The earlier you call a lawyer after an accident, the more quickly and easily you can build a case and collect compensation. The statute of limitations in Utah for car accident injury claims is four years from the date of the accident. If you wait too long to file your claim, you risk having your case dismissed by the courts.

Contact a Utah auto accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car crash for assistance filing a compensation claim.

Call Your Lawyer to Meet Filing Deadlines

When you decide to file an at-fault driver claim in Utah, you must do so before the statute of limitations expires.

For auto accidents resulting in injuries, you have four years to start the legal proceedings for compensation. You have the right to file an injury claim in Utah civil court during this period.

But for deaths that occurred due to an auto accident, Utah Code 78B-2-304 defines a limit of two years. Utah Code 78B-2-305 outlines a three-year limitation for filing a suit for property damage. Your lawyer can review your case and ensure you proceed with a legal claim before it’s too late.

Why You Should Contact a Lawyer After a Crash

There are numerous reasons to seek the help of experienced attorneys after a car accident. Personal injury lawyers have the knowledge and resources to investigate the circumstances of your case, gather evidence, and assess your claim’s value.

Your attorney assists you every step of the way, from discovery to collecting your compensation. Besides ensuring you meet necessary filing deadlines, an attorney can help you after a crash by providing the following services.

●      Determine if you have a claim

Utah qualifies as a no-fault state. So, you have to file a claim against your personal insurance coverage for compensation on medical bills and financial losses.

If your accident expenses exceed your insurance coverage, talk to your attorney about filing a lawsuit to recover additional damages.

Utah follows a modified comparative negligence law. If you are less than 50% responsible for an accident, you can still seek compensation for damages. However, the amount you’ll receive gets reduced by your percentage of fault.

●      Avoid the pitfalls of talking to an insurance adjuster

After getting medical treatment for your accident injuries, the first step is to contact your insurance company. You may also receive a call from the other driver’s insurance provider.

Talking to an insurance adjuster may adversely impact your claim if you admit fault. Their main goal is to find a way to blame you for the accident, so they don’t have to pay.

It’s best to never speak to an adjuster, aside from telling them to contact your attorney. And never answer the following questions from the at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster:

  • Were you wearing a seatbelt?
  • How did the wreck happen?
  • Was the wreck due to the weather?
  • Were you hurt?
  • Did you receive treatment from a paramedic or hospital?
  • Were there witnesses to the accident, and can you provide their contact information?

Let your legal team handle the conversation rather than risking your claim by accidentally admitting fault.

●      Evidence collection

Having evidence to back up your claim increases your chances of winning a settlement. Most evidence is time-sensitive, so your lawyer can act quickly to obtain proof to support your claim before it’s damaged or erased.

For example, CCTV footage of the collision is typically automatically overwritten after a certain period. This can be as long as six months or as little as 30 days.

●      Filing necessary paperwork

Great West Injury Law car accident lawyers can help you file a claim with your insurance company or sue the liable party for additional damages following an accident.

Our attorneys ensure all paperwork is filed by the deadline, so you don’t lose out on compensation. This may include sending essential documents to your insurance provider (such as an auto accident report or claims form) or mailing a written notice of intent to sue to the at-fault party.

●      Get a fair settlement

A lawyer can also help you determine a fair settlement amount. Car accident attorneys know the types of compensation available to you, and they have experience dealing with insurance companies to maximize your payout.

Great West Injury Law can help you get compensation for loss of wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.

Start Your Case With Great West Injury Law

If you were involved in a car accident in Utah, call the Utah car accident lawyers at Great West Injury Law to find out how we can help get you the compensation you deserve.

We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and assess the value of your claim.