What to do if you are injured in a car accident in Utah.
Posted by Utah personal injury lawyer Jared Faerber of The Faerber Law Firm
Attend to Injuries
Get medical attention immediately and tell your doctors exactly how the injury occurred. Make sure to describe all symptoms and complaints.
It is best to seek attention quickly, even if you are not sure that you need it. You may be in shock and not notice your own injuries.
Make sure to follow-up with additional concerns and follow the advice of your doctor.
Be Careful About What You Say
When talking to the police or highway patrol about the accident, it is important to be truthful, but to also keep your comments minimal. Limit yourself to asking if anyone was hurt. You should NOT:
- Apologize
- Admit it was your fault
- Say “I didn’t see you” or anything of the kind
Comments like these could be taken as an admission of fault. At this stage, it is often too early to determine fault, and you do not want to risk damaging your case down the road.
Talk to no one about the accident or injuries except the police, your doctor, or lawyer.
Report the Accident
Call 911 to report the accident. Utah law requires accidents be reported immediately to law enforcement. See Utah Code Annotated ยง 41-6a-401. and 41-6a-401.7. This is not only required by law, it also creates written evidence of the accident and helps document fault.
Obtain Information
- Obtain the name, address, insurance information, vehicle license number and driver’s license number of everyone involved in the accident.
- Get the names, addresses and telephone numbers of all witnesses.
- Photograph the accident scene, including all vehicles involved (before repairing) and any visible injuries (e.g., cuts, bruises).
Contact an Attorney
It is important to contact an experienced attorney immediately who specializes in personal injury claims. Early legal representation can help preserve your claim and ensure the maximum recovery. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car or truck accident, contact us today, and we would be happy to talk with you for free about how we can help.