Breaking Down Recent Changes to Utah Injury Laws in 2025: What You Need to Know

Utah lawmakers enacted significant changes to personal injury law during the 2025 legislative session, impacting car accidents, product liability, health insurance coverage, and more. These updates aim to refine existing frameworks and address evolving needs, making it crucial for residents and legal professionals to understand the implications of these new laws.

This guide breaks down the key updates to Utah injury laws—so you’re informed and prepared to protect your rights.

Utah Car Accident Laws: What’s New for 2025

The 2025 legislative session brought notable updates to auto accident laws, primarily focusing on financial protection for accident victims and clarifying Utah’s no-fault system.

Increased Minimum Car Insurance Requirements

As of January 1, 2025, Utah requires higher minimum auto liability coverage:

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

Driving without insurance remains a Class B misdemeanor, with fines ranging from $400 for a first offense to $1,000 for repeat violations.

Utah’s No-Fault (PIP) System

Utah follows a no-fault insurance system, meaning your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance pays for certain damages regardless of fault.

Under Utah Code §31A-22-307:

• At least $3,000 in medical expenses per person
• Lost wages – the lesser of $250 per week or 85% of income lost
• Household services – up to $20/day
• Funeral and burial expenses – up to $1,500
• Wrongful death benefit – up to $3,000

To step outside of no-fault and sue the at-fault driver, you must meet Utah’s serious injury threshold under Utah Code §31A-22-309, which includes:

• At least $3,000 in medical bills
• Permanent disability or impairment
• Permanent disfigurement
• Dismemberment

PIP Subrogation Deadlines

A major area of debate is the statute of limitations for PIP subrogation claims. Most insurers follow the three-year deadline under Utah Code §78B-2-305(4) and §31A-21-313, though some argue contractual provisions could extend the timeline. Because of this uncertainty, insurers generally default to three years.

Comparative Fault: Utah’s “50% Rule”

Utah applies a modified comparative fault system under Utah Code §78B-5-817 to 823:

• You may only recover if you are less than 50% at fault.
• If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages.
• Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Product Liability Amendments

SB 160 (Product Liability Amendments) clarified that a product is defective only if it is “unreasonably dangerous” when sold. Plaintiffs are not required to prove a safer alternative design to recover damages.

Health Insurance Coverage Updates

Other 2025 updates include:

• Essential Health Benefits (EHB): The state benchmark plan must include benefits from 2012–2025 plus federal mandates.
• Preauthorization Notices: Insurers must provide 30 days’ notice online before changing requirements.

Statute of Limitations in Utah Injury Cases

• Car accident injuries: 4 years
• Property damage: 3 years
• Wrongful death: 2 years (Utah Code §78B-2-304)
• Claims against government entities: Shorter notice deadlines

For PIP subrogation, the safest practice is still to file within three years of the date of loss.

Why These Updates Matter

Insurance companies understand these new laws and may use them to dispute claims or reduce payouts. Knowing your rights—and the 2025 legal updates—is essential to protecting yourself.

Get Help from a Utah Injury Attorney

If you’ve been injured, navigating Utah’s no-fault system, comparative fault rules, and updated statutes can be overwhelming. An experienced Utah personal injury attorney can ensure your claim is documented properly, deadlines are met, and you recover the compensation you deserve.