Were you injured in a car accident in Salt Lake City, Utah? If so, Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers can help you recover compensation. Contact us today at (801) 851-1202 for a free consultation with a Salt Lake City car accident lawyer.
A car crash can happen in an instant, leaving you shaken, confused, and unsure of what to do next. Whether you were hit on the highway or involved in a fender bender downtown, taking the right steps is crucial for your safety, health, and legal rights. This article will explain what you should do after an accident in Salt Lake City.
Why Choose Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers for Help After a Car Accident in Salt Lake City, UT?
For decades, Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers has been a trusted advocate for injury victims across Salt Lake City. With over 100 years of combined legal experience, we understand what it takes to hold negligent drivers and insurance companies accountable. We have built strong, evidence-backed cases for clients and recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
We take care of every aspect of your case so that you can focus on recovery. That includes investigating the accident, collecting evidence, coordinating with medical providers, and handling all communication with insurance adjusters. We work tirelessly to calculate and pursue the full extent of your damages, and will negotiate aggressively with insurers and, if necessary, take your case to court. Reach out today for a free case review with a Salt Lake City car accident attorney.
In the meantime, here is what you should do following an accident:
1. Ensure Safety and Call 911
Your priority after a crash should be safety. Move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic, but only if it can be done so safely. Turn on your hazard lights and check yourself and others for injuries.
Call 911 if anyone is hurt or if there is significant damage to the vehicles. Utah law requires drivers to report accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage of $2,500 or more. It is safer to involve law enforcement so there is an official record of the accident, even if the collision seems minor. The police report they create can be valuable when filing an insurance claim or lawsuit.
2. Seek Medical Attention
Adrenaline can mask pain and injury symptoms after an accident. Conditions like whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries may not be immediately noticeable, but they can worsen over time.
Visit an urgent care clinic, hospital, or your doctor as soon as possible. Prompt medical care protects your health and can link any injuries to the accident in your medical records, which can be critical evidence in a personal injury claim. Keep copies of all medical records and receipts, as they may be important when calculating your damages later.
3. Exchange Information with All Parties Involved
Utah law requires drivers to exchange certain information after a crash, including:
- Names and contact information
- Driver’s license numbers
- Vehicle registration details
- Insurance company and policy number
Be polite but avoid discussing fault or making statements that could be interpreted as admitting liability. Limit your conversation to exchanging necessary information and confirming everyone is safe.
If the other driver refuses to provide their information, wait for law enforcement to arrive and gather it for you. Be sure to note the make, model, and license plate number of all vehicles involved in case any disputes arise later.
4. Document the Scene Thoroughly
Evidence can quickly disappear after an accident, especially if vehicles are moved or weather conditions change. If it is safe to do so, take detailed notes and photos at the scene.
Capture:
- The positions of the vehicles
- Damage to all vehicles involved
- Skid marks, debris, or road hazards
- Traffic signals, signs, and weather conditions
- Visible injuries
If there are witnesses, get their names and contact information. Their statements could help clarify what happened if liability is disputed. Video recordings can also be powerful evidence, so consider taking a short clip of the overall accident scene. If nearby businesses or homes may have captured the accident on security cameras, make a note to request the footage quickly before it is overwritten.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly
Most insurance policies require prompt reporting of any accident. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible and provide the basic facts of the accident. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating about fault or the extent of your injuries. If another driver’s insurance company contacts you, remember that their goal is to minimize payouts. You are not required to give a recorded statement before consulting a lawyer.
Failing to report the accident to your insurer promptly could jeopardize your coverage. Always keep a written record of all communications with insurance adjusters to protect yourself in case of disputes.
Contact a Salt Lake City Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
The moments after a car accident can be overwhelming, but knowing what to do can make a significant difference in your recovery and ability to pursue compensation. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Salt Lake City, do not wait to get help. Contact a Salt Lake City car accident lawyer at Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
