The decisions you make immediately following a car accident can have a profound impact on your ability to recover fair compensation. In our years of representing Utah accident victims, we’ve seen too many people make avoidable mistakes in those critical first hours.
Step 1: Call 911 and Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health is the first priority. Even if you feel fine, call 911 and request medical evaluation at the scene. Many serious injuries — whiplash, internal bleeding, traumatic brain injuries — don’t produce immediate symptoms. A documented medical evaluation creates a crucial paper trail connecting your injuries to the accident.
Under Utah law, delaying medical treatment gives insurance companies ammunition to argue your injuries were not caused by the accident or are not as severe as claimed. Don’t give them that opening.
Step 2: Document Everything You Can
If you are physically able, use your phone to photograph: the damage to all vehicles, the accident scene including skid marks and road conditions, traffic signals and signs, weather conditions, your visible injuries, and the license plates of all vehicles involved. This visual documentation can be invaluable when liability is disputed.
Utah’s comparative fault system means that even if you are partially at fault, you can still recover damages — but only if your share of fault is less than 50%. Having strong documentation helps establish that the other driver bears the greater responsibility.
Step 3: Exchange Information — But Be Careful What You Say
Exchange name, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance information with all other drivers. However, do not apologize, admit fault, or speculate about what happened — even casually. Statements like “I didn’t see you” or “I’m sorry” can be used against you later by insurance adjusters.
Step 4: Get Witness Contact Information
If bystanders witnessed the accident, get their names and phone numbers before they leave. Independent witness testimony is powerful evidence, especially in disputed liability cases. Many witnesses won’t still be available weeks later when an investigation begins.
Step 5: Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company
Insurance adjusters will contact you within hours of the accident requesting a recorded statement. Politely decline until you speak with an attorney. These statements are used to find inconsistencies that justify reducing your claim. You have no legal obligation to provide one.
The insurance company’s goal is to settle your claim for as little as possible. Everything they do — from the friendly phone call to the quick settlement offer — is designed to minimize what they pay you.
Step 6: Contact a Utah Personal Injury Attorney
The sooner you involve an attorney, the better your chances of a fair outcome. An experienced Utah car accident lawyer can preserve critical evidence, handle all insurance communications, and ensure you don’t accidentally undermine your own case.
The period immediately following an accident is when the foundation of your injury claim is built — or undermined. Following these steps protects your legal rights. If you’ve been injured in a Utah car accident, contact Auto Injury House for a free consultation. We’ll review your case and explain your options at no cost.