A growing tech industry has caused a steady population increase in Lehi, and as more people move to the area, so do more cars. When a traffic accident impacts your life, you could find yourself dealing with physical and emotional pain, lost income, and medical bills that have to be paid whether you can go to work or not.
Beginning an insurance claim seems like the solution to these difficulties, but for many injured people, it can introduce even more challenges. While every Utah resident is required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, this no-fault coverage is only for minor injuries.
Once the $3,000 in required coverage is exhausted, you may need to move on to an at-fault claim.
This type of claim creates more opportunities for the insurance company to avoid responsibility. Commonly, the adjuster may believe the injured person was at fault, fully or partially.
Undervaluing the claimant’s damages is another frequent issue.
When you or a loved one has suffered a serious car accident, you may want to know where you stand. Acquiring a copy of your police report and reviewing it with an experienced car accident attorney is an excellent first step in protecting your rights.
Please contact Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers for a free consultation to learn more about your options.
How Can You Get a Copy of Your Lehi Police Department Car Accident Report?
The Lehi Police Department uses a Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) request form. You will need to include the following information:
- Case number. This isn’t mandatory but often speeds up the processing of your request. You can find the case number on a piece of paper the responding officer provides.
- Accident location. Include details like the city, county, and specific address. If the accident occurred on a street without an exact address, identify a nearby mile marker or recognizable landmark.
- Provide the exact date of the accident, which should also be on the police paperwork.
- Names of involved parties. You would like to have this information from exchanging names, contact details, and insurance policy numbers with the other driver at the scene. If you know the names of any passengers or witnesses, include those as well. If not, you can provide your name and the other driver’s.
- Your role in the collision. If you were involved in the accident, state your name and describe your role—whether as a driver, passenger, injured individual, or owner of affected property or an involved vehicle. At the bottom of the form, you should select “I am the subject of the record.”
- Whether you want to inspect the records or receive your own copy. Inspecting the records is free, but most people prefer to take a copy home for future use.
- Your contact information and date of birth. The police department will follow up as needed.
Where Do You File Your Car Accident Report Request?
You can bring or mail the request form to:
Lehi Police Department
128 N 100 East Street
Lehi, UT 84043
Or, email the request form to lehipolicerecords@lehi-ut.gov.
How Much Is a Car Accident Report?
The fee for a report is $25 or 25 cents per page, whichever is greater. If you’d like color photos, these are $5 per page or $30 on a flash drive or CD.
The request form asks you to authorize an amount you’re willing to spend on the report.
How Long Does it Take to Process Your Request?
Please allow up to ten business days for a response from the police department.
Do You Need a Lawyer, or Can You File Your Own Claim?
Filing your own claim may be a good option if you have only property damage or mild injuries that a PIP claim can cover. However, if you need to make an at-fault claim, a seasoned car accident lawyer will help you get the best settlement possible.
Here are a few reasons why:
- We can guide you in identifying the right type of claim to file. Depending on the situation, you may need to file with your own insurer, the other driver’s insurance company, or possibly both.
- We can help facilitate your communication with the insurance company. Engaging with insurance adjusters can be more complex than expected, especially when dealing with a claim involving fault. At times, adjusters may misinterpret even harmless statements as admissions of responsibility for the accident.
- If you’re unsure about fault or suspect you may be responsible, we can help assess the situation. It’s important not to admit fault at the scene or discuss it with anyone other than your attorney. People frequently misunderstand accident responsibility, and you might not be as liable as you think.
- If necessary, we’ll help determine each driver’s level of responsibility. Accidents often involve shared fault, meaning both drivers contributed to the incident. Establishing each party’s fault percentage is vital because if you’re less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages, though they will be reduced by your share of responsibility. Sometimes, adjusters may incorrectly assign more blame, resulting in significant financial losses. Your attorney will work to ensure a fair fault assessment.
- We’ll review any offer you receive and negotiate for a more equitable settlement if it doesn’t measure up. The insurer’s initial offer is frequently too low, and some people may accept an insufficient settlement without legal guidance.
Where Can You Get Help With Your Car Accident Claim?
The team at Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers is ready to assist you with your personal injury or car accident case, whether you’re in Lehi, Salt Lake City, or any other area across Utah. During your free consultation, we will review your accident report, address your concerns, and provide a thorough explanation of your legal options for seeking compensation.
There’s no obligation to move forward, and if we take on your case, you won’t pay any fees unless we successfully win or secure a settlement on your behalf.
Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers was established by attorney Brigham Richards, who is dedicated to protecting the rights of injured individuals and their families. Mr. Richards’ approach is rooted in accountability and a strong commitment to each client’s unique needs.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, he works tirelessly to obtain the best possible results for his clients in personal injury cases in Salt Lake City. Work with him today when you call (801) 810-9999.