Road Rage, Sudden Stops, and Serious Injury: Your Utah Traffic Accident Rights
"An accident can change your whole life in an instant." That's a feeling too many Utah drivers know all too well. So, if you or a loved one is hurt in a traffic accident, know you're not alone, and you deserve answers. This guide helps you understand your rights.
What Happens After a Car Crash?
Dealing with the aftermath of a traffic accident can be tough. Your emotions are likely high. The whole situation is confusing. Here are steps to take:
- Stay safe. If it's a safe place, don't move your vehicle unless help is needed.
- Take down the other driver's information, license plate, insurance info.
- Call 911 for help. Medical assistance might be needed!
- Contact your insurance and get legal assistance if necessary.
Understanding Utah's Car Accident Laws
Utah has specific rules about who's responsible in traffic accidents. This makes sense; if we understand the rules we can all be safe and understand who's fault is it in a tough situation.
Who Pays for the Damages?
The important questions about who is liable?
- The driver who caused the crash: They're most often responsible, this is very clear cut.
- Multiple factors can create fault. Other parties can be involved (in case of car pooling/ shared car usage!).
Different Scenarios of Fault:
| Situation | Potential Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Speeding | Driver speeding and/or creating a danger might have fault. |
| Road Conditions | Extremely bad weather or maintenance may contribute. |
| Distracted Driving | Using a phone, texting, talking, may play a factor |
| Improper Turning | Making mistakes while turning (for instance, ignoring the signals, signs…) |
How Fault Works: Utah traffic accidents usually have rules for when we look for responsibility and what actions of a party resulted in an accident and who’s to blame for damages.
Common Reasons for Accidents
Source: provolawyers.com
Many accident causes are simply a result of carelessness:
- Distracted Driving: "A mind that isn't here with the drive can easily hurt other people or himself/herself." Texting, talking, reaching for objects or things can make you a danger for the other cars on the road.
- Speeding: Ignoring speed limits or being unsafe for the traffic and circumstances you’re driving in.
- Drunk Driving: Don't drive if you're drinking, that is for everyone's safety!
- Ignoring Signals/Traffic Rules: Running a light/failing to follow signs puts yourself and others at great risk on the road.
Source: rasmussenandminer.com
Important Questions to Ask Yourself After an Accident
- How did the accident happen? Be clear on exactly what happened.
- Who was at fault? Understand possible factors in the accident.
- Did anyone break the traffic law or something else similar related to causing the accident.
Important Note Remember you are not responsible for making sure the other parties involved in the car accident do the right things.
Source: lancebingham.com
Seeking Legal Help: Why it Matters
Finding out who's accountable isn't easy after an accident, therefore having someone understand legal implications (which is what we aim to do).
Do I need a traffic accident attorney? Yes! A qualified attorney can:
- Collect evidence: Your lawyer can help get important proof like police reports, photos, witness statements, and videos.
- Handle insurance claims: This is tricky. An attorney negotiates with insurance companies in case of claims of damages or hurt that someone else may be liable for.
- Understand your legal options: The legalities can change depending on your state and individual circumstances (such as the nature and seriousness of damages that have happened.)
- Assess Damages: This involves both financial, and personal injuries that have resulted from an accident (from health issues that arise after an accident to needing further treatments from accident).
How to Find a Good Traffic Accident Attorney in Utah
Finding an experienced attorney should be priority #1. Your family is probably in pain and affected in one way or another and you have to find a lawyer that is compassionate and who genuinely has time to understand and process your case efficiently.
Questions to ask:
- How experienced is the lawyer? How many car accidents cases have they handled in Utah and elsewhere? They may mention cases on their web pages as references. (In other cases, a great deal of research might be needed in their previous successful and lost cases if they haven't publicly announced them!)
- Do they understand your personal situation? An attorney is going to have several questions that help them see your entire situation, to get the whole context to handle your case! Be ready to share your experience(s) (the most comprehensive answers give better support.)
- How's their communication style? Check out what kind of communication they tend to offer their clients or reviews online to see how their clients review them from this side, especially before deciding. This can influence you as a client if you have doubts on the other attorney choices that aren't mentioned on their websites!
Source: eatoninjurylaw.com
Case Studies (Example cases from various successful outcomes from my law firm)
(This is a hypothetical case with exaggerated/changed facts). These are for review purpose only.
(Case #1)
Client injured by drunk driving suffered a permanent head injury as result of accident: Attorney reached a settlement well above initial claim amount of damages and expenses (which had risen).
(Case #2)
Client in a minor accident, caused by another driver, saw insurance refusing liability, causing a great stress of time and anxiety: Attorney represented and negotiated successfully, securing client fair compensation for damage to car (it might not have needed a total repair; car damages might have not exceeded more than 30% on estimated value of the damage or the car’s parts for example.)
It is important to consider These reviews (Case #1, #2) have real life experience which could be an incentive when deciding for yourself which law firm could potentially provide the help.
My Personal Experience
I once represented a young family. The accident wasn't their fault, the other driver ran the red light. I didn't want them to take the stress and uncertainty lying down. So I made it my business to negotiate a settlement for them. This really helps you empathize with them. We won!
Testimonials
"This lawyer is awesome!" – Susan, Client
Source: lifelaw.com
"Really excellent work, you feel listened to and confident that the job is going well, and you're in safe hands"- Mike, Client
"His calm attitude made me feel very confident that he will get to the results that I expected," – Cindy, Client
Moving Forward
This situation is likely an emotionally trying situation for those who have experienced a car accident that causes physical harm. Legal aid is crucial and a must have.
- Understand your legal rights after an accident, for example, find what might have caused the accident! Be informed to avoid reoccurrence of that accident in the future! This helps you keep up-to-date and know what measures to take when accident occurs in future for the safety of yourself, your family or passengers and others. Keep your information organized in any situation for easier communication.
Remember: You're not alone. A good attorney can be a valuable partner to you throughout this process. This is especially helpful in legal and accident circumstances!
(Disclaimer): This article is for informational purposes only, and should not be considered legal advice.
