I Was Hit by a Government Vehicle in Utah, Now What?

A Step-by-Step Guide to Protecting Your Rights Under the Utah Governmental Immunity Act

Being hit by a government vehicle in Utah can instantly turn your life upside down. One moment you are driving to work or running errands, and the next you are dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and uncertainty about who is responsible. While any car accident is stressful, collisions involving government-owned vehicles add an entirely new layer of legal complexity.

Unlike private drivers, government entities benefit from special legal protections. As a result, claims involving police cars, city buses, county maintenance trucks, or other public vehicles follow different rules. These cases involve stricter deadlines, mandatory notice requirements, and statutory limits on compensation. Unfortunately, many injured people do not learn about these rules until it is too late.

If you were injured by a government vehicle, your claim is governed by the Utah Governmental Immunity Act. This law determines when the government can be held responsible, how a claim must be filed, and how long you have to resolve it or take it to court. Even a simple mistake such as notifying the wrong agency or missing a deadline can permanently bar your claim.

This expanded guide explains what to do after a government vehicle accident in Utah, how the law applies, and how to avoid common pitfalls that derail otherwise valid cases.

What to Do Immediately After a Government Vehicle Accident

Your actions immediately after the crash can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation. Because government entities closely examine these claims, early documentation and careful decision-making are critical.

1. Seek Medical Attention as Soon as Possible

Your health should always come first. Call 911 if anyone experiences pain, dizziness, confusion, or visible injuries. Even if you feel “okay,” it is still important to seek medical evaluation.

Many serious injuries do not show symptoms right away. For example, concussions, soft tissue injuries, and internal bleeding may take hours or days to appear. Therefore, early medical care not only protects your health but also creates records that clearly connect your injuries to the accident.

Make sure to keep copies of all medical documentation, including:

• Emergency room and urgent care records
• Follow-up visits with doctors or specialists
• Diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs
• Prescriptions, physical therapy, and rehabilitation records

2. Call Law Enforcement and Obtain a Police Report

Next, contact law enforcement and request an official accident report. A police report creates an independent account of the crash and often identifies the government entity that owns or operates the vehicle.

If officers do not respond to the scene, Utah law still requires you to file a crash report within 10 days. Failing to do so can complicate insurance claims and may weaken your legal case.

3. Identify the Government Entity Involved

Correctly identifying the responsible government entity is one of the most important steps in these cases. Many claims fail simply because notice was sent to the wrong agency.

Government vehicles may belong to:

• A city or town, such as a police department or public works division
• A county agency, including sheriff’s offices or road maintenance departments
• The State of Utah, such as UDOT or other state agencies
• A school district or special service district

Before leaving the scene, gather as much information as possible:

• The driver’s full name and job title
• The department or agency they work for
• Badge number or employee identification
• Vehicle number, license plate, and identifying markings

4. Document the Scene Thoroughly

Because government agencies defend these claims aggressively, evidence matters.

Take clear photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, debris, and weather conditions. In addition, collect names and contact information for any witnesses. Neutral third-party witnesses often play a critical role in government liability cases.

5. Avoid Admitting Fault or Speculating

Finally, avoid apologizing or speculating about what caused the accident. Even polite or casual statements can later be used against you.

You are not required to give a recorded statement to a government insurer or investigator without legal guidance.

Understanding Governmental Immunity in Utah

In most personal injury cases, injured people can pursue compensation from the party that caused their injuries. However, government entities are protected by a legal doctrine known as sovereign immunity.

In Utah, sovereign immunity is governed by the Utah Governmental Immunity Act, located in Title 63G, Chapter 7 of the Utah Code.

When Can the Government Be Held Responsible?

Although the government is generally immune from lawsuits, Utah law provides important exceptions. One of the most common exceptions involves motor vehicle accidents.

Utah law waives immunity when a government employee negligently operates a motor vehicle while acting within the scope of employment. This waiver appears in
Utah Code § 63G-7-301(4).

You may pursue compensation if:

• The driver was a government employee
• The employee was performing job duties at the time
• The employee’s negligence caused the crash

What If the Employee Was Off Duty?

If a government employee was using the vehicle for personal reasons, immunity may not apply. In those situations, liability may shift to the individual driver rather than the government entity. These cases often require careful investigation and legal analysis.

How Utah’s No-Fault Insurance Laws Affect Government Vehicle Accidents

Utah uses a no-fault insurance system for motor vehicle accidents. As a result, your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage usually pays initial medical expenses and some lost wages, regardless of fault.

However, Utah allows injured drivers to step outside the no-fault system when injuries are serious. The $3,000 serious injury threshold applies only to auto accident claims and is defined in Utah Code § 31A-22-309.

If your injuries result from a non-auto claim, such as a slip and fall on government property, this threshold does not apply.

For motor vehicle accidents, you may pursue a claim against the government if:

• Your medical expenses exceed $3,000, or
• You suffer permanent disability, impairment, or disfigurement

The Notice of Claim: A Deadline You Cannot Miss

Before filing a lawsuit against any Utah government entity, you must submit a Notice of Claim. This step is mandatory and strictly enforced.

You Have One Year to File the Notice of Claim

Utah law requires the Notice of Claim to be filed within one year of the date the claim arises, as set forth in Utah Code § 63G-7-402.

Missing this deadline almost always results in dismissal of the claim, even when liability is clear.

You Have Two Years Total to Settle or File a Lawsuit

After the Notice of Claim is filed, the government has 60 days to respond. If the claim is denied or not resolved, you have a total of two years from the date of injury to either settle the claim or file a lawsuit, as required by Utah Code § 63G-7-403.

Current Damage Caps in Utah Government Claims

Even when the government can be held responsible, Utah law limits the amount of compensation available. These limits adjust over time through statutory indexing.

Under Utah Code § 63G-7-604, the current caps are:

• $911,300 per injured person
• $3,668,400 total per occurrence
• $366,900 for property damage

Punitive damages are not permitted in claims against government entities.

Common Mistakes That Hurt Government Vehicle Claims

Many valid claims fail due to avoidable errors. Common mistakes include:

• Missing the one-year Notice of Claim deadline
• Filing notice with the wrong government entity
• Giving recorded statements without legal advice
• Underestimating long-term medical costs
• Assuming standard insurance rules apply

How a Utah Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

An experienced attorney can guide you through every stage of the process. This includes identifying the proper government entity, preparing a compliant Notice of Claim, gathering evidence, and negotiating within Utah’s statutory limits.

If your accident occurred in Sandy or nearby, learn more about your options here:
Sandy Car Accident Lawyer.

For additional legal insights, visit the
London Harker Blog.

Final Thoughts

Being hit by a government vehicle in Utah places you on a strict legal timeline. Because the rules are unforgiving, early action is essential.

If a government entity caused your injuries, understanding your rights and acting promptly can protect your ability to recover compensation.