Top 5 Things to Do If You Are Involved in an Car Accident In Utah

1.  Attend to Injuries

Get medical attention immediately for yourself and others who may be injured.  If necessary, call 911. It is best to seek attention quickly, even if you are not sure that you need it. You may be in shock and not notice your own injuries.

Make sure to follow-up with additional concerns, describe how your injures occurred, and express all symptoms and concerns.  It is also very important to follow the advice of your doctor and other healthcare providers.

2.  Be Careful About What You Say

When talking to the police or highway patrol about the accident, it is important to be truthful, but to also keep your comments minimal. Limit yourself to asking if anyone was hurt. You shouldNOT:

  • Apologize
  • Admit it was your fault
  • Say "I didn't see you" or anything of the kind

Comments like these could be taken as an admission of fault. At this stage, it is often too early to determine fault, and you do not want to risk damaging your case down the road.

3.  Report the Accident

Call 911 to report the accident. Utah law requires accidents be reported immediately to law enforcement.  See Utah Code Annotated §41-6a-401 and 41-6a-401.7.  This is not only required by law, it also creates written evidence of the accident and helps document fault.

4.  Obtain Information

  • Obtain the name, address, insurance information, vehicle license number and driver's license number of everyone involved in the accident.
  • Get the names, addresses and telephone numbers of all witnesses.
  • Photograph the accident scene, including all vehicles involved (before repairing) and any visible injuries (e.g., cuts, bruises).

5.  Contact an Attorney

It is important to contact an experienced Utah personal injury lawyer immediately who specializes in personal injury claims.  Early legal representation can help preserve your claim and ensure the maximum recovery.  If you or a loved one has been injured in a car or truck accident, please talk to an attorney in your area.  Don't rely on the insurance company to represent your interests.