Has an auto wreck left you dealing with medical expenses and other losses? Find out how to get fully compensated by working with a Draper car crash attorney.

At best, a car accident is a hassle. At worst, it’s a tragic experience.

Even if the crash was minor, you will likely face expenses related to repairing your vehicle, not to mention medical costs if you were injured. The more serious an accident, the more substantial these costs become.

Fortunately, if the other party was at fault, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for all the ways your life was negatively affected by the accident.

While you may have little trouble proving who’s responsible for an accident, getting an insurance company to reimburse you the full cost of your losses can be a struggle. Trying to understand what your claim is worth is difficult, which is where a Draper car accident lawyer from Craig Swapp & Associates can help.

Utah’s Fault System for Auto Accidents

In most states, the driver who caused the accident (the at-fault party) is responsible for all losses incurred by the victim, including car repairs, medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. This is called a “fault” system.

Some states, however, impose different standards for determining who is financially liable after a car accident. Utah happens to be one of a dozen states that use the “no-fault” system, which is a whole different ball game.

Under the no-fault system, all drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. In the case of an accident, your own insurance pays for your damages, while the other driver’s PIP insurance will pay for his or hers.

It is only when damages exceed a certain amount—$3,000 in the state of Utah—that you have the option to file a personal injury claim seeking compensation from the other driver and his or her insurer.

Your Automobile Accident Claim May Be Reduced

Victims of car, motorcycle, or trucking accidents may have trouble proving they weren’t at fault for their accident. Many people take the blame or part of the blame on instinct, but that can hurt your future, putting you in trouble with the insurance companies.

Many people accidentally say the wrong thing when seeking funds for their accident, accepting partial fault which diminishes their potential settlement. If car accident victims aren’t helped with this, their claim may be reduced or dismissed. Our lawyers are here to help you get compensated fully and in a timely manner, without losing funds to partial fault. If the insurance companies refuse to compensate you, we’re ready to help.

Determining Appropriate Damages for a Car Crash

Car accidents vary significantly in terms of the appropriate damages to seek. Insurance companies or the at-fault party may not want to compensate you fairly, so victims of car crashes need to know what their claims are worth before they pursue a settlement. Here are some common categories of damages you might be eligible for, along with brief explanations:

  • Medical Expenses – Injuries can be expensive, and it’s tough to recover the funds you need. These can include physical and cognitive therapy, ambulance billings, consultations with doctors, medical accessories, disability, disfigurement, and in-home services necessitated by the accident.
  • Pain and Suffering – These non-economic damages compensate victims for the physical or mental distress suffered as a result of the accident. Usually, the extent of pain and suffering is measured by the type, severity, and future consequences of the pain endured.
  • Lost Wages – These damages compensate for lost income if you’ve been unable to work because of your crash injuries, as well as any reduced future earning potential.

It’s important to remember that insurance companies are looking to pay the least amount that they can, regardless of whether it’s your insurance or the other driver’s. If you don’t know your way around the law, insurers will do whatever they can to reduce their liability.

Contact a Draper Auto Wreck Attorney

It’s all too easy to get taken advantage of by a profit-driven insurance company, especially in a no-fault state like Utah.

To work with the best-quality legal representation available, contact a Draper car accident lawyer with Craig Swapp & Associates. Just call 1-800-404-9000 or complete the form below to schedule a free consultation.