Reasons To Hire A Lawyer After A Car Accident

If you were involved in a car accident in Utah, you may be entitled to a financial settlement. While filing an insurance claim might seem like the standard response, sometimes pursuing a lawsuit becomes necessary to secure fair compensation. Deciding between these paths requires a careful assessment of both Utah’s insurance laws and the circumstances surrounding your accident.

Understanding Utah’s No-Fault Car Accident System

Utah operates under a no-fault insurance system, which affects your options after an accident. Under this system, your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage pays for your medical expenses and certain economic losses regardless of who caused the accident. This helps resolve minor claims quickly, but it also limits your ability to pursue compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

To step outside Utah’s no-fault system and pursue an insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver, your situation must meet specific thresholds. You must have either incurred at least $3,000 in medical expenses or suffered a serious injury that qualifies as:

• Permanent disability
• Permanent impairment
• Permanent disfigurement
• Dismemberment

Reach out to our car accident attorneys in St. George for help on your car accident claim.

The Differences Between Filing a Lawsuit versus an Insurance Claim

Insurance claims are the standard first step after a car accident. You submit paperwork to an insurance company, which investigates your case and typically offers a settlement within a few weeks. This process is faster but can often result in lower compensation, as insurers aim to resolve claims quickly and pay as little as possible to protect their bottom lines.

Lawsuits involve the court system. You file legal documents, gather evidence through formal procedures, and either reach a settlement or go to trial. Though these claims take longer to resolve, lawsuits typically yield higher compensation that fully accounts for both your current and future losses.

Reasons Why You Might Want to Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident

If your case meets Utah’s threshold requirements, filing a lawsuit can provide several advantages over relying solely on insurance claims. You may want to file a lawsuit after a car accident if:

• Your injuries exceed the coverage limits of available insurance policies. The at-fault driver’s coverage may be insufficient to cover very serious damage, leaving you financially vulnerable.
• You’re experiencing long-term or permanent disabilities requiring ongoing care. Future medical costs, adaptive equipment, and lifestyle modifications can amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars that only a lawsuit can fully address.
• The at-fault driver was grossly negligent or driving under the influence. In cases of extreme negligence, you may be entitled to punitive damages that serve to punish particularly reckless behavior and deter similar conduct in the future.
• The insurance company is offering an unreasonably low settlement. Filing a lawsuit demonstrates your seriousness and willingness to pursue full compensation, often prompting more reasonable settlement offers before trial.

Strategize Your Next Steps with a Utah Car Accident Lawyer Today

Deciding whether to file a lawsuit or insurance claim after a car accident can be a tricky decision. In these situations, a St. George personal injury attorney can evaluate your case’s strength, calculate your full damages (including future expenses), negotiate effectively with insurance companies, and prepare your case for court if necessary. 

Most reputable attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency fees, meaning you pay nothing unless they secure compensation for you. Contact a Utah car accident lawyer today to learn more about your options and begin your journey toward recovery.