What to Do After a Salt Lake City Utah Car Accident
What to Do After a Salt Lake City Utah Car Accident: A Legal Guide?
Getting into a car accident can indeed be chilling and can take a toll on your mind. This is even more true when the accident occurs in the crowded streets of Salt Lake City, Utah. From bodily injuries to mental stress and insurance chaos, car accidents create a lot of unknowns. People often do not think of these moments. However, the steps you take now can ensure not only your health but also your legal rights.
This guide will show you precisely what to do after a Salt Lake City Utah car crash, provide a basic overview of Utah’s personal injury laws, and describe when you should reach out to trusted accident attorneys or a trusted car crash attorney near you.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Salt Lake City
The time just after a crash is very critical. Here are a few steps to take right after a car accident:
1. Ensure Safety and Call 911
First, make sure everyone involved is OK. If you are able, relocate to a safe position and call 911. A police report is key when pursuing a personal injury claim or an insurance claim.
2. Gather Evidence
Second, document everything at the scene. Take pictures of the vehicles and license plates, damage, injuries, and so on. Obtain names and contact information of any witnesses.
3. Seek Medical Attention
Regardless of how you feel, you should get checked out by a healthcare provider. Some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately, like whiplash or internal bleeding. It is also vital to have accurate medical records for your personal injury claim purposes.
4. Avoid Admitting Fault
You are polite, you are not accepting blame. Let the investigators and insurance companies sort out who was negligent. Even an offhand “sorry” can be used against you later.
By taking these steps you have set a good foundation, if you wish to make a legal claim later.
Understanding Utah’s Car Accident Law
Utah is a “no-fault” insurance state, which means your personal insurance policy pays for your first medical bills and lost wages after an accident, no matter who caused the accident. However, there are exceptions to this system.
When Can You Sue Outside of No-Fault?
You can opt out of Utah’s no-fault system and file a lawsuit only if:You have more than $3,000 in medical billsYou have serious or permanent injuries (i.e. disfigurement/loss of function).
Statute of Limitations in Utah
You have 4 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Utah. For property damage, you have 3 years. The statute of limitations is important because failing to file a lawsuit before this time expires means you could lose the opportunity to recover compensation entirely.
It’s critical to understand these deadlines and thresholds, which is one of the many reasons victims seek the advice of experienced accident attorneys as soon as possible.
When to Contact a Car Crash Attorney Near You
Not every accident means you need to call a lawyer, but many do — especially if the stakes are high. When to consult an auto collision attorney near you:
- You’ve sustained severe injuries
- The insurance company is delaying or denying your claim
- You’re being blamed for an accident you did not cause
- The other driver was uninsured or underinsured
Local attorneys familiar with Utah’s legal system — especially those based in Salt Lake City — may have sound legal advice for you and also know how to work through local court systems and insurance companies.
Many accidental injury attorneys offer consultations for free, so even if you are not sure and would like to explore your options, there isn’t any cost to you.
What Accident Attorneys Can Do for You
The benefits of hiring a personal injury attorney go beyond just representing you in a courtroom. Here’s how an experienced attorney can make a difference.
1. Case Investigation
Your lawyer will collect police reports, medical records, statements from witnesses, and evidence to build your case.
2. Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies try to pay the least amount of the compensation they owe to individuals seriously injured in accidents. Your attorney will negotiate a fair settlement for you on your behalf, so you never feel pressured to accept a low offer.
3. Calculating Damages
Accident attorneys have the experience to determine the full extent of your losses connecting your injuries from the accident, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical treatment or disability
4. Representing You in Court
If you need to file a lawsuit because the insurance company will not offer a fair settlement for your injury, your attorney will do so on your behalf, and they will also represent you at trial. Most individuals believe they can do this themselves but they can’t.
Hiring a personal injury attorney allows you to focus on recovering from your injuries while they handle all the filing and legal minutiae.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Rights After a Salt Lake City Car Accident
A car accident in Salt Lake City Utah can alter your life drastically in seconds — but how you handle the hours, days, and weeks after can make all the difference.
Follow these steps to help protect yourself:
- Get medical attention and write everything down.
- Know your rights under Utah law.
- Don’t let the insurance companies take advantage of you.
- If you are not sure what steps to take next or just feeling overwhelmed, reach out to one of our experienced accident lawyers.
- Our team offers free consultations and we will fight for the compensation you deserve.
Need Help Now?
If you have been injured in a Salt Lake City Utah car accident, and your loved one was injured as well, don’t wait.
Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced car crash attorney near you. Your rights are important — and we’re here to defend them.
