The stress and financial strain of a car accident can have a devastating impact on your life. While you’re out of work and struggling to recover from painful injuries, you may be faced with expensive medical bills, lost income, car repair bills, and other difficulties.
Yet filing an insurance claim to seek compensation for your damages can also prove challenging.
You may be familiar with Utah’s no-fault car insurance law, but it’s important to remember that the required no-fault insurance only covers about $3,000 in medical costs. If your bills exceed that amount, or you suffered a permanent disability or impairment from the accident, you may qualify for an at-fault claim.
Once you file an at-fault claim, the insurance adjuster will study the police report and other evidence, looking for any sign you were responsible—even partially. We recommend acquiring a copy of the report and reviewing it with an attorney so you can protect your rights and improve your chances of securing a fair settlement after a car accident.
How Can I Get a Copy of My Ogden Police Department Car Accident Report?
There are several ways to obtain a car accident report from the Ogden Police Department. You can visit the department in person at:
2186 Lincoln Ave
Ogden, UT 84401
The police department is open from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. You should bring your picture ID for identification purposes and be prepared to pay a $25 fee for your report.
Can You Request a Police Report Online?
If you want to access your police report online, the Ogden Police Department recommends you visit the LexisNexis BuyCrash page. You’ll begin by selecting the state and then your local jurisdiction (Ogden City Police Department).
Next, you’ll be asked for the report or case number, usually found on any paperwork the responding officer gave you at the scene. If you don’t have your case number, you can enter your last name and the accident date or your last name and the street where the collision happened.
Once you locate your report, BuyCrash charges a fee of $12, which can be paid online with a credit or debit card.
What Should You Do After Receiving Your Police Report?
We recommend you consult a car accident attorney to learn more about the situation and your options. A personal injury lawyer will examine the report and identify any “contributing factors,” which are essential for the insurance adjuster to determine fault in the accident.
A wide variety of factors can contribute to a car accident, and responsibility may be shared between both drivers. Some causes, such as weather conditions or wildlife, might even be outside of anyone’s control.
Many car accidents have multiple contributing factors, making the police report more challenging to understand.
Clients often seek clarity on fault, sometimes believing they are solely responsible. Others may worry they can’t recover damages if they played a role in the accident.
Fortunately, under Utah law, you can still pursue compensation as long as your fault is less than 50 percent.
However, any percentage of fault assigned to you will be deducted from your final settlement. For instance, if you are found to be 20 percent at fault, you would lose 20 percent of your damages.
Who Determines the Breakdown of Fault in a Car Accident?
Most of the time, one or more insurance adjusters decide how much fault each party has. If you and the other driver both file claims on each other’s insurance policies, adjusters for both companies may negotiate until they come to an agreement.
This process will proceed whether or not you have legal representation, but neither insurance adjuster will be concerned with your best interests. Both will work to reduce their own costs with the aim of paying as little as possible.
In some cases, they may overestimate your culpability, underestimate your damages, or both.
Who can fight for your rights in this situation? A seasoned personal injury lawyer. We have one goal—helping you get the settlement you need to recover and move on with your life.
Our investigators will work to find evidence to prove your case, and we’ll develop a solid strategy to win or settle the claim in your favor.
What if the Accident Is Your Fault?
People may believe an accident is their fault for a number of reasons. They might get this impression from the police report, which can be confusing to a layperson, or they may have made an error while driving that they believe caused the collision.
If you suspect you’re at fault for any reason, please keep these concerns to yourself until you can speak with a lawyer. We often meet people who are mistaken because they don’t know all the facts, have misunderstood the police report, or don’t know that the other driver made a more impactful error.
You could also have a small percentage of fault, which would mean you could still recover a significant portion of your damages.
If you are primarily responsible, you might recover additional damages from your insurance company if you have MedPay and Collision policies. These are optional but provide assistance with medical bills and car repairs regardless of fault.
How Can I Get Help With My Car Accident Claim or Police Report?
The experienced car accident attorneys at Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers is ready to assist you with your car accident or personal injury claim in Ogden, Salt Lake City, or anywhere else in Utah. Please contact us for a free consultation, where we will review your accident report, answer your questions, and address any concerns.
Our skilled team will explain the potential steps for obtaining compensation. There is no obligation, and you only pay if we successfully win or settle your case.
Founded by attorney Brigham Richards, Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers is dedicated to defending the rights of injured individuals and their families. Mr. Richards prioritizes his clients, focusing on accountability and ensuring each one receives top-tier attention.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, he is committed to securing the best possible results for every personal injury client.
Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers has recovered over $100 million in compensation for injured clients. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact us at (801) 810-9999 for a free case review.
