Speeding, distractions, running red lights, and other driving errors happen more often than they should. Unfortunately, negligent driving can rapidly lead to car accidents, frequently leaving those involved with severe injuries.
In Utah, mandatory Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance may help cover your medical costs, depending on how severe your injuries are.
If your medical bills exceed $3,000, you might need to seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance. Unfortunately, insurance adjusters often try to reduce or reject claims based on fault, which can leave you struggling with growing medical expenses, physical pain, and lost wages from missed work.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, obtaining the accident report and consulting an experienced car accident lawyer is crucial. At Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, you can access a free consultation to answer your questions and explore your legal options.
Where Can You Get an Orem Police Department Car Accident Report?
The Orem Police Department asks that you email policerecords@orem.gov for a Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) form. They will send you instructions on how to proceed after you complete the form.
In your email, you should include your name and contact information, and the case number for the police report. This should be located on paperwork provided by the responding officer at the scene.
If you can’t find the case number, give as much detail as possible, particularly the date, location, and approximate time of the accident.
The Orem Police Department is located at:
95 East Center St.
Orem, UT 84057
If you don’t want to request a report online, you can visit in person during regular business hours or call (801) 229-7209 for more information.
There is a $17 fee for Orem Police Department reports.
Who Can Request a Police Car Accident Report in Utah?
Accident reports in Utah are classified as protected records under state law, meaning access is generally restricted to individuals directly involved or those with a vested interest in the collision. You may be eligible to obtain a report if you fall into one of the following categories:
- A driver, passenger, or other person injured in the accident, including pedestrians or cyclists who were hit by a car.
- A person who experienced damage or loss as a result of the accident, such as the owner of a damaged vehicle.
- A representative, parent, or legal guardian of someone involved in the accident, including attorneys or insurance companies acting on the involved party’s behalf.
What Else Should You Do Following a Car Accident?
Insurance claims are sometimes complicated by what an injured person does or doesn’t do after a collision. Often, insurance adjusters are eager to interpret your actions in a way that excuses them from paying your claim.
They might think you are at fault. Or, they could believe that your injuries weren’t that serious or were not caused by the collision.
Taking the following steps can reduce potential difficulties and help you preserve your legal rights after a car accident:
Seek Medical Attention for All Injuries
We know there are many reasons why people sometimes choose not to seek medical care after a car accident. Concerns about medical bills are common.
At the same time, some believe their injuries are minor and don’t require medical attention. Others may not have pain or symptoms right away.
Unfortunately, a delay in medical care can look suspicious to a claims adjuster. They may think your injuries were unrelated to the accident if you don’t see a healthcare professional for several days afterward.
For this reason, we encourage you to see your provider as soon as you notice pain or other symptoms. For instance, if you wake up with a stiff neck the following day, don’t assume the pain will go away on its own.
Get medical attention immediately, and tell your provider about the accident.
Document Injuries and Property Damage With Photos
The best time to take photos is when you’re still at the accident scene, but sometimes injured people are distracted by their pain or the stress of the situation. If you do think of photographing the scene, try to get pictures of both vehicles from all angles, as well as the surrounding area—especially the road and any tire marks you notice.
If you didn’t take pictures at the accident location, take them as soon as possible. Be sure to get multiple images of your car, covering all angles—even if the damage is limited to one area.
The insurance company may also want to see photos of your car’s interior. You should also photograph any visible injuries, including bruises, scrapes, cuts, casts, or slings.
Consult a Car Accident Attorney Before Filing an Insurance Claim
Conversations with an insurance adjuster can be complicated. The adjuster may misconstrue an innocent comment to mean you were at fault or your injuries are milder than they are.
It’s important to remember that the adjuster’s job is to keep costs low for the insurance company. Ensuring you receive the settlement you need is not their concern.
However, an experienced car accident attorney works for you. We’ll learn about your accident, search for more evidence if needed, and advocate for you to receive all the damages you deserve.
We can also communicate with the insurance company on your behalf so you can focus on your recovery.
Who Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim?
The Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers team is ready to assist with your car accident or personal injury case anywhere in Utah. We will thoroughly review your accident report, address any questions, and clearly explain your legal options for seeking compensation.
There’s no obligation, and you won’t be charged any fees unless we successfully settle or win your case.
Founded by attorney Brigham Richards, Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers is dedicated to advocating for injured clients and their families. Mr. Richards brings a strong sense of responsibility to his practice and ensures that every client receives his undivided attention.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, he strives to secure the best possible result for each personal injury claim. Contact his team of experts today at (801) 810-9999.
