Immediate Actions After a No-Fault Car Accident in Utah

Experiencing a car accident where you’re not at fault can provoke stress and overwhelm. In the aftermath of a no-fault accident in Utah, it’s crucial to take specific measures to safeguard your rights so you can get the compensation you deserve.

Call the Police

One of the first things you should do after a no-fault accident is to contact local law enforcement. Even if the accident seems minor, a police report is crucial for your insurance claim. The police report will document the accident’s details, including the location, time, and parties involved, as well as the officer’s opinion about who was at fault. This information can be valuable evidence for establishing fault and supporting your claim.

When the police arrive at the scene, provide them with a clear and concise account of what happened. Stick strictly to the facts and refrain from admitting fault or offering apologies, as such statements might be utilized against you in the future. If you have concerns about the accident or the other driver’s behavior, express them to the police officer before they file a police report or contact your police department.

Read more: What Happens If Your Uber Gets in an Accident

Exchange Contact and Insurance Information

After a no-fault accident, exchanging contact and insurance information with the other driver is crucial. Collect the following details:

• Full name and contact information of the other driver
• The other driver’s insurance company, the insurer’s phone number, and the driver’s policy number
• License plate number and a description of the other vehicle
• Contact information of any witnesses to the accident

These details will be crucial when you file your insurance claim or pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. If you have not exchanged information,

Document the Accident Scene

If it’s safe, photograph the accident scene. Use your smartphone to capture images of both vehicles’ damage, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. These photos can provide crucial evidence to support your claim and illustrate the extent of the harm.

In addition to taking pictures of the accident scene, make a note of any relevant details about the accident, such as:

• The precise location of the accident
• The date and time of the accident
• Weather and road conditions
• The direction each vehicle was traveling
• Any traffic signs or signals in the area
• What do you remember about how the accident occurred

These details in the accident report can support your case.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you don’t sense any injuries right after the accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. Certain injuries, like whiplash or concussions, might not manifest symptoms until hours or even days later. Undergoing a medical evaluation ensures that any injuries are accurately diagnosed and treated promptly.

Additionally, obtaining medical attention establishes a documented record of your injuries, which is invaluable when filing an insurance claim or seeking compensation. A medical record can streamline the process of showing that your injuries were caused by the accident directly. It is also important to get a copy of your medical bills as these might be needed by the court.

Notify Your Insurance Company

After any car accident, you should notify your insurance company immediately. Most insurance policies require timely reporting of accidents, and failure to do so could jeopardize your coverage.

Utah is a no-fault state. If you were injured in a car crash, you turn to your own insurance company first, regardless of who caused the crash. Your insurance coverage will pay for your medical expenses and possibly lost wages up to your policy limits. In Utah, the minimum required personal injury protection (PIP) coverage is $3,000.

Call your insurance company and provide them with the accident details, including all persons/property involved. Be sure to include the police report number and the other driver’s insurance information. They will likely assign an adjuster to your case. This adjuster will guide you through the claims process and investigate the accident themselves.

Someone Hit My Car: Whose Insurance Do I Call?

If you find yourself in a situation where someone else has collided with your vehicle and is determined to be at fault, you’ll first call your own auto insurance company.

In Utah, you can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company when your accident-related expenses exceed your PIP coverage limits or you’ve sustained a serious injury as outlined by state law

However, it’s important to be aware that the other driver’s insurance company may attempt to contest their policyholder’s liability for the accident. This could lead to delays or complications in obtaining compensation for the damage to your vehicle and any injuries you sustained. In such cases, having a skilled attorney to represent you and handle communications with the insurer is wise.

If the other driver’s insurer denies liability or refuses to adequately compensate you for your losses, your own insurance company can cover your losses if you purchased collision or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage ensures that you’re not left financially burdened due to someone else’s negligence on the road if they are improperly insured.

Property Damage and Repairs

After a no-fault accident, you’ll need to address any property damage to your vehicle. If the other driver was at fault, their insurance company should cover the cost of repairs or replacement and pay for damages. Obtain an estimate for the damages from a reputable auto repair shop and submit it to the other driver’s insurer.

If the other driver’s insurance company is difficult to deal with or if the insurer denies responsibility, having collision coverage allows you to file a claim with your insurer. Your insurance company will then pay for the repairs and go after the at-fault driver’s insurance company through subrogation.

Consult a Personal Injury Attorney

If you’ve suffered injuries in a no-fault accident, talk to a personal injury attorney before the statute of limitations lapses. An experienced attorney can guide you through the legal system, protect your rights, and fight to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

At London Harker Injury Law, our knowledgeable Sandy car accident attorneys and Provo car accident attorneys have extensive experience handling no-fault car accident cases in Utah. We understand the challenges you face and are committed to fighting for your rights every step of the way.

To learn more about how we can assist you after someone else injured you in a car accident, contact London Harker Injury Law at 77CARCRASH for a free consultation. Our team is here to answer your questions, discuss your legal options, and help you after a no-fault accident. Don’t wait to seek help after a traumatic event caused by someone else’s negligence.