Car Accident Lawyers in Utah
Answer Your Questions
If I’m in a Utah car accident, do I need to involve the police?
Always call the local police department, county sheriff or Utah Highway Patrol. The police will assist with traffic control, calling for medical care, investigating the accident, and collecting driver, passenger and witness information. In some cases, the police will assess fault and issue citations. After the accident, the investigating authority will produce an official accident report, which is important later in determining fault and an impartial analysis of the accident itself and the events leading to the accident. Many potentially good cases are severely hampered by the lack of a police report. Under no circumstances, should you leave the scene of an accident until the police have arrived and give you permission to leave the scene.
When should I seek medical help?
Following your accident, if you have any discomfort or pain, it is always a good idea to be checked out by a professional medical provider. This is especially true if you have soft tissue injuries – such as whiplash, back pain, headaches, etc. – which are common in motor vehicle accidents. Soft tissue injuries can get progressively worse and become chronic if left untreated. If you are unsure who to see, we can recommend a qualified medical professional near you who has experience in treating your specific injuries.
Why is it important to hire a Utah Car Accident Lawyer to help me with my case?
Insurance companies are for-profit organizations and therefore look out for their own self-interests…not yours. The insurance business is very profitable – nearly all big insurance companies are found within the Fortune 500. Their goal is to make the claim process so complicated, drawn out and frustrating that you will settle your claim for less than fair compensation. At Craig Swapp & Associates, our goal is to level the playing field. We take on the day-to-day headaches and complexities of dealing with the insurance company and its adjusters, so you can get on with your busy life. We understand the law and your rights, and represent our clients competently and aggressively. We have helped thousands of people get fair settlements after an injury accident. Our car accident lawyers in Utah can help you too.
What if the other driver does not have insurance or not enough insurance to cover my costs?
In Utah, most drivers’ insurance policies include Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) or Under-Insured Motorist Coverage (UIM), which will help protect you from irresponsible drivers who drive without insurance or inadequate insurance.
After my accident, should I contact the insurance companies involved?
You are obligated to contact your insurance company. If you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, your insurance carrier should help with your initial out-of-pocket expenses, such as medical bills, wage loss and essential services. You may also have a claim for general damages for pain and suffering if you have sustained painful and lingering injuries. Before making any type of recorded statement to the insurance company, contact our Salt Lake City law office for direction. Often, insurance adjusters will try to get you to make statements or sign documents that will hurt your claim. Our car accident lawyers in Utah can help you avoid costly mistakes.
How much insurance do I need?
You should have sufficient liability coverage to protect the general public from any damage or injuries that you may cause. Because you cannot predict the severity of a future accident, you should have enough liability coverage to adequately protect you from the liability you may incur by causing a severe accident. We recommend limits of at least $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident (commonly known as 100/300 coverage). You should also purchase uninsured motorist (UM) and under-insured motorist (UIM) coverage to protect you and your family from fiscally irresponsible drivers. (Studies have shown that as many as one third of all driving public are uninsured.) Again, we strongly recommend 100/300 coverage for UM and UIM coverage. It is never a good idea to let an insurance agent talk you into waiving UM and UIM insurance – too many drivers on the road today drive with little or no insurance, despite the financial responsibility laws. Utah also requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP) as part of your policy, which generally helps pay for medical costs, lost wages, and essential services, regardless of fault.
How do I know if I have a good claim?
If you were injured in a car accident that was not your fault, you probably have a good claim. During our initial consultation with you, we will ask a number of questions to determine the merits of your case: Was the accident or injury the fault of another party’s negligence? Did you suffer injuries and incur related medical costs? Did your injuries result in permanent disabilities or disfigurement (such as scars)? Did the negligent party have insurance coverage at the time of the accident? Did you have insurance (including uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage) on your vehicle at the time of the accident? If you were a passenger, did the owner of the vehicle have insurance? Based on the responses to these questions and other evidence (such as a police report), our car accident lawyers in Utah can tell you early on if you have a good case.
How much is my case worth?
Many people wonder what kind of compensation they can expect from their case. The value of your claim depends on many factors, such as the nature, extent and duration of your injuries, the amount of your medical bills, lost wages, and the ultimate outcome of the healing process (especially if the injuries are permanent). Once our car accident lawyers in Utah have thoroughly investigated your accident and injuries, we then have the necessary information to know the value of your claim and begin to negotiate a fair settlement for your case.
Question for our car accident lawyers in Utah?
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