Originally published May 9, 2022.
Many drivers in Utah cooperate with the police after an accident, but some may become hostile instead. When the other driver in a car accident refuses to share their insurance information, this stressful situation can become more complicated.
If this happens to you, you can take a few steps to get the insurance information you need to file a potential claim against the other driver’s insurance company.
Stay Calm
After the accident, politely ask for their driver’s license number and insurance information. If the other driver refuses to give their insurance details, you can call the police for assistance. Focus on staying calm and being proactive in getting information about the other driver and their vehicle.
Note the color, make, and model of their vehicle and other unique identifiers such as scratches and bumper stickers. Attempt to discreetly take a photo of the other driver’s license plate number with your smartphone. If you have another passenger with you at the time of the accident, ask them if they can take one for you.
Never Chase After a Car
In Utah, you must stay at the accident scene, inform local law enforcement, and exchange information. If the other driver flees the accident scene, don’t chase them. When you try to go after the other vehicle, there’s a chance the other driver may turn hostile toward you.
It is extremely important to stay at the accident scene because leaving the scene can result in a Class B misdemeanor and penalties, including jail time and fines. Simply take down as much information as possible about the person and their vehicle. Try to write down the driver’s physical appearance and the details of your accident on your smartphone for the police to use to track them down.
Call the Police and File a Report
You or someone else involved in the accident must call the police right away and report the accident and any injuries. If needed, ask for emergency medical services. When the police officer arrives at the accident scene, they will speak to all drivers and witnesses.
Inform the officer of the other driver’s refusal to give their insurance information so that the officer can share it with you in a police report. The other driver can’t refuse to provide information to the police upon request.
In the event of a hit-and-run accident, tell the responding officer that the negligent driver fled and describe their vehicle to help the authorities track them down. The more details you give about the other driver, the more likely the police can find the vehicle.
Call an Attorney
Although you need to let your insurance company know about your accident first, you must contact an experienced Utah attorney right away to talk about your case.
Your car accident attorney can handle filing a claim with your insurance company to help ensure the process goes smoothly. Since Utah is a no-fault state, you will receive coverage for your injuries under your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in your auto insurance policy when you file your claim.
If your medical expenses exceed your PIP, you can file a claim against the other driver’s insurance company. In some cases, you may receive a lowball settlement offer from the other driver’s insurance company upon completion of their investigation into the accident.
The insurance company may also ask you to sign a Release for Damages, indicating you agree to the offer and will not pursue further compensation related to your accident.
Hiring Utah car accident lawyers with the experience and skills to prove you weren’t at fault for your accident eases the burden and allows you to focus on healing. At Great West Injury Law, we can investigate your accident thoroughly, including gathering witness testimony, to build a strong claim for the other driver’s insurance company.
Contact Great West Injury Law to Get Started on Your Claim
At Great West Injury Law, our team of skilled attorneys can put their experience to work for you and fight for compensation on your behalf. today to schedule a free consultation to speak with a knowledgeable Utah car accident attorney about your case