Car accidents can lead to confusion and pressing questions for many injured motorists. Often, people assume that their car insurance will cover all their expenses under Utah’s no-fault laws. However, this is only accurate in some situations.
All drivers in Utah must have a minimum of $3,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage. Utah’s no-fault system is designed to eliminate lawsuits for minor car accidents, allowing the courts to focus on more severe cases.
This also saves time and stress for the involved parties since they can get medical bills of less than $3,000 paid without proving fault.
But what if you incur medical expenses that exceed $3,000 after a car accident? Since the mandatory PIP policy covers only up to $3,000, you may need to pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver’s liability insurance, which is also a legal requirement.
To get started, obtain a copy of your accident report and speak with an experienced car accident attorney. At Valley Law Accident and Injury Lawyers, we provide free consultations to help you understand your case and explore your options for obtaining compensation.
Where Can You Get a Cottonwood Heights Police Department Car Accident Report?
The Cottonwood Heights Police Department offers an online form for Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) requests. The form asks for typical identification and contact information, including your name, address, phone number, email address, and date of birth.
Additionally, you’ll be asked to specify a “Requested Record Status.” This is to help determine if the requested records can legally be released to you.
Privacy laws in Utah ensure that car accident reports are only given to involved parties or those with a direct interest.
The first option in this section is “I am an involved party in a traffic accident.” This is generally the right choice if you were a driver, passenger, injured party, or owner of affected property (like a damaged vehicle or building).
There is also an option for a parent or legal guardian of an involved minor to request records.
Later, you will be asked for a CHPD case number, which the responding officer usually provides at the scene. If you can’t locate this number, do your best to provide as much identifying information about the accident as possible, such as date, approximate time, location, etc.
What if You Don’t Want to Request a Report Online?
The request page also has a link to a printable version of the form. You can fill it out and mail it to:
Cottonwood Heights Police Records
2277 E Bengal Blvd, Suite B
Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121
Or, you can deliver it to that address in person during regular business hours.
How Much Does a Police Report Cost?
The Cottonwood Heights PD has a fee schedule for reports based on the number of pages. Most accident reports are around $10.
What Damages Can You Seek in a Car Accident Claim?
There are two broad categories of damages in a car accident claim: Economic and non-economic.
Economic damages may include:
- Medical bills. As discussed earlier, these could be paid by your own insurance company or the at-fault driver’s carrier, depending on the amount and the breakdown of fault.
- Lost income or wages. If you miss work due to your injuries, you can seek to recover this lost income.
- Property damage. It’s important to note that Utah’s no-fault laws only apply to injuries, so your car repair or replacement costs should be paid by the at-fault driver’s car insurance. However, it’s a good idea to carry Collision and Comprehensive insurance for accidents in which you are at fault, or the damage is due to factors beyond your control (such as weather or animals).
Non-economic damages include what we often refer to as “pain and suffering.” Although you may not have received a bill for your pain, it was still very real.
Pain and suffering can include:
- Physical pain and discomfort.
- Emotional or mental pain, including PTSD, depression, or other mental health issues arising from the accident.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement.
- Damage to reputation or embarrassment.
In Utah, you must meet the threshold for an at-fault case to seek pain and suffering damages. If your medical bills exceed $3,000, you are likely eligible to pursue a pain and suffering claim.
You can also meet the threshold if you suffered a permanent disability, impairment, disfigurement, or dismemberment from the collision or if a loved one died in the accident.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Utah?
Bodily injury claims should be filed within four years of the accident, and property damage claims should be filed within three years. If you are filing a wrongful death claim, you must do so within two years of the death.
How Can I Get Assistance With My Car Accident Case or Police Report?
Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers are ready to assist with your car accident or personal injury case, whether in Cottonwood Heights, Salt Lake City, or anywhere else in Utah. Reach out to us today for a free consultation, and we will review your accident report and address any questions you may have.
Our knowledgeable legal team will provide a clear explanation of your options for seeking compensation. There is no obligation to proceed, and if we accept your case, you won’t pay any fees unless we secure a win or settlement for you.
Attorney Brigham Richards founded Valley Law Accident and Injury Lawyers and has been dedicated to representing injured clients and their families ever since. His practice is grounded in the principle of responsibility, and he treats each client as his top priority.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, Mr. Richards is committed to securing the best possible outcome for his clients in personal injury cases. He is licensed to practice in Utah and Nevada.
Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers have successfully recovered over $100 million in compensation for injured clients. Contact us today at (801) 810-9999 to find out how we can assist you with your case.
