A car accident that takes only a few seconds can leave you reeling. As you try to heal from painful injuries and cope with the inability to work, you may also face steep medical bills, lost income, vehicle repair costs, and other challenges.
To make matters worse, when you turn to an insurance company for support, you might encounter additional obstacles.
People often ask us about Utah’s no-fault car insurance laws. It’s helpful to understand that “no-fault” is limited to more minor claims because the required Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage only pays up to $3,000 in medical expenses.
If your medical costs exceed this amount or you’ve suffered a permanent disability or impairment, you may be eligible to file a claim against the at-fault driver for additional compensation.
When pursuing an at-fault claim, insurance adjusters often look for ways to reduce or deny your claim, sometimes by shifting blame onto you. Alternatively, they may offer a lower settlement based on your supposed partial responsibility.
But are you indeed at fault? If so, was your level of responsibility calculated fairly?
The answer can make a big difference to a potential settlement.
To ensure your rights are protected and to answer these critical questions, it’s important to obtain a copy of your police report and consult with an experienced car accident attorney. At Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, our team is here to help.
We offer free consultations where we can address your concerns and explain your legal options so that you can make a well-informed decision about your next steps.
Where Can You Find Your Tooele Police Department Car Accident Report?
The Tooele Police Department uses a Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) form, available online. You have several options for turning in the completed form:
In Person
Bring the GRAMA form and your picture ID to the Tooele Police Department, which is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM (closed on holidays). The address is:
Tooele City Police Department
50 N. Garden Street
Tooele, UT 84074
By Mail
Send the form with a copy of your picture ID to the address above.
The form and a copy of your ID can be faxed to (435) 882-7777.
What Is the Fee for a Car Accident Report, and How Soon Will It Be Available?
The Tooele Police Department charges $5 for an accident report, and you can expect to receive a response within ten business days. After that time, if you have not heard anything, call (435) 843-2109 to follow up.
You can also request a CD of accident scene photos (where available) for $10.
What Information Is Needed on the Report Request Form?
The form asks why you are requesting the records. In Utah, accident records are not public but are available to involved parties or their representatives (like lawyers or insurance agents).
The first option, “I am the subject of the record,” is appropriate for most people who are involved in an accident—drivers, passengers, injured parties, owners of an involved vehicle or damaged property, etc.
If you are pursuing a report because your minor child was involved in the collision, you can use the “Other” option and explain in the write-in box.
You will also be asked if you want to view the records or request a copy. Viewing the records is free, but it’s beneficial to have a copy in case you need to review it again later.
If you choose a copy, you’ll be asked to authorize fees as listed above. In the “Type of Report” box, you’ll indicate if you want just the report or a DVD with photos.
Finally, you’ll need to fill in standard contact information, including name, address, phone number, and email address.
What Should You Do if the Other Driver Blames You for the Accident?
First, you should avoid getting into an argument at the accident scene. Check on the other driver and any passengers and ask if they’re hurt, call 911 to report the accident, and request an ambulance if needed.
While waiting, you should take pictures of the damage to both vehicles and exchange insurance information with the other driver, but avoid discussing fault.
If the other party is angry, agitated, or seems determined to start an argument, whether you want one or not, it may be best to wait in your car for the police to arrive.
When you give a statement to the responding officer, you should always be honest, but you don’t have to volunteer additional information or give an opinion about who is at fault. This is especially important if you think you were to blame—many people take responsibility for an accident they didn’t cause!
Remember that you only have your own perspective on the collision and may not know everything that happened.
Get medical attention for your injuries and speak with an attorney before you do anything else. Your lawyer can help you address any concerns about fault, and if needed, we can investigate the accident more thoroughly.
Our investigative team will seek out additional evidence, such as photos or video, witnesses, or electronic data from one or both vehicles.
Where Can You Get Legal Advice About Your Car Accident?
The legal team at Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers is ready to assist you with your personal injury or car accident claim throughout Utah. Contact us at (801) 810-9999 for a free consultation, where we’ll review your accident report and address any concerns or questions you may have.
Our knowledgeable attorneys will guide you through the steps to seek compensation. There’s no obligation, and you won’t be charged any fees unless we successfully resolve your case.
Founded by attorney Brigham Richards, Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers is dedicated to representing injury victims and their families. Brigham Richards’ practice is built on a foundation of responsibility, giving each client the attention and respect they deserve.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, he is committed to achieving the best possible results for every personal injury case. He is licensed to practice law in Utah and Nevada.
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.
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