How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident in Utah?

Car accidents are stressful and often unexpected events that can shake anyone. Beyond dealing with potential injuries and damage to your vehicle, it’s empowering to understand the legal obligations of reporting an accident—especially if you’re in Utah. This knowledge can give you a sense of control in a situation that can feel overwhelming.

Legal Requirements for Accident Reporting in Utah

Utah law mandates that drivers report car accidents to the proper authorities. According to Utah Code §41-6a-402, you are required to report an accident if it involves any of the following:

• Injury or death of any person
• Property damage that appears to exceed $2,500

If you’re unsure whether the damage meets the $2,500 threshold, it’s better to err on the side of caution and report the accident.

Did you know that providing the other driver with your personal information isn’t just polite, but required by law? Utah law makes clear that both drivers involved in a car accident must exchange all pertinent information, including names, addresses, and phone numbers.

When to Report a Car Accident in Utah

Knowing when to report a car accident is crucial to ensuring compliance with state laws. In Utah, you must report “qualifying” accidents (that is, accidents that have incurred more than $2,500 in damages) to the police. Delays in doing so can lead to complications, including fines or repercussions for failing to meet your legal obligations.

If the accident occurs within city limits, you should contact the local police department. If it happens in an unincorporated area, you should notify the Utah Highway Patrol or the county sheriff’s office.

What Happens If You Fail to Report an Accident?

Failing to report a car accident in Utah can have serious consequences. You may face fines, penalties, or even criminal charges if you don’t do what you’re required to do under the law.

• Fines or penalties: Non-compliance with Utah’s accident reporting laws can result in fines or other legal penalties.
• Criminal charges: Leaving the scene of an accident without reporting could lead to misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the accident’s severity.
• Insurance complications: Failure to report the accident may affect your ability to file an insurance claim, potentially leaving you responsible for covering damages and medical expenses out-of-pocket.

Deadline for Filing Accident Reports with the DMV

In addition to notifying law enforcement immediately after an accident, you may need to file a report with the Utah Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in specific circumstances. Utah requires this step if law enforcement was not called to the accident scene or did not file a report. You generally have 10 days before submitting this report.

The accident report form, a “Driver Accident Report” (Form TC-569A), can be found on the Utah DMV website. Be sure to fill it out accurately and include all required information about the accident, including:

• The date, time, and location of the accident
• Contact and insurance details for all parties involved
• A description of damages and injuries

Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Utah

To ensure you meet all legal requirements and protect your rights, follow these steps after a car accident in Utah:

• Ensure Safety: If possible, check for injuries and move to a safe location. Turn on your hazard lights and use warning triangles or flares to alert other drivers.
• Call 911: If the accident involves significant injuries, damages, or fatalities, notify the police immediately.
• Exchange Information: Under Utah law, you must provide all relevant information to the other party, including your name, address, and phone number. If there are witnesses to the crash, get their information as well.
• Document the Scene: Photos and videos will only help you in an accident. Take as many as you can.
• File Necessary Reports: It’s always better to over-report than to under-report. Notify the police, medical professionals, and of course, your attorney in the event of an accident.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company as quickly as possible. If you don’t, the insurance company has the right to revoke your coverage.
• Seek Legal Advice: Although attorneys are often thought of as essential only in the event of a complex legal matter, having an attorney by your side can only help you in the event you wish to pursue a legal case against the other driver.

The Importance of Reporting a Car Accident

Reporting a car accident is not just about following the law—it’s also critical for protecting your rights.

You may find it challenging to recover compensation for damages or injuries without a proper report. Even if you don’t think that the damages are worth reporting to the police, do it anyway. The more documentation you have from law enforcement, the better off you will be in a legal dispute.

Frequently Asked Questions

When people first come to see us, they bring their questions. Following are the answers to some of them.

How long do you have to report a car accident in Utah?

In Utah, you must report qualifying car accidents to law enforcement immediately or as soon as it is safe. If law enforcement does not file a report, you have 10 days to file one with the Utah Department of Public Safety.

Do I need to report a minor accident?

If the accident does not involve injuries or significant property damage (under $2,500), you may not be legally required to report it. However, documenting the incident and informing your insurance company is a good idea.

What if I’m unsure about the damage amount?

If you’re uncertain whether the property damage exceeds $2,500, it’s best to report the accident to avoid potential legal issues.

Get the Help You Need After an Accident

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Utah and need assistance navigating the legal or insurance process, our team is here to help. Our experienced Utah personal injury attorneys can protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve from the at-fault party or their insurer. Call us today at (772) 272-7274 or contact us online for a free consultation.