When a car accident affects your life, you may wonder how to get help with your medical bills and other losses. For most minor car collisions with medical bills of less than $3,000, you should be able to file a no-fault claim using your Personal Injury Protection or PIP insurance.

However, in more severe accidents with larger medical bills or injuries that result in permanent disability or impairment, you may be eligible to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance. These claims are more complex and have additional potential challenges for several reasons:

  • Your claim can be rejected or your final settlement reduced based on the insurance company’s assessment of fault.
  • If you are partly responsible, you may still be able to recover some damages, but these will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
  • Sometimes, the insurance company may overestimate how much fault you have, which could cost you thousands of dollars in damages you deserve.
  • The insurance company could also underestimate your damages, reducing your final settlement.

Because establishing fault is so critical in these cases, it’s advisable to secure a copy of your police car accident report as soon as possible and discuss it with a qualified legal expert. The Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers team offers free consultations so you can learn more about your options after a car accident.

How Can You Get Your Draper Police Department Car Accident Report?

The Draper Police Department uses an online form for report requests. You can choose to view the records for free or seek a copy for a small charge.

Two white vehicles stopped in front of each other after a head-on collision between the two.Typically, reports are $10, and photos are $15.

Car accident records are unavailable to the general public in Utah, so in the next section, you will need to explain your connection to the accident. If you were involved in the collision yourself—as a driver, passenger, injured pedestrian, etc.—you should choose, “I am the subject of the record.”

Witnesses should select, “I am the person who provided the information.”

If your minor child was involved in the accident, there is another option for a parent or legal guardian of a minor subject.

Next, you will need to enter your name, address, and other contact info. Additionally, you’ll be asked to upload a copy of your government-issued ID if you want the report emailed to you.

If you have difficulty with the attachment, you could leave this field blank and pick up the report in person. When you arrive, you’ll be asked to show your ID.

The Draper Police Department’s address is:

1020 E Pioneer Rd

Draper, UT 84020

In the “Records Requested” field, please provide as much information as possible about the accident. First, look for the case or incident number, usually printed on a slip of paper given by the responding officer.

You should also include the date, approximate time, and location of the collision.

How Do You Know Who Is at Fault in a Car Accident?

Clients frequently ask us questions about fault. Many people are unsure who was at fault, while others incorrectly believe they caused the collision.

In another common scenario, they may think the other driver is to blame, but that person has a different opinion.

A police report attempts to determine what happened and who was at fault in an accident. The officer on the scene gathers statements from both drivers, searches for evidence, and assesses the factors that contributed to the accident.

Here are several key points to understand about fault:

  • The list of potential “contributing factors” is lengthy, and more than one may apply in a collision.
  • Many contributing factors are assigned to one driver, but some factors, like weather or road conditions, are not anyone’s fault.
  • As discussed earlier, accidents can result from one driver’s error or both drivers’ errors.
  • However, in some cases, the officer may find that only one driver is entirely to blame.

What if I Disagree With the Police Report?

This is another common topic we discuss with clients. If you believe the report is inaccurate or unfairly places blame on you, we recommend seeking legal advice immediately.

Depending on the situation, your lawyer may be able to help in several ways:

  • We can investigate further. Often, the responding officer has limited time and resources to determine what occurred. If there are conflicting reports from the involved parties and minimal evidence at the scene, it may be difficult to identify the accident’s cause. However, your attorney’s investigative team can seek additional evidence, such as witness statements, video from nearby cameras, data from the cars’ event data recorders (EDRs), and more.
  • If we find evidence that the report was incorrect, we may be able to challenge it.
  • We can help you interpret your report. Police reports are often confusing, and many people are unfamiliar with how to read them. Sometimes, we can clear up misunderstandings about what part of the report means.
  • In some cases, we can assess your share of fault and fight for a fair accounting from the insurance company. If the report indicates you have some fault in the accident, that doesn’t always mean you’re out of luck. Under Utah’s comparative fault laws, you may be able to recover some portion of your damages if you are less than 50 percent responsible. We’ll work to ensure an insurance adjuster doesn’t unfairly assign you more fault than you have.

Who Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim or Police Report?

The car accident attorneys at Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers is committed to helping you with your car accident or personal injury case anywhere in Utah. Please contact us today for a free consultation, where we will review your accident report and address any questions or concerns.

If we take on your case, there are no charges unless we win or reach a settlement on your behalf.

Valley Law Accident and Injury Lawyers was founded by attorney Brigham Richards, who has passionately advocated for injured people and their families since 2012. His practice is grounded in a strong sense of responsibility, and he treats each client as his highest priority.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Mr. Richards is dedicated to securing the best possible settlement for his clients after a personal injury. He is also licensed to practice in both Nevada and Utah.

Work with Attorney Richards today when you call the Valley Law team at (801) 810-9999.

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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