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While most people are aware that they should be hiring an attorney for any major car accident in which they were injured by the fault of another party and are seeking just compensation, some have understandable questions about whether this is necessary for a more minor accident. And while we understand this question, the reality is that it's actually often framed in the wrong way. 

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we proudly provide the very best auto accident lawyer, truck accident attorney and related vehicle accident services around Salt Lake City, Provo, Draper or any nearby part of Utah. We serve clients across all types of vehicle accidents, even including many that some would consider "minor" in nature - and we're here to tell you that the severity of the accident itself actually isn't the largest factor in whether you should hire an attorney. Here are some basics on why this is the case, some misconceptions about "minor" accidents, and when it makes sense to call a car accident attorney. 

errors vehicle accident liability

Injuries Can Still Happen in "Minor" Accidents

You may have noticed that we keep putting the word "minor" in quotation marks, and there's a reason for that - because many accidents that are labeled as "minor" by those involved can actually cause significant injuries. In fact, it's not uncommon for someone to walk away from an accident thinking they're fine, only to find out later that they have whiplash, soft tissue damage or other similar issues. 

Furthermore, even supposedly minor accidents can cause immediate, severe injuries. These include traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and other problems that require immediate medical care and can lead to long-term effects. So even if your accident seems minor, it's always best to get checked out by a doctor just in case - and this is especially true if you're hoping to seek any type of financial compensation for the damages caused.

"Minor" Accidents Can Still Cause Major Damage

Another misconception about "minor" accidents is that they don't cause significant damage to vehicles. In reality, even low-speed collisions can result in expensive repairs or even total losses for your vehicle. And if the accident was caused by someone else's negligence, you shouldn't be responsible for paying these costs out of pocket.

Moreover, even if the damage to your vehicle is minimal, it's important to remember that it's not just about the physical damage. The emotional stress and inconvenience caused by a car accident can be significant, and you shouldn't have to shoulder these burdens alone.

Legal Necessity of Reporting Accidents - Even "Minor" Ones

Down somewhat related lines, it's vital to remember that "minor" accidents still need to be reported to the authorities and your insurance company, just like any other accident. Failure to do so can lead to legal complications and jeopardize any potential claims you may have for compensation.

Value a Car Accident Attorney Brings to the Table

Even if your accident is considered "minor", it's still a good idea to consult with a reputable car accident attorney. They can help you navigate the legal process, handle negotiations with insurance companies and ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation you're entitled to. 

Additionally, they can provide valuable insight into the true extent of your injuries and damages, helping you accurately assess the value of any potential settlement offers. And in the event that a settlement can't be reached, having an experienced car accident attorney on your side can greatly improve your chances of success if you need to take the case to court.

What a Car Accident Attorney Will Do

When you contact our office, our team of experienced attorneys will immediately begin working on your case. We'll gather all the necessary information and evidence, handle communication with insurance companies, and fight for your rights every step of the way. We handle everything from liability and injury assessment to negotiating settlements and representing you in court, so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. 

Don't let the term "minor" accident fool you - if you've been injured in any type of vehicle accident, it's always best to consult with a car accident attorney to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Don't hesitate to reach out to William Rawlings & Associates for a free consultation and let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve, whether you're in SLC, Provo, Draper or any nearby area of Utah. We also assist with numerous other personal injury lawyer needs and case types.

While it's somewhat common (and understandable) to hear people complain about the areas of their lives that insurance doesn't cover, there's actually a flip side to this as well. There are a number of injury types that you may not have ever thought would be covered by insurance, but actually are - including several common injury types that often result in personal injury claims. 

At William Rawlings & Associates, we have decades of experience dealing with insurance companies as we strive for just compensation for our personal injury clients around Salt Lake City, Draper, Provo and other parts of Utah. While many of our cases are in more well-known areas like car accidents or child injuries, we also help with lesser-known case types like passenger claims, malpractice suits and more. Whether it's your insurance or the insurance of a different liable party that's providing the compensation, here are several examples of surprising injury types you may not have realized are often covered by insurance.

injuries slip fall cases

Passenger Accident Claims

As we alluded to above, a great example here is passenger claims. What happens if you're not the driver in a car accident, but rather are just an innocent passenger – perhaps even with no control over the vehicle at all? 

In these cases, insurance companies will often provide coverage for personal injuries that occur to passengers, as long as they were not behaving negligently themselves. In cases where it's determined that a separate party in a different vehicle caused the accident, they may be responsible for your compensation via their insurance even if you were a passenger in a car that wasn't theirs. 

Dog Bites

Many people don't realize this, but dog bites are actually covered by homeowner's insurance in most cases. This includes both incidents that occur on the owner's property and those where the dog is taken off-site, such as to a park. Dog bite claims often include not just physical injuries, but also property damage or trauma compensation as well.

Once again, it's important to note that in some cases, the owner's insurance may not cover bites if they occur due to negligence or intentional harm. But more often than not, dog bite claims are eligible for compensation from insurance providers. 

Defective Product Injuries

There are a few parties that may be considered at fault for injuries that occur due to a defective product: The manufacturer, the distributor or the seller of the product. In many cases, these parties will have some form of insurance coverage that can provide compensation for any resulting personal injuries. 

This is especially important to note if you've been injured by a defective product and are considering filing a lawsuit – even if it's not clear at first who the liable party is, it's often possible to receive compensation from some form of insurance coverage. Make sure to discuss this with your personal injury attorney as you consider your options for seeking compensation. 

Medical Malpractice

Another common area where people may not realize insurance is often involved: Medical malpractice. In many states, doctors and medical professionals are required to carry malpractice insurance as a form of financial protection for those who may be injured in their care. 

This means that if you suffer an injury or illness due to negligence or error by your doctor, you may be eligible for compensation from their insurance company. This also includes professionals like dentists, therapists, and nurses. 

Slips and Falls

Depending on the circumstances, injuries that occur due to slip and fall accidents may also be covered by insurance. For example, if a business owner is found negligent in maintaining safe conditions on their property and you suffer an injury as a result, their liability insurance may cover your medical expenses or other damages. 

Injuries Usually Not Covered

While we've spent most of this blog going over injuries that are often covered by insurance in some way, here are some examples of those on the flip side - that will almost never be covered:

It's important to understand the extent of insurance coverage when it comes to personal injury claims. While there are many common injury types that are often covered, there are also several that typically are not. 

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we are dedicated to helping our clients receive the compensation they deserve for their personal injuries. Our experienced team is well-versed in dealing with insurance companies and will work tirelessly to fight for your rights and just compensation. If you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury around SLC, Draper, Provo or any other part of Utah, contact us today for a free consultation.

There are several kinds of compensation that you may be eligible for if you've been injured in a car accident through the fault of another party, and some of these are more nuanced than others. A good example here is the realm of "pain and suffering" damages, which are possible in a number of different personal injury cases, vehicle accidents often chief among them.

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we offer experienced attorney services for car accidents, truck accidents and any other vehicle accident around Salt Lake City, Provo, Draper and other parts of Utah. Let's look at what pain and suffering damages are, some methods by which they may be calculated, and some of the ways plaintiffs can go about proving their claims for these sorts of damages.

pain suffering damages car accidents

Economic Vs Non-Economic Damages

In most car accident cases, and even within many other types of personal injury cases, there are two different types of damages that may be available to the plaintiff: economic and non-economic.

Economic damages refer directly to things like medical bills or repair expenses, as these can be easily calculated by looking at invoices and receipts. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are more subjective in nature.

"Pain and suffering" damages are an example of the latter, as it's hard to put a dollar value on the victim's physical and emotional distress.

Examples of Pain and Suffering

There are several ways that pain and suffering damages may be classified, including:

Methods of Calculating Pain and Suffering Damage Value

Because pain and suffering damages are nuanced by nature, their calculation methods can be as well. There are two primary such methods generally used:

Per diem method: The more common method today is the per diem method, which involves assessing a set daily rate for pain and suffering damages. This daily rate is calculated by estimating the amount of money the plaintiff is losing daily due to the effects of the accident - some of this may be determined by the plaintiff's income, though other factors can be present as well.

Multiplier method: In this method, plaintiffs determine their economic damages first - and then multiply this by a given number for additional pain and suffering damages. This multiplier will often be three, but can also be different numbers. However, insurers today are becoming more and more reluctant to accept this model, and the per diem model is more often used.

Proving Pain and Suffering Damages

Finally, it's important for plaintiffs to be able to prove that any pain and suffering damages they are claiming are legitimate. There are several ways they can do so, most involving documentation:

At William Rawlings & Associates, our experienced attorneys are well-versed in all types of damages related to car accidents, and can help you secure the compensation you need for your recovery. Contact us today for more information on any of our services around SLC, Draper, Provo and other parts of Utah.

In part one of this two-part series on depositions in car accident liability cases, we looked at some of the ways plaintiffs can prepare for these important sessions and what to think about during them. Plaintiff performance during a deposition can often be very important for the case at hand, and ensuring you're up-to-speed on all relevant details is important.

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're happy to offer quality car accident attorneys for clients around Draper, Salt Lake City, Provo and nearby areas of Utah. Today's part two of our series will shift gears a little and look at the important next steps that come after you've finished giving deposition testimony, plus what you and your attorney will be thinking about moving forward.

car accident depositions happens next

Transcript Created

Every deposition will feature the presence of a court reporter, who will transcribe the entire session and create a court-admissible transcript. They will usually do so via use of a stenotype—a device not unlike a typewriter that uses an alphabet of phonetic symbols to capture speech. The transcript generated from this will be the official record of all that you said in the deposition, and it can be used later on if needed for testimony or other legal purposes.

Transcript Reviewed

Once the transcript has been created, attorneys from both parties will look over it and make sure that there are no errors or inconsistencies. This process ensures that the transcript is accurate, so that when and if it's used later on there won't be any confusion.

Once this has happened, the transcript moves one step closer to being legally admissible.

Medical Examinations

Depending on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the court may require you to submit to a medical exam. This is important for several reasons - first, it will provide additional evidence as to the nature and extent of your injuries, which can be helpful in assessing damages. Second, if your injury requires ongoing care and treatment, this will help establish that continuing care is necessary.

Now, how this care is acquired is very important to think about. If you go through your insurance company, for instance, remember that this entity may be biased - they are looking out for their own interests and may not always be looking to provide the most beneficial care. As a result, it may be better to request independent medical exams from third-party providers who can provide an unbiased assessment.

Your attorney will be able to help you navigate this process and ensure that all necessary documents are filed properly so that your case can move forward.

Secondary Depositions

In some cases, such as if medical examination reveals that your injuries may have been caused by a third party, you may need to give additional depositions. Your attorney will be able to advise on whether this is necessary and how best to proceed.

Mediation

Once both parties have agreed that no further depositions are necessary, the next step in the process will be for them to attempt to reach a settlement through mediation. This is a voluntary process in which both parties meet with an independent mediator who works towards finding an agreement that is mutually beneficial.

The goal of mediation is to avoid going to court and having your case decided by a jury. It's an opportunity for both parties to discuss the details of their respective cases and negotiate in a way that both sides may be satisfied with. Your attorney can provide you with guidance on how best to prepare for this important step.

Most car accident injury cases are able to be settled during mediation, however if an agreement can not be reached, then the case will proceed to trial. Your attorney will have advised you from the beginning of the process about what kind of settlement they believe to be fair and reasonable, and they will also be able to advise you on whether or not the offer proposed in mediation is appropriate for your case.

Trial

In any case where a settlement cannot be reached during mediation, the case will proceed to trial and a jury will decide who is liable for the accident. At this point, all of the evidence collected and testimony given during depositions will be used to help prove your case. It is important that you have prepared thoroughly and presented yourself well in any deposition or medical examination prior to trial, as this evidence will be used to support or refute your claims.

Your attorney will provide you with advice and guidance throughout the trial process, and help ensure that your best interests are being served. They will also be able to advise you on when it may be appropriate to accept a settlement offered by the other party, and when to continue fighting in court.

Appeal

Depending on the outcome of the trial, either party may wish to appeal if they are not satisfied with the verdict. This process is often complicated and costly, so it is important to discuss all your options with your attorney before deciding whether or not to proceed.

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we have extensive experience in handling car accident injury cases and can help guide you through the entire process. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your case in Draper, SLC, Provo or any other part of Utah.

There are a few parts of the proceedings in a given car accident liability case where the plaintiff will be directly involved, and one of the most notable in some such cases is a deposition. A deposition refers to an out-of-court setting where sworn testimony is given with the purpose of being used later in court during discovery, and plaintiffs who are testifying during discovery need to know a few things.

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're here to offer the very best car accident attorney services you'll find in Draper, Salt Lake City, Provo and nearby parts of Utah. We assist clients with every part of their case here, including any depositions that are required and the preparation you need for them. This two-part blog series on car accident depositions will begin by going over some basic plaintiff preparations and expectations for a deposition, while part two will look at the important steps that take place after your deposition is finished.

car accident depositions prep

Be Prepared

During the days and weeks leading up to your deposition, it’s essential that you take the time to become well-prepared for it. This will mean learning all of the details of your case and understanding exactly what points are most relevant to the proceedings. You should also familiarize yourself with those who may be present in the room during the deposition, such as attorneys from both sides.

Speaking of attorneys, this is one area that highlights the immense value of working with a qualified car accident attorney throughout your case. An experienced car accident attorney can show you exactly how you should be preparing for your deposition - they can even do things like ask sample questions, review details of your case and answer any questions you have about the deposition process.

Know What the Defense is Going For

In virtually every car accident deposition, the goal of the defense attorney(s) will be the same in nature: To lock the plaintiff into a restrictive "version" of their story that can cast doubt on their case in court. This is why it’s essential to always be focused on the truth and avoid exaggerating or changing your story while under oath - no matter how much pressure is coming from the defense attorneys.

For many, this goes back to strong preparation and having a car accident attorney who can assist in such preparations. From there, remaining calm and composed during the deposition is always an important factor - being aware that the defense attorneys may be trying to bait you into saying something which could reflect poorly on your case is essential.

Only Speak When Necessary

Down these lines, it's generally good to avoid getting too wordy or speaking too much during your deposition. While you should always provide complete and honest answers to questions, saying more than necessary can often lead to a complicated or confusing answer - something which can easily be used against you in court by the defense attorneys.

If you're unsure of whether you should speak up about a given topic, it's usually best to wait and consult with your car accident attorney first. As mentioned, having an experienced car accident lawyer to assist during the deposition is an invaluable resource that can provide valuable guidance throughout the entire process.

Remember That Non-Verbal Communication is Recorded

One common mistake that some car accident plaintiffs make during their depositions is forgetting that non-verbal communication such as facial expressions, body language and other reactions are still recorded. Even if you don't say anything while under oath, the defense attorneys may use your non-verbal response to a question as evidence against you in court.

For this reason, it's important to always remain as neutral and composed as possible - even when you’re being asked a difficult or uncomfortable question. Doing this will provide the greatest opportunity for success in your case, while also ensuring that the defense won't have any evidence to use against you from your deposition.

Be Prepared for "Fishing" Questions

As we noted above, the defense attorneys may very well try to “fish” for answers that can cast doubt on your case - such as asking you something that has nothing to do with the accident itself, but instead gets at other unrelated areas of your personal life.

Although it's important to answer all questions truthfully and accurately during deposition, it’s also wise to keep your answers focused on the accident itself - and just let your car accident attorney handle any questions that are out of bounds. Doing so can help you avoid getting tripped up on unrelated topics and keep the deposition as straightforward for you as possible.

With this information in mind, those who have been injured in a car accident should be better prepared to handle the deposition process. Ultimately, having a car accident attorney to assist with your case is – as always - the best way to ensure that you’re well-prepared for all aspects of the liability proceedings.

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, our experienced car accident lawyers are here to help you through the entire process - from filing for damages all the way to deposition preparation. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist with your case, whether you're located in SLC, Draper, Provo or any other part of Utah.

There are a few terms or descriptors that will often be found in liability cases involving auto accidents, and one of the most well-known here is "reckless driving." A party engaged in reckless driving is much more likely to be found liable in a given car accident than one who is not, and knowing how to define reckless driving in these settings is one important piece of navigating these cases.

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we provide the most trusted car accident attorney services you'll find in Salt Lake City, Draper, Provo and nearby areas of Utah. We assist our clients with every part of the process in helping them obtain their due compensation if they were injured by the fault of another party in an auto accident, and reckless driving is a common topic discussed in these cases. Here are some of the key behaviors that tend to qualify as reckless driving, from those you were likely aware of to a few you may not have considered entirely - but which could be impactful in your case.

defining reckless driving auto accident

Driving Under the Influence

One of the more well-known and obvious connections between a car accident and reckless driving is the involvement of alcohol, drugs or any other intoxicating substance. If another party involved in an accident was impaired while driving, they are much more likely to be found liable than if they had been sober while on the roads.

Even if DUI charges are not pursued by law enforcement, their documented intoxication can still play a role in the legal proceedings of a given case.

Excessive Speeding

Another relatively well-known form of reckless driving that's pretty constant across borders and regions is excessive speeding. Driving over a certain speed limit, typically significantly over it, can be considered a case of reckless driving that could have an impact on the results of the legal proceedings.

And in liability cases, it's not even necessary to prove that the offender was actually driving over the speed limit – simply having evidence of their intent to do so can be enough.

Driving the Wrong Way

While these situations are somewhat rarer, they are still considered reckless and can lead to serious consequences when a car accident is involved. Drivers who make the mistake of driving in the wrong direction on a one-way street or highway are much more likely to be found liable by a judge or jury than if they had been driving just under the speed limit and following all other traffic signs.

In many cases, this sort of behavior is accompanied by some kind of driving under the influence or other forms of negligence, making it even easier for victims to make the case for reckless driving.

Distracted Driving

There are several forms of distracted driving that may qualify as reckless driving, including:

Now, some of these forms of distraction can be pretty nuanced in resulting liability cases - mainly because proving that the other party was actually doing it can be difficult. However, if there is evidence or proof of negligence regarding any type of distracted driving, the odds of a judge or jury finding recklessness increase substantially.

Running Any Police Barricade or Related Area

Another form of reckless driving that may not be as well-known but can still lead to substantial legal consequences is running any barricade or related area, such as roadblocks, stop signs or traffic lights.

Any of these violations can be considered reckless driving, and the other party involved in an accident may be found liable if evidence shows that they had done so.

Swerving Behavior

Finally, swerving behavior - such as weaving in and out of lanes - is also considered reckless driving. If the other party has been found to have done this, it may lead to a liability case in which recklessness was involved.

Ultimately, understanding the many types of reckless driving can be key to navigating liability cases in the event of auto accidents. Being familiar with these terms and behaviors will help ensure that you or your attorney are prepared to make a case for recklessness in court - if necessary.

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we are well-versed in the legal implications of recklessness and auto accidents. Our experienced attorneys can help you determine whether reckless driving was involved in your case and how best to proceed with any related liability proceedings. Feel free to contact us today for more information or a consultation about any personal injury case in SLC, Draper, Provo or other parts of Utah.

There are certain areas of our lives where many people prefer to take a "do it yourself" approach, saving themselves money and sometimes hassle in the process. However, there are also certain situations where this DIY approach is not recommended whatsoever, and one great example is if you've been in a car accident and are looking to file a liability claim against another party to receive compensation for injuries you sustained.

This is one situation where you should virtually always be retaining the assistance of a quality personal injury attorney, and our team at the offices of William Rawlings & Associates is here to help. We offer quality attorney services for any kind of car accident you're involved in within Salt Lake City, Draper, Provo and other parts of Utah, and we've helped numerous clients receive the compensation they deserve. Here are some of the major risks you're taking if you attempt to resolve a car accident liability claim without the help of an attorney, plus why we strongly recommend against this approach if you want to get maximum compensation without hassle.

risks no lawyer accident liability

Major Mistakes - Including Those That Might Negate Compensation

First and foremost, it's important to realize that the process for filing a claim and obtaining compensation for a car accident is not as simple or straightforward as it looks. The process can involve quite a bit of paperwork and leg work, plus there are laws that must be followed and specific pieces of evidence and information you need to provide in order to get your claim approved.

Failing to follow the law, present all necessary documentation, or provide accurate information can have serious consequences that directly impact your ability to receive the compensation you deserve. In many cases, it's just too easy to make an accidental mistake that could be used against you in a liability case and end up costing you dearly.

Sacrificing Your Rights

In other cases, without the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney, you might make decisions and sign documents that directly impact your rights to compensation. We've seen far too many cases where people have accepted settlements or signed agreements with various parties before having a qualified legal professional review the information.

The unfortunate truth is that in some cases this led to situations where clients gave up certain rights of theirs without realizing it and ended up with far less than what they should have obtained. This is why oftentimes having a qualified attorney review the situation, documents and details pertaining to your case is essential.

Missing Vital Evidence

There might be several forms of evidence that could be used to help support your case, but it's important that you have the experience and knowledge of a quality attorney by your side if you want to make sure all evidence is found, gathered and presented. If any critical pieces of evidence are missed, then this can severely jeopardize your claim or even negate it altogether.

For instance, you might not be aware of certain witnesses who could provide testimony that would be valuable to your case, or certain pieces of evidence that were overlooked. A quality attorney such as those at the offices of William Rawlings & Associates can ensure that all necessary steps and procedures are taken in order to identify and present all available evidence.

Being Hoodwinked By an Insurance Company

Remember, the goal of insurance companies during a liability claim is to pay out as little money as possible. This can sometimes include tactics on their part intended to convince you that a settlement for far less than what you deserve is your best option.

With the help of an experienced attorney, however, you can be sure that any settlement offer or agreement presented by another party is a fair one that won't leave you short-changed.

At William Rawlings & Associates, we understand the complexities involved in filing and pursuing a liability claim for a car accident, which is why we're committed to helping our clients receive the maximum compensation they deserve. If you or someone you know has been in a car accident or any other form of personal injury situation in SLC, Draper, Provo or any other part of Utah, we encourage you to contact us for legal assistance and peace of mind.

In most car accident situations, the legal ramifications in terms of fault and damages are fairly simple. One of the two drivers is usually at fault, and may bear liability to the other in terms of physical or emotional damages.

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, our personal injury attorneys are here to help with these kinds of basic car accidents for clients in Draper, Salt Lake City, Provo and nearby parts of Utah, but also with a more complex type: The multi-car accident. Liability may not be so simple in these cases, and determining responsibility may take a bit more work. Here's a look at some of the key factors that tend to influence these cases, plus what to be thinking about if you're involved in one.

liability multi car accidents

More Than One Driver Can Be at Fault

For starters, it’s important to note that there’s no set method for listing fault in these kinds of accidents. In some cases a single driver will have 100 percent of the fault placed on him or her, while in others multiple drivers may have some responsibility.

As an example, let’s say a driver rear-ends another, pushing the front car into yet another vehicle that’s in front of it. In this case, the driver of the first vehicle to make contact will be responsible for damages to both other vehicles, as they caused the damage. In other situations, though, multiple drivers can contribute to an accident taking place – think of a driver who goes through a red light at far too high a speed, but is then hit by someone who ran the opposing red light at the same intersection in an accident that also impacts a third vehicle. In this case, both the speeder and the driver who ran the red light could be at some degree of fault.

Insurance Considerations

When a multi-car accident takes place in Utah, the first consideration for all drivers involved, even those who may not have been at fault, is their insurance. Utah is a no-fault auto insurance state, meaning that you’ll first use your PIP (Personal Injury Protection) insurance to pay for basic medical expenses or lost work time. Once this policy limit has been reached, which usually happens fairly quickly, drivers are able to use fault and liability to request damages from others involved in the accident.

Other Factors

Some other areas that may play a role in liability for multi-car accidents:

Mental Trauma Considerations

Like with any vehicle accident, multi-car collisions may involve mental trauma in addition to any physical injuries suffered. All car accidents are highly stressful in this manner, but those involving multiple cars – and potentially multiple successive dangerous scenarios – might make trauma symptoms even more severe. These symptoms may include the following areas:

It’s important to note that anyone involved in an accident can experience this sort of trauma, even passengers who were not driving. It’s important to seek help for any of these concerns, and to document such help in detail – you may be eligible for damages in this area.

Receiving Compensation

In Utah, the first bit of coverage for your various accident-related expenses will come from your personal injury protection insurance, which is required under the state’s no-fault insurance laws. For this amount, it does not matter who was responsible.

However, once you exceed this limit, you may be due additional compensation in several areas:

And throughout this process, a personal injury attorney can prove invaluable in helping you to navigate the process. Multi-car accidents may have a variety of factors at play, but they are still very much subject to Utah’s laws and regulations when it comes to determining fault and collecting damages. An experienced attorney will know how to make sure you get the compensation that is due after an accident.

For more here, or to learn about any of our attorney services for clients around SLC, Draper, Provo and other parts of Utah, contact our team at the offices of William Rawlings & Associates today.

There are several different kinds of personal injury cases and claims out there, and perhaps the single most common and well-known surrounds car accidents. Car accident liability claims are quite common, involving one party making a claim against another for both monetary damages and bodily harm, and those who are in such a situation should know a few basic things before proceeding.

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're proud to offer the very best car accident attorney services you'll find in Utah, helping clients get their due compensation when involved in accidents that were the fault of another party. A major part of our value to clients involves explaining the liability claim process and helping walk them through it - with that in mind, here are some of the simple facts and approaches you should know about auto accident injury cases.

filing car accident liability claim

Calling the Police

In most cases that will involve a personal injury claim, one of the first and most important steps to take while at the actual accident scene is to call the police. Police officers will typically arrive and take an official report of the incident, which can then be used later on as part of your evidence in making a claim for damages.

If anyone in your vehicle or others has been injured, this is also an opportunity to inform the police, and if needed you can even ask to be taken to a hospital for treatment.

Written Report Copy

While the first responsibility of police is to ensure safety and security at the scene, they will also typically produce an official written report of what happened. Make sure that you get a copy of this report to use as evidence when making your claim.

As part of making this written report, police responders will speak to witnesses and record their statements, so if there were any witnesses to the accident who you weren't able to speak directly with, the police report should include their testimony. These reports will also include things like the time, location, and other details of the incident which will be important in filing a claim.

Gather Any Other Evidence

While you're still at the scene of the accident, you should take any other evidence that may be available. This can include photos of the scene and vehicle damage, contact information from any witnesses who were present, and even a video recording if possible.

These pieces of evidence will help make your claim stronger when going before an insurance company or court of law - so it's important to collect as much of it as possible.

Contacting a Car Accident Attorney

The next major step that should be taken after an auto accident is to contact a car accident attorney. This is especially true if there has been any kind of injury as a result of the incident - either physical or psychological.

An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of filing a claim for damages, whether against another individual or their insurance company. They will also be able to ensure that you are compensated for all of the damages incurred, both physical and financial.

Determining Fault

One of the key elements your attorney will walk you through when filing a claim is the concept of fault and negligence. In most cases, you'll need to prove that someone else was responsible for causing the accident in order to receive compensation.

A qualified car accident lawyer will help by reviewing all of the evidence available and examining various factors such as speed, traffic conditions, vehicle maintenance history, and more in order to prove negligence on the part of another party. If successful, this is often a major step in winning your case and receiving the compensation you deserve.

How to Manage Insurance Company Dealings

Whether on your own or with the help of your attorney, it's important to know how to manage dealings with an insurance company. Insurance companies will often try to get out of paying for a claim and may even attempt to pressure you into settling for much less than what you deserve.

It's important in these cases that you are firm and stick to your guns when negotiating, or at least have the experience of an attorney to help you navigate these waters.

Kinds of Damages You May File For

Depending on the specifics of the incident and the extent of harm that you have suffered, there are a variety of different damages that you may be able to file for in a personal injury claim. These include both economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Your attorney can help you understand these different categories of damages and how to calculate them properly in order to maximize your compensation.

Overall, if you have been in an auto accident it's important that you first ensure your safety and then move through the necessary steps for filing a claim. It's also wise to contact an experienced attorney who can help guide you through the process and provide knowledgeable legal advice.

And at the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we understand what it takes to win a personal injury case and are here to provide you with the guidance needed to fight for justice. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a free consultation.

If you've recently been injured in a car accident or have sustained major damage to the fault of your vehicle, and you believe the fault lies with another party, one of the first important steps to take here is retaining legal counsel. A personal injury attorney will help you prove liability of another party in your accident, ensuring you get the proper compensation for your injuries, vehicle damage and any other issues.

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're happy to provide car accident, truck accident and other vehicle accident attorney services for clients in Salt Lake City and other parts of Utah, plus numerous other personal injury programs as well. When you're first giving us a call or sitting down with one of our attorneys for a consultation about your case, what are some of the key questions and concepts you should generally be asking about, or which our attorneys will go over with you? Here are some of the most notable.

attorney questions car accident

Which Damages Might Be Recoverable?

Typically, one of the first major subjects that our attorneys will discuss with you for car accident cases is understanding what potential damages could be awarded to you as a result of the accident. Our attorneys will tell you all about which damages are allowed in Utah, and they can help you understand how to prove your damages when it comes time to enter court or negotiate a settlement.

For instance, if you've sustained physical injuries due to the accident, you may be able to get compensation for your medical bills, prescription costs, physical therapy, lost wages and more. On top of that, if there was any property damage due to the accident -- such as vehicle damage or other repairs -- then this could also factor into your damages claim.

Who Is Liable?

Naturally, another important factor in a car accident case is figuring out who and what individuals are liable for the accident. In some cases, it might be perfectly clear -- such as if you were rear-ended while stopped at a red light.

In other instances, there may be multiple factors that contribute to liability or fault; this is why it's important to work with a skilled car accident attorney to help you assess who could be held responsible for the damages, and how much each individual should pay. Our attorneys can review police reports, witness accounts and other important documentation in order to come up with an accurate assessment of liability in your case.

Is the Case Likely to Go to Trial?

While your attorney may not necessarily be able to provide you with a concrete answer to this question at the start, they should be able to provide you with a general assessment of your case and how it may go in court. At William Rawlings & Associates, we're not afraid to take cases to trial if necessary; our attorneys are skilled litigators who can put up a great fight for you, giving you the best chance of winning your case.

That said, many cases do not end up going to trial. In many situations, defendants realize that the evidence against them is simply too strong, and they may opt to settle out of court. Our attorneys can also help with negotiating these settlements, ensuring that you get the compensation you deserve.

Important Deadlines to Be Aware Of

Another key point to understand is the potential deadlines for filing a car accident lawsuit. In Utah, personal injury cases generally must be filed within two or three years of an incident in order to be eligible; if you miss this deadline, it may not be possible to get compensation for your damages.

Our attorneys can provide guidance throughout this process and ensure that all necessary deadlines are met.

How to Handle Insurance Company Offers

During the course of your case, you may receive settlement offers from the defendant's insurance company. It's important to know how to handle and assess these offers -- and more importantly, which ones are worth considering.

Our attorneys can provide valuable advice on understanding insurance company language, assessing offers and whether or not they are fair for your situation. We'll also provide guidance on how to negotiate if the offers don't meet your expectations.

How Will Attorney Fees Be Charged?

It's also important to discuss the potential attorney fees ahead of time. Most personal injury attorneys typically operate on a contingency fee basis, which means that you won't pay us anything unless we win your case and you receive compensation for your damages; any fees are taken from the settlement itself.

Our attorneys will provide full disclosure on this information before entering an agreement with our firm, so you can be sure you understand exactly what you're signing up for.

Setting Up Specific Points of Contact

As you work toward finalizing a case and getting compensation, it's important to have specific points of contact between you, your attorney and the opposing party. This is necessary for discussing settlement details, making changes to offers or any other communication between all parties involved.

Our attorneys can help set up these points of contact in a way that works for everyone involved; this will ensure smooth communication throughout the process.

At William Rawlings & Associates, we understand how difficult and confusing it can be to navigate a personal injury case. That's why we're here to guide you every step of the way -- from proving liability to negotiating settlements and getting the compensation that you deserve. Contact us today for more information about our services for any SLC or nearby client, both in car accident cases and many other personal injury settings.

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