It only takes one second. One wrong turn, one distracted driver, one green light, someone decided to run. Suddenly, it’s not just another drive through the Wasatch Front—it’s flashing lights, crushed metal, and a whole lot of questions. If something like that happens, knowing what to do before calling a Salt Lake City car accident attorney can make a huge difference. Not just in peace of mind, but in your outcome.
This isn’t a checklist you want to Google from a hospital bed. That’s why working with William Rawlings & Associates matters. This team has recovered hundreds of millions for clients, helped tens of thousands of people, and brings over 100 years of combined experience to every case. They don’t hand your claim off to a paralegal. Clients speak to an attorney directly—at home, at work, or in the hospital—in Spanish or English.
Here’s what every SLC driver needs to know before making the call.
1. Know What to Document at the Scene
After a crash, adrenaline kicks in. That’s natural. But if you’re safe and able, gathering the right info helps protect your case.
Here’s what to collect:
- Photos of all vehicles and surroundings
- Insurance and license info from every driver
- Names and contact info of witnesses
- A copy of the police report (or report number)
It might feel like overkill in the moment. But that one photo or name could change everything later on. Especially if you’re injured in Salt Lake, and the other driver changes their story.
2. Get Checked Out, Even If You Feel Fine
Some injuries don’t show up right away. Soreness, headaches, back pain—these can take hours or even days. Getting medical care early ties the injury to the crash, which can be key if things get complicated later.
According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, there were over 61,000 crashes in Utah in 2022. More than 26,000 people were hurt. That’s not small. And not every injury is obvious.
Talking to a Salt Lake City accident lawyer early helps you figure out what to do next.
3. Don’t Trust the Insurance Company’s First Offer
Insurance companies are businesses. Their job is to pay out as little as possible. They’ll come in fast with an offer, and it might sound good. But once you sign, that’s it. There’s no going back when more bills show up.
A good car accident lawyer Salt Lake City drivers trust will:
- Break down what your case is worth
- Include future treatment, missed work, and pain.
- Handle all the calls and paperwork.
- Negotiate from a position of strength.
At William Rawlings & Associates, attorneys don’t just handle intake—they’re involved from day one through trial if needed. That means no missed details, no lowball deals, and no giving in because it’s “easier.”
4. Your Attorney Should Work for You
This sounds simple, but too many attorneys treat clients like numbers. At William Rawlings & Associates, people get individualized attention. An auto accident attorney Salt Lake City takes the time to understand what happened. Every case is handled from start to finish—including litigation—by someone who’s not just trying to move paperwork.
Need to meet somewhere private? They’ll come to your home, work, or hospital room. Need to speak in Spanish? No problem. Need help understanding the process? They’ll break it down without legal jargon or pressure.
People who call a Salt Lake City auto accident attorney deserve that level of service.
5. Different Crashes Need Different Help
Not every accident is a simple fender bender. Some crashes bring bigger challenges—and bigger legal battles. Whether it’s a commercial truck, an Uber or Lyft, or even a wrongful death case, it helps to work with someone who’s handled it before.
William Rawlings & Associates handles cases involving:
- Truck accidents: semis, delivery trucks, plumbing vans, and more
- Rideshare crashes: Uber, Lyft, and other app-based services
- Wrongful death: any loss tied to negligence, whether in a car, hospital, or anywhere else
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
- Personal injury of all types
Every situation is different, but the goal stays the same: protect the client, get the facts, and make sure nothing gets missed.
If something feels off—especially after a rear-end crash—that’s the time to call. Not after signing paperwork. Not after weeks of pain. Now.
6. Your Lawyer Should Push Back, Not Be a Middleman
Some attorneys hand cases off to paralegals or settle everything before trial to keep things fast. That doesn’t fly at William Rawlings & Associates. They litigate their cases. That means they investigate, negotiate, and take cases to court when necessary.
It’s not about dragging things out. It’s about making sure clients get what they truly deserve, not what the insurance company hopes they’ll accept.
That’s especially important when hiring a car accident lawyer SLC residents can trust with serious injuries, life changes, or lost wages.
7. There’s No Shame in Asking for Help
Some people wait too long to call. They worry they’ll sound greedy or dramatic. But getting help isn’t about “cashing in.” It’s about making things right. Medical bills stack up fast. So does lost time at work. And the emotional toll of a crash isn’t always visible.
Talking to a car accident lawyer Salt Lake City residents rely on can bring clarity and relief.
And at William Rawlings & Associates, there’s no pressure. Just facts, help, and a clear plan.
8. Don’t Miss the Deadline
Utah law sets a time limit for filing injury claims. Miss it, and that’s it—no matter how strong the case is. That’s why calling a Salt Lake City auto accident attorney early is so important. They’ll track those dates, handle the filings, and make sure everything stays on schedule.
Whether the crash happened last night or last month, it’s never too early to reach out. Waiting rarely helps. Fast action gets better results.
When It’s Time to Call
If any of this sounds familiar—if someone was hurt, if the bills are growing, if there’s stress about what comes next—it’s probably time. A Salt Lake City car accident attorney can step in and take that weight off your shoulders.
At William Rawlings & Associates, people talk to real attorneys, not voicemail. They get personal attention, bilingual services, and visits at home, work, or the hospital. These aren’t just promises. They’re how this team has helped tens of thousands of people get real results, recovering hundreds of millions in the process.
Want answers? Call (801) 553-0505, start a live chat, or fill out the form. The right help is here—and ready when you are.