Utah Car Accident Laws: A Clear 2026 Guide for Drivers

Navigating the aftermath of a motor vehicle collision can feel overwhelming—especially when you are injured, missing work, or dealing with insurance adjusters trained to minimize payouts. The process becomes even more complex as Utah car accident laws continue to evolve. Whether you are a lifelong Utah resident or a new driver on the road, understanding how fault, insurance, and injury claims work is essential to protecting both your physical recovery and your financial future.

In 2026, several legislative updates went into effect that directly impact Utah drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and motorcyclists. These changes affect DUI enforcement, motorcycle safety, insurance obligations, liability rules, and how fault is evaluated after a crash.

At London Harker Injury Law, we believe informed clients make stronger legal decisions. This guide explains Utah’s current car accident laws, highlights critical 2026 updates, and outlines exactly what steps to take if you or a loved one is injured in a collision anywhere in Utah.

New Utah Laws Effective January 1, 2026

Each legislative session brings updates designed to improve public safety and reduce high-risk behavior. The following laws are among the most important changes Utah drivers should understand in 2026.

Extreme DUI and Alcohol Restrictions (HB 437)

House Bill 437 strengthens Utah’s already strict DUI enforcement framework and expands alcohol-related accountability across the state. Utah agencies have summarized the changes as part of 2026 implementation.

• 100% ID checks: Establishments licensed to sell alcohol must check ID for every customer purchasing alcohol, regardless of age or appearance (effective January 1, 2026).
• Extreme DUI “interdiction”: Courts may designate certain DUI offenders as “interdicted persons,” prohibiting alcohol purchases for a court-ordered period.
• Marked ID: Interdicted individuals may be required to obtain a Utah driver license/ID with security features indicating the restriction (often described publicly as “NO ALCOHOL SALE”).

These measures build on Utah’s DUI statute under Utah Code § 41-6a-502, and DUI-related crashes can increase civil exposure when serious injuries or fatalities occur.

Helpful references:
Utah DABS: New 100% ID Law Begins Jan. 1, 2026
Utah Driver License Division: HB 437 – Interdicted Person Amendments (Effective 1/1/2026)

Motorcycle Safety and Lane Splitting (HB 190)

House Bill 190 clarifies motorcycle operation rules and addresses behaviors that commonly lead to severe or fatal crashes. The Utah Highway Safety Office summarizes the key enforcement changes effective January 1, 2026.

• Lane splitting (riding between lanes while traffic is moving) is explicitly prohibited.
• Violations can result in citations and licensing consequences.
• License plate visibility requirements were clarified for motorcycles.
• Wheelies on highways are prohibited.

These clarifications are particularly important in motorcycle accident cases, where fault is often disputed. If you or a loved one was injured while riding, learn more about your legal options here:
Sandy Motorcycle Accident Lawyer.

Reference: Utah Highway Safety Office: 2025 Legislative Update (HB 190 effective 1/1/2026)

Utah’s No-Fault Insurance System Explained

Utah is one of a limited number of states that operates under a no-fault auto insurance system. This system determines how medical bills and certain initial losses are paid after a crash.

Under no-fault rules, your own insurance policy pays first, regardless of who caused the collision. The governing statute is:
Utah Code § 31A-22-307 (Personal Injury Protection).

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage

Every Utah driver must carry at least $3,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. PIP benefits typically cover:

• Reasonable and necessary medical expenses
• A portion of lost wages
• Household services you cannot perform due to injury
• Funeral and burial expenses in fatal accidents

PIP coverage applies immediately and allows injured victims to seek treatment without waiting for a fault determination—one reason it is so important to get evaluated quickly after a crash.

When You Can Step Outside the No-Fault System

Utah law limits when an injured person may pursue a liability claim against the at-fault driver. You may step outside the no-fault system if:

• Medical expenses exceed $3,000, or
• The crash results in permanent disability, impairment, disfigurement, or dismemberment

Once this threshold is met, you may pursue full compensation for losses such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Future medical care
• Loss of earning capacity

This is often where experienced legal guidance makes the biggest difference:
Sandy Car Accident Lawyer.

Mandatory Auto Insurance Requirements in Utah

Utah drivers must carry minimum liability coverage under:
Utah Code § 31A-22-304 (Minimum Limits).

As of 2026 (policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025), the minimum limits include:

• $30,000 bodily injury per person
• $65,000 bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 property damage liability

While these limits satisfy Utah’s legal minimums, they are often insufficient in serious crashes involving surgery, long-term rehab, or permanent injury. In many claims, a single ambulance ride, ER visit, and imaging can consume a large portion of the available coverage.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Although not mandatory, UM and UIM coverage are strongly recommended:

• Uninsured Motorist (UM) can protect you if the at-fault driver has no insurance or commits a hit-and-run.
• Underinsured Motorist (UIM) can apply when the at-fault driver’s policy limits are too low to cover your total damages.

In high-injury cases, UM/UIM coverage is often the difference between meaningful recovery and unpaid medical debt.

Proving Fault Under Utah’s 51% Bar Rule

Utah follows a modified comparative negligence system—commonly referred to as the 51% bar rule—codified under
Utah Code § 78B-5-818.

How Comparative Negligence Affects Your Claim

• You may recover compensation only if you are less than 50% at fault.
• If you are 50% or more responsible, you are barred from recovery.
• If you share fault but remain under 50%, your compensation is reduced proportionally.

Example: If total damages equal $100,000 and you are found 20% at fault, your recovery is reduced to $80,000.

Insurance companies frequently argue comparative fault to reduce payouts. That’s why evidence, medical documentation, and consistent statements matter from day one.

Evidence That Strengthens a Utah Car Accident Claim

Strong evidence can dramatically impact fault determinations and settlement value. Key evidence includes:

• Police accident reports
• Medical records and diagnostic imaging
• Photographs and dashcam footage
• Surveillance or traffic camera video
• Witness statements
• Vehicle damage analysis
• Cell phone and event data recorder (“black box”) data

Tip: Preserve evidence early. For example, businesses often overwrite surveillance footage quickly, and vehicles may be repaired or totaled before detailed inspection can occur.

Accident Reporting Requirements in Utah

Utah law requires reporting of qualifying crashes under
Utah Code § 41-6a-402.

You must report an accident if it involves:

• Injury or death
• Property damage that appears to be $2,500 or more

If law enforcement responds, an official report is created. If not, you generally have 10 days to file a report with the state if requested. Failing to comply can create insurance complications and may expose you to penalties depending on the circumstances.

Utah Statute of Limitations (2026)

Strict filing deadlines apply to accident-related claims. Missing a deadline can permanently prevent recovery—no matter how strong your case is.

• Personal injury: 4 years (Utah Code § 78B-2-307)
• Wrongful death: 2 years (Utah Code § 78B-2-304)
• Property damage: commonly 3–4 years depending on the claim type and statute
• Claims against government entities: often require a Notice of Claim within 1 year and suit within 2 years (deadlines can be shorter and fact-specific)

For minors, limitation periods are often tolled (paused) until age 18 in many circumstances—but you should still speak with counsel early to preserve evidence and avoid procedural issues.

Fatal crashes involve additional procedural requirements:
Sandy Wrongful Death Lawyer.

Essential Steps to Take After a Utah Car Accident

At the Scene

1. Call 911 and check for injuries.
2. Move vehicles to safety if possible and safe to do so.
3. Exchange required information (names, contact details, insurance, and vehicle info).
4. Photograph vehicles, injuries, road conditions, skid marks, debris, and traffic signage.
5. Identify witnesses and collect names and contact information.

After the Crash

• Seek medical evaluation immediately (many injuries worsen over 24–72 hours).
• Notify your insurance carrier promptly and stick to basic facts.
• Avoid recorded statements until you understand your rights and the claim’s full value.
• Do not accept early settlement offers before you understand future medical needs and wage loss.
• Consult a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to protect evidence, deadlines, and fault positioning.

Why Choose London Harker Injury Law?

London Harker Injury Law focuses exclusively on serious injury and wrongful death cases throughout Utah. We understand Utah’s no-fault insurance system, comparative negligence rules, and evolving 2026 legislation—and we use that knowledge to protect our clients.

With offices in Sandy, Provo, Lehi, and Heber, we fight for maximum compensation in car accidents, motorcycle crashes, and complex injury cases statewide.

Related resources:
Car Accident Lawyer (Sandy)
Motorcycle Accident Lawyer (Sandy)
Wrongful Death Lawyer (Sandy)

Call 77-CAR-CRASH for a free consultation.

Final Thought on Legal Protection

Navigating Utah car accident laws without guidance is like driving through a canyon in heavy fog—you may stay on the road, but one wrong turn can cost you everything. London Harker Injury Law provides clarity, direction, and aggressive advocacy when it matters most.