Car Accident Claims in Utah

In a crash involving injury or death, the driver must immediately, by the quickest means available, notify (or have someone notify) the nearest law enforcement office; if the driver cannot, a capable passenger must. In a property-damage-only crash, the driver must immediately notify the nearest law enforcement office if the apparent property damage is $2,500 or more.

Utah drivers do not automatically file a crash report with the state. The department may require the driver in a crash involving injury, death or total apparent property damage of $2,500 or more to file a report (and any supplemental report) within 10 days after it asks. If the driver is incapable and is not the owner, the owner must file within 15 days of learning of the crash. A driver who fails to file a required report has their license suspended until it is filed. A peace officer who investigates such a crash files an electronic report with the department within 10 days after finishing the investigation.

A driver who has reason to believe they may have been in a crash injuring someone must stop immediately at or near the scene and stay until they have given their name, address, registration number and insurer (with phone number), shown their license if asked, and given reasonable help to anyone injured (including arranging transport for treatment); a driver who realizes only later must comply as nearly as possible right away. Leaving an injury crash is a class A misdemeanor; a third-degree felony if it causes serious bodily injury (or with certain prior convictions); a second-degree felony if someone dies (or serious injury with a prior conviction). In a property-damage crash, the driver may move out of traffic but must stay and exchange the same information, or for unattended property, find the owner or leave a written note. Failing to do so is a class B misdemeanor (higher with prior convictions). Voluntarily reporting the crash to police within six hours blocks prior-conviction enhancements.

For policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, minimum liability coverage is $30,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $65,000 for two or more people in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage (or a $90,000 combined single limit). Utah is a no-fault state: policies must include personal injury protection (PIP) of at least $3,000 per person for medical expenses, plus lost-income and household-services benefits. A person with PIP coverage may sue for general damages (such as pain and suffering) only for death, dismemberment, permanent disability or impairment, permanent disfigurement, a bone fracture, or medical expenses over $3,000.

Modified comparative fault (50% bar). An injured person can recover from defendants whose combined fault (together with immune persons and nonparties to whom fault is assigned) exceeds the injured person's own fault. If the injured person is 50% or more at fault, they recover nothing. Each defendant pays only its own share of fault.

Utah's statutes do not list a specific deadline for ordinary negligence personal injury claims. They fall under the four-year limit for relief "not otherwise provided for by law." Claims against the state, a political subdivision, or their employees for injury to personal rights have a two-year limit.

Three years for taking, detaining or injuring personal property and for waste, trespass or injury to real property. Damage to a motor vehicle or other personal property from a motor vehicle accident has a four-year limit.