What to Do After a Car Accident in Utah_ Advice From a Top Attorney

1. What to Do After a Car Accident in Utah: Advice From a Top Attorney Car accidents happen every day, and no one expects to be in one. Yet, when they occur, the moments afterward can be overwhelming. From medical needs to legal steps, knowing what to do after a crash in Utah helps protect your rights and well-being. This guide, based on insights from a top car accident attorney in Utah, explains each step clearly. If you're ever in a collision, you’ll know what to do, who to call, and how to move forward with confidence. Make Safety Your Top Priority The first thing to do after a car crash is to check for injuries. If you or anyone else is hurt, call 911 right away. Getting emergency medical help is the most important step. If the cars are in a dangerous spot, like the middle of a busy road, try to move to a safer area, only if it's safe to do so. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. Always stay at the scene of the crash. Leaving too soon can cause legal trouble.

2. Call the Police Utah law requires drivers to report most crashes. If there’s an injury, death, or significant damage to property, call the police. An officer will arrive to document the scene and write a report. The police report is important. It becomes part of the official record, and a car crash lawyer in Utah can use it later if you decide to take legal action. Ask the officer how to get a copy of the report. Gather Important Information While waiting for the police, collect key details. This helps build a clear picture of the accident later on. Here’s what to gather: ● Names, phone numbers, and addresses of all drivers involved ● Driver’s license and license plate numbers ● Insurance company names and policy numbers ● Contact information for any witnesses ● Location of the accident ● Time and weather conditions Use your phone to take pictures of the damage, road signs, skid marks, and injuries. These photos help prove what happened. Get Medical Attention Even if you feel fine, see a doctor. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, don’t show up right away. A doctor can spot these problems early. Make sure to keep records of your visits, treatments, and any bills. This paperwork will support your case if you need to file a claim or lawsuit. Delaying care can affect both your health and your legal claim. An experienced lawyer can explain how medical records play a key role in getting the compensation you deserve. Know Your Legal Options Utah follows a no-fault insurance system. This means your insurance usually covers medical bills and lost income, no matter who caused the crash.

3. However, if your injuries are serious or the costs go beyond what your policy covers, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the driver who is at fault. In these cases, talking to a trusted car accident attorney in Utah makes a difference. Here’s when it’s wise to get legal help: ● You suffered broken bones or long-term injuries ● A loved one died in the crash ● The other driver blames you ● You feel unsure about how to deal with the insurance company Don’t Settle Too Quickly After a crash, you might get a settlement offer from the other driver’s insurance company. While the money may seem helpful right away, it might not be enough to cover all your costs. Once you accept a settlement, you usually can’t go back and ask for more. It’s important to understand the full value of your claim first. An experienced car crash lawyer in Utah can look at the offer and help you decide if it’s fair. They’ll also explain what you may be entitled to, such as: ● Medical bills ● Lost wages ● Pain and suffering ● Property damage ● Long-term treatment needs Watch What You Say and Post Anything you say after the crash can affect your claim. Avoid admitting fault, even if you feel partly responsible. The fault in a crash can be complex, and it's not always clear at the scene. Also, be careful about posting on social media. Insurance companies might use your posts against you. For example, if you say you're feeling fine, that could be used to argue that your injuries aren't serious. Let a car accident attorney in Utah speak on your behalf when dealing with the other party’s insurance. This ensures your words don’t get twisted.

4. Understand Utah’s Statute of Limitations In Utah, the law gives you four years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. If someone dies, the time limit to file a wrongful death claim is two years. Missing these deadlines means you lose the right to seek compensation. That’s why it’s smart to speak to a lawyer early, even if you’re still recovering. A skilled car crash lawyer in Utah can make sure you don’t miss any important legal steps or time limits. Consider Working With a Lawyer Handling the aftermath of a car accident can be stressful. Bills pile up. You may be in pain. And dealing with insurance adjusters can feel like a second job. A good lawyer handles the legal details while you focus on healing. From filing paperwork to negotiating with insurers, a legal team works to protect your rights and fight for fair payment. Working with a knowledgeablecar accident attorney in Utah gives you a strong advantage, especially when the other side has lawyers, too. Being in a car crash is frightening. But taking the right steps after the accident helps you regain control. Check for injuries, call for help, document everything, and seek medical care. Avoid talking too much at the scene and get legal advice before dealing with insurers. If you’re injured, unsure of your rights, or facing a complex situation, legal help is available. The team at Flickinger Bolton Robson Weeks helps accident victims across the state understand their options and move forward with peace of mind.