WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT IN UTAH

If you're involved in a car accident in Utah you must stop at the scene of the accident. If there has been an injury or death of any person OR property damage in the amount of $1,000.00 or more, you must call the police.

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If an auto that you own is involved in an accident and the person driving was physically incapable of making an accident report, then you as the owner of the vehicle are required to, within 15 days after becoming aware of the accident, make the accident report.

You are required to give to any person involved in the accident your name, address and registration number of the auto you're operating and to show them your driver's license if asked for. Be sure to also get the insurance information of the person/s who caused the accident.

If the person does not stop, do your very best to get the license number of the vehicle. Today, more and more drivers are going without insurance. If such a person causes a car accident in Utah, and he is unable to buy insurance, he's likely unable to provide any money for your injuries or damage to your property. You'll then have to rely on your own uninsured motorist coverage. Be sure you have adequate insurance of this kind.

Both drivers must identify themselves to each other, after a car accident in Utah. Likewise, identify all passengers and witnesses. You will need their names, addresses and phone numbers.

Make a diagram of the accident, showing the positions of the autos before, during, and after impact. Measure skid marks (if possible), note the positions of traffic lights and street signs, estimate the respective driving speeds, and record details about the weather and road conditions.

If possible, have photographs taken of accident scene and of any damage or injury from the car accident in Utah.

VERY IMPORTANT: Do not admit any fault for the accident. Do not volunteer information or comment on the accident. Do not sign any pieces of paper nor agree to pay for damages. You should, however, cooperate with police officers investigating the case. You must sign traffic tickets--but this in itself is not an admission of guilt or wrongdoing, after a car accident in Utah.

You must take an alcohol test if requested, after a car accident in Utah, or risk losing your license for one year. Advise the officer of basic facts, without adding personal comments or interpretations. Keep calm.

As soon after the accident as possible, it would be a good idea to be checked out by a doctor. Even if there are no initial signs of pain, there might have been damage done to the neck or spine.

Sometimes people get injured in car accidents in Utah but because those injuries don't always show up immediately, they don't seek medical treatment promptly. If a short time after your auto accident, you or one of your passengers develop pain in the neck or back or you feel you're suffering from a mental or emotional disability caused by injuries to the head, see a doctor.

If you have a head injury, you may need to see a neurologist. At the very least consult a chiropractor with respect to back and neck injuries.

If your injuries cause permanent injury, or you have medical expenses in excess of $3,000.00, you are entitled to file a claim for pain and suffering against the person at fault. The law permits you to recover damages (money) for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life, etc.

Shortly after car accident in Utah you will likely be contacted by a claims adjustor from your own or another parties' insurance company. Be careful. If you feel you have no injuries at the time and tell that to the adjustor, and later on it develops that you had injuries that you were unaware of, (this is very common in whiplash cases,) the adjustor is sure to bring it up, and remind you of it, in an effort to keep the settlement as low as possible.

More Utah Automobile Accident Legal Advice.

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