How to Report a Car Accident in Utah: A Clear, Step-By-Step Guide

First, call 911 if anyone is hurt or killed. Also, if the damage seems $2,500 or more. Hand over all the information, take photos, and move safely. Tell your insurer promptly. Get your police report from Utah’s Public Records Portal if an officer is investigated.  

Right after a crash, most people feel shaken and unsure. Your priority must be keeping everyone safe, so you must report the accident in the correct way. In Utah, certain crashes must be reported to the police. Insurance also has rules on when and how to notify them.   

This guide walks you through each step in plain language. You will learn when to call the police, how to report to your insurance, where to get your report, and what comes next. If you were hurt, you will also see why speaking with a car accident injury attorney Utah drivers trust can protect your rights.   

Key Points You Should Know  

• Call 911 for injuries, death, or major damage.  

• Exchange names, insurance, and license info.  

• Utah’s threshold is $2,500 in damage.  

• Get your crash report through the DPS portal.   

• Utah uses no-fault PIP for injuries.  

When Must You Call the Police in Utah?  

Utah law sets clear times when you must involve law enforcement. Any injured or killed person, or property that appears to have been damaged by $2,500 or more, must be reported to police right away. Officers investigate and file a crash report. The Department of Public Safety can also require involved drivers or witnesses to file a report within ten days of a request. If you are unsure about the repair cost, call to be safe.   

These rules help protect you later with insurance and possible claims. They also create a neutral record of what happened. And who was there, and what each person said at the scene. Keep in mind, there are extra duties at the scene. Like giving your name, contact details, and insurance to the other driver and any officer on site. Failing to stop or share information can bring penalties.  

Who Should You Call After a Car Accident in Utah?  

After a car accident in Utah County, your first step is to stay safe and protect those around you. If possible, move your vehicle to a secure location, such as the shoulder of busy roads like University Avenue or I-15, to avoid further collisions.   

Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers and carefully check yourself and passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt or if the accident caused significant damage, call 911 immediately.    

How to Report a Car Accident in Utah to the Police?  

First, call 911 if anyone is hurt, a road is blocked, or a hit-and-run has occurred. Or you suspect impairment. If it’s not an emergency and there are no injuries, then you should call a local non-emergency number. Minor fender-benders may be possible to file online in some cities. For example, Salt Lake City allows online reports for selecting minor incidents after a review and will give you a case number once approved.   

If the crash happens on a freeway, contact Utah Highway Patrol. A copy of the investigation report can be requested through the Utah Department of Public Safety’s Public Records Portal after an officer has conducted an investigation. GRAMA law requires that portal to process reports. Save the case number the officer gives you; your insurer will ask for it.   

Tip: If you filed online with a city and later find injuries or more serious damage, follow up by calling the police, so the report reflects the true severity.   

Reporting a Car Accident to Insurance  

Tell your insurance company as soon as you can. Utah’s Insurance Department advises calling your agent or insurer quickly with your policy number, date, location, and other details. Send photos of the damage and the other driver’s information. In Utah’s no-fault system, your own PIP benefits pay initial medical costs, lost income to set limits, and certain household services.   

Many policies say report a loss “promptly,” and some carriers suggest doing so within a few days. If you delay, you risk coverage disputes. You can seek payment from the other driver’s insurer when fault is clear, but remember that a claim with another company is a third-party claim, and that insurer works for its policyholder, not you.   

Reporting a Hit And Run Accident In Utah 

You should also dial the non-emergency number of the police if you didn’t have them come to the accident scene. Please send an officer to come to the scene of the accident, so you may submit a police report. 

When a police officer arrives at the scene of your accident, they will ask for: contact information of all parties, description of the accident, names and contact information of any witnesses, information about vehicles involved, and medical and injury information about anyone involved. This information is collected to write an official report that may be used later in your car accident case.  

After you’ve been involved in an accident on the road, here are the things that you should immediately be doing. 

• Pull over the vehicle you are driving and turn it off. Failure to do so would be considered an offense.  
• Check yourself and the passengers you were driving the vehicle with for injuries.   
• See others in other vehicle(s) for injuries. 
• If a vehicle can no longer operate and is deemed a hazard, you should try to pull the vehicle over to the shoulder. 
• If medical aid is required, request an ambulance. 
• Call the police if any person is injured in an accident.  
• Call the police if there are vehicles on the roadway obstructing traffic or posing a traffic risk.  
• Take photographs and videos of the roadway and involved vehicles.  
• Call the insurance company.   

Car Accident Report Form in Utah 

In the event of a car accident, your immediate priorities are to ensure safety, document the scene, and gather required information. The following is the checklist in case of an accident you have been involved in:

• Safety First 

Check if anyone has been injured, call 911 if necessary, move to a safe place if you can, and use hazard lights. 

• Call the Police   

Make sure to call the police at once and obtain a report from them for your insurance record-keeping. 

• Exchange Information   

Get hold of the name, phone number, insurance data, vehicle information, and contact information of any witness present there. 

• Document the Accident  

Take pictures of the damage caused by the accident, the location of the accident, road conditions, and traffic signals, along with the time, date, location, and weather. 

• Contact Your Insurance Provider  

Immediately inform your insurance company about the accident, along with the photos taken by you and the police report number.  

• Contact Follow-up  

We will stay in touch with your insurance provider and our mechanics until your car becomes fit to be driven.  

• Important Phone Numbers to Have with You 

Emergency services, insurance providers, and Utah personal injury attorneys.  

• Drive Safely 

Avoid distractions, maintain your vehicle, and drive defensively to help prevent future accidents.   

What Should I Do If I Have a Car Accident in Utah?  

• On city streets: Call the local police department. Some departments have online systems for minor incidents. Salt Lake City provides an online option for certain limited scenarios; after reviewing, you receive a case number by email.  
• On freeways or state routes: Call Utah Highway Patrol. If a trooper investigates, you can later request the report through the state’s Public Records Portal. Reports are protected by records, and only certain parties can get them.   
• To get a copy of the report: Use the Department of Public Safety’s portal to order the report once it is processed. You may also request the local agency that handled the crash. Keep this report for insurance and any legal review.   

How to Handle a Minor Car Accident?  

Got into a minor car accident? Here’s what to do:

• In a situation where no one has been injured, and the cars are able to move, turn on your hazards and move out of traffic.   
• You should also exchange details. Take close-up pictures of both vehicles, the wider scene, skid marks, and any nearby property damage.   
• Make a list of the names and telephone numbers of any witnesses. Even in a minor crash, you still need to notify the police. If the damage looks high or if the other driver refuses to share information, they will be charged.  
• Utah’s law uses $2,500 as the benchmark for when a crash becomes reportable, and an officer may need to document it. If you are not sure, call. File your insurance claim promptly. And keep your receipts.   
• For small scrapes under your deductible, you can discuss options with your agent. But remember that hidden damage can add up. Medical issues can also appear later, so consider a quick checkup even if you feel fine at the scene.  

What Happens After You Report a Car Accident in Utah?

A police report creates an official record. In Utah, crash reports are protected and only shared with involved parties and others allowed by law. If an officer investigates, they submit the DI-9 report to the state after finishing the investigation.   

If you need a copy of your records or your claim, you can request one. You will need to provide your insurer with the report, photos, the repair estimates, and any medical records. If a citation was issued, it may appear on your Motor Vehicle Record; Utah’s Driver License Division shows citations, arrests, suspensions, and revocations on the MVR for set periods.   

Keep all paperwork organised. If a claim is denied or delayed, you can ask the Utah Insurance Department for help or speak with a car accident lawyer who handles these issues every day.  

Mistakes to Be Aware of When Filing a Claim after an Accident 

Delay in Seeking Medical Attention 

Not all injuries will become obvious instantly; for instance, whiplash is one injury that can take time to manifest.   

Giving a Recorded Statement    

The other driver’s insurance company may use your words against you. Speak with an attorney before providing a recorded statement. 

Accepting the First Settlement Offer    

Early offers are often lower than what your claim may be worth. Once you accept a settlement, you usually cannot seek additional compensation later.    

Posting on Social Media    

These elements can be removed from their context and used against you in relation to your injury claim. 

Failing to Preserve Evidence  

Remember to keep your photos, medical records, bills for expenses, lost income, correspondence regarding your insurance company, and contact information from witnesses. 

When Liability Seems Obvious  

Although it is apparent that liability is certain, your insurance company may still argue otherwise. It’s always best to have evidence on hand. 

Obtaining Your Utah Accident Report Online 

Here’s how to obtain your accident report online. 

Step 1: Access the Secure Portal   

Use the button below to leave the UHP website and enter the GovQA system. You will be taken directly to the Public Safety request section.    

Step 2: Create Your Account    

This is required. To access police records, one needs to first prove one’s identity. For those who have never accessed GovQA, there is a link for the creation of accounts available on the login screen. 

Step 3: Submit Your Request 

Enter all the necessary information (date, location, case number, if known). You will be informed via email once your report is available for download.  

Hire a Car Accident injury attorney in Utah

Insurance adjusters are trained to limit payouts. They use the facts, the report, and the law to keep costs down. When you are hurt, you may miss key steps or accept a quick offer that does not cover future care.   

A local car accident injury attorney Utah residents trust can step in, gather proof, read the policy fine print, and handle talks with both insurers. Many lawyers offer free case reviews and only get paid if they win, so there is little risk of getting help early.  

Chris Cockayne and the team at Cockayne Law  

Chris Cockayne leads a Utah personal injury firm that focuses on auto accidents and related injury cases. His team helps clients across the Wasatch Front with clear advice, fast communication, and hands-on support, from getting the crash report to working with doctors and insurers.   

When you reach out, you connect with a real person who knows Utah’s no-fault rules and the $3,000 injury threshold that can open the door to further recovery. Cockayne Law offers free consultations and serves clients statewide from its West Jordan office. For direct help after a crash, contact Chris Cockayne and his team to review your case and next steps.   

Final Thoughts  

In Utah, reporting a car accident the right way protects you a lot, including your health, your finances, and your claim. Call the police when required, exchange information, take photos, and notify your insurer fast. Save your case number and request the report when it becomes available.   

If injuries appear or your bills grow, speak with a car accident injury attorney Utah drivers trust to guide the claim. A short call can help you avoid mistakes and keep your case on track. If you want hands-on help, Cockayne Law is one option local drivers use.