Utah Car Accident Recovery Guide: How to Fix Your Vehicle and Protect Your Rights After a Crash

A car accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. From dealing with vehicle repairs to navigating medical bills and insurance adjusters, the post-crash recovery process can be overwhelming. If you’ve recently been in a crash in Utah, this guide breaks down the essential steps to take—legally, medically, and financially—to recover quickly and protect your rights.

Whether your accident occurred in Sandy, Salt Lake City, or elsewhere in Utah, knowing what to do next can make all the difference.

1. Immediate Steps After a Utah Car Accident

Your first steps after an accident lay the foundation for a strong claim and a smooth recovery process.

Prioritize Safety

• Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible.
• Call 911 if there are any injuries or hazards.

Contact Law Enforcement

Under Utah Code § 41-6a-401, you are legally required to report an accident if:

• There are injuries or fatalities.
• Property damage appears to exceed $1,500.

Failure to do so may result in a misdemeanor charge.

Seek Medical Attention

Even minor symptoms may signal serious injuries. Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance will typically cover the first $3,000 in medical expenses under Utah’s no-fault system.

Document the Scene

Take photos of:

• Vehicle damage
• License plates
• Road conditions
• Visible injuries

Collect the names, contact info, insurance, and license numbers of all parties involved.

2. Reporting the Accident and Filing a Claim

 Notify Your Insurance Company

Call your insurer immediately to report the crash. Provide basic facts:

• Time, date, and location
• Names of involved parties
• Police report number (if available)

Avoid speculating or admitting fault. Never provide a recorded statement without first speaking to a lawyer.

Choose Between First-Party and Third-Party Claims

• First-party: Through your own insurer (for repairs, PIP, collision coverage).
• Third-party: Against the at-fault driver’s insurer for damages beyond your coverage.

Minimum required insurance in Utah is 25/65/15:

• $25,000 per person bodily injury
• $65,000 total bodily injury per accident
• $15,000 property damage
  Source: Utah Code § 31A-22-304

3. Utah’s No-Fault System & When You Can Sue

Utah’s no-fault laws limit when you can sue another driver. You may file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party if:

• You incurred over $3,000 in medical expenses.
• You experienced permanent disability, disfigurement, or another qualifying serious injury.

Read more about these thresholds at the Utah Insurance Department.

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4. Getting Your Vehicle Repaired

Choosing a Repair Shop

You have the legal right to choose your own repair shop. Insurers cannot force you to use a preferred vendor.

Rental and Repair Coverage

If you’re not at fault, the other driver’s insurance must pay for:

• A rental vehicle during repairs or until a settlement is offered (if totaled).
• “Loss of use” for your vehicle.
• Damage to personal property inside your car.

 Betterment & Deductibles

Insurers may deduct for:

• Upgraded parts
• Prior damage or wear-and-tear

These deductions must be clearly itemized in writing.

5. Comparative Fault in Utah

Utah follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages only if you are less than 50% at fault. Your award is reduced by your share of fault.
Example: If you’re 20% at fault and your damages are $10,000, you’ll receive $8,000.

6. Time Limits to File (Statute of Limitations)

Claim Type	Deadline
Personal Injury	4 years (Utah Code § 78B-2-307)
Property Damage	3 years
Uninsured Motorist Claim	3 years
Claim Against Government Entity	180 days (Utah Code § 63G-7-402)

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7. When to Hire a Utah Personal Injury Lawyer

While not legally required, having an experienced car accident attorney—like those at London Harker Injury Law—can help:

• Protect your rights in complex or high-stakes claims
• Deal with insurance companies
• Maximize your compensation

London Harker has deep experience handling auto accident cases throughout Utah. Explore their Car Accident Blog for more insights.

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8. Recoverable Damages in Utah Car Accident Claims

You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Economic Damages: Medical bills, lost wages, car repairs, transportation costs.
• Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment.
• Punitive Damages: In rare cases of gross negligence (e.g., DUI-related crashes).

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9. Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Crash

• Not reporting the crash to police or your insurer
• Admitting fault at the scene
• Skipping medical care, even if you feel okay
• Accepting the first settlement offer
• Talking to the other driver’s insurer without legal representation

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10. Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to call the police after a minor accident in Utah?
Yes, if injuries are involved or damage exceeds $1,500.

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes, as long as you’re less than 50% responsible.

What if the at-fault driver has no insurance?
You can file a claim with your uninsured motorist coverage, if included in your policy.

How can I pay for medical treatment if I don’t have health insurance?
Utah’s PIP coverage pays the first $3,000. An attorney may also arrange treatment with providers who will wait for payment after a settlement.

Conclusion: Your Roadmap to Recovery

Recovering from a car accident in Utah takes more than fixing your car—it means protecting your physical health, finances, and legal rights. By following the steps in this guide and partnering with a qualified legal team like London Harker Injury Law, you can navigate the claims process confidently and ensure the best possible outcome.

For more legal insights and updates on Utah car accident laws, visit londonharker.com.