{"id":376714,"date":"2016-10-12T17:05:53","date_gmt":"2016-10-12T22:05:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/utah-law\/utah-car-accident-compensation-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-09-29T12:49:27","modified_gmt":"2024-09-29T17:49:27","slug":"utah-car-accident-compensation-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/utah-law\/utah-car-accident-compensation-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Utah Car Accident Compensation Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Utah Car Accident Compensation Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Losing access to a car is more than an inconvenience to many people. Automobiles are a critical part of our lives.<\/p>\r\n

The aftermath of an accident can bring up questions you might not be ready for. How quickly can I get my car back? Who is going to pay for the damages? If I get injured in a car crash, who will cover my medical expenses?<\/p>\r\n

Knowing what to expect<\/a> and what to do after an auto accident can make your life much easier.<\/p>\r\n

Learn about your legal responsibilities after a crash in Utah, what you should try to do at the accident scene<\/a>, how to begin the insurance claim process<\/a>, and what damages you can seek.<\/p>\r\n

Read on to learn what you need to know about car accident compensation laws in Utah.<\/p>\r\n

Utah Car Accident Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

While many driving laws are similar from state to state, several in Utah are unique. Awareness of them will help reduce confusion and complications after an accident. Let’s examine some of the most important ones in Utah.<\/p>\r\n

Fault and Negligence Laws in Utah<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

After an accident, it’s normal to want to know who caused the crash. If someone caused the wreck, it seems only fair that they should pay for the damage.<\/p>\r\n

In Utah, it’s more complicated. Utah is a no-fault state<\/a>, meaning your insurance will cover your medical treatments and accident-related injuries you’ve suffered, at least to start. You may be able to collect from an at-fault driver if your case meets certain conditions.<\/p>\r\n

Utah also follows the modified comparative negligence<\/a> rule. You can’t recover any damages if you’re the driver who is more than 50% responsible for causing the accident. Suppose you’re less than 50% responsible. In that case, you’re eligible for damages. These damages get reduced by the amount you were at fault.<\/p>\r\n

What does that mean? Let’s say your damages are $8,000. You were 25% responsible for causing the accident. You would receive $6,000 (25% of $8,000 is $2,000, so $8,000 – $2,000 = $6,000).<\/p>\r\n

The laws affecting recovery after an auto accident in the state of Utah can be frustrating. If you’re having difficulty, you aren’t alone. Consider talking to a Utah car accident lawyer<\/a> for legal advice.<\/p>\r\n

Utah Mandatory Liability Auto Insurance Laws<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

If you’re going to drive in Utah, you must have a certain amount of liability insurance.<\/p>\r\n

First, you must carry at least $3,000 of personal injury protection (PIP). This covers your medical expenses and those of others injured while in your vehicle. If your injuries keep you from working or performing certain tasks that you normally can, PIP will cover some of the expenses<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Suppose you exhaust your PIP limit. And another driver is at fault in your accident.<\/p>\r\n

In that case, you can seek relief despite Utah’s no-fault laws if:<\/p>\r\n