Utah Car Accident Lawyer

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This page was written, edited, reviewed & approved by Dustin Lance following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. Dustin Lance, the Founding Partner, has handled many types of personal injury cases and is licensed in Utah and Idaho.

A serious crash can leave you with mounting medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about what comes next. If someone else's negligence caused your injuries, a skilled Utah car accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you deserve while protecting your rights throughout the claims process.

At Lance Bingham, we represent injured clients across Utah in car accident claims. From investigating the collision to negotiating with insurance companies and preparing cases for trial when necessary, our team is committed to helping you recover physically and financially. 

Call (801) 869-6800 today for a free consultation with an experienced Utah car accident lawyer.

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How Lance Bingham Can Help After a Utah Car Accident

After a car accident, you may be contacted by insurance adjusters before you fully understand the extent of your injuries or the value of your claim. Having an experienced attorney on your side allows you to focus on your recovery while someone else handles the legal process.

At Lance Bingham, we provide comprehensive representation by:

  • Investigating how the accident occurred
  • Gathering police reports, medical records, and other evidence
  • Interviewing witnesses and consulting experts when necessary
  • Handling all communications with insurance companies
  • Calculating the full value of your damages
  • Negotiating for a fair settlement
  • Taking your case to trial if a reasonable settlement cannot be reached

Every case is different, and we develop a legal strategy tailored to your injuries, losses, and long-term needs.

Understanding Utah's No-Fault Insurance Laws

Utah follows a no-fault insurance system for most car accidents. This means your own insurance policy generally pays for your initial medical expenses through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, regardless of who caused the accident. However, this does not prevent every injured person from filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. 

What Is Personal Injury Protection (PIP)?

Personal Injury Protection, commonly called PIP, is mandatory under Utah law and helps pay certain expenses after a motor vehicle accident regardless of fault. PIP typically covers medical expenses and other eligible losses up to your policy limits, allowing injured individuals to receive benefits without waiting for liability to be determined. 

Although PIP provides important financial assistance after an accident, it may not fully compensate you for serious injuries or long-term losses.

When Can You Sue the At-Fault Driver?

Utah law allows injured victims to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver when their injuries satisfy certain legal requirements. Generally, you may seek compensation for pain and suffering and other general damages if the accident results in:

  • Medical expenses exceeding $3,000
  • A bone fracture
  • Permanent disability or permanent impairment supported by objective findings
  • Permanent disfigurement
  • Dismemberment
  • Death 

Determining whether your case meets Utah's legal threshold can be complicated. An experienced car accident attorney can evaluate your injuries and explain whether you may pursue compensation beyond your available PIP benefits.

What Should You Do After a Car Accident in Utah?

The actions you take immediately after a collision can affect both your health and your ability to recover compensation.

After a car accident, you should:

  1. Call 911 if anyone is injured or the accident requires police assistance.
  2. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor.
  3. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
  4. Take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries if it is safe to do so.
  5. Obtain contact information for any witnesses.
  6. Avoid discussing fault or giving recorded statements to insurance companies before speaking with an attorney.
  7. Contact an experienced Utah car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.

Prompt medical treatment not only protects your health but also creates important documentation that may support your injury claim.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If another party caused your accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for both your financial losses and the personal impact the accident has had on your life.

Depending on your case, compensation may include:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement
  • Future rehabilitation and medical care

If a fatal accident occurred, certain surviving family members may also be able to pursue damages through a wrongful death claim under Utah law.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Utah Car Accident?

Although another driver is often responsible for causing a collision, liability is not always limited to the person behind the wheel. Depending on how the accident occurred, multiple individuals or entities may share responsibility.

Potentially liable parties may include:

  • Negligent drivers
  • Employers whose employees caused the crash while working
  • Trucking companies
  • Vehicle manufacturers responsible for defective parts
  • Government entities responsible for dangerous roadway conditions, when permitted by law
  • Other parties whose negligence contributed to the accident

A thorough investigation is often necessary to identify every liable party and maximize the compensation available to an injured victim.

What If You Were Partially at Fault?

Being partially responsible for an accident does not necessarily prevent you from recovering compensation. Utah follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which generally allows injured parties to recover damages as long as their percentage of fault does not exceed that of the defendant. Any compensation awarded is typically reduced by the injured person's percentage of fault.

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How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Utah?

Utah law generally gives injured victims four years from the date of a car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the accident resulted in a wrongful death, the deadline is generally two years from the date of death. Missing these deadlines may prevent you from recovering compensation, regardless of how strong your case may be.

Although these time limits apply in many cases, exceptions may shorten or extend the filing deadline depending on the circumstances. For example, claims against government entities often involve additional notice requirements and shorter deadlines. Speaking with an attorney as soon as possible can help ensure your rights are protected.

Common Causes of Utah Car Accidents

Car accidents happen for many reasons, but most are preventable. Understanding what caused the collision is often an important part of proving liability and recovering compensation.

Common causes of car accidents in Utah include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Speeding
  • Drunk or drug-impaired driving
  • Fatigued driving
  • Failure to yield the right-of-way
  • Tailgating
  • Aggressive or reckless driving
  • Poor weather or hazardous road conditions

A thorough investigation can help identify the cause of the accident and determine who may be legally responsible.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Some injuries are immediately obvious, while others may not appear until hours or even days after a collision. Seeking prompt medical attention is important for both your health and your injury claim.

Common car accident injuries include:

  • Whiplash and other neck injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Concussions
  • Broken bones
  • Back and spinal cord injuries
  • Internal injuries
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Burns and lacerations

Even injuries that initially seem minor can become more serious over time, making early diagnosis and treatment essential.

How Insurance Companies Try to Reduce Claims

Insurance companies are businesses, and one of their primary goals is to limit the amount they pay on claims. Shortly after an accident, an adjuster may contact you seeking a recorded statement or offering a quick settlement before you fully understand the extent of your injuries.

Insurance companies may attempt to reduce claims by:

  • Offering a settlement before your medical treatment is complete
  • Questioning whether your injuries were caused by the accident
  • Arguing that you were partially responsible for the crash
  • Minimizing the seriousness of your injuries
  • Disputing the need for certain medical treatment
  • Using your statements against you during the claims process

Having an experienced attorney communicate with the insurance company on your behalf can help protect your rights and ensure your claim is evaluated fairly.

How Is the Value of a Car Accident Case Determined?

No two car accident cases are alike. The value of a claim depends on the specific facts surrounding the accident and the impact your injuries have had on your life.

Factors that may affect the value of your case include:

  • The severity of your injuries
  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Lost income and diminished earning capacity
  • The cost of future medical care or rehabilitation
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement
  • Physical pain and emotional suffering
  • Available insurance coverage
  • Whether you were partially at fault for the accident

An experienced attorney can evaluate these factors, work with medical and financial experts when necessary, and pursue the full compensation available under Utah law.

Why Choose Lance Bingham?

After a serious car accident, choosing the right attorney can make a meaningful difference in your recovery. At Lance Bingham, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that injured victims face, and we are committed to providing personalized legal representation from beginning to end.

When you choose our firm, you can expect:

  • Direct communication and personalized attention
  • Thorough investigation of every accident
  • Skilled negotiations with insurance companies
  • Trial-ready representation when necessary
  • No attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you

Our goal is to handle the legal burden so you can focus on your recovery while we pursue the compensation you deserve.

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Schedule a Free Consultation With a Utah Car Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a collision caused by someone else's negligence, you do not have to face the legal process alone. An experienced Utah car accident lawyer can explain your rights, deal with the insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you need to move forward.

At Lance Bingham, we proudly represent car accident victims throughout Utah. Call (801) 869-6800 today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Utah car accident lawyer and learn how we can help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.

Dustin Lance
Personal Injury Lawyer

Dustin specializes in serious accident and injury cases in Utah and Idaho, practicing in State and Federal Courts. He's recognized as "Utah's Legal Elite," a "Mountain States Rising Star," and a member of The National Trial Lawyers Top 100. He holds an Avvo Superb Rating and is actively involved in legal associations, serving as a judge pro tempore for the Utah Supreme Court. A Utah native, Dustin earned his degrees from the University of Utah. He lives in Farmington with his wife and three children, enjoying family time, flying, and various outdoor activities.

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