Auto Accident Attorneys in Salt Lake City, Utah

Are You Looking for a Salt Lake City Auto Accident Lawyer?

Have you been injured in a car accident in Salt Lake City? You shouldn’t have to fight insurance companies alone while trying to recover from your injuries.

At Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys based in Midvale, we’ve spent over 90 combined years helping Utah accident victims get the compensation they deserve. Whether your crash happened on I-15 during rush hour, at a dangerous Salt Lake City intersection, or in a parking lot, we know how to maximize your recovery.

Our track record speaks for itself: 1,200+ cases successfully resolved through mediation and arbitration, 85+ jury trials won, and a 95% settlement success rate. Most importantly, we guarantee your net settlement will always exceed our legal fees, because that’s the right way to do business.

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Salt Lake City

The actions you take in the hours and days after your accident significantly impact your potential recovery.

At the Accident Scene:

1. Check for Injuries and Call 911

• Check yourself and passengers for injuries
• Call 911 if anyone is hurt (even if injuries seem minor)
• Request police response to document the accident
• Don’t refuse medical attention; some injuries aren’t immediately apparent

2. Move to Safety (If Possible)

• If vehicles can be moved safely, move them out of traffic
• Turn on hazard lights
• Set up flares or warning triangles if available
• Be cautious of ongoing traffic; I-15 and other highways are dangerous

3. Call the Police

• Always call Salt Lake City Police or Utah Highway Patrol
• Get the officer’s name and report number
• Give your account of what happened clearly and accurately
• Don’t speculate or guess, stick to facts you know

4. Document Everything

• Take photos of all vehicle damage from multiple angles
• Photograph the accident scene (road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks)
• Photograph visible injuries
• Record weather and lighting conditions
• Note the time and location

5. Call an Experienced Car Accident Attorney

• The sooner you call, the sooner we can preserve evidence
• We can handle insurance companies while you focus on recovery
• Early legal advice helps you avoid costly mistakes

6. Don’t Sign Anything

• Insurance companies may ask you to sign medical releases or settlement agreements
• Don’t sign anything without having an attorney review it first
• Some documents can waive your rights permanently

Understanding Utah Car Accident Law: What You Need to Know

Utah has unique car accident laws that directly affect your case. Here’s what every accident victim should understand:

Utah’s No-Fault Insurance System Explained

Utah is one of only 12 “no-fault” insurance states, which significantly impacts how car accident claims work.

What “No-Fault” Means:

When you’re injured in a car accident in Utah, you first file a claim with your own auto insurance company under your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, regardless of who caused the accident. This is often called “No-Fault” coverage.

Your No-Fault PIP Coverage Includes:

• Medical expenses: Up to your policy limit (minimum $3,000 in Utah)
• Lost wages: Up to $250 per week for one year if you can’t work
• Household services: Up to $20 per day if you can’t perform household tasks
• Funeral expenses: If applicable

You should contact your auto insurance carrier as soon as possible after a crash to request a No-Fault PIP application. Getting this process started quickly ensures your medical bills get routed to the right place. Under Utah Code Section 31A-22-306, insurance companies have specific duties to pay these no-fault benefits when you’re injured in a crash.

Important: You must have at least $3,000 in PIP coverage under Utah Code § 31A-22-302. Most policies offer higher limits.

What are the Utah Auto Insurance Coverage Requirements?

Under Utah law, anyone driving a motor vehicle on the highways needs to have minimum insurance coverage of $30,000/$65,000 effective as of January 1, 2025.

Prior to the change of law, Utah law required you to have $25,000 in liability coverage per person for bodily injury; $65,000 per accident for bodily injury where there was more than one person hurt in the car crash; $15,000 per accident for property damage; and $3,000 for personal injury protection for medical bills.

The property damage coverage has increased from $15,000 to $25,000. If there is more than one person hurt or killed in a car crash, the minimum coverage for multiple victims is $65,000. This law took effect on January 1, 2025 pursuant to Utah law.

When Am I Eligible to File a Personal Injury Claim After a Utah Car Accident?

Understanding the Car Accident Claim Process in Utah

Most people don’t know what happens after a car accident, and that’s completely normal. At our Salt Lake City law firm, we handle these cases every day, and we’ve learned that most can be resolved through settlement without the stress of going to court. In fact, about 95% of our cases settle successfully, which means you can focus on healing while we handle the legal battles.

Settlement Negotiations Come First

Our experienced team always starts by pursuing a fair settlement. We gather evidence, document your injuries, calculate your damages, and present a compelling case to the insurance company. When insurers know we’re prepared to go to trial if necessary, they’re more likely to offer reasonable compensation. This approach saves you time, stress, and the uncertainty of a courtroom.

When Mediation Makes Sense

Sometimes insurance companies need a little push to do the right thing. That’s where mediation comes in. Mediation is an informal process where both sides meet with a neutral third party who helps facilitate a settlement. It’s faster and cheaper than going to trial, and it gives you more control over the outcome.

If mediation becomes an option for your case, we’ll walk you through every detail of the process. We’ll be right there with you, advocating for your interests and making sure you understand what’s happening at each step. Many of our clients prefer mediation because it feels less intimidating than a courtroom and often leads to fair resolutions.

Arbitration as an Alternative

Arbitration offers another path to resolution without a full trial. Think of it as a private hearing where an arbitrator (similar to a judge) reviews the evidence and makes a binding decision. The process typically takes place in a conference room rather than a courthouse, which makes it feel more comfortable for many clients.

Arbitration tends to be quicker and less expensive than traditional litigation while still giving both sides the opportunity to present their case. If your case heads toward arbitration, we’ll prepare you thoroughly and explain exactly what to expect. At the appropriate time, we’ll answer any questions you have about the process.

When Trial Becomes Necessary

While rare, some cases need to go before a jury. When insurance companies refuse to offer fair compensation despite overwhelming evidence, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial. Our team has won over 85 jury trials, and insurance adjusters know we’re not afraid of the courtroom. This reputation often helps us secure better settlements during negotiations.

Types of Car Accidents We Handle in Salt Lake City

Our attorneys have successfully handled virtually every type of car accident case. Here are the most common scenarios we see:

Distracted Driving Accidents

Since Utah’s 2019 ban on handheld devices while driving, distracted driving cases have become more legally complex. We know how to obtain cell phone records and prove distraction caused your accident.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end accidents are the most frequent type of crash in Salt Lake City, especially during rush hour on I-15 and at busy intersections along State Street. While these may seem straightforward, insurance companies often try to blame victims for “brake checking” or claim injuries are pre-existing.

Side-Impact (T-Bone) Collisions

Intersection accidents are particularly dangerous because vehicle sides offer less protection. We frequently see T-bone accidents at:

• State Street intersections
• Redwood Road crossings
• Downtown Salt Lake City grid intersections
• Highway off-ramp intersections

Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups

I-15, I-80, and I-215 regularly see chain-reaction accidents, particularly during:

• Winter storms and icy conditions
• Heavy fog and inversion-related low visibility
• Rush hour traffic slowdowns

These complex cases often involve multiple insurance companies and disputed liability. Our experience handling multi-vehicle accidents ensures all responsible parties are held accountable.

Highway Accidents

High-speed collisions on I-15, I-80, and I-215 result in severe injuries due to impact forces. We have extensive experience with:

• Merge zone accidents
• Lane change collisions
• Highway construction zone accidents
• Disabled vehicle strikes

Parking Lot Accidents

While typically lower-speed, parking lot accidents can still cause significant injuries and often involve:

• Backing accidents
• Pedestrian strikes
• “Who had the right-of-way” disputes

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents are increasing in Salt Lake City. We help victims pursue compensation through:

• Uninsured motorist coverage
• Police investigation support
• Witness location and statements
• Surveillance footage acquisition

DUI Accidents

Impaired driving remains a serious problem in Utah. Despite strict DUI laws, drunk and drugged drivers cause hundreds of preventable accidents annually. We aggressively pursue maximum compensation from impaired drivers.

Salt Lake City Car Accident Statistics: Why Legal Help Matters

Car accidents are a daily occurrence on Salt Lake City’s busy streets and highways. Understanding the local accident landscape helps explain why experienced legal representation is crucial:

By the Numbers:

• Salt Lake County experiences over 20,000 car accidents annually
• More than 10,000 accidents result in injuries each year
• Fatal accidents have been increasing, particularly on Utah’s highways
• I-15 through Salt Lake County is one of Utah’s most dangerous corridors
• Winter weather contributes to a 40% spike in accidents from November through February

Most Dangerous Locations in Salt Lake City:

High-Risk Highways:

• I-15 corridor (especially between 600 South and 3300 South)
• I-80 near the airport (merge zones and high-speed traffic)
• I-215 interchange areas (complex merging patterns)
• I-15/I-80 junction (one of Utah’s busiest interchanges)

Dangerous Intersections and Roads:

• State Street corridor (high-volume commercial area)
• Redwood Road (frequent side-impact collisions)
• 2100 South and State Street
• 3300 South and State Street
• 400 South and West Temple
• 700 East corridor

Common Contributing Factors:

• Distracted driving (Utah banned handheld device use while driving in 2019)
• Winter weather conditions (black ice, reduced visibility during inversions)
• Speeding on highways (particularly I-15’s 70+ mph zones)
• Left-turn failures at busy intersections
• Aggressive driving and road rage
• Impaired driving (DUI accidents remain a serious problem)

These statistics underscore a critical point: When you’re involved in a serious accident in Salt Lake City, you’re facing sophisticated insurance companies with teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize your claim. You need experienced legal advocates on your side.

What Do I Do After My Medical Coverage Under My No-Fault Is Exhausted?

Once you begin your treatment for the injuries you sustained in the motor vehicle accident, your auto insurance No-Fault/PIP benefits will pay the medical bills. In addition, you will be provided with loss of wages if you are missing work and have a doctor’s note, up to $250 per week for one year.

In addition, if you cannot do your household chores or services, you can have somebody fill in for you up to $20 per day, seven days per week, for one year. After your no-fault medical coverage has been exhausted, which is normally $3,000 (it can be any amount, but will not be less than $3,0000), the auto accidents lawyers at Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys will obtain a letter of exhaustion for you from your no-fault carrier and send it to your health insurance.

After that, your bills will be routed to your health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or other method to pay the medical bills you have until your case is resolved by the attorneys at Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys through the at­-fault driver’s insurance policy. If you do not have health insurance, the Midvale car accidents attorneys at Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys can assist you in getting your medical coverage through medical providers that will accept a lien and provide you with medical care to treat your injuries until your case is resolved.

How To Protect Yourself If an At-Fault Driver in Utah Does Not Have Enough Insurance

Here’s an uncomfortable truth: many Utah drivers operate vehicles irresponsibly when it comes to insurance. Statistics show that roughly one in eight drivers has no insurance at all, despite it being legally required. Even more drive with only minimal coverage, which is completely inadequate for serious accidents.

Imagine being severely injured by someone who only has $25,000 in coverage when your medical bills alone total $100,000. You’re left with a massive financial gap through no fault of your own. This is where Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage becomes crucial.

Understanding Umbrella Policies

An umbrella policy provides another layer of protection by tying your home insurance to your auto coverage. These policies work both ways, protecting you if you seriously injure someone else, and protecting you if you’re seriously injured by an underinsured driver who can’t fully compensate you.

If you’re at fault and the damages exceed your auto liability policy, the umbrella policy covers the excess. Similarly, if you’re the victim and need to access your UIM coverage and umbrella policy for adequate compensation, having both ensures you’re not left with devastating financial losses.

This is a complex area of insurance law, and we strongly recommend discussing these options with your insurance agent. Our Midvale auto accident attorneys understand these coverages inside and out, and we’re always happy to answer questions about how insurance works in Utah.

How We Investigate Car Accidents in Utah

A proper investigation can make or break your case. When you’re involved in a car accident in Utah, timing is everything. Evidence disappears, witnesses move away, and memories fade. That’s why it’s critical to immediately call the police, seek medical attention, and contact our firm.

Our attorneys know exactly what evidence matters and how to preserve it. We gather police reports, photograph vehicle damage, document the accident scene, interview witnesses, and obtain surveillance footage from nearby businesses. All of this evidence helps us build an undeniable case for your compensation.

Why You Need an Attorney Before Giving Statements

Insurance companies move fast after accidents. Often, within hours, an adjuster will call asking for a statement about what happened. This is a trap. Adjusters use these early statements to find inconsistencies, minimize your injuries, or shift blame onto you.

Many people are confused about who had the right of way, what the traffic laws say, or exactly what happened in those split seconds before impact. It’s easy to misspeak or misremember details when you’re still processing the trauma of an accident. That’s why having one of our attorneys present when you give your statement is so important. We make sure you don’t inadvertently say something that hurts your case.

What is a Motor Vehicle Data Recorder?

Many Utah motorists do not understand that their vehicle is equipped with a device called an event data recorder. Utah Code Ann.§ 41-1a-1501 sets forth the Event Data Recorder Act for Utah. In car crashes where there is a dispute as to the responsible duties for each driver, many times, those disputes can be resolved through retrieving the Event Data Recorder.

It is very important to contact the Salt Lake City auto accident attorneys at Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys so they can conduct a thorough and quick investigation and hire the necessary experts to retrieve your event data recorder if there is a dispute as to who caused the crash.

The event data recorder will record such things as:

• Whether the vehicles are back deployed;
• Vehicle speed;
• Vehicle steering performance
• Vehicle brake and
• Vehicle seatbelt

It is important that your vehicle be preserved until the investigation is conducted if there is a dispute as to the crash or whether there is a problem with your vehicle that was, in part, a cause of the car crash.

Why Choose Our Salt Lake City Car Accident Attorneys?

When you’re injured in a crash you didn’t cause, choosing the right attorney can mean the difference between a fair settlement and financial hardship. Here’s what sets us apart:

90+ Years of Combined Experience in Utah

Our legal team has nearly a century of combined experience handling car accident cases specifically in Utah. We understand Salt Lake City’s unique traffic patterns, the challenges of I-15 corridor accidents, winter weather collisions, and how to navigate Utah’s no-fault insurance system. This local expertise translates directly into better outcomes for our clients.

Proven Track Record: Over 1,200 Cases Successfully Resolved

We’ve helped thousands of Utah families recover from devastating car accidents. Our experience includes:

• 1,200+ mediation and arbitration cases successfully resolved
• 85+ jury trials with favorable verdicts
• 95% of cases settled without going to trial
• Millions recovered for Salt Lake City accident victims

Your Net Settlement Guarantee

We’re confident in our ability to maximize your compensation, so we offer a unique guarantee: Your net settlement (what you take home after legal fees) will always exceed our percentage fee, or we reduce our fee. This means you always come out ahead when you work with us.

No Upfront Costs, We Only Get Paid When You Win

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• No consultation fees
• No upfront costs or retainers
• No legal fees unless we win your case
• No hidden charges or surprise bills

If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.

Ready to discuss your case? Call (801) 212-9992 for a free consultation.

Dedicated Legal Team Supporting You Every Step of the Way

When you choose Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys, you’re not just hiring a lawyer; you’re gaining an entire team committed to your recovery. Our well-trained attorneys, paralegals, and legal secretaries bring 90 combined years of experience handling car accident and injury claims throughout Utah and the Intermountain West. We work closely with every client to build strong cases that maximize the compensation you deserve.

Communication is everything in a personal injury case. We need to fully understand your injuries, your losses, and how this accident has impacted your life. That’s why we take the time to listen. Whether you’re dealing with mounting medical bills, missed work, or trying to help a loved one recover, we want to hear your story and understand what matters most to you.

Our track record speaks to our commitment. We’ve successfully represented clients in more than 1,200 mediation and arbitration cases and won over 85 jury trials. When you partner with us, you can rest easy knowing your case is in experienced hands. Let us use that experience to help you and your family move forward confidently, starting with a free consultation.

Contact Our Trusted Car Attorneys in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Discuss Your Claim During a Free Consultation

Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys, based in Midvale, has represented thousands of Utah clients, successfully obtaining settlements during negotiations and fighting for their rights and optimal outcomes in jury trials for more than 90 combined years.

If you have been hurt or lost a loved one in a car accident caused by negligence in Utah, contact our Salt Lake City auto accident and injury attorneys today at 801-212-9992 to discuss your claim during a free consultation.

We provide top-notch legal representation on a contingency basis and never recover any legal fees until we win your case. Even then, we promise our clients that their net settlement will be more than our legal fee recovery percentage because it is the right way to do business.

Car Accidents Resources:

• Dangerous Road Accident
• Hit & Run Accident
• Multi-Vehicle Accident
• Rear-End Accident
• Rollover Accident
• T-Bone Accident
• Wide Turn Accident

Related Links:

• How Semi-Truck Accidents Differ from Car Accidents in Utah
• Dealing with Insurance Companies After an Auto Accident in Utah
• The Importance of Medical Documentation in Utah Auto Accident Cases
• The Role of Police Reports in Utah Auto Accident Claims