Understanding Utah Car Accident Laws

Every state handles car accidents differently, and Utah’s laws have some surprises that could affect your ability to recover compensation after a collision. Unlike the majority of states, Utah follows a no-fault insurance system, which means your own insurance covers initial expenses regardless of who caused the crash. 

However, this system has specific rules about when you can pursue claims against the at-fault driver, what happens when you are partially responsible for the collision, and even how long you can file a claim. Knowing these details makes all the difference in protecting your rights and getting the compensation you deserve. You may also reach out to our car accident attorneys in St. George for a free consultation and help near you.

When Are You Required to Report a Car Accident to the Police?

Not every car accident in Utah requires a police report, but significant crashes do trigger reporting requirements. According to Utah Code Section 41-6a-402, you must report an accident to the Utah Department of Public Safety when it involves injury, death, or property damage of $2,500 or more. If your accident meets these criteria, the department can require you to file a detailed report within 10 days of their request. 

Even when damage looks minor at first, reporting the accident is often a very smart move. A police report creates an official record that becomes valuable when dealing with insurance companies or considering legal action later. Always call 911 after the accident to initiate this report and document important evidence. 

Utah’s No-Fault Insurance Requirements and Limitations

Utah operates under a no-fault car insurance system. This means that your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage pays for medical treatment and other out-of-pocket losses for anyone covered under your policy, regardless of who caused the accident.

Utah requires all drivers to carry at least $3,000 in personal injury protection coverage. This requirement applies continuously throughout your vehicle’s registration period if you are a Utah resident. Non-residents must also maintain no-fault insurance if their vehicle has been physically present in Utah for 90 days during the previous 365 days, and this coverage must remain in effect while the vehicle stays in the state.

Your PIP coverage typically extends to several categories of people: 

• You as the vehicle owner and policyholder
• Any passengers riding in your vehicle who do not have their own car insurance coverage
• Anyone who borrows your vehicle with your permission
• Pedestrians injured in an accident involving your vehicle

The benefits provided by PIP coverage include payment of medical bills for car accident injuries, compensation for accident-related lost income, a special allowance for tasks you cannot perform due to your injuries, and funeral or burial benefits if the accident results in death. However, PIP coverage does not include compensation for your pain and suffering, such as chronic pain, permanent disability, or emotional distress.

The Threshold for Filing a Claim Against the At-Fault Driver 

Utah’s no-fault system covers your immediate expenses, but you have the right to step outside of this system and secure additional damages. You can pursue a liability insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit against the driver who caused your accident. However, your case must meet certain requirements.

To file a claim against the at-fault driver, you need either $3,000 in medical bills or specific serious injuries. The qualifying serious injuries include permanent disability, permanent impairment, permanent disfigurement, or dismemberment.

Once you meet either threshold, you can pursue full compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver. This opens the door to pain and suffering damages and other losses that no-fault coverage does not include. An attorney can assess your situation and determine if your case allows you to step outside of the no-fault system.

Additional Insurance Coverage Requirements in Utah

Beyond the mandatory $3,000 in personal injury protection coverage, Utah requires vehicle owners to carry additional liability insurance. You must maintain:

• $25,000 in liability coverage per person for bodily injury you cause
• $65,000 total liability coverage per accident when multiple people suffer bodily injuries
• $15,000 per accident for property damage you cause

These minimum coverage amounts might seem adequate, but they can prove insufficient in serious accidents where damages exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars—or even more. If you are found responsible for causing a crash and the injured parties’ losses exceed your policy limits, you may be personally responsible for the difference. Your personal assets, including your home, savings, and future earnings, could be at risk to cover any shortfall.

Utah’s Statute of Limitations for Filing a Car Accident Claim

In Utah, you have four years from the date of your car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. While this might seem like plenty of time, the reality is that building a strong case requires immediate action. If you do not file in time, you can lose your right to compensation permanently. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the deadline and your case is built on the strongest possible foundation.

Comparative Negligence Rules in Car Accident Lawsuits

Utah follows a modified comparative negligence system in car accident cases, which can significantly impact your compensation. Under this law, if you bear some responsibility for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if a jury determines that you’re 20% at fault for an accident and awards you $100,000 in damages, you would receive $80,000 after the 20% reduction. However, there is a critical cutoff point: if you are found to be 50% or more at fault for the accident, you are completely barred from recovering any damages.

Insurance companies and opposing attorneys will work to assign you as much blame as possible so that they do not have to pay maximum compensation. In this situation, it is vital to work with a lawyer who can build a strong case to minimize your fault percentage and protect your right to compensation.

Trust a Utah Car Accident Attorney to Protect Your Rights

Navigating Utah’s complex car accident laws requires experienced legal guidance. The interplay between no-fault insurance requirements, threshold determinations, comparative negligence rules, and strict time limits can overwhelm accident victims who are already dealing with injuries and financial stress.

In these situations, you need a injury attorney near you in St. George on your side who can protect your rights and fight for the settlement you deserve. Backed by decades of experience and a proven track record of results, We Win Injury Law will guide you through every step of your claim with confidence and clarity. Contact us today at (435) 688-9558 to protect your rights and maximize your potential compensation.