Detailed Answer

Signing an accident affidavit that contains a mistake is a common worry. In Utah, the outcome depends on whether the mistake was a minor clerical error or an intentional false statement. This section explains likely consequences and the steps you should take to correct the record and reduce risk.

1. Distinguish clerical mistakes from intentional falsehoods

If the error is a simple typo, wrong date, transposed digits, or other unintentional inaccuracy, you can usually correct it without criminal consequences. If the statement was knowingly false or you deliberately left out material facts, you may face administrative, civil, or criminal consequences under Utah law (see Utah statutes on motor-vehicle duties and offenses affecting public administration linked below).

2. Immediate practical steps to take

• Act quickly. Correcting the record early reduces misunderstandings and limits insurance or legal exposure.
• Contact the agency or person who took the affidavit. If law enforcement took the affidavit, call the arresting officer, the agency records division, or the officer’s supervisor to ask about making an amendment or attaching a supplement.
• Get a written addendum. Many agencies allow you to sign an addendum or amended affidavit that explains and corrects the mistake. Keep copies of the original plus the amendment.
• Notify your insurance company. Tell your insurer about the mistake and provide corrected information in writing. Do not volunteer unnecessary facts—state only what needs correction.
• Collect proof supporting the correction. Gather photos, repair bills, medical records, witness contact information, dashcam video, or other documentation that supports the accurate version of events.
• Ask for confirmation. Obtain written confirmation from the agency or insurer that they received and attached your corrected statement.

3. Legal consequences you should know about

Possible outcomes vary by severity of the error:

• Minor clerical errors — Typically resolved by an amendment or addendum with no further penalty.
• Insurance effects — If the insurer believes the mistake concealed material facts or was intentionally misleading, it could deny a claim or, in rare cases, seek rescission for fraud. Prompt disclosure and correction reduce this risk.
• Civil liability — Incorrect statements that affect fault or damages could be used by other parties in lawsuits. Corrected records and supporting evidence help protect you.
• Criminal exposure — Knowingly making a false statement on an affidavit or to law enforcement can trigger criminal charges in Utah (for example, statutes addressing false written statements and related offenses). Courts treat intentional falsification more seriously than accidental errors. If you suspect the error could be viewed as intentional, seek legal advice immediately.

4. When to consult an attorney

Contact an attorney if any of the following apply:

• You believe law enforcement or another party will treat the mistake as an intentional falsehood.
• A criminal investigation or citation is pending or likely.
• The insurance company threatens to deny or rescind coverage.
• The other party insists your statement proves fault and you disagree or lack supporting documentation.

5. Statutes and official resources

Relevant statutory areas include Utah’s motor-vehicle and traffic laws and criminal provisions for false statements. For official text and to confirm the exact statutory language and penalties, consult the Utah Code:

• Utah Motor Vehicle and Traffic Code (Title 41, Chapter 6A): https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title41/Chapter6A/41-6a.html
• Utah Code — Offenses affecting public administration (Title 76, Chapter 8): https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title76/Chapter8/76-8.html

Because statutory numbers and language can change, use the links above to read current provisions or search the Utah Legislature site for specific offense names such as “unsworn falsification” or duties after an accident.

Bottom line

Minor mistakes in a signed accident affidavit are usually correctable and pose little legal risk if you act quickly and honestly. Intentional or material false statements can have serious civil or criminal consequences. Promptly contact the agency that has the affidavit, notify your insurer, preserve evidence, and consult an attorney when there is any chance the error will be treated as purposeful or will affect liability or coverage.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. For guidance tailored to your situation, consult a licensed attorney in Utah.

Helpful Hints

• Correct errors immediately—time helps avoid disputes.
• Keep originals and all corrected documents together; print dates and save emails.
• Make short, factual written statements—avoid speculation.
• Ask agencies to attach your amendment to the original affidavit and give you a stamped or written receipt.
• Tell your insurer about corrections but limit details to what is necessary to fix the mistake.
• Get witness contact information in writing; it strengthens corrected statements.
• If contacted by law enforcement or opposing counsel about the mistake, consider speaking to an attorney before giving more statements.
• Use the Utah Legislature website linked above to confirm current statute language and penalties.