Next Steps After Receiving a Utah Crash Report

This FAQ-style article explains practical steps you can take to move a personal injury claim forward in Utah once you have the crash report. It assumes no prior legal knowledge and focuses on what you should do, what evidence to gather, and important legal deadlines to watch. This is general information only and not legal advice.

Detailed Answer

Getting the official crash report is a useful milestone. The report can identify who investigated the scene, list parties and vehicles, summarize witness statements, and often contains the investigating officer’s opinion about fault. Use the report as a foundation for building your claim, but do not treat it as the only evidence. Follow these steps to move your claim forward effectively in Utah.

1. Preserve the crash report and all original evidence

• Keep a certified or official copy of the police/crash report and store electronic and paper copies in multiple safe places.
• Preserve any photos, videos, and messages related to the crash. Save phone videos, dashcam footage, and social media posts immediately.

2. Seek and document medical care right away

See a doctor even if injuries seem minor. Insurance companies often look for gaps in treatment as a reason to deny or reduce claims. Keep records of all visits, diagnoses, treatment plans, prescriptions, and medical bills. Ask for copies of medical records and itemized bills; these are critical evidence for damages.

3. Report the crash to your insurance company and understand notification deadlines

Most auto insurance policies require prompt notice of a crash. Review your policy so you meet any notice deadlines and follow its instructions for submitting proofs of loss or claims. When you contact insurance, give factual information only—avoid admitting fault or speculating about causes.

4. Start evidence collection and investigation

• Re-interview and get written contact information for witnesses. Ask witnesses for brief written statements and permission to use their contact details later.
• Obtain any surveillance, traffic camera, or business video as soon as possible; these recordings may be overwritten.
• Get repair estimates and receipts for property damage.
• Collect records of work missed and wages lost (pay stubs, employer notes).

5. Understand legal deadlines (statute of limitations)

Utah sets time limits to start a lawsuit. For many personal injury (negligence) cases you must file suit within the period set by state law. For an overview of Utah’s limitation provisions, see Utah Code Title 78B, Chapter 2: Utah Code – Limitations. If you wait too long, you can lose the right to sue, so take deadlines seriously and act early.

6. Consider fault, comparative negligence, and how damages are calculated

Utah law allows recovery to be affected by the parties’ relative fault. Your recoverable damages can be reduced by whatever percentage of fault applies to you. Because fault allocation and damage calculation can be technical, gathering strong evidence that supports your view of how the crash happened strengthens your claim.

7. Draft a demand package and engage with the other side

• Once you have medical records, bills, lost-wage documentation, and a clear account of liability, prepare a demand packet: a cover letter (demand), crash report, medical records/bills, proof of lost wages, photos, and repair estimates.
• Send the package to the at-fault driver’s insurer and request a response. Keep records of all communications.
• Be prepared for written and recorded statements from insurers. Consider having an attorney handle these conversations if your injuries are significant.

8. Know when to get an attorney

Consider consulting a licensed Utah attorney if:

• Your injuries are moderate or severe (hospitalization, surgery, long-term care).
• Liability is disputed or multiple parties are involved.
• Insurance coverage appears insufficient to cover your damages.
• You are unsure how to value non-economic damages (pain and suffering) or future medical needs.

An attorney can help collect evidence, draft demands, negotiate with insurers, and, if necessary, file suit before the statute of limitations runs. If you decide to hire an attorney, make sure they are licensed in Utah.

9. If negotiations stall: preparing for litigation

If settlement talks fail, you may need to file a lawsuit. Filing a complaint starts litigation, triggers discovery (formal evidence exchange), and usually increases pressure for settlement. Filing rules, court procedures, and deadlines are technical—consult Utah court rules or a Utah attorney.

Helpful Hints

• Make a crash file: keep the crash report, photos, names and numbers of witnesses, medical records, receipts, correspondence, and a journal of symptoms and treatment progress.
• Write down your memory of the crash as soon as you can while details are fresh (time, weather, road conditions, traffic signals, and what you and the other driver did).
• Get written estimates for vehicle repairs and keep all receipts for towing, rental cars, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
• Limit social media activity about the crash—insurers and defense lawyers may use posts or photos against you.
• If an insurer requests a recorded statement, consider first speaking with an attorney. You are not required to give a recorded statement without counsel present.
• Request copies of any surveillance or traffic-camera footage quickly; recordings are often deleted or taped over.
• Ask medical providers for itemized bills and to code diagnoses and treatments accurately so insurers can match bills to injuries.
• Check insurance coverage early: identify the at-fault driver’s liability limits and whether you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage through your policy.

Useful links

• Utah Code — Limitations (statute of limitations overview): https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title78B/Chapter2/78B-2.html
• Utah Code — Motor vehicle and traffic provisions: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title41/Chapter6A/41-6a.html

Final note and disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change and every case has unique facts. For advice tailored to your situation, consult a licensed Utah attorney who can review your crash report, medical records, and policy details. If you need help locating a Utah-licensed attorney, consider contacting your local bar association or a lawyer referral service.