Recovering Damages Following a Car Accident in Utah: Importance of Legal Representation

Car accidents can inflict significant monetary losses on the victim. Thankfully, the at-fault driver can be held liable for the injuries and damages suffered by the victim. With the help of a car accident attorney, injured victims have a better chance of securing maximum compensation. If you have been in a Utah accident, you want to learn more about how car insurance and compensation works in the state below:

Car Accident Compensation Laws in Utah

Under state law, a party who is found to be less than 50% at fault for an accident may be able to recover up to 49 percent of court-awarded damages. Also, drivers who sustained injuries in an accident and incur medical bills because of it should seek monetary compensation from their insurer through their personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. 

A car accident claim can cover the injured driver’s medical expenses, out-of-pocket costs, and lost income. But PIP policies don’t cover pain and suffering. PIP covers the policy owner and their passengers. Also, it covers some funeral expenses that can arise from a deadly accident. But if you sustain serious and permanent damage after a car accident, a skilled lawyer can seek monetary recovery from the insurance provider of the at-fault driver. 

Steps to Take for Maximum Recovery

After a car accident in Utah, here are steps you can take to ensure your safety and recover maximum compensation for your damages:

• Call the police. In Utah, you need to report an accident that leads to injury, property damage (more than $1, 500), or death. Ignoring this law can lead to steep penalties. By reporting the crash to law enforcement, you protect your legal rights and physical health. The police can investigate the accident and prepare an accident report. Such a report is crucial evidence when negotiating claim settlements with the at-fault party. 
• Exchange information with the other driver involved. Check on everyone involved in the accident. Exchange information with the other motorist like the name, license plate number, and insurance coverage. But never discuss how the accident happened or speculate on who caused it. 
• Seek medical attention. No matter how you feel after an accident, seek immediate medical attention. Adrenaline can mask your symptoms and injuries and make it hard to notice conditions such as whiplash. A doctor can conduct a medical assessment to get a full picture of your health. Also, they can crate a record of all your injuries that indicate their cause. This recovery can be crucial evidence when seeking financial compensation.
• Document everything. After an accident, people can forget significant details. Documentation can help maximize your settlement. Collect evidence while you can still remember details of the crash. Take photos of the crash scene from several angles and capture vehicle damage, traffic signals, and skid marks. Try to note down the time, date, and weather conditions that might be a factor in the collision. Also, obtain the names and contact details of witnesses. Your lawyer can use such details to establish liability and get support for your claim. 
• Limit talks with insurance adjusters. Adjusters will contact you after the crash. Although you should cooperate with your insurer, be cautious when you talk to the insurance company of the other driver. The insurance adjuster will reduce your claim’s value. They usually use high-pressure tactics to get you to say something that can jeopardize your claim. Ideally, you should not speak with them before you can consult with an attorney. Your attorney can handle talks with the insurance adjuster. And when it’s time to negotiate a settlement, your attorney can take care of this for you. They will advise against accepting the initial settlement offer from the adjuster without a legal consultation.