When it comes to car accidents, a state can either apply the no-fault or at-fault insurance laws. Utah follows the no-fault laws for all victims of auto crashes, with a few exceptions. What does this mean for your car accident as well as compensation for the losses you’ve experienced.
Read on to understand what Utah’s no-fault insurance laws mean and what other options you have to recover all the losses caused by a car accident. If you’re looking for more information after getting involved in a wreck, car accident attorneys can help you understand your options and the best way to move forward with your case.
When an accident occurs, most states require the at-fault party to compensate the victims through their auto insurance companies. Utah is different.
The no-fault laws require drivers involved in a crash to seek compensation from their own insurer before anywhere else, regardless of who was at fault. Every resident driver is required to carry a minimum of $3,000 in auto insurance. This is known as personal injury protection (PIP). No-fault laws are meant to fasten the compensation process because third-party lawsuits can take months or even years to settle.
However, these laws have a few shortcomings too, including the inability to file a claim against the at-fault party unless your injuries meet a certain threshold. Unlike the at-fault insurance system, no-fault laws don’t allow victims to recover non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, reduced quality of life, loss of consortium, and so on.
If you’re looking to recover non-economic damages after a car accident in Utah, you’ll have to file a car accident claim against the other driver. Unfortunately, not every accident victim qualifies, so it’s important to review your case with a car accident attorney.
It’s possible to file a lawsuit against the other driver’s insurance company. However, your injuries have to meet certain criteria, including:
After a car accident, it’s worth checking whether you qualify for a third-party claim with the help of an attorney. If so, you might be in a position to recover everything you’ve lost to the wreck.
You’ll need to prove the defendant was negligent in one way or another, thus causing your injuries, property damages, and other forms of loss.
At Craig Swapp & Associates, we understand complications often arise with Utah’s no-fault laws. Your own insurance company might try to offer you an insufficient settlement or your injuries might even qualify for a third-party lawsuit. We dedicate our firm to help car accident victims get the compensation they deserve by calculating the total value of your claim and fighting to ensure you receive nothing less.
When you’re ready to take back control of your life, call us at 1-800-404-9000 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation.
