Ask a Car Accident Attorney
What should I do if I am involved in an automobile accident
If you are involved in an automobile accident, you should never leave the scene; otherwise, you could face criminal charges. Your first step is to call an ambulance if someone has been injured. Make sure your vehicle is not creating a hazard to other motorists by moving it from traffic, when possible. If the damages exceed $500 and/or someone is injured, call the police and file an accident report. Never admit liability—this is a legal matter that will be investigated later. Be sure to collect the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses, or others involved in the accident. It is also a good idea to take photographs to document skid marks, vehicle damage and road obstructions.
I was injured in the accident and need medical treatment. Who will pay those bills?
Utah is considered a “no fault” state in terms of auto insurance. This means that you are required to pay a “personal injury protection” (PIP) premium for at least $3,000 in coverage. In return, your insurance company must pay your medical bills for any injuries suffered in an accident, even if you caused it. This is beneficial because it eliminates expensive and time-consuming investigations to identify the person at fault. It also eliminates the need for costly legal proceedings to wrestle medical payments from the other individual’s insurance.
What if I was hit by an uninsured motorist?
Statistics show that one in 20 drivers on Utah roads is uninsured. If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist, you may mistakenly think that you have no recourse when it comes to collecting damages for auto repair and medical care. In actuality, you can seek compensation from your own insurance company, as part of your underinsured and uninsured coverage policy. You could also file a civil suit against the other driver.
Also, if you have uninsured motorist coverage from your insurance carrier, they will compensate you for any money that you cannot recover from the uninsured motorist. This process, however, often requires that you bring an arbitration claim against your own insurance company. At Gregory & Swapp, we are familiar with the insurance company arbitration process and know how to get you the money you deserve.
I feel fine; should I still see a doctor after my automobile accident?
Definitely. Many times injuries sustained during an automobile accident are not recognized or noticeable until days or weeks after the accident. This means that even though you may feel fine now, you may be suffering from internal injuries. You should always seek medical attention after being involved in an auto accident. If you did not cause the auto accident, the law allows you to seek and receive compensation for any medical bills you have incurred after the accident.
What kind of compensation can I expect if the other driver was at fault?
You could be entitled to medical and pharmaceutical bill reimbursement for the treatment of your injuries. You could also collect on the cost of future medical treatment, lost wages, property damage and automobile rental charges resulting from the accident. An insurance adjuster may offer to pay your medical bills and lost wages in order to get a quick settlement. However, you are also entitled to money for pain and suffering, and the inability to earn future wages. Proving these damages is one of the most challenging aspects of an automobile accident claim. The insurance company will strive to get the lowest possible settlement, but at Gregory & Swapp, we know that you deserve more and we are dedicated to helping you recover what you deserve.
If you or someone you love was injured in an automobile accident, you have the right to seek compensation. Since 1957, Gregory & Swapp has been fighting to protect victims’ rights. We can answer your questions and help ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. At Gregory & Swapp, we offer free consultations.
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