Car Accidents

After a car accident in Utah, your first priority should always be safety. If you are able, move to a safe location away from traffic and check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt or if there is significant vehicle damage. Law enforcement can document the scene, which is important for insurance and any future legal claim.

Even if injuries seem minor, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries—such as concussions, soft tissue injuries, or internal trauma—may not be obvious right away. Delaying treatment can not only put your health at risk but can also give insurance companies a reason to argue that your injuries were not serious or were caused by something else.

If it is safe to do so, document the scene. Take photos of vehicle damage, license plates, road conditions, traffic signals, and visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, but avoid discussing fault or making statements like “I’m sorry,” which can be misinterpreted later. If there are witnesses, collect their names and contact information.

Notify your insurance company promptly, but be cautious. You are generally required to report the accident, but you are not required to give a recorded statement or accept a settlement immediately. Insurance adjusters may appear helpful, but their role is to minimize payouts. Early statements can be used against you later.

Finally, consider speaking with a car accident attorney before making major decisions. Legal guidance early in the process can help protect your rights, preserve evidence, and prevent common mistakes. At Trujillo Law Group, we help accident victims understand what steps to take and handle communication with insurance companies so clients can focus on recovery.

Utah follows a no-fault insurance system, which means your own auto insurance typically pays for initial medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. This coverage comes from Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, which are required in Utah auto insurance policies. PIP generally covers medical bills, a portion of lost wages, and certain out-of-pocket expenses up to policy limits.

However, PIP coverage is limited. Once those benefits are exhausted—or if your injuries meet Utah’s “serious injury” threshold—you may be able to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. Serious injuries may include fractures, permanent disability, disfigurement, or medical expenses exceeding a statutory threshold.

Health insurance may also play a role. In many cases, health insurance covers treatment after PIP benefits are used. Later, those insurers may seek reimbursement from any settlement or judgment, which is why coordination between insurance policies matters.

Insurance companies often dispute what treatment is “reasonable” or “necessary.” They may argue that certain procedures, therapy, or ongoing care are excessive. This is where documentation and legal advocacy become critical. A well-prepared claim accounts for current treatment, future care, and how injuries affect daily life and employment.

At Trujillo Law Group, we help clients understand how medical bills are handled, coordinate insurance benefits, and pursue compensation that reflects the true cost of injury—not just what insurers want to pay.

Unfortunately, not all drivers carry adequate insurance, and some have none at all. If you are injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver, your own insurance policy may provide coverage through Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This coverage is designed to protect you when the at-fault driver cannot fully compensate you.

UM/UIM claims can be complex because, even though it is your insurance policy, the insurer may still treat the claim adversarially. They may dispute liability, downplay injuries, or argue over the value of your claim. Many people are surprised to learn that their own insurer may not automatically act in their best interest.

In some cases, multiple insurance policies may apply, including household policies or employer-related coverage. Identifying all available coverage is a key part of maximizing recovery.

We help clients review their insurance policies, determine what coverage applies, and pursue UM/UIM claims effectively. Understanding your rights under your own policy is essential when the at-fault driver cannot fully cover your losses.

The value of a car accident claim depends on many factors, including the severity of injuries, medical treatment required, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term impact on quality of life. There is no fixed formula, and each case must be evaluated individually.

Insurance companies often make early settlement offers that do not reflect future medical needs or long-term consequences. Accepting a settlement too soon can leave victims responsible for ongoing expenses later.

A proper evaluation considers not only current bills, but future treatment, reduced earning capacity, emotional distress, and how injuries affect daily activities. Documentation, medical opinions, and consistency all matter.

At Trujillo Law Group, we provide realistic assessments based on facts—not inflated promises. Our goal is to help clients understand what compensation may be available and pursue outcomes that reflect the true impact of the accident.

Fault in a Utah car accident is determined by examining evidence such as police reports, witness statements, vehicle damage, traffic laws, and sometimes accident reconstruction. Utah follows a modified comparative fault system, which means you can recover compensation as long as you are less than 50% at fault. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Insurance companies frequently attempt to shift blame to reduce payouts. They may argue you were speeding, distracted, or failed to react properly. Even small percentages of fault can significantly affect compensation.

Establishing fault requires more than assumptions. We analyze the facts carefully, gather evidence, and challenge unfair fault assignments. This is especially important in intersection collisions, lane-change accidents, and multi-vehicle crashes.

At Trujillo Law Group, we focus on building clear, evidence-based arguments that accurately reflect how the accident occurred.