Salt Lake City Car Accident Attorneys

Fighting for Maximum Compensation for Car Crash Victims

Car accidents are a leading cause of injury and death in the U.S., and if you've been injured in a crash, you need an advocate to help protect your rights and seek maximum compensation. In addition to understanding their state’s unique car accident laws, motorists should fully grasp the components of their insurance policy and know why they should work with an injury attorney throughout the process. Our team of car accident lawyers in Salt Lake City are here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

At Pearson Butler, our personal injury attorneys have helped countless clients across Utah work with their insurance companies and recover the compensation they need and deserve after an accident. We know you’re likely facing mounting medical bills and lost wages, and we’re prepared to help you get your life back on track.

If you have been in a car crash in Salt Lake City, contact the auto accident legal team at Pearson Butler to discuss the details of your case in a free consultation!

Common Causes of Car Accidents

While car accidents have many different causes, the majority of car accidents happen as a result of human error. Whether by accident or by deliberately negligent behavior, people are the common factor in car accidents across the country.

As such, some of the most common causes of car accidents include the following:

• Distracted driving

• Drunk driving

• Drowsy driving

• Driving too fast

• Driving too slow

• Swerving in between lanes

• Defective equipment

• Hazardous road conditions

• Poor weather conditions

Since most car accidents occur due to human error, it’s in your best interest to work with a car accident attorney who can help you prove that the other driver was at-fault in the crash. This will help you recover compensation from the other driver and their car insurance company.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Salt Lake City

The steps you take immediately following a car accident will greatly affect your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and physical damage to your vehicle.

Therefore, make sure to take the following steps to protect your rights in the wake of an accident:

1. Check to see if anyone requires medical attention. Call the paramedics if anyone needs assistance and help as necessary until they arrive.

2. Contact the authorities. Make sure to file a police report when the responding officer arrives at the scene. This will help support your claim that the other driver was at-fault in the accident.

3. Obtain the other driver’s information. This includes their name, address, vehicle license number, driver’s license number, and insurance information.

4. Get the contact information for witnesses at the scene. Make sure to collect their testimony of what occurred during the accident as well.

5. Take photos. Capture photographic evidence of injuries and physical damage sustained at the scene.

6. Seek medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, seek medical attention and retain all records of your treatment.

7. Don’t speak with the other driver about the accident. Even a simple apology may later be used against you. Avoid discussing details of the accident with the other driver.

8. Contact a car accident attorney. A qualified attorney can help you through the legal process and increase your chances of recovering maximum possible attention.​

​Understanding Your Car Insurance Policy in Utah

It’s important to keep in mind that your car insurance policy may dictate the compensation you do or do not receive in the wake of an accident. The basic elements of a car insurance policy are listed below:

• Liability Insurance: Utah law mandates that all drivers carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. This coverage helps pay for damages to another person's property or injuries they sustain in an accident caused by you. However, it's important to note that your liability coverage limits may not be sufficient to cover all potential damages.

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: This coverage is highly recommended for Utah drivers. It provides financial protection if you're involved in an accident with a driver who is uninsured or underinsured.

• Collision insurance: This coverage helps pay for repairs to your vehicle if it's damaged in a collision, regardless of who is at fault. You'll be responsible for paying a deductible before your insurance company covers the remaining costs.

• Comprehensive Insurance: This coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle caused by non-collision events, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. Like collision insurance, you'll typically need to pay a deductible.

Utah’s Car Accident Laws

In addition to understanding your car insurance policy, you should understand the car accident laws unique to your state—namely, whether your state is an at-fault or a no-fault state.

Utah is one of approximately 12 states in the country that has a no-fault insurance system. Under no-fault laws in Utah, your own car insurance company pays for medical treatment and other out-of-pocket expenses after an accident. This differs from most other at-fault states that dictate that the at-fault driver and their insurance company are responsible for footing the bill after a crash.

Despite this, your own insurance company can be difficult to deal with in the wake of an accident. Though we pay them a premium to be covered in the event of a crash, they will look for any excuse not to pay up when we need them most. This is why it’s in your best interest to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you through the process.

Calculating Car Accident Liability in Salt Lake City, UT

Understanding who is at fault in a car accident is crucial when seeking compensation for damages. In Utah, like many states, liability is typically determined based on principles of negligence.

Key Factors in Determining Liability:

• Negligence: This legal concept involves a driver's failure to exercise reasonable care, leading to an accident.
• Comparative Negligence: Utah follows a modified comparative negligence law. This means that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How Comparative Negligence Works in Utah:

• 50% Rule: If you are found to be 50% or more at fault for the accident, you will not be able to recover any damages.
• Reduced Damages: If you are found to be less than 50% at fault, your damages will be reduced proportionally. For example, if you are 25% at fault, your recovery will be reduced by 25%.

Protecting Your Rights After a Car Crash in Salt Lake City

There are two main elements to protecting yourself after a car crash: gathering evidence and not admitting fault.

Important evidence to gather at the accident scene include, but are not limited to, the following:

• A copy of the police report

• Photos of physical damage and injuries

• Medical records that explain your treatment

• Contact and insurance information of the other driver and any witnesses

• Footage from nearby traffic or security cameras

Aside from collecting evidence, it’s important to remember not to apologize after an accident. While it may seem like a natural thing to do, it could jeopardize your accident claim in the future.

Involved in a Car Accident? Contact Us Today

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident caused by another’s negligence, we’re here to help. At Pearson Butler, we have extensive experience protecting the rights of the injured and the wronged, and we’re here to fight for you, too.

Contact us today at (800) 265-2314 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.