If you’ve been injured in a car crash in Utah, knowing your legal deadlines is just as important as getting medical treatment and reporting the accident. Time can pass quickly after a collision. Between recovering from injuries, handling insurance claims, and dealing with mounting expenses, many accident victims wait too long to explore their legal options. That’s why understanding the Utah personal injury statute of limitations is crucial. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to seek compensation altogether.
In this blog, we break down how long you have to file a claim in Utah, what exceptions may apply, and how our Utah car accident lawyer at Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks can help protect your rights.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in Utah?
Under Utah Code § 78B-2-307, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including car accident cases, is four years from the date of the accident. This means you generally have four years to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver or any other liable party.
However, if your claim involves wrongful death, the timeline is shorter. The statute of limitations for a wrongful death action is two years from the date of death, not the date of the accident.
Key Deadlines to Remember:
- Personal injury (non-fatal): 4 years from the date of the crash
- Wrongful death: 2 years from the date of death
- Property damage only: 3 years from the date of the accident
Knowing these deadlines is essential, but it’s also important to act early. Building a strong case takes time, and insurance companies will often drag their feet or dispute your injuries.
Why the Statute of Limitations Matters
Failing to file your claim before the deadline will almost always result in your case being dismissed, no matter how serious your injuries are or how clear the other party’s fault may be. The statute of limitations is a legal cut-off point designed to promote timely resolution and preserve evidence while it’s still fresh.
Even if you’re still undergoing medical treatment or negotiating with an insurer, you must file a lawsuit before the deadline passes to preserve your legal rights. If you’re uncertain about your timeline, a car accident lawyer in Utah can assess your situation and ensure your case is filed properly and on time.
Are There Exceptions to Utah’s Statute of Limitations?
Yes, but they’re limited and highly specific. In rare cases, Utah law allows for “tolling” or extending the statute of limitations. Some of the most common exceptions include:
- Minor victims: If the injured party is under 18 at the time of the accident, the statute may be extended until they reach adulthood.
- Mental incapacity: If the victim is mentally incapacitated, the timeline may be tolled until they are legally competent.
- Delayed discovery: In cases where injuries are not immediately discovered, the “discovery rule” may extend the filing period.
It’s important to understand that these exceptions are not guaranteed. Courts interpret them narrowly, and it’s up to the plaintiff to prove why the deadline should be extended. An experienced Utah car accident lawyer can evaluate whether you qualify for an exception and help you pursue your claim accordingly.
What About Insurance Deadlines?
While the statute of limitations governs when you must file a Utah car accident lawsuit, insurance claims often have much shorter deadlines. Many insurance policies, especially those involving uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, require you to report the accident and file a claim within 30 days to one year.
To avoid jeopardizing your ability to recover damages through insurance, it’s essential to:
- Report the accident promptly to your insurance company
- Seek legal guidance before making any statements to insurers
- Document injuries and property damage right away
Filing an insurance claim is not the same as filing a lawsuit. Even if the insurance process is ongoing, the statute of limitations continues to run in the background. Always keep an eye on the clock.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to File a Claim
Even though you may technically have up to four years, delaying your case comes with serious risks. Evidence can disappear, witnesses may become unreachable, and your medical history can become more difficult to connect to the accident.
By working with a car accident lawyer in Utah early, you give your legal team time to:
- Investigate the crash scene and collect key evidence
- Interview witnesses before their memories fade
- Request police reports, surveillance footage, and medical records
- Build a comprehensive case for settlement or trial
Early legal action also improves your chances of negotiating a favorable settlement, insurers are more likely to take your claim seriously when they know you’re prepared to go to court if necessary.
Partner with a Utah Car Accident Lawyer Before Time Runs Out
The clock starts ticking the moment your accident happens. Even if you’re not sure whether you’ll file a lawsuit, consulting with a lawyer soon after your crash can ensure you don’t lose your opportunity. Personal injury claims take time to prepare, and you don’t want to find yourself scrambling at the last minute or discovering too late that your deadline has passed.
Call Today to Protect Your Rights
If you’ve been injured in a crash and need help understanding the Utah car accident lawsuit deadline, don’t wait. Our knowledgeable Utah car accident lawyer at Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks can guide you through the claims process, evaluate your case, and make sure all deadlines are met.
Call (801) 500-4000 now for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your legal rights and securing the compensation you deserve.