What to Do After a Car Accident in Utah
A car accident can happen in seconds, but what you do in the hours and days after can shape everything — your health, your insurance claim, and any legal case you may have. If you were in a crash in Utah, this guide walks you through the steps in plain English so you know exactly where to stand.
Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe and Call 911
Your first priority is safety. Move vehicles out of traffic if it is safe to do so, turn on hazard lights, and check on everyone involved. Call 911 right away if anyone is injured, even if injuries seem minor. Emergency responders will arrive, provide medical care, and — importantly — file an official police report.
That police report becomes one of the most important documents in your claim. It records the scene, notes any traffic violations, and often includes the responding officer's initial opinion on who was at fault.
Never leave the scene before police arrive. Under Utah law (Utah Code § 41-6a-401), leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death is a criminal offense.
Step 2: Exchange Information and Document Everything
While waiting for police, collect the following from every driver involved:
- Full name and contact information
- Driver's license number
- License plate number
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Vehicle make, model, and color
Use your phone to photograph everything: vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signs, injuries, and the overall scene. Photos taken immediately after a crash are often the strongest evidence you will have.
Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Independent witnesses carry significant weight with insurance companies and juries.
Step 3: Seek Medical Attention — Even If You Feel Fine
Some injuries, like whiplash, concussions, and soft-tissue damage, do not show up right away. Adrenaline can mask pain for hours or even days. See a doctor as soon as possible after the accident — ideally the same day.
This protects your health first and foremost. It also creates a medical record that links your injuries directly to the crash. Insurance companies often argue that a gap in treatment means the injuries were not serious or were caused by something else. Do not give them that opening.
Keep records of every medical visit, prescription, and out-of-pocket expense.
Step 4: Understand Utah's Fault and Insurance Rules
Utah is a no-fault insurance state. That means after a crash, you first file a claim with your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage — regardless of who caused the accident. Utah requires drivers to carry a minimum of $3,000 in PIP coverage.
PIP pays for your medical bills and a portion of lost wages up to your policy limit, without needing to prove fault.
However, you can step outside the no-fault system and file a claim against the at-fault driver if your injuries meet certain thresholds under Utah Code § 31A-22-309. Those thresholds include:
- Medical expenses exceeding $3,000, OR
- A bone fracture, OR
- Permanent disability or disfigurement, OR
- Death
If your injuries meet one of these thresholds, you may have the right to pursue additional compensation for pain and suffering, future medical costs, and other damages.
Utah also follows a modified comparative fault rule (Utah Code § 78B-5-818). If you were partly at fault for the crash, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages at all. This is why it matters to have an accurate account of how the accident happened.
Step 5: Notify Your Insurance Company — Carefully
Report the accident to your own insurance company promptly. Most policies require timely notice. Be factual: give the basic details of when, where, and what happened.
You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company. If their adjuster calls, you can politely decline until you understand your rights. Adjusters are trained to settle claims quickly and for as little as possible. Anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim.
If you are unsure what to say, start a free intake with our 24/7 AI before speaking with any insurance adjuster.
Step 6: Know Utah's Statute of Limitations
In Utah, you generally have four years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Utah Code § 78B-2-307). If someone was killed, surviving family members have two years to file a wrongful death claim.
Four years may sound like plenty of time, but evidence fades, witnesses move, and memories blur. Acting sooner is almost always better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a police report even for a minor accident in Utah?
Utah law requires you to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $2,500 (Utah Code § 41-6a-404). Even for smaller crashes, a police report creates an official record that can be valuable if a dispute arises later. When in doubt, call it in.
What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?
Utah requires drivers to carry liability insurance, but uninsured drivers exist. If you are hit by an uninsured driver, your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage — which Utah requires insurers to offer — may cover your losses. Review your policy and speak with a legal professional to understand your options.
How much is my Utah car accident case worth?
No attorney or tool can honestly promise a specific dollar amount. Your case value depends on the severity of your injuries, how long recovery takes, lost income, property damage, and how clearly fault can be established. A personal injury attorney can review the specific facts of your case and give you a realistic picture.
Should I accept the insurance company's first settlement offer?
Generally, no — at least not without careful review. First offers are often lower than what the claim may actually be worth, especially if your full medical costs are not yet known. Once you accept a settlement, you typically give up the right to seek more compensation later.
Do I need a lawyer for a car accident in Utah?
Not every accident requires an attorney. For minor fender-benders with no injuries, you may handle it on your own. But if you were injured, missed work, or the other driver disputes fault, having an attorney review your case can make a significant difference. Most personal injury lawyers in Utah work on a contingency fee — meaning you pay nothing unless they recover money for you.
Taking the right steps after a crash protects both your health and your legal rights. You do not have to figure it all out alone.
Talk to our 24/7 AI to see if you have a strong case — free, no obligation. → Start free intake