The aftermath of a car accident can take a serious toll on both your well-being and finances. As you recover from painful injuries and cope with being out of work, you might also face steep medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repair costs, and other challenges.
On top of that, navigating the process of filing an insurance claim to seek compensation can be daunting.
What about Utah’s no-fault car insurance laws? It’s crucial to understand that mandatory no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance only covers up to $3,000 in medical expenses.
If your medical bills surpass this limit, or if you’ve sustained a lasting disability or impairment, you might be eligible to pursue an at-fault claim.
When you file an at-fault claim, the insurance adjuster will closely examine the police report and other relevant evidence, searching for any indication you might be responsible—even partial responsibility could reduce your settlement. We advise you to obtain a copy of the police report and review it with a lawyer to safeguard your rights and learn all your options for recovering compensation.
How Do You Get a Copy of Your Provo Police Department Car Accident Report?
The Provo Police Department accepts police report requests following Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) rules. Car accident reports are not considered public records in Utah, but in most cases, involved parties and their representatives can obtain a report easily.
You will need to explain your involvement with the collision.
Report requests begin with a GRAMA request form, which is available online. After filling in standard contact information (name, address, phone number, email address), you’ll specify the agency that maintains the record (Provo Police Department).
The next section requests a description of the record you need. The best solution is to include the case number for your accident, which is usually on a piece of paper provided by responding officers.
Of course, accident scenes can be stressful, and sometimes, people misplace these papers. If you can’t locate the case number, give as many details about the collision as possible, including the date, approximate time, and location.
Be specific and include the nearest cross street if you know it.
You’ll be asked how you want to receive the records if your request is approved. The options are to inspect the records but not take a copy, to receive an electronic copy, or to receive a paper copy.
The second and third options incur fees of at least $10, occasionally more.
Finally, the form asks for a brief explanation of why you should have access to the records. The first response, “I am the subject of the record,” is correct for most people seeking a car accident report.
This is the right response if you were a driver, passenger, injured party, or owner of damaged property. A witness can select “I am the person who provided the information.”
The third option is for representatives of involved parties, such as lawyers or insurance agents.
The form also notes that you will need to share two forms of ID, like a driver’s license, state-issued ID, social security card, birth certificate, etc. This is to ensure you meet the qualifications to access the report.
At the bottom of the form is an “Attachment” field that allows you to upload copies of your identification. Once you’ve completed this step, you can click “Submit.”
If you don’t want to submit a request online, you can print the form and bring it to the Provo Police Department at this address:
Provo Police Department
48 South 300
West Provo, UT 84601
Remember to bring two forms of ID to the police station for in-person identification. If you mail the form, you should attach copies of your two forms of ID.
Can a No-Fault Insurance Claim Be Denied?
Sometimes, people believe their Personal Injury Protection or PIP claim cannot be turned down because it’s no-fault insurance. It’s true that your claim can’t be denied based on culpability the way an at-fault claim could be.
However, there are other reasons a PIP claim can be denied. Here are a few examples:
- The insurance adjuster believes your injuries were not caused by the accident. This is most common in situations where the injured person didn’t receive medical attention right away. Unfotunately, some injuries don’t cause symptoms immediately, which can complicate a claim. To reduce potential issues, we recommend seeing a healthcare provider as soon as you notice any pain or symptoms after an accident.
- The insurance adjuster thinks your treatment is excessive, unreasonable, or unnecessary.
- The insurance company may claim the policy wasn’t active due to a late or missed payment.
If you believe your PIP claim was denied unfairly, please contact a lawyer. In some cases, you may be able to sue the insurance company if they didn’t have a valid reason for denying your claim.
Does PIP Cover Pain and Suffering?
No. In Utah, PIP covers medical costs, lost income caused by your injuries (up to 85 percent), and, in some situations, special allowances for services you need due to your injuries.
However, if you qualify for an at-fault claim, you can seek pain and suffering damages from the at-fault party’s liability insurance.
Additionally, PIP is only for personal injuries, not property damage. For vehicle repairs, you will need to file an at-fault claim.
Who Can Help With Your Police Report or Car Accident Claim?
The dedicated legal team at Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers is here to help with your car accident or personal injury case. Please reach out to us for a free consultation, where we will assess your accident report, provide answers to your questions, and discuss your concerns.
Our knowledgeable attorneys will guide you through the process of pursuing compensation with no obligation, and you will only pay if we win or settle your case.
Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers was founded by attorney Brigham Richards, who is passionate about protecting the rights of injury victims and their families. Mr. Richards emphasizes client care, accountability, and personalized attention, ensuring each client receives the support they deserve.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, he is committed to achieving the best outcomes for every personal injury case. Work with his team at Valley Law when you call (801) 810-9999.
