Posted on Friday, June 20th, 2025 at 2:17 pm
Being involved in a car accident in Utah can be a traumatic and confusing experience, but knowing which steps to take—and which mistakes to avoid—can make all the difference in your physical recovery and financial outcome.
Many crash victims mistakenly believe they can handle the legal aftermath alone to save money. But with Utah’s complex personal injury laws and aggressive insurance tactics, a small error can cost you thousands in deserved compensation.
To protect your rights and improve your chances of a successful claim, here are 5 crucial mistakes to avoid after a car crash in Utah:
1. Failing to Call the Police
Not calling the police is one of the biggest mistakes you can make after an accident. A police report provides official documentation, which becomes crucial in proving fault and pursuing compensation.
Why It’s a Mistake:
Utah law requires a police report for accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $2,500. Without this documentation, your insurance claim may be delayed or denied, and you could even face legal penalties.
What to Do Instead:
Always call 911, even for minor accidents. Request an officer to file a formal report. If one is unavailable, collect names, contact info, and insurance details from everyone involved.
2. Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, some serious injuries—like whiplash, internal bleeding, or concussions—can take hours or days to show symptoms.
Why It’s a Mistake:
Delaying treatment allows insurance adjusters to argue your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t caused by the crash. Gaps in care can significantly weaken your claim.
What to Do Instead:
Seek medical attention immediately and follow your doctor’s recommendations. Keep records of every appointment and test. If you’re worried about medical costs, a personal injury attorney can help you arrange care through a lien or other deferred payment solutions.
3. Admitting Fault or Talking to the At-Fault Insurance Company
Simple statements like “I’m sorry” can be twisted into admissions of fault. Talking to the other driver’s insurance company without legal advice can also jeopardize your claim.
Why It’s a Mistake:
Insurance adjusters are trained to reduce payouts. They may record your conversation and use your words against you—even misinterpreting innocent remarks.
What to Do Instead:
Politely decline to discuss fault. Exchange only necessary information. Never give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without speaking to your attorney first. Let your legal team handle all communications.
4. Failing to Document the Scene and Evidence
Once tow trucks arrive and the road is cleared, crucial evidence can disappear. Photos, videos, and witness information can make or break your case.
Why It’s a Mistake:
Without proper documentation, it becomes difficult to prove the circumstances of the accident, especially if the other driver changes their story later.
What to Do Instead:
Use your phone to take detailed photos of the vehicles, the scene, your injuries, and road conditions. Capture license plates, driver’s licenses, and insurance cards. Get names and numbers of any eyewitnesses. This evidence will support your version of events.
5. Delaying Contact with a Personal Injury Attorney
Waiting too long to seek legal guidance can hurt your case. Valuable evidence fades, deadlines pass, and you may unknowingly accept a low settlement.
Why It’s a Mistake:
Insurance companies often offer quick, lowball settlements to unrepresented victims. Studies show that injury claims with attorneys typically recover up to 3x more, even after fees.
What to Do Instead:
Contact a qualified Utah car accident attorney as soon as possible. The earlier you get legal representation, the better your chances of recovering maximum compensation. Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations and only get paid if they win your case.
Protect Your Claim—Avoid These Common Pitfalls
Navigating a car accident in Utah involves more than just dealing with car repairs and insurance adjusters. To ensure your rights are protected and your recovery is fully compensated, avoid these costly mistakes—and consider working with a trusted legal advocate who can handle the heavy lifting for you.
For more expert tips on handling car accident cases, visit our Car Accident Blog Archive or schedule a consultation today with the experienced legal team at London Harker Injury Law.
