A car accident can cause a multitude of problems, from dealing with car repairs to painful injuries. You could find yourself missing work for weeks, struggling with medical bills, or trying to cope with chronic pain.
Seeking help from a car insurance company can also be complicated. Under Utah’s no-fault laws, motorists should seek compensation for medical bills below $3,000 from their own car insurance company.
All residents are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which offers a no-fault option for covering less serious car accident injuries.
But when you encounter the following situations, it will be necessary to prove fault so you can pursue compensation for your injuries:
If your medical bills exceed $3,000
If you suffer a permanent disability, impairment, disfigurement, or dismemberment from the accident
To add another layer of confusion, it may not be immediately apparent whether your injuries have crossed the $3,000 threshold. For instance, your emergency room bill might be $1,800, but how much will your follow-up care cost?
How many doctor’s visits will you need before you’re recovered? How expensive will your physical therapy be?
For all of these reasons, it’s a good idea to be prepared for the possibility that you might need to make an at-fault claim on the other driver’s policy. The best way to move forward is to secure a copy of your police report and review it with an experienced car accident attorney.
How Can You Get Your Clinton Police Department Car Accident Report?
You can visit the Clinton City PD Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 5 PM to request an accident report. Alternatively, you can call (785) 587-1853 to request a report by mail or discuss other options.
What Do You Need to Get Your Car Accident Report?
You should have your ID handy, as the Records officer will want to know your connection to the accident. Utah’s privacy laws restrict the release of accident records to individuals who are directly involved or represent someone involved in the accident.
Here are some examples:
If you were a driver, a passenger, an affected vehicle or property owner, or someone injured in the accident, you should be able to access these records.
Parents or legal guardians of a minor involved in the accident have the right to request a copy of the report.
An insurance agent or attorney representing one of the involved parties listed above can request a copy on their behalf.
If you feel that your request was denied incorrectly, please let your attorney know.
When your request is approved, you’ll need to pay a $15 fee for the report.
What Other Steps Should You Take After a Car Accident?
Here are some other essential tasks to remember after a car collision:
Get Medical Care for Your Injuries, Including Follow-Up Care
If you experience any pain or symptoms following an accident, it’s important to visit a healthcare provider, even if the injuries seem mild. Sometimes, symptoms can worsen the next day, or what seems like a “minor” injury may take longer to heal than expected, leaving you with lingering pain.
Consulting a doctor ensures that you receive immediate care, rule out any severe conditions, and establish a record of your injuries, which can help when seeking reimbursement from an insurance company. In some cases, an insurance adjuster may reject a claim because the injured person waited several days or weeks to see a healthcare provider, and the adjuster believes the claim is unrelated to the accident.
Document Your Expenses
Do your best to save all bills, invoices, or receipts for your medical care, including out-of-pocket costs such as prescriptions, mobility aids, and equipment for physical therapy exercises at home.
Photograph Property Damage and Injuries
While you’re at the accident scene, we recommend taking numerous photos of involved vehicles from every possible angle to capture all visible damage. Photographing the surrounding area, such as the road, and checking for any tire or skid marks on the pavement is also beneficial.
However, if you didn’t have the opportunity to take pictures at the crash scene, you should still extensively photograph the damage to your own vehicle. If you have visible injuries like bruises or lacerations, capture photos of these as well.
After taking these pictures, share them with your attorney and keep them handy for your insurance claim.
Avoid Posting About Your Accident Online
Don’t share information or images about your car accident on social media. Insurance adjusters often review the profiles of accident victims to find anything that might suggest the injured party was even partially at fault.
Speak With an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Right Away
The insurance adjuster may be eager to ask you questions, but you should put off talking with them until you consult an attorney. Many people are surprised by how the adjuster interprets an innocent comment as an indicator of fault.
If proving fault is necessary for your claim, it’s best to seek solid legal advice before making any statements to the insurance company.
How Can You Get More Help With Your Car Accident Claim?
The Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers team is here to help with your car accident or personal injury case anywhere in Utah. We will review your accident report, answer any questions, and provide a clear overview of your legal options for pursuing compensation.
There is no obligation, and you won’t pay any fees unless we successfully win or settle your case.
Founded by attorney Brigham Richards, Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers is committed to representing injured clients and their families. Mr. Richards practices with a strong sense of responsibility and ensures that each client receives his full attention.
Fluent in English and Spanish, he is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for every client’s personal injury claim.
Having recovered over $100 million for injured clients, Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers are ready to help you. Please contact us at (801) 810-9999 to learn how we can support you in your case.
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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