{"id":376716,"date":"2016-11-16T14:25:08","date_gmt":"2016-11-16T19:25:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/utah-law\/utah-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline.html"},"modified":"2024-06-06T13:15:41","modified_gmt":"2024-06-06T18:15:41","slug":"utah-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/utah-law\/utah-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline.html","title":{"rendered":"Utah Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Utah Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline<\/h1>\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, 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

At times, you may wonder which is worse: the auto accident itself or having to deal with insurance companies. Being in a car crash can be an emotional, physical, and financial nightmare. While never getting into a wreck would be optimal, being prepared for what to do<\/a> when you’re in one is a more realistic approach.<\/p>\r\n

For many people, their car is an indispensable mode of transportation that\u2019s essential to their daily routine. Whether commuting, grocery shopping, or taking the kids to school, your vehicle is a major part of your life. Getting it back as soon as possible might be your goal. But the hoops insurance companies make you jump through during an insurance claim<\/a> can be confusing and infuriating.<\/p>\r\n

In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step breakdown of the Utah car accident settlement process and timeline. You’ll learn about other important aspects of the procedure, such as Utah traffic laws, police accident reports<\/a>, fault and negligence, insurance requirements, and personal injury claims<\/a>. You’ll come away prepared for what will happen on your road to recovery.<\/p>\r\n

Read on to learn about the car accident settlement process and timeline in Utah.<\/p>\r\n

Fault and Negligence in Utah<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

In the moments after an auto accident, it’s natural to have a few questions. Whose fault was it? How does that get figured out? Where will the money for my medical treatments come from? What are my options?<\/p>\r\n

These are all legitimate concerns. Let’s discuss the answers.<\/p>\r\n

Fault in Utah<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

When it comes to car accidents, Utah is one of the few no-fault states<\/a>. This means that regardless of who is determined to be the most at fault for causing the accident, your medical expenses and property damage will be covered by your insurance, at least to start.<\/p>\r\n

You do have the option of filing a third-party claim<\/a> with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, but their obligation is to their policyholder. If you file a first-party claim with your insurance company and receive damages, your insurance company will likely seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier.<\/p>\r\n

Negligence in Utah<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

Things can get a little more complicated due to Utah using the doctrine of modified comparative negligence<\/a>. Under this system, you’re barred from being awarded any damages if you’re determined to have been more than 50% responsible for causing the accident.<\/p>\r\n

If you’re less than 50% responsible, you’re eligible to receive damages, but they’ll be reduced by the percentage of your blame. If your damages are $8,000 and you’re considered 10% responsible, you’d receive the sum of $7,200.<\/p>\r\n

Other conditions can affect your recovery in Utah as well. For an in-depth examination of what you can recover and how, take a look at FindLaw’s Utah Car Accident Compensation Laws<\/a> article.<\/p>\r\n

Police Reports and Car Accident Laws in Utah<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Are you aware that you have certain legal obligations after being in an auto accident in Utah? Knowing what’s required of you can make a huge difference going forward.<\/p>\r\n

After an Accident – What You Need To Do<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

No matter how minor the accident may seem, if you leave the scene<\/a> without at least exchanging information with the other driver(s), you risk facing a hit-and-run charge. You must call for the police to show up if any of the following apply:<\/p>\r\n