West Valley Police Accident Reports

A car accident can leave you with physical pain, mounting medical expenses, lost wages from missed work, and other challenges. Filing an insurance claim might seem simple, but the process can quickly become complicated.

The first step is identifying the type of claim that applies to your situation, which depends on the specifics of your accident. Below are some of the types of claims you might be eligible to file after a car accident:

• No-fault claims: Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is mandatory in Utah and covers up to $3,000 in medical expenses and related costs (like some of your lost wages). The benefit of this no-fault coverage is that there’s no need to establish who was responsible for the accident. Even if you are found to have caused the accident or can’t prove responsibility, your claim shouldn’t be denied over fault.
• Other no-fault coverage: Although Utah law only requires $3,000 in PIP, you have the option to purchase more extensive coverage. Medical Payments (MedPay) and Collision insurance offer additional protection for medical bills and vehicle damage. These policies are optional, but if you have them, they may be beneficial in situations where fault is hard to prove.
• At-fault claims: If your medical bills exceed $3,000 or you suffer a permanent disability, disfigurement, or impairment, you may consider a claim against the other driver’s liability insurance. This requires proving that the other driver was over 50% responsible for the accident. Sometimes, the process is straightforward, but it can also involve disputes with the other driver or their insurance company, who may try to blame you.
• Property damage claims: PIP only covers injuries, not damage to your vehicle or property. To get compensation for car repairs or damaged belongings, you can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance. Their liability coverage is designed to cover both bodily injuries and property damage, and the minimum required coverage for property damage is $15,000.

The first step in any claim is to obtain your accident report and consult with a personal injury lawyer who can help clarify your options for seeking compensation. If you have any questions about your car accident, Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers offers a free consultation to guide you through the process.

Where Can You Get Your West Valley Police Department Car Accident Report?

To request your report, use the West Valley Police Department’s online form. You will need to include your name and contact information, including your phone number and email address, so a Records clerk can contact you as needed.

Additionally, there is a field for describing the records you seek. We suggest providing the date, location, and estimated time of the accident, as well as the names of those involved.

For the location, it can be useful to include nearby intersections or landmarks, in addition to the street name.

There is also a field for the case number, which should be listed on a document given to you by the responding officer at the scene. Although this field isn’t mandatory, including the case number can speed up the processing of your request, so it’s a good idea to locate and provide it if possible.

Near the end of the form, you’ll be asked if you wish to view the records or secure a copy. Report copies are typically $15.

While viewing the records may be free, it is always nice to have your own copy if you need to review it again. If you opt for a copy, you will need to enter an amount equal to the fee of the report.

Alternatively, you can print the form and either mail or deliver it in person to the following address:

West Valley City Recorder’s Office

Attn: Nichole Camac

3600 S. Constitution Blvd.

West Valley City, UT 84119

When Will You Get Your Police Department Car Accident Report?

The West Valley Police Department’s Records Division should contact you within ten business days of receiving your request. Please note that they are only open Monday through Thursday, so ten business days could be around two and a half weeks.

If your request is approved, the records clerk will contact you via email or phone to let you know the fees and arrange payment.

Why Might Your Car Accident Report Request Be Denied?

Car accident reports are not considered public in Utah, but requests are usually approved by involved parties and their representatives. Here is some more information about who can receive an accident report:

• Involved parties include drivers, passengers, injured people (including bicyclists or pedestrians hit by a car), and owners of involved vehicles or other property.
• Representatives of an involved party are typically lawyers or insurance adjusters.
• If you are the parent or legal guardian of an involved minor, you can pursue a report for them.

If your request is denied, it’s likely that the records clerk didn’t realize you were an involved party. This generally isn’t a problem if your name appears in the report, but sometimes, a misspelling or clerical error can cause issues.

To avoid difficulties, it’s a good idea to state your involvement in the description section.

How Can You Learn More About Your Police Report or Car Accident Claim?

The experienced car accident attorneys at Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers are ready to assist with your personal injury case in West Valley, Salt Lake City, or anywhere else in Utah. Please contact us today for a free consultation, where we’ll review your accident report and address any questions or concerns you have.

There’s no obligation, and you won’t be charged any fees unless we win or settle your case successfully.

Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers was founded by attorney Brigham Richards, who has been a dedicated advocate for injury victims and their families since 2012. Driven by a strong sense of responsibility, he handles each case with the utmost attention and treats every client as a priority.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Mr. Richards is committed to securing the best possible outcomes for his clients. He is licensed to practice in both Utah and Nevada.

The Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers team has secured over $100 million in compensation for injured people and their families. Please contact us today at (801) 810-9999 to learn how we can help you.