2025 Guide to Filing a Car Accident Claim in Provo, Utah
A car accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a more serious collision, dealing with injuries, car repairs, and insurance companies can feel overwhelming. If you’ve been in a crash in or around Provo, understanding the process for filing a claim in Utah is key to protecting your rights and getting the compensation you deserve.
This 2025 guide walks you through the steps of filing a car accident claim in Provo, from the scene of the crash to potential legal action, and offers practical tips to avoid common mistakes along the way.
Step 1: Check for Injuries and Call 911
Your first priority after any crash is safety. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries and call 911 immediately if medical help is needed. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s a good idea to get checked out; some symptoms take hours or even days to appear.
Police should also be called to the scene. A formal police report provides an objective record of the incident, which will be helpful when filing your insurance claim or pursuing legal action.
Step 2: Document the Scene
Before vehicles are moved (if it’s safe to do so), take photos or videos of:
- The damage to all vehicles involved
- Any injuries you or others sustained
- Road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks, or anything else that might have contributed to the crash
- The position of the vehicles before and after the collision
Also, gather contact and insurance information from the other driver(s), and get names and contact details from any witnesses nearby. This evidence can make a big difference when it comes time to prove fault.
Step 3: Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurer as soon as you can, ideally within 24 hours. Stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault, even if you’re unsure who caused the crash. An investigation will determine liability later.
Your insurance provider will likely assign an adjuster to evaluate the damage and begin processing the claim.
Step 4: Understand Utah’s No-Fault Insurance Rules
Utah is a no-fault state, which means your own insurance policy covers certain out-of-pocket expenses (like medical bills and lost wages) regardless of who caused the accident. This coverage is provided through Personal Injury Protection (PIP).
However, if your injuries are severe or your expenses exceed a certain threshold, you may be able to file a claim against the at-fault driver to recover additional compensation. A qualified car accident attorney can help you determine if you meet Utah’s “serious injury” threshold and guide you through that process.
Step 5: Be Cautious When Dealing with Other Insurance Companies
If another driver’s insurer contacts you, be careful. They may ask for a recorded statement or push you to settle quickly. It’s often best to speak with a personal injury attorney before agreeing to anything. Insurance companies are trained to minimize payouts and might offer far less than your case is worth.
Step 6: Track All Expenses and Keep Medical Records
Keep a folder of all documentation related to the accident, including:
- Hospital or doctor visit summaries
- Medical bills and prescriptions
- Car repair receipts
- Time missed from work and wage loss documentation
- Any correspondence with insurance companies
These records will help you (and your attorney) calculate the full impact of the crash and support your claim.
Step 7: Consider Consulting a Car Accident Attorney
You’re not required to have a lawyer to file a car accident claim, but having one can make a significant difference, especially if:
- You’ve suffered serious injuries
- Fault is disputed
- Your claim was denied or undervalued
- You’re struggling to navigate insurance red tape
An experienced Provo car accident attorney can investigate the crash, negotiate with insurers, and fight for the full compensation you’re owed, including pain and suffering, future medical costs, and more.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Utah?
Utah’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is four years from the date of the accident. However, the deadline is three years if you’re filing a property damage-only claim.
Still, it’s best to act as soon as possible. Waiting too long can make evidence harder to gather and weaken your case.
Final Tips for 2025
As technology and laws evolve, it’s important to stay current with how accident claims work in Utah:
- Dash cams can be substantial evidence; consider installing one in your vehicle.
- Texting and driving are still leading causes of crashes in Provo and throughout the state. Proving distracted driving can increase your chances of winning a claim.
- Medical costs are on the rise. Make sure your claim accounts for both current and long-term care.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Provo, Utah Today.
Navigating a car accident claim can be stressful, especially when you’re hurt and unsure what to do next. At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we help Utah residents who are dealing with the aftermath of a crash every day, and we’re here to do the same for you.
Contact us today at (801) 500-4000.
