If you were injured in a car crash in Salt Lake City, you need a car accident lawyer.
At Esquire Law Firm, we understand the challenges that come with being injured in a car accident. That’s why we’re here to help. Our experienced Salt Lake City car accident lawyers help you every step of the way—from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies. We ensure that you receive compensation not only for medical bills and property damage but also for lost wages and pain and suffering. By having a skilled attorney by your side, you increase your chances of maximizing your settlement and avoiding common pitfalls that could jeopardize your claim. Let us handle the legal challenges, so you can focus on recovering.
Statistics & Common Causes of Car Accidents in Salt Lake City
With over 22,757 total crashes in Salt Lake City in 2023 reported by Utah Crash, including 61 fatal crashes and 15,210 crashes resulting in property damage. Auto accidents in Salt Lake City often result from a variety of factors, many of which can be traced back to driver negligence:
- Speeding: Drivers who exceed the speed limit often fail to react in time to prevent collisions. According to the Utah Crash Facts report, 35% of fatal crashes have been caused by speeding.
- Distracted driving: Using a phone, eating, or even adjusting the radio takes attention off the road, increasing the risk of accidents. In Utah, distracted driving was responsible for 9% of all traffic-related fatalities in 2021, according to the Annual Utah Crash Summary Report. Thought Utah law prohibits texting while driving, and violations can result in both civil and criminal consequences.
- Drunk driving: Utah’s strict DUI laws aim to deter impaired driving, yet it remains a leading cause of fatal collisions. In 2022, 21% of all traffic fatalities in Utah were caused by drunk driving. Our Salt Lake City drunk driving accident lawyers can help by holding intoxicated drivers accountable and securing the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
- Running red lights: Failing to stop at red lights or yield at intersections is a leading cause of side-impact collisions.
- Winter weather conditions: Snow and ice create slick roads, making it harder to control vehicles and stop in time.
- Mechanical failures: Accidents caused by issues such as faulty brakes or worn tires are often the result of poor vehicle maintenance. In some cases, liability may fall on the manufacturer or mechanic if defects or improper repairs contributed to the crash.
- Driver negligence: Failing to operate a vehicle safely—whether due to fatigue, impairment, or carelessness—can lead to accidents. According to the Annual Utah Crash Summary Report, impaired driving accounted for 13% of all traffic fatalities in 2021 in Utah.
An attorney can investigate the specific cause of your accident, work with experts to collect evidence, and hold the responsible party accountable, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
What steps should I take after a car accident?
Each year, millions of people are involved in automobile accidents. No matter what caused the accident or who is at fault, it is crucial to understand what to do next.
If you are ever involved in a car crash, follow these 7 steps after a car accident:
- Get to safety.
After a car accident, your safety and the safety of the passengers should be the top priority. Turn on your hazard lights. Do not step out onto the road or into traffic.
- Call 911.
Even if there are no serious injuries, you still need to call the police to report the accident. Even minor accidents must have a police report.
- Take Pictures and Witness Details.
Document all of the things that happened in the accident. Look for witnesses of the accident and have them make a statement to the police. Take photos of the damage and of the accident scene.
- Exchange information with the other driver.
Most of the time, the police will obtain this information. Still, it is best to get all concerned parties’ names, addresses, registration details, vehicle make/type/color, and phone numbers. Exchange insurance information.
- Make an official Police Report.
Report to the police officer what happened. Do not collaborate with or admit guilt to other parties involved. Give detailed information to the police officer about what happened and point out any witnesses who saw the crash. More details will ensure that there will be a fair report about the accident.
- Get medical attention.
It is essential to check that everyone involved in the car accident is safe and hasn’t suffered any internal injuries. If you or anyone else is hurt, it’s crucial to seek medical attention right away, either from ambulance Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or at a hospital if the injury is serious. Get checked out by a doctor or urgent care walk-in clinic, even for minor injuries. It’s also important to consult with a healthcare professional for ongoing treatment.
- Contact a car accident lawyer.
Do not wait to call an Esquire Law Personal Injury Lawyer after your car accident. Call us right away. The call and the advice are free. Esquire Law is on your side to help you navigate the legal process so you can focus on your recovery and getting your life back in order.
These seven steps can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Why Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Salt Lake City
Hiring a car accident lawyer in Salt Lake City can help you navigate the complicated legal process and ensure that your rights are protected. Our car crash lawyers have years of experience handling car accident cases and can provide you with the guidance and support you need to achieve the best possible outcome. We start our process with:
Initial Contact
Fill out our web form or chat, and we will call you back. Or call us directly.
Determine If You Have a Case
Once you have contacted us, you will speak to our legal team, who can determine if you have a case.
Sign Up
Easily e-sign contracts right from your phone.
Getting to Work
We will assign a lawyer to your case. They will start working on your case immediately and guide you through the legal process, allowing you to concentrate on healing.
At Esquire Law Firm, we make it easy to hire a Salt Lake City car accident attorney.
Common Injuries in Car Accidents in Salt Lake City
Injuries from car accidents range from minor bruises to more severe and life-changing conditions such as:
- Minor injuries (bruises and cuts): These may seem minor, but you can still receive compensation for medical treatments and pain suffered.
- Severe injuries (traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage): These types of injuries can result in long-term medical care and significant lifestyle changes. Compensation often includes future medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
- Broken bones and fractures: Fractures can lead to extended recovery times and physical therapy, making you eligible for compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and any ongoing care.
- Soft tissue injuries (whiplash): Soft tissue injuries may not be immediately obvious, but they can cause chronic pain.
- Permanent impairments or disabilities: These life-altering injuries could entitle you to significant compensation, including damages for ongoing care, loss of future income, and diminished quality of life.
What types of damages can be compensated for?
In a car accident lawsuit, you can typically recover three types of damages.
Special Damages (Economic Damages)
The first type is special or economic damages, including precise dollar figures for past and future medical bills or lost wages.
General Damages (Non-economic Damages)
The second type is general or non-economic damages, which account for all the ways the accident has affected you, such as pain and suffering, inconvenience, fear, mental and emotional anguish, and stress. These damages are rarely offered to people whom a lawyer does not represent but often make up a larger portion of your legal case’s value than special damages.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, punitive damages may also be available to punish the defendant for their egregious conduct. Punitive damages are only available in Utah if the defendant’s behavior shows gross negligence, malice, or intentional misconduct which might be the case in DUI-driving accidents. Punitive damages are capped under Utah law, where the limit is either $50,000 or three times the compensatory damages awarded, whichever is greater. Esquire Law attorneys will look for ways to pursue them.
Our mission at Esquire Law is to get the maximum compensation possible for injury victims. We will leave no stone unturned until we have fought for the most money available for your case.
Utah’s No-Fault Auto Insurance System
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Utah, the legal process is complex, which is why an Esquire Law lawyer will assist you through the entire claims process and help you get the compensation you deserve. In Utah, you have two options for collecting damages. You can file a car accident claim with an insurance company or file a lawsuit in civil court.
Under Utah law, all drivers must have liability insurance to cover bodily injury and property damage in the event of an auto accident they cause. The required minimum coverage amounts are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person
- $65,000 for bodily injury liability for two or more people
- $15,000 for property damage liability
For PIP (Personal Injury Protection) claims, Utah’s minimum coverage is $3,000 per person. After this amount is exhausted or specific thresholds are met, you may pursue a lawsuit. However, there are exceptions to this rule:
- permanent disabilities or impairments
- dismemberment
- permanent disfigurement
- medical expenses over $3,000
Utah follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means that you can claim damages as long as the at-fault party is liable for a greater percentage of fault than you are. If the plaintiff is more than 50% at fault, they cannot recover damages at all. That’s why collecting evidence and proving another party’s fault is a critical step. We understand this process can be complex. Our auto accident attorneys are here to assist you through the entire claims process and help you get the compensation you deserve.
What Are The Statute of Limitations for Accidents in Utah?
It’s important to act quickly after a car accident. You may need to file insurance claims and potentially pursue a personal injury or wrongful death claim. Remember that state laws have specific timeframes for filing them. If you miss the deadlines, you may lose the opportunity to receive compensation.
- 4 Years – Personal injury cases have a four-year window.
- 2 Years – Wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the death date.
- 1 Year – Claims against government agencies must be made within one year of the accident or death date.
No Caps for Damages in Utah
Utah does not restrict money recovered for damages. If you’ve been in a car accident, you should know that you have options for recovering damages. Filing insurance, personal injury, or wrongful death claims can help you get the compensation you need. Unlike some other states, Utah doesn’t limit how much money you can get for car accidents.
Salt Lake City Car Accident FAQs
What Does A Car Accident Lawyer Do?
A car accident lawyer can help you navigate the complicated legal process and ensure that your rights are protected. They can investigate the accident, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and represent you in court if necessary. They can also help you understand your legal options and determine your case’s best course of action.
What if I don’t know who was at fault?
If you don’t know who was at fault for the car accident, it can be difficult to determine who is responsible for the damages. A car accident lawyer can help you investigate the accident and determine who is liable for your injuries.
How long does a car accident case take?
The length of a car accident case can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the severity of the injuries. However, most cases are resolved within a few months to a year.
How much will my case cost me?
At Esquire Law Firm, we have the No Fee Guarantee. Our personal injury attorneys only only get paid if you win your car accident case. You do not have to pay anything upfront, and there are no out-of-pocket costs.
What are Utah’s car accident laws?
Utah’s car accident laws are designed to ensure that those who are injured in car accidents are compensated fairly. If you’ve been in a car accident in Salt Lake City, it’s essential to understand these laws and how they apply to your case.
Work with an Esquire Law Firm Lawyer for Your Auto Accident Claims
At Esquire Law Firm, our team of experienced car accident attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you get back on the road to recovery. If you’ve been in a car accident in Salt Lake City, you need a lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.