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Being hit by a car is scary and can turn your life upside down in seconds. The pain, trauma, and money stress can feel too much to handle. If you've been struck by a motor vehicle in Utah, knowing what to do next will protect your health and legal rights.
At Reshlaw Accident & Injury, we've helped many Utah residents in this exact situation. Our team understands what you're going through. Let us guide you through this tough time.
Due to Utah's specific environment and traffic patterns, getting hit by a car presents unique challenges. Understanding the local accident trends and special risk factors can help you understand your situation and recognize why these incidents happen so frequently on Utah roads.
Utah has seen a steady rise in car accidents each year. According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, there were over 63,000 motor vehicle crashes in 2023, with Salt Lake City, Provo, and Ogden reporting the highest numbers. High-traffic intersections like State Street and 400 South in Salt Lake City have become known hotspots for car accidents, with multiple serious crashes reported annually.
Utah's growing population plays a big role in this trend. More people mean more cars and more chances for accidents. This is true in fast-growing areas like Utah County, where road building hasn't kept up with new residents.
Utah's special geography and climate create extra risks for pedestrians. Mountain roads with sharp turns limit what drivers can see. In winter, ice makes it take longer for cars to stop. Tourist traffic adds risk, as visitors don't know local roads well. Utah Department of Public Safety data shows that dusk hours (4-7 PM) are most dangerous when fading light mixes with rush-hour traffic.
The moments right after being hit by a car are critical both for your health and any future legal claims. Taking the right actions at the accident scene can protect your well-being and preserve important evidence. Follow these guidelines to ensure you don't miss vital steps during this stressful time.
Your health comes first after being hit by a car. Even if you feel "fine," your body's natural response often hides pain through adrenaline. This can mask serious injuries like internal bleeding or head trauma.
While waiting for help, stay still if you feel pain in your neck or back. Check for visible injuries like cuts or bruises. Don't try to be tough—your body has been through trauma, and proper medical care is key for your health and any future legal claims.
Utah car accident laws require you to report any crash that causes injury, death, or property damage over $1,500. Always call the police to the scene. The police report serves as a neutral account of what happened and will be crucial when dealing with your insurance provider later.
When officers arrive, provide them with clear facts without assigning blame. Get the officer's name and badge number and ask how to obtain a copy of the report. This document becomes key evidence for filing an insurance claim or seeking legal assistance.
Create a thorough record of the accident scene to strengthen your case. If possible:
Capture images of your wounds, the vehicle involved in the collision, and the entire area where the incident occurred
Collect contact details from witnesses
Note details about vehicles involved (make, model, color, license plate numbers)
Write down the location, time, weather conditions, and other factors
These vital pieces of information help establish facts when seeking compensation. Don't forget to exchange information with the other driver, including insurance information and driver's license details.
Your medical care is the foundation of both your recovery and your legal case. Proper treatment not only helps you heal but also creates a record of your injuries. Many individuals injured in accidents often err by postponing treatment, which can worsen injuries and complicate claims. Here's what you need to know about medical care.
Some symptoms after a car crash demand immediate medical attention. Severe pain, dizziness, confusion, vision problems, or trouble breathing could signal serious issues. Even without these warning signs, get checked by a medical professional right away. Some injuries take time to appear but can be dangerous if left untreated. Emergency doctors will run tests to find hidden injuries, optimizing your recovery prospects.
Many pedestrian accidents cause injuries that need special care beyond emergency rooms. You might need to see:
Neurologists for brain injuries
Orthopedists for broken bones and joint damage
Physical therapists for soft tissue injuries
Some injuries, like whiplash or mild brain trauma, may not show up right away. Stick with your treatment plan and attend all follow-ups. Your health depends on it, and gaps in medical care can hurt your legal case.
Personal injury claims rely heavily on the foundation of medical records. They link your injuries to the accident and show how much you've suffered. Keep notes about your symptoms, treatments, and how injuries affect your daily life. Save all bills and paperwork from medical visits.
At Reshlaw Accident & Injury, we help organize these records into a clear timeline. We work with your medical providers to create a complete picture of your medical journey.
Utah's insurance system differs from many other states, with specific rules that affect how accident victims receive compensation. Knowing how these insurance requirements work is essential for getting your medical bills paid and recovering other damages. These rules can be confusing, but they determine what benefits you're entitled to after an accident.
Utah uses a "no-fault" car insurance system. After an accident, your own insurance company pays for medical bills and lost wages up to certain limits, regardless of who caused the crash. Every motorist in Utah is required to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage with a minimum limit of $3,000. For pedestrians hit by cars, the driver's PIP typically covers your immediate medical needs.
As a pedestrian hit by a car in Utah, the at-fault driver's PIP insurance covers your first $3,000 in medical expenses. This coverage starts right away. If your bills exceed $3,000 or you have permanent injuries, you can pursue a claim against the driver who hit you. File your PIP claim within ten days of the accident. If the driver lacks insurance, your own auto policy's uninsured motorist coverage may apply, even though you were walking.
Be careful when talking to the at-fault driver's insurance company. Claims adjusters seem friendly but want to pay you as little as possible. Never give recorded statements without legal advice from a personal injury lawyer. Your words might be twisted.
Quick settlement offers are usually much lower than what you deserve. Let a Utah car accident lawyer handle these talks for you. At Reshlaw, we deal directly with insurance companies while you focus on healing.
Utah's legal procedures create a framework for how accident claims proceed. From deadlines for filing paperwork to rules about shared fault, these legal details can significantly impact your case outcome. Collaborating with a personal injury attorney who is well-versed in Utah's car accident regulations helps you avoid overlooking essential legal obligations that might impact your settlement.
Utah's legal procedures give you four years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. This may seem like plenty of time, but building a strong case takes time. Evidence can disappear quickly. Some cases have shorter time limits—if a government vehicle hits you, you may have just one year. Missing these deadlines usually means losing your right to compensation, so contact a lawyer soon.
Utah follows "modified comparative negligence" rules that can affect your payment if you were partly at fault. Your recovery gets reduced by your fault percentage. For example, if you've found 20% responsible (maybe for crossing outside a crosswalk), your compensation drops by 20%.
If you've found more than 50% at fault, you get nothing under Utah laws. This makes strong legal representation crucial to counter claims that you contributed to the accident.
Not all car accidents in Utah have a clear responsibility. Multiple parties might share fault:
The driver
Vehicle owner
Employer (if it was a commercial vehicle)
Government entities responsible for road design
Identifying all liable parties is essential to maximize your recovery, especially in serious injury cases with high medical bills.
If you've sustained significant injuries, pursuing a car accident lawsuit might be necessary to obtain just compensation. These legal actions require careful preparation and strong evidence to succeed. The steps you take before and during your lawsuit can make a major impact on your eventual financial recovery and hold negligent drivers accountable.
Beyond initial evidence, gather more documentation:
Maintain a daily log of your pain intensity and any restrictions on your activities
Save pay stubs showing lost wages
Document home changes needed because of injuries
Take photos as injuries heal
At Reshlaw Accident & Injury, we help clients track these ongoing damages and work with experts to show the major impact on your life.
Expert witnesses strengthen your car accident lawsuit with professional opinions. Medical experts explain your injuries and future needs. Accident reconstruction specialists show exactly how the crash occurred. These experts turn technical details into clear testimony that helps prove your case and secure fair compensation.
The true cost goes beyond immediate medical bills. You deserve payment for all losses, including future treatments, lost wages, and pain suffered. Long-term injuries may require ongoing care or limit your ability to work. Our skilled car accident lawyer works with medical and financial experts to project future costs, ensuring your settlement covers tomorrow's needs, too.
Yes, Utah traffic laws require you to report accidents involving injuries, death, or property damage over $1,500. Always call the police for an official report.
As a pedestrian, you're covered by the driver's PIP insurance for the first $3,000 in medical expenses. After that, or with serious injuries, you can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver.
Most claims are settled out of court. We approach each case with the rigor of preparing for trial, frequently resulting in improved settlements. If the insurance company won't be fair, we're ready to take your case to court.
Most claims are settled out of court. We approach each case with the rigor of preparing for trial, frequently resulting in improved settlements. If the insurance company won't be fair, we're ready to take your case to court.
Utah uses comparative negligence rules. You may still seek compensation for damages if your responsibility is under 50%. However, the amount you receive will be decreased proportionally to your degree of fault.
Reshlaw Accident and Injury offers its services on a contingency fee model. This means you don't pay any initial fees, and we only receive compensation if we successfully resolve your case.
Being hit by a car creates physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial stress. At Reshlaw Accident & Injury, we understand what you're going through. Our team has helped many pedestrian accident victims get fair compensation.
We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explain options. Our attorneys will listen to your story, answer questions, and give honest advice. If you choose us, we'll handle everything—from investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies.
Don't face this alone. Call Reshlaw today for your free consultation. We're here to fight for your rights and help you rebuild your life. Your recovery is our priority.
