowing you the opportunity to get advice without any obligation and know what to ask a truck accident lawyer at your initial consultation.

As for when to consult a lawyer for a truck accident, sooner is better than later. Take a look at the following to learn more.

When Truck Accident Victims Schedule Legal Consultations

Since you’re reading this, we’re guessing you haven’t contacted a lawyer for a truck accident yet. In our experience, many people in your position don’t think to take the step unless faced with one of these situations:

Severe Injuries

After any sort of motor vehicle accident, many victims don’t want to make a big deal out of the incident or their injuries. Instead of calling an attorney, they decide to hang tough.

If you were hurt badly enough that you needed an ambulance ride to the emergency room – or if you’ve realized that your injuries are getting worse – you could benefit from the expertise of a skilled lawyer for a truck accident. While medical professionals can help guide your recovery, you may need the help of an experienced legal professional to obtain compensation for all of your losses.

Increasing Frustration

Trying to deal with the aftereffects of an accident can be incredibly stressful. Despite this, many injured victims do their best to weather the storm on their own.

Being injured in a collision with a tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler, semi-truck, or other big rig triggers a flood of phone calls from insurance adjusters. They all want you to answer questions and give statements, and saying the wrong thing could compromise your case, which is why car accident lawyers offer tips on talking to insurance adjusters.

The pressure can be monumental, and that’s not what you need when you’re recovering. Working with a truck accident lawyer Utah will make your life easier.

Financial Difficulties

Any motor vehicle accident has the potential to result in major expenses, especially if you are injured in a multi-vehicle car accident. And some injured victims don’t really appreciate the costs involved until the bills begin to roll in.

As we mentioned above, your medical treatment could run to tens of thousands of dollars or more. Damage to your vehicle and other property might also add up to a tidy sum, and if your injuries have left you unable to work, finding the funds to stay afloat could be a challenge. Rather than sacrificing your financial stability, look to a lawyer for a truck accident to end your worries about accident-related expenses.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Call a Truck Accident Lawyer

The moment you think you might benefit from having legal assistance is the moment to get in touch with a truck accident lawyer. Waiting until you’re better prepared to deal with the situation would be ideal, but that approach puts your claim at risk. Here’s why:

Deadlines

Navigating the accident claims process can take a good deal of time, especially if you are wondering why your car accident settlement is taking so long. And although many cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, sometimes filing a lawsuit is the only way to secure a fair payout. In Utah, injured victims have just four years to bring a claim to court, and the time limit for property damage claims is only three years. If you wait too long to consult a lawyer for a truck accident, you could lose out on money you not only need but also deserve.

Evidence

In order to get the full amount of compensation you’re entitled to after a truck accident, you’ll need to prove that someone else caused the collision, highlighting the importance of timely evidence collection after a car accident. You also need evidence that definitively reveals the severity of the injuries you suffered. However, to obtain certain potentially crucial forms of proof – like electronic logs, in-cab video data, and the results of drug and alcohol testing – you might need the expertise of a skilled Kearns lawyer for a truck accident who understands how federal trucking regulations impact your accident claim in Utah.

Outcome

While every accident claim is unique, research has shown that injured victims who work with attorneys get a much greater amount of compensation than those who go it alone. Many local lawyers – including Chris Cockayne here at Cockayne Law – have years of experience and a vast pool of knowledge to draw on. That boosts the likelihood of a favorable case outcome, but time is also needed. As such, the sooner you consult a lawyer for a truck accident, the better your chances of securing the average settlement for a semi truck accident or more.

Contact an Experienced Legal Professional Today

If you’ve been seriously hurt in a collision with a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, tractor-trailer, or other big rig, Chris Cockayne is ready to fight for your right to compensation. For a free, no-obligation consultation with a highly rated truck accident lawyer in Kearns, Utah, contact a personal injury lawyer Kearns at Cockayne Law today.

 

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What Does Hiring a West Valley City Car Accident Attorney Cost?

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Injured in a car wreck in West Valley City, Utah? Not speaking with an experienced car accident attorney could be a major mistake. Research shows that injured victims who work with a lawyer typically receive a great deal more money than those who don’t. So, if you try to handle the matter on your own, you might not get the compensation you deserve.

But what about legal fees? Can you really afford to hire a car accident attorney?

Actually, cost doesn’t need to be a concern. One of the most common questions accident victims ask is, “How much does a car accident lawyer cost?” The answer depends on the law firm’s fee structure, but most personal injury lawyers in Utah work on a contingency fee basis.

Read on to learn more.

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost in Utah?  

Just because most victims assume that legal representation is expensive, they avoid contacting an attorney. But that’s not the reality.

After all, most Utah car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means clients pay nothing up front.

And rather than charging hourly rates, the attorney gets a percentage of the verdict recovered or settlement. 

If no compensation is recovered, legal fees aren’t owed most of the time.

The final percentage differs by case complexity and law firm, but most car accident attorneys charge between 25% and 40% of the final recovery. 

For most law cases, one-third of the settlement is a common contingency fee arrangement. 

This payment structure allows victims to pursue compensation in this difficult time without worrying about paying legal bills out of pocket while they’re still struggling to recover from their injuries.

How Contingency Fee Arrangements Work

A contingency fee arrangement is a payment structure used by many West Valley City car accident attorneys. With this type of agreement, the lawyer represents the client for free and only charges legal fees when a case is won.

What if that doesn’t happen? Payment is contingent upon a successful outcome, so a client who receives no compensation pays no legal fees. Consequently, if an accident attorney agrees to provide legal representation, they must feel confident in their ability to win. 

Not only that, but when you partner with Cockayne Law, the attorney’s fees of any case that is settled pre-litigation will never be more than your share of the settlement. Even if it means reducing our fees, we care about our clients and want them to be rewarded.

Contingency Fees in Utah Car Accident Cases

With wreck-related personal injury claims in Utah, no standard contingency fee applies. Car accident attorneys in the West Valley City area generally charge between 25 and 40 percent of the damages received, and 33 percent is the average rate.

A number of factors affect the amount a lawyer charges, but it all boils down to the difficulty of the case, and fees are greater when there’s more of an uphill legal battle.

To put it another way, let’s say an accident attorney negotiates a fair settlement for a client in a relatively short amount of time. In this situation, 33 percent of the funds recovered might be the lawyer’s payment. Conversely, when a successful resolution requires a case to go to trial, Utah law firms are likely to charge a larger contingency fee percentage.

Whatever happens, whether a case is settled or compensation comes in the form of a jury award, car accident attorneys don’t typically bill clients. Legal fees and case costs are deducted from the total winnings instead, and clients receive the remaining balance.

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost? (Example) 

Many accident victims want to know what an attorney’s fee actually looks like in dollars. So here’s a clear example:

  • Settlement amount: $30,000
  • Attorney contingency fee (33%): $9,900
  • Remaining amount before case costs: $20,100

Now imagine a substantial settlement:

  • Settlement amount: $100,000
  • Attorney contingency fee (33%): $33,000
  • Remaining amount before case costs: $67,000

Remember, every case is unique. Actual fees can eventually be determined on the terms of the representation agreement. 

But these examples clearly help explain why most car accident attorneys don’t charge upfront fees and receive a percentage of the final recovery instead.

What Factors Affect Car Accident Lawyer Fees?  

Not all car accident claims require the same amount of work. That said, attorney fees can vary depending on the case circumstances.

Several factors can increase or decrease legal costs, including:

  • Severity of injuries
  • Number of parties involved
  • Whether liability is disputed
  • The amount of evidence that must be gathered
  • Need for expert witnesses
  • Insurance company cooperation
  • Whether the case settles or proceeds to trial

Similarly, cases involving permanent disabilities, catastrophic injuries, multiple insurance policies, and commercial vehicles often require significantly more resources and time compared to straightforward accident claims.

Every accident claim presents unique challenges, and the only way to understand what fees will be charged is by discussing your situation with a good attorney during a consultation. 

How Case-Related Expenses are Handled

Many Utah law firms that specialize in wreck-related personal injury claims offer a zero-fee guarantee, saying that clients don’t pay when the attorneys don’t win. However, this statement isn’t quite true in every respect.

When a car accident attorney’s efforts to win compensation aren’t successful, they don’t collect any legal fees—but responsibility for case-related expenses remains with the client. Document fees, court filing costs, payments to expert witnesses, and other necessary expenditures may initially be covered by the law firm, but they aren’t contingent upon winning the case.

As a general rule, when a case doesn’t settle or end with a jury award, a bill for case expenses is sent to the client. Having said that, reading the fine print of a contingency fee agreement is always recommended, and doing so is the only way to be certain of how a Utah personal injury law firm manages case costs.

What Is the Difference Between Attorney Fees and Case Costs? 

Many accident victims mistakenly believe that case costs and lawyer fees are the same. But they are not.

When we think about attorney fees, they refer to the percentage paid to the lawyer for handling the case successfully. 

Case costs are separate expenses that may arise while building the claim. For example:

  • Court filing fees
  • Medical record requests
  • Police report fees
  • Expert witness costs
  • Deposition expenses
  • Accident reconstruction reports

Before you sign any representation agreement, make sure you ask how the law firm handles these costs and whether they’re deducted after or before contingency fees are calculated.

Understanding this distinction can help prevent surprises later in the claims process.

Is Hiring a Car Accident Attorney Worth the Cost?

We mentioned this already, but it bears repeating: injured car accident victims who have legal representation tend to receive higher payouts. Working with an experienced attorney offers a greater chance at a full financial recovery.

With a minor West Valley City car wreck, hiring a lawyer may not seem all that necessary. And in some cases, legal assistance might not be worth the cost. Then again, physical injuries and emotional trauma resulting from a car accident aren’t always immediately apparent. In addition, injuries that initially appear to be of little account can worsen as time goes on. For that reason, getting a medical evaluation is a must, and whatever the outcome, scheduling a free attorney consultation is a smart move.

Serious injuries, particularly those that require extensive or long-term medical treatment, make the value of a claim much higher. However, insurance adjusters make every effort to minimize the amount of compensation in personal injury claims. Experienced car accident attorneys know how to fight back, pursuing all of the damages that apply in a case. With that in mind, hiring a lawyer can be well worth the cost.

Can You Afford Not To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer? 

A lot of people focus on the amount or percentage an attorney gets, but what they often ignore is the amount they could lose without legal representation. 

Insurance companies literally handle claims every single day. And so, they often have experienced adjusters and defense attorneys working to limit payout.

Without legal guidance, accident victims might underestimate future medical costs, pain and suffering damages, and lost earning capacity.

Many times, the difference between a fair settlement and a low settlement can far exceed the attorney’s fee.

For that reason, the better question might not be how much a car accident lawyer costs, but how much compensation may be left on the table without one.

Cockayne Law Offers Free Legal Consultations

If you’re ever injured in a West Valley City car accident, Cockayne Law would be happy to provide you with legal advice. Having a discussion about your case won’t cost you a dime, and if you put your personal injury claim in our hands, we’ll do everything we can to make sure you walk away with every dollar you deserve.

We not only have many years of experience in negotiating settlements and taking cases to court – we also have a history of getting favorable outcomes for our clients. For a free, no-obligation consultation with one of the high experienced car accident attorneys in West Valley City, Utah, contact Cockayne Law today.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Can I afford a car accident lawyer if I have no money?





Most contingency fee agreements use a percentage-based structure instead of charging based on the hours worked. Even if a case settles relatively quickly, the agreed-upon contingency fee generally still applies. This enables injured victims to pursue compensation without paying legal fees out of pocket during recovery.

No, in most cases, they don’t charge anything up front. Many Utah car accident attorneys, including Cockayne Law, work on a contingency basis, which means clients generally do not pay retainers, upfront legal costs, or hourly fees. Instead, the attorney is paid from any verdict or settlement obtained in the case.

Yes, Cockayne Law, like many other firms, provides 100 percent free consultations. During this meeting, you can discuss the accident, ask questions about the claim process, and discover whether the lawyer believes you have a viable case, all without any obligation to hire the firm.