Posted on Thursday, November 20th, 2025 at 5:12 pm

Dealing with the shock and disruption of a sudden car accident is overwhelming. From injuries and medical bills to insurance calls and confusing forms, the aftermath can quickly spiral into one of the most stressful periods of your life. When a collision occurs on Utah roads, understanding Utah’s unique legal and insurance rules is essential for protecting your rights and ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.

Utah’s system is different from many states because it uses no-fault insurance, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, and a modified comparative negligence rule that directly impacts your ability to recover damages. A mistake early in the process can reduce or even eliminate your claim.

This comprehensive guide walks you step-by-step through what to do after a crash, how the insurance system works, how to pursue compensation, and when to call a Utah car accident attorney.

Section I: The Critical First Steps After a Crash

Moments after a collision, your actions can significantly affect your health, your financial recovery, and the strength of any future legal claim.

Step 1: Ensure Safety and Assess Injuries

Your first priority is safety. Check yourself and passengers for injuries. Remember that adrenaline can mask serious pain, so even if you feel “fine,” you should still undergo medical evaluation later.

Under Utah law, you must remain at the scene and provide reasonable assistance to anyone who may be injured. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Provide the dispatcher with the location and your contact information, but do not speculate about fault or causes.

If the vehicles can move safely, Utah recommends pulling to the shoulder to avoid secondary collisions. Turn on hazard lights and set out flares or reflective triangles if available.

If your car won’t move, stay buckled inside the vehicle until help arrives — standing on a busy roadway is dangerous.

Step 2: Call Police and Obtain an Official Report

Utah law requires that a collision be reported to law enforcement if it involves injury, death, or property damage of at least $2,500. This is outlined in
Utah Code § 41-6a-402 (Accident reporting requirements).

Not filing a report when required can lead to misdemeanor charges and even driver’s license suspension.

When officers arrive:

Stick to facts only
Provide license, registration, and insurance
Avoid phrases like “I’m sorry,” which insurers may interpret as admitting fault
Obtain the police report number

Police reports are critical evidence. They provide insurance companies and attorneys with the official record of how the crash occurred, who was involved, and initial fault assessments.

You can later request a copy of the report through the Utah DPS Records Portal or local police GRAMA requests. Reports typically become available within 3–7 days.

Step 3: Document the Scene Thoroughly

Evidence disappears quickly. Before vehicles are moved or debris is cleared, gather:

Wide-angle photos of all vehicles and the entire crash scene
Close-up photos of damage, skid marks, debris, and road conditions
Images of traffic signals, stop signs, or hazards
Photos of visible injuries (with consent)
Video walkthroughs of the scene
Weather or lighting conditions

Back everything up immediately and do not edit or alter images.

Step 4: Exchange and Collect Information

Exchange:

Full name, address, and phone number
Driver’s license number
Insurance company + policy number
Vehicle make, model, year, license plate number, and VIN

Be sure to collect witness information, as independent witnesses often determine the outcome of disputed liability cases.

Section II: Understanding Utah’s Insurance System

Utah’s No-Fault System & PIP Benefits

Utah is one of the few states that uses a no-fault insurance system for car accidents. Under
Utah Code § 31A-22-306 (Personal Injury Protection required), every driver must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP).

Minimum PIP benefits include:

$3,000 in medical expenses per person
Lost wages (with limits)
Household services
Funeral benefits

PIP pays regardless of fault. Your own auto insurer is the first to pay medical bills, even if someone else caused the crash.

When You Can Step Outside Utah’s No-Fault System

To pursue compensation for pain and suffering or other non-economic damages, you must meet a threshold from
Utah Code § 31A-22-309 (No-fault limitations):

Medical expenses exceeding $3,000
Permanent disability
Permanent disfigurement
Dismemberment
Death

Once this threshold is reached, you may pursue a claim against the at-fault driver.

Utah’s Minimum Liability Insurance Requirements

Utah requires drivers to carry “30/65/25” liability coverage:

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

Drivers should also carry Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which protects you if the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient limits.

Section III: Navigating the Claims Process

Step 5: Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly

Most insurance companies require notification within 24–48 hours of a crash. Delays may reduce your benefits.

When calling your insurer:

Provide the date, time, and location
Share the other driver’s information
Give the police report number when available
Ask about rental coverage, collision, and PIP benefits

Step 6: Seek Medical Care Immediately

Even if you feel okay, get checked by a doctor. Injuries like concussions, whiplash, and internal damage may not show symptoms for hours or days.

Insurance companies frequently argue that delayed treatment means the injuries weren’t caused by the accident. Immediate medical care connects your injuries to the crash and strengthens your claim.

Step 7: Dealing with Insurance Adjusters

Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company — not for you. Their goal is to minimize payouts.

Common tactics include:

Requesting recorded statements to use against you
Pushing quick but inadequate settlements
Disputing fault
Delaying processing

You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer.

Section IV: Legal Complexities in Utah Claims

Modified Comparative Fault Rule

Utah follows a modified comparative negligence standard outlined in
Utah Code § 78B-5-818 (Comparative fault).

This means:

Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault
If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages

Statute of Limitations

Utah imposes strict deadlines:

4 years for personal injury claims
3 years for property damage claims

Missing the deadline bars your ability to recover compensation.

Accidents With Out-of-State Drivers

If the at-fault driver is from out of state, Utah law still applies because the crash occurred in Utah. Lawsuits generally must be filed in Utah courts.

Section V: Calculating Damages in a Utah Car Accident Claim

Economic Damages

Medical bills
Lost wages
Future medical treatment
Reduced earning capacity
Property damage
Out-of-pocket expenses

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Permanent disability
Loss of enjoyment of life

You may only claim these if you meet the no-fault threshold.

Section VI: When and Why to Hire a Utah Car Accident Lawyer

A skilled attorney dramatically improves your chances of maximizing your claim — especially in cases involving serious injuries, disputed fault, UM/UIM claims, or uncooperative insurers.

For personalized guidance, visit our page:
Sandy Car Accident Lawyer

How an Attorney Strengthens Your Case

Understands Utah injury and insurance law
Protects you from insurance tactics
Builds strong evidence with experts
Calculates full and fair damages
Handles litigation if needed

Helpful related resources on our blog:

Conclusion

Navigating a Utah car accident claim requires understanding the no-fault system, PIP rules, comparative fault, and strict deadlines. Early steps like documenting the scene, seeking medical care, and reporting the crash lay the foundation for a strong claim.

If you need legal help after a crash, the attorneys at London Harker Injury Law are ready to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Categories: Car Accidents