A careless driver can cause an accident before you know what’s happening. The following days or weeks may be filled with doctor’s appointments, missing time at work, pain and discomfort, and more complications.
While you deal with your injuries, the at-fault party’s insurance company might spend this time working to pay you as little as possible.
If you or a loved one have experienced a car accident, the best way to protect your legal rights is to obtain a copy of the accident report and review it with an experienced car accident attorney. At Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, we’re always available for a free consultation about your car accident.
If you have questions or concerns about your collision or need help with your police report, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
How to Get Your American Fork Police Department Car Accident Report
If you were involved in the accident as a driver, passenger, witness, or vehicle owner, you can obtain a copy of the police report from the American Fork Police Department. A parent or legal guardian of a minor involved in the collision can also seek a copy.
The American Fork Police Department is located at:
75 E. 80 North
American Fork, UT 84003
The department is open to the public from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Thursday. Accident reports often become available a few days after the collision, but if the accident requires more investigation, it could be a few weeks or longer.
You can call ahead at 801-763-3000 to find out if the report is ready.
However, the actual report request must be made in writing. You can complete a request form in person at the police department’s front desk.
Be sure to bring your driver’s license and the case or incident number for the accident. If you don’t have a case number, be prepared to provide as much detail as possible about the collision, including when and where it occurred.
They will also need your name and date of birth.
You may also request a report by emailing records@americanfork.gov. As with an in-person request, you’ll need the same detailed information, and you should attach a copy of your driver’s license. There is a $20 charge for accident reports.
Do I Still Need An Accident Report Even Though Utah Is a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?
You should always file a police report or try to file one. In some cases, the police may not respond if your accident seems minor and they are busy with other emergencies.
If this happens, you may be advised to file a report online or at the police department within ten days.
Utah law requires motorists to report any accident involving an injury, death, or property damage of more than $2,500. This might sound clear-cut, but in many cases, it isn’t.
Sometimes, people feel normal after a collision but later experience pain or other symptoms of injuries. It’s important to take these symptoms seriously and see a healthcare provider right away.
Getting prompt treatment may help you recover faster and ensure that no serious injuries are missed.
Others are shocked at how quickly a bodywork estimate can reach $2,500, even when the damage “looks” minor. For these reasons, we recommend reporting the accident as soon as possible.
It’s also essential to seek a copy of your accident report and review it with an attorney, even if you believe your own Personal Injury Protection or PIP insurance covers your accident. Here is what you need to know about PIP and Utah’s no-fault laws:
“No-Fault” Is Limited
No-fault laws are typically meant to reduce strain on the state’s court system by dealing with less severe accidents in a straightforward manner. With PIP insurance, you can simply go to your own insurance company for help dealing with medical bills after an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
This allows your medical expenses to be paid without either party spending time or money proving fault.
However, Utah limits no-fault accidents to the first $3,000 in medical bills. As with car repairs, healthcare can often become expensive quickly, and many people have more than $3,000 in medical bills.
It’s crucial to remember that if you are still in treatment for your injuries, your current costs might be less than $3,000, but you may not know what the final price will be. Injured people sometimes receive “surprise” medical bills for tests or treatment their health insurance didn’t fully cover.
There Are Exceptions to No-Fault Car Accident Laws
No-fault rules do not apply in any of the following circumstances:
- An accident victim died from the collision
- A victim suffered dismemberment or permanent disability, impairment, or disfigurement
- A victim died of their injuries
The bottom line is that if you have any injuries, it’s best to consult a car accident attorney in case your expenses exceed the limit of your PIP coverage.
Where Can I Get Help With My American Fork Car Accident Report?
The Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers team is here to help with your car accident or personal injury case in the West Valley, Salt Lake City, or anywhere else in Utah. Please contact us today for a free consultation so we can review your accident report and address your questions and concerns.
Our experienced legal team will lay out your options for pursuing compensation. There is no obligation, but if we take your case, you won’t owe us anything until we win or settle it.
Valley Law Accident and Injury Lawyers was founded by attorney Brigham Richards, who has advocated for injured people and their families since 2012. Responsibility is his core practice philosophy, and he believes every client is his most important client.
Fluent in English and Spanish, Mr. Richards advocates for his clients to receive the best possible settlement after a personal injury.
At Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, we have recovered over $100 million in damages for injured clients. Please contact us today at (801) 810-9999 to learn how we can help you.
