After a car crash, navigating the legal process and dealing with insurance companies can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t fully understand how Utah’s unique insurance laws affect your rights. At William Rawlings & Associates, our experienced team is led by a Salt Lake City car accident attorney who understands the specific nuances of Utah personal injury and insurance law—and how they affect your claim.
From mandatory PIP coverage to comparative negligence rules, Utah drivers face legal considerations that don’t always apply in other states. If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, working with an attorney who knows how Utah law works is critical to protecting your financial future.
Why Local Experience Matters in Utah Car Accident Cases
Utah’s auto insurance laws differ in several key ways from neighboring states. These rules directly affect how and when you can file a lawsuit, what insurance is required, and how fault is determined. A Salt Lake City auto accident attorney who has handled hundreds of cases under Utah law will know how to build a strategy that works in your favor.
At William Rawlings & Associates, we’ve spent decades handling car accident claims across Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas. We know how to deal with Utah insurers, negotiate fair settlements, and—if needed—take your case to court.
Utah Car Accident Stats
According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, there were 61,648 crashes across the state in 2024, including 275 fatal crashes and 18,919 injury crashes. Salt Lake County consistently ranks among the highest for crash volume.
Injuries and fatalities continue to be a serious issue on Utah roads, especially on high-traffic routes like I-15, I-80, and SR-201. That’s why it’s more important than ever to have a car accident lawyer Salt Lake City residents trust after an accident.
Understanding Utah’s Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
When someone is injured in a crash, one of the first legal questions is how much coverage is available. Utah law mandates minimum amounts of liability insurance that every driver must carry, and those limits were updated under Utah Code § 31A-22-304, with further increases scheduled for 2025.
As of now, for policies issued or renewed on or before December 31, 2024, the minimum liability limits are:
$25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person,
$65,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons, and
$15,000 for property damage per accident.
— Utah Code § 31A-22-304(1)
However, for policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, the updated minimums will be:
$30,000 for bodily injury or death of one person,
$65,000 for two or more persons, and
$25,000 for property damage per accident.
Alternatively, a combined single limit of $90,000 is allowed.
— Utah Code § 31A-22-304(2)
These minimums are important in any car accident case. If the at-fault driver only carries the minimum required by law, it may limit how much the victim can recover through their policy. A skilled Salt Lake City car accident attorney can help evaluate available coverage and determine if underinsured motorist coverage or other legal options are needed to fully recover a client’s damages.
Understanding Utah’s No-Fault System
Utah is a “no-fault” insurance state, which means a Utah resident’s own insurance policy will pay for their initial medical expenses after a crash, regardless of who caused it. This coverage, called Personal Injury Protection (PIP), typically includes:
- Up to $3,000 in medical expenses
- Lost income (up to a certain limit)
- Household services if the victim is unable to perform basic tasks
However, this doesn’t mean that the victim can’t sue the at-fault driver. They may file a personal injury claim if their injuries meet certain legal thresholds, such as:
- Medical bills exceeding $3,000
- Permanent disability
- Dismemberment
- Disfigurement
A qualified car accident lawyer in Salt Lake City can assess whether one’s case qualifies to step outside the no-fault system and pursue additional damages through a liability claim.
What If You’re Partially At Fault?
Utah follows the rule of modified comparative negligence. If a person is found to be less than 50% at fault for the crash, that person can still recover damages. However, compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
For example, if someone were awarded $100,000 but found to be 20% at fault, their recovery would be reduced to $80,000.
This rule makes it critical to have an auto accident attorney Salt Lake City who can gather evidence, challenge unfair liability claims, and protect clients’ share of compensation.
What Damages Can Be Recovered?
Once a victim meets the no-fault threshold and files a liability claim, they may be eligible to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and future loss of income
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the other driver was particularly reckless (e.g., DUI or excessive speeding). Our car accident lawyers in Salt Lake City can evaluate the full scope of these damages.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Salt Lake City
The steps one takes immediately after a crash can strengthen or weaken their claim. We recommend the following:
- Call 911 – Always report the accident to law enforcement and get a police report.
- Seek medical attention – Even if a victim feels okay, adrenaline can mask serious injuries.
- Document the scene – Take photos, gather witness contact info, and keep all records.
- Avoid admitting fault – A person should be careful what they say to the other driver or their insurer.
- Contact a lawyer – Speak to a Salt Lake City accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Even minor missteps in the days following a crash can jeopardize a victim’s ability to receive full compensation.
Why Choose William Rawlings & Associates?
William Rawlings & Associates has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for injured Utah residents. We’re not just any law firm. We’re local, aggressive, and committed to getting real results for our clients.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- More than 40 years of experience
- Deep knowledge of Utah auto insurance law
- No upfront fees—clients pay only if we win
- Free consultations
- Direct access to an attorney
Whether facing mounting medical bills or pushback from an insurance adjuster, a car accident lawyer SLC from our team is ready to step in and handle the legal battle.
Talk to a Salt Lake City Car Accident Attorney Today
The aftermath of a car crash is stressful. But William Rawlings & Associates, we’re ready to stand up to the insurance companies and fight for every dollar our clients are owed.
If you or a loved one have been injured, don’t wait. Speak with a proven Salt Lake City car accident attorney who understands Utah law and knows how to win.
Call (801) 553-0505 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Your case—and your future—deserve nothing less.