A distracted or negligent driver can cause a collision even if you drive carefully. Unfortunately, the consequences of another motorist’s driving errors can last for months, affecting various aspects of your life.
You may be dealing with physical pain, lost income, growing medical bills, and expensive vehicle repairs. How do you start to recover after such a difficult ordeal?
Many drivers begin by filing a claim with their own insurance provider, as required under Utah’s no-fault car accident laws. However, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance typically covers only up to $3,000 for medical expenses.
A single visit to the emergency room can easily surpass that limit, especially if you’re admitted for further treatment. The cost of follow-up care could continue to increase your financial burden.
Since it’s tough to gauge the full extent of your medical expenses while you’re still undergoing treatment, obtaining a copy of your accident report and consulting a personal injury lawyer is wise. This can help you protect your rights, especially if your medical costs go beyond your PIP coverage, which might make filing a claim against the at-fault driver necessary.
If you or a loved one are struggling with injuries, medical bills, and other difficulties following a car accident, please contact Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers for a free assessment. We’ll review your police report, address your questions, and describe your options for pursuing compensation.
How to Get Your Unified Police Department Car Accident Report
The Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake (UPD) serves a number of cities and other communities in Salt Lake County, eliminating the need for smaller municipalities to maintain their own police forces. If you have an accident in one of the following areas, it’s likely the UPD will respond:
Town of Brighton
Copperton
City of Holladay
Emigration Canyon
City of Kearns
Magna City
Midvale City
Millcreek
White City
You have two options for requesting a car accident report from the Unified Police Department. The first option is to use the online form at the bottom of their Records Requests page.
When you are finished completing it, simply click “Submit.”
If you prefer to mail your request, you can print the form and fill it out. However, you should not sign or date it until you are in the presence of a notary, as the request must be notarized.
Once you’ve completed this step, mail it to:
3365 S. 900 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84119
What Information Do You Need for the Report Request Form?
The form begins with standard contact information, including your name, address, phone number, and email address. You’ll also need the case number, which should be on any paperwork the responding officer provided.
Additionally, the form contains a section for a description of the records requested. If you don’t have the case number, be sure to include as much other information as possible, including the location, date, and approximate time of the collision.
Names of involved parties are also helpful.
Next, you’ll be asked how you want to proceed. You can choose to inspect the records for free or ask for a copy, which typically costs $10.
Who Can Request a Car Accident Report in Utah?
Accident reports are not considered public in Utah but are available to involved parties, such as drivers, passengers, injured parties (including pedestrians or bicyclists), and owners of damaged property. If one of those categories matches your involvement in the accident, you should select ‘I am the subject of the record.”
You can also choose “I am requesting the records on behalf of a minor subject of the records” if your minor child was involved in a collision. You will need to provide a copy of the child’s birth certificate.
At the bottom of the page, you’ll be asked to select which precinct to visit to pick up the records. Because accident records are not public, the UPD requires in-person pickup with a photo ID.
Options include the Holladay, Kearns, Magna, Midvale, and Millcreek precincts.
How Soon Will You Receive Your Car Accident Report?
Once your request has been received, UPD will usually process it and respond within ten business days. If you haven’t heard anything after that time frame, you may call (385) 468-9755 to follow up.
What if the UPD Can’t Find Your Car Accident Report?
It’s possible your accident occurred outside of one of the municipalities the UPD covers. If you have the paperwork the officer provided at the scene, it should say which local law enforcement agency responded.
We also recommend double-checking the case number and location, as an error can make your report hard to find.
If you still can’t locate your police report, your attorney may be able to help.
What Should You Do if You Need Help With Your Car Accident Claim or Police Report?
Consulting an experienced legal professional as soon as possible is the best way to safeguard your rights after a car accident. The seasoned car accident attorneys at Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers is here to help.
We provide a no-cost consultation to review the details of your accident, answer any questions, and discuss potential avenues for obtaining compensation. There’s no obligation, and if we take your case, you won’t owe any fees unless we achieve a successful result or settlement for you.
Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers was founded by attorney Brigham Richards, who brings a wealth of experience in handling insurance claims and personal injury cases. Mr. Richards is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for his clients, with a strong focus on accountability in his practice.
Licensed in both Utah and Nevada, he has been advocating for personal injury victims since 2012, ensuring that each client receives personalized attention and support in their car accident injury claim. He is also fluent in English and Spanish.
For more information about your legal options after a car accident or other personal injury, reach out to Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers at (801) 810-9999 for a complimentary consultation today.
Additional Questions?
We have helped many clients recover from injuries resulting from car accidents in West Valley, Salt Lake City, and the greater Utah area. We are here to help you recover after an accident. If you've been injured, don't hesitate to call Valley Law Accident and Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. We have recovered millions for our clients and we are ready to fight for you.
Town of Brighton
