Unimaginable as it can be, but you can lose a loved one in a car crash in Utah. 

Whether you’re searching for answers about legal steps after a fatal car accident in Utah, how to protect your family’s rights, or what options are available for seeking justice, it’s crucial to have reliable information and compassionate support. 

Craig Swapp & Associates, a trusted injury law firm in Utah, has helped many families in similar situations. If you’re considering working with a Salt Lake City wrongful death attorney, understanding your rights and responsibilities is the first step toward finding closure and accountability.

How Many People Die from Car Accidents Each Year?

Every year, thousands of families are forever changed when someone dies in a car accident. According to the National Safety Council, motor vehicle deaths remain a significant public safety issue in the United States. 

In 2023, there were an estimated 44,762 motor vehicle fatalities nationwide (NSC Injury Facts). In Utah, the Department of Public Safety reported that nearly 300 people lost their lives in 2024 traffic accidents alone.

These numbers are more than statistics, they represent families who must cope with sudden loss and often complex legal and financial matters. For anyone who has experienced the heartbreak of losing one member of a family in a car accident in Utah, knowing that support is available is essential. 

What Car Crashes Commonly Cause Fatalities in Utah

Fatal car crashes in Utah can occur under many circumstances, but certain types of collisions are more likely to lead to loss of life. 

Some of the most common causes include:

  • High-Speed Collisions: Speeding remains a top factor in fatal car crash deaths throughout Utah, as high speeds reduce reaction time and increase the force of impact.
  • Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug impairment continues to contribute to a significant percentage of fatal crashes.
  • Distracted Driving: Texting or using electronic devices while driving is a leading cause of fatal accidents statewide.
  • Intersection Crashes: Many deadly collisions happen at intersections where drivers may disregard signals or fail to yield.
  • Rollover Accidents: Due to Utah’s mountainous terrain, rollovers are more common and can be particularly deadly.
  • Weather-Related Crashes: Icy, snowy, or wet conditions are common causes of fatal car accidents during Utah’s winter months.

Understanding what circumstances commonly lead to someone dying in a car accident can be vital in assessing what happened and determining if another driver’s negligence played a role. If a fatal car crash takes the life of a loved one, examining the specific facts and Utah car accident laws becomes critical to any claim for justice or compensation.

What to Do After Someone’s Death in a Car Crash in Utah

The first moments after a fatal car crash are overwhelming. Emotions run high, and yet the actions taken in these initial hours are crucial for both honoring your loved one and laying the groundwork for future legal action.

1. Ensure Safety and Notify Authorities

  • Immediately call 911 and request emergency assistance.
  • Ensure that the scene is safe to approach; do not move injured individuals unless there is an immediate danger (such as fire or further collision).
  • Law enforcement will secure the scene, gather statements, and create an official accident report.

2. Gather Evidence and Documentation

  • Collect contact information for witnesses, other drivers, and first responders.
  • Take photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicles, and any visible injuries, if possible.
  • Retain a copy of the police report, as it will be a key piece of evidence in both insurance and wrongful death claims.

3. Inform Close Family Members

  • Notify close family as soon as possible, as they may need to be involved in decisions regarding your loved one’s remains and in legal processes.
  • Avoid discussing details or accepting settlements with insurance companies until you’ve spoken with an attorney.

4. Arrange for Funeral and Medical Documentation

  • Obtain the official death certificate and any medical records that detail the cause of death.
  • Funeral and burial arrangements should be made in accordance with your loved one’s wishes, if known.

These immediate actions are essential before moving forward with filing a car insurance claim or pursuing a wrongful death case. They help ensure that you have the documentation needed to proceed and protect your family’s rights under Utah wrongful death laws.

How to File a Wrongful Death Claim for Your Loved One

If one member of your family dies in a car accident caused by another party’s carelessness or violation of Utah car accident laws, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. This type of claim allows certain surviving family members to seek compensation for the loss and damages suffered due to the fatal car crash.

Under Utah Code § 78B-3-105, the following parties are eligible to bring a wrongful death claim:

  • The surviving spouse
  • The decedent’s adult children
  • The decedent’s parents (if there is no spouse or child)
  • Personal representatives of the estate

To start the process of filing a  wrongful death claim for your loved one: 

  • Consult a Utah Wrongful Death Attorney: Speaking with wrongful death attorneys in Salt Lake City or elsewhere in Utah ensures you understand your legal rights and the process ahead.
  • Investigate and Gather Evidence: Your lawyer will conduct an independent investigation to gather evidence about the crash, driver conduct, road conditions, and other contributing factors.
  • File with the Appropriate Court: A formal complaint is filed in the appropriate Utah district court.
  • Negotiate with Insurers and At-Fault Parties: Many cases are resolved through negotiation, but some proceed to trial for a jury to decide liability and damages.

Filing a wrongful death claim is a way to seek justice, accountability, and financial support for your family in the wake of tragedy.

How to Determine Liability in a Fatal Car Crash in Utah

Establishing who is legally responsible when someone dies in a car accident is crucial for recovering compensation. Utah follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that a party can recover damages as long as they are less than 50% at fault for the accident.

Key steps in determining liability include:

  • Reviewing the Accident Report: Law enforcement’s documentation provides details on road conditions, citations issued, and witness statements.
  • Analyzing Physical Evidence: Skid marks, vehicle damage, and road debris are examined.
  • Eyewitness Accounts: Statements from those who saw the crash help establish the sequence of events.
  • Expert Analysis: Accident reconstruction experts may be consulted for technical analysis of the crash.

Liability may rest with another driver, a commercial trucking company, a vehicle manufacturer (if a defect contributed), or even a government agency (for road maintenance failures). Your Utah wrongful death attorney will build a case that clearly demonstrates who was at fault, using Utah car accident laws as the foundation for your claim.

What You Can Recover in a Wrongful Death Claim

When one member of the family dies in a car accident, the financial and emotional consequences can be overwhelming. Utah wrongful death laws allow surviving family members to pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic losses.

  • Medical Expenses: Costs of emergency care prior to death
  • Funeral and Burial Costs: Reasonable expenses related to memorial and burial
  • Loss of Financial Support: Lost wages and future earnings the deceased would have provided
  • Loss of Companionship: Emotional pain and loss of consortium suffered by the surviving family
  • Loss of Household Services: Value of services the deceased would have contributed to the household

Each case is unique, and the amount recoverable will depend on the circumstances surrounding the fatal car crash, the age and earning capacity of the deceased, and the extent of loss suffered by surviving relatives. An experienced Utah wrongful death attorney can help ensure all potential damages are properly documented and claimed.

What’s the Deadline for Wrongful Death in Car Accidents in Utah?

Timing is critical when seeking justice after someone dies in a car accident. Under Utah Code § 78B-2-304, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is generally 2 years from the date of the decedent’s death. If the claim is against a government entity, notice must be provided much sooner, often within one year or even less.

Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to recover any compensation for your loss. That’s why it’s essential to take legal steps after a fatal car accident in Utah as soon as possible. Promptly consulting with a Salt Lake City wrongful death attorney ensures your family’s rights are preserved and that you don’t forfeit valuable compensation.

Why Should You Hire a Utah Lawyer After a Car Crash Death? 

Navigating Utah’s wrongful death laws and the insurance claims process can be overwhelming, especially when grieving the loss of a loved one. 

Working with wrongful death attorneys in Salt Lake City or throughout Utah offers several advantages:

  • Understanding of Utah Wrongful Death Laws: Attorneys know the ins and outs of legal requirements and court procedures.
  • Resources for Investigation: Law firms have access to accident reconstruction experts, investigators, and medical professionals.
  • Negotiation with Insurers: Lawyers can push back against lowball offers and fight for a fair settlement.
  • No Upfront Costs: Many firms, including Craig Swapp & Associates, represent clients on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless your case is successful.
  • Emotional Support and Guidance: Having a dedicated advocate allows your family to focus on healing while the legal team manages the details.

The loss of someone you love in a car crash in Utah is devastating, but you don’t have to go through the process alone. An experienced Utah wrongful death attorney can be a vital partner in holding the responsible party accountable and securing your family’s future.

Consult a Utah Wrongful Death Attorney at Craig Swapp & Associates

When someone dies in a car accident in Utah, families are thrust into a world of grief, uncertainty, and urgent questions. Knowing the legal steps after a fatal car accident in Utah can be the difference between securing justice for your loved one and missing the opportunity to hold the responsible party accountable. 

Whether you need help gathering evidence, filing a wrongful death claim, or understanding your options under Utah car accident laws, a knowledgeable legal advocate can provide invaluable support. Our legal team at Craig Swapp & Associates stands ready to assist families throughout Utah, making sure you have compassionate guidance every step of the way. Our firm serves in Salt Lake City, Millcreek, Orem, Sandy, West Valley City, Logan, Ogden, Provo, St. George, and West Jordan.

If you’re considering your options or need immediate help from a Utah wrongful death attorney, call us at (866) 936-3806 or fill out our contact form today to schedule your free consultation.

Written By: Ryan Swapp     Legal Review By: Craig Swapp