Posted on Saturday, May 18th, 2024 at 9:00 am
No one ever plans on getting into a car accident. But even the most cautious drivers in Utah can find themselves involved in a crash due to factors beyond their control—from icy roads to distracted drivers. In the aftermath of a wreck, it’s natural to focus on your immediate medical needs and the damage to your vehicle. However, many people don’t realize that accidents can also inflict lasting damage on your driving record and wallet. At London Harker Injury Law, our Provo and Sandy car accident lawyers understand that the effects of a car crash can ripple through your life for years to come.
Utah’s Point System for Driving Infractions
You should know how Utah tracks traffic violations and accidents. The state uses a point system to monitor drivers’ moving infractions, and different types of violations carry different point values.
Some common examples of infractions and their corresponding point values in Utah include:
- Speeding (1-75 mph over limit): 35-75 points
- Running a stop sign/red light: 50 points
- Reckless driving: 80 points
- Wrong way on a one-way street: 60 points
- Improper passing: 50 points
In Utah, most routine traffic infractions, such as speeding tickets or running a red light, stay on your driving record for three years. More serious violations, like DUIs, remain on your record for 10 years.
However, at-fault accidents work differently than traffic tickets regarding your driving record.
How At-Fault Accidents Impact Your Utah Driving Record
In Utah, the crash goes on your driving record if you are involved in an accident that causes $2,500 or more in property damage or results in injury or death. Unlike moving violations, accidents don’t come with a designated point value. Instead, your driving record will note the following details about the crash:
- The date of the accident
- The accident severity (property damage only, injury, fatality)
- Who was at fault for the crash
Fault matters because Utah is a “modified comparative negligence” state. That means that responsibility for an accident can be divided between drivers. If you are 49% or less at fault for a crash, you can still recover compensation from the other driver. But if you are 50% or more to blame, your right to obtain compensation disappears.
Insurers rely heavily on your official driving record when setting your premiums. If your record shows an at-fault accident, you can expect substantially higher rates at your next renewal – even if you have an otherwise clean history.
Accident-Related Rate Hikes: How Much and For How Long?
One question on everyone’s mind after a crash is probably, “How much does insurance increase after an accident?” According to a 2024 study by The Zebra, Utah drivers face an average annual rate increase of $1,548 after an at-fault accident with property damage only. For crashes involving injuries, that rate hike balloons to an average increase of $767 per year.
It’s important to note that those figures are averages, not guarantees. The exact amount your car insurance premiums and car insurance costs will increase depends on various factors. This includes insurance carrier, pre-accident driving history, demographics, vehicle, and more.
How long does an accident stay on your record? Most at-fault accidents will stay on your driving record and continue to influence your auto insurance rates for 3-5 years in Utah. However, severe crashes may remain on your record for even longer lengths of time. Drivers with a clean record can remove the at-fault accident on their record if they remain spotless for 3 years.
Mitigating the Insurance Impact of an Accident
If you find yourself at fault for an accident, here are a few strategies that could help lessen the impact of a crash on your rates:
- Explore Accident Forgiveness: Some auto insurance carriers offer “accident forgiveness” programs that strike an at-fault accident from your record for premium-setting purposes. However, such programs often come with an added cost.
- Maintain Continuous Coverage: Insurance companies frown upon lapses in coverage. If you suddenly find yourself unable to afford your post-accident premiums, explore ways to maintain your policy, even if you have to temporarily switch to a bare-bones option.
- Take a Defensive Driving Course: Some insurers will discount your premiums if you voluntarily complete an approved defensive driving course after an at-fault accident. Contact your carrier to see if this is an option.
- Shop Around at Renewal Time: Auto insurance is a very competitive market. While your current carrier may hike your rates significantly after an at-fault crash, you may find a better deal with a different company. Always shop around and compare quotes at renewal time.
Of course, the best way to keep your insurance rates low is to avoid causing accidents in the first place by following traffic laws and driving defensively. But sometimes, wrecks happen even when you’re doing everything right.
When the At-Fault Driver Hits You
We’ve focused on how at-fault accidents impact your driving record and insurance rates. But what happens when another driver causes a crash that leaves you injured?
Utah is a “no-fault” state for vehicle crashes. That means each party turns first to their insurance coverage to get their medical expenses and some lost wages paid through their personal injury protection (PIP) policy. Once you’ve exhausted your PIP coverage or if your injuries are severe, you can pursue compensation from the at-fault party for your accident-related injuries and losses. Typically, that means filing a claim against their auto liability insurance policy but that varies by state. However, getting fair compensation can be challenging. The other driver’s insurer may try to pin blame for the crash on you to avoid paying out the full value of your claim.
What should you do after an accident that’s not your fault? That’s where London Harker Injury Law can help. Our skilled Sandy and Provo car accident attorneys know how to investigate wrecks and gather evidence to prove fault. We can handle all communications with the other driver’s insurer and aggressively negotiate for a settlement that meets your needs. If the auto insurance company doesn’t make a fair offer, we can file a lawsuit and argue your case before a judge and jury.
Injured in an Accident? Call London Harker Injury Law Today
Still unsure how long does an accident stay on your record? At London Harker Injury Law, car accidents can impact more than just your vehicle. A crash can unleash a wave of challenges, from impaired physical health to harm to your driving record and bank account. Our law firm’s mission is to help you overcome those challenges and move forward with your life.
Don’t let an accident derail your life. Contact London Harker Injury Law today by calling 77CARCRASH or filling out our online form to get started. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can get to work pursuing justice on your behalf.
