Posted on Sunday, May 12th, 2024 at 9:00 am
No one ever expects to get into a car accident when they climb behind the wheel. But every year, thousands of Utahns deal with the aftermath of a severe crash. Amidst an accident’s shock, pain, and confusion, it’s easy for important deadlines and responsibilities to get lost in the shuffle – like reporting the accident to your insurance company. How long do you have to report a car accident to your insurer?
At London Harker Injury Law, we know that insurance is often the last thing on your mind when you’re facing mounting medical bills and calls from the other driver’s insurance adjuster. Our mission is to take as much of the post-accident stress off your shoulders as possible. Let’s start by breaking down the key things you must know about Utah’s deadlines and requirements for reporting a crash to insurance.
When to Report a Car Accident to Your Insurance Company
The first question you’re likely asking after an accident is: Do I even need to loop my insurance company into this? The answer, in most cases, is yes. What deadline for filing accident reports should you consider when reporting a car accident?
Utah law requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of car insurance. For most folks, that means buying a policy with at least $25,000 per person, $65,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage, and $15,000 in property damage liability coverage. Additionally, Utah drivers are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. This policy pays for the driver’s injuries after a crash up to the policy limits.
Virtually every car insurance policy comes with language that requires you, the policyholder, to report any accidents you’re involved in promptly – even if the collision wasn’t your fault. Promptly notify your insurer about a crash to ensure your coverage is maintained.
That means that even if you do not intend to file a claim with your insurance company after an accident, you still need to report the crash to them to protect your interests. Your insurer needs to know about the collision in case the other driver decides to file a claim against your policy.
Legal Requirements for Reporting Utah Car Accidents
What are the legal requirements for accident reporting? Notifying your car insurance company is one of many reporting responsibilities you may have after a crash. In some cases, you’re also legally required to file an official accident report with the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Under Utah law, a car operator who was involved in a crash must immediately notify the nearest law enforcement office by the quickest means of communication available. For example, if the collision resulted in any of the following, they must report to the police:
- Injury to any person
- Death of any person
- Property damage of $2,500 or more to any one person’s property
If the law enforcement officer who filed a written report investigated your crash, you don’t need to submit a separate driver’s report to DPS. The officer’s report will check that box.
The Importance of Prompt Accident Reporting
How long do you have to report a car accident to your insurer? Now that you understand Utah’s accident reporting requirements and deadlines, you may be tempted to procrastinate reporting the crash. We urge you to resist that temptation and take swift action instead. Here’s why prompt reporting matters:
- Preserving Your Rights: Every car insurance policy has language requiring you to report accidents promptly. If you wait too long to notify your insurer, they could try to deny your claim by arguing that you failed to uphold your end of the policy agreement.
- Protecting Your Claim’s Value: The sooner you report a crash, the sooner evidence can be gathered to build your case. Physical evidence can deteriorate, witnesses can forget crucial details, and the at-fault party’s story can change as time passes. Reporting quickly helps your claim.
- Safeguarding Your Coverage: Most of the time, any lawsuit from a car accident gets filed against your insurance policy first, not you personally. If you don’t report the crash to your insurer, they may not cover you against legal claims.
- Avoiding Legal Trouble: Failing to file a mandatory accident report with the DPS within ten days can land you in serious hot water. Don’t risk your driver’s license and your freedom. Get that crash report in on time.
Letting Your Attorney Handle the Legwork
Feeling overwhelmed by all these reporting requirements and deadlines? We don’t blame you. Dealing with insurance companies and government agencies is nobody’s idea of post-accident rest and recovery. That’s where London Harker Injury Law can help you answer how long do you have to report a car accident to your insurer.
When you hire our skilled car accident attorneys to handle your case, we can take on all the accident reporting stress and legwork, including:
- Contacting your insurance company on your behalf to report the accident
- Obtaining and reviewing the investigating officer’s crash report
- Assisting you in filing an accident report with the DPS if the police didn’t investigate
- Communicating with insurance adjusters so you can focus on your treatment
- Gathering evidence to build the strongest case possible for your car accident claim
You shouldn’t have to worry about jumping through reporting hoops while you’re in pain and out of work. Let our legal team report your crash and aggressively advocate for your interests with insurers and in the courtroom.
Your Next Steps After a Utah Car Accident
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a motor vehicle crash that wasn’t your fault, London Harker Injury Law is here to help you take back control. Here’s what you should do to put yourself in the best position to get full and fair compensation for your losses:
- Call the Police: If you still need to do so, report the accident to law enforcement so an officer can investigate and draft an official crash report. This report can serve as valuable evidence in your case.
- Seek Medical Care: Your health should be your top priority after a crash. Get checked out right away and follow your doctor’s treatment plan closely. Gaps in medical care can be used to attack your injury claim.
- Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company: Notify your auto insurance carrier about the collision as soon as possible to protect your coverage. But do not give a recorded statement before speaking with a lawyer.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney
How long do you have to report a car accident to your insurer? Utah’s car accident reporting deadlines are no joke. If you miss them, you could damage your insurance claim and even face legal penalties yourself. Please don’t risk it. Bring in a battle-tested legal team that knows the ropes and can take the reporting burden off your shoulders.
Contact London Harker Injury Law today at 77CARCRASH or reach us through our online form to schedule your free case review. Let us handle the insurance headaches so you can return to what matters: healing and restoring your life. The clock is ticking, so don’t delay. Call our Sandy and Provo car accident attorneys now.
