Automobile Accident Attorney Utah – In many ways, Utah is a fairly safe state to drive. The number of deaths per capita in auto accidents is 20% of the lowest among all states. However, Utah has the seventh highest number of hit-and-run drivers. The number of drivers involved in previous crashes is 10% higher than the national average, and Utah clearly has areas for improvement.
In general, population density correlates with the frequency of car accidents, but the opposite is true for collisions. Wyoming is the least populous state, but leads the nation in the percentage of hit-and-run drivers. Don’t let your guard down just because you’re exploring Uinta County and not downtown Salt Lake City.
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Automobile Accident Attorney Utah
Being the victim of a hit-and-run driver can be scary and frustrating. Worse, if the at-fault driver isn’t caught, you could end up paying for expensive repairs even though the accident wasn’t your fault.
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Leaving the scene of an accident early in Utah carries stiff penalties. When you become aware of an accident or know that an accident has occurred, Utah law requires that you take several steps before you are allowed to leave the scene.
Your first task is to park in the nearest safe place that does not obstruct traffic. This can be roadside, off shore or a side street if needed. Although not always easy depending on location, they expect you to try to “comply as much as possible” with this requirement. If you can safely help, you need help. Be careful when moving the victim and allow emergency services to reach you if possible.
The information you need to disclose is your name, address, vehicle registration number, contact details for your insurance carrier and, if required, you must provide your driver’s license. If the collective damages are $1,500 or more, you should contact local law enforcement and report the accident. Failure to comply with all of these requirements before leaving the scene of an accident can result in you being prosecuted as a hit-and-run driver.
In cases of property damage and no injuries, the charge is a Class C misdemeanor and you could face up to 90 days in jail and a $750 fine. This penalty applies solely to cases where a vehicle is left unattended, such as a fence or mailbox, or property unrelated to the vehicle is damaged. Avoiding an accident with injury is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in prison and a $2,500 fine. Hit and run with serious bodily injury is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
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If you are driving and another driver flees the scene, your first priority should be your safety. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries and call 911 immediately. Check if anyone else is injured. Be careful because the last thing you want is to get into another car accident that you may not even know about.
If you think you can move your vehicle safely, try to pull it out of traffic or pull over to the side of the road while you wait for the police to arrive. Take some time to write down what you remember about the driver and the car that fled the scene. If there are witnesses, a brief statement and their contact information. Even a partial license plate number is very useful for checking. But any small detail or distinguishing feature can help police identify and catch a suspect. More than two-thirds of all assault cases remain unsolved. The information you give to the police will have a big impact on the outcome of the case.
Photographs taken at the scene will help preserve accurate evidence of the incident. In addition to the damage to your vehicle, include photos of road conditions and nearby signs. Stag signs, derailments or other signs of accidents should be preserved by photographs whenever possible. Request a copy of the police report for your records.
Attempting to pursue a driver fleeing the scene of an accident is wrong. In the case of a very minor accident, the driver may have made an honest mistake and may not have been fully aware of the accident. However, more often than not, the reason a driver flees the scene of an accident is something a little more sinister.
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They may be driving illegally due to a suspended license, lack of insurance or expired tags. They may have outstanding traffic tickets and fear arrest if they stick with the police. The getaway driver may be trying to cover up a more serious crime. Maybe they get drunk and run away hoping to avoid a DUII charge. The driver or passenger may be wanted for a prior crime, or the vehicle may contain drugs or illegal paraphernalia. The vehicle may be reported stolen. If they’re driving around in a hot car, don’t expect them to stop. Wait until the police get there, then let them chase you.
Accidents Accidents involving an unattended vehicle or other property happen from time to time. In this case, the driver is still obligated to stop and locate the owner of the vehicle or property. If the other party cannot be located, the driver should leave a note with contact details and a brief description of the accident. If the damage is $1,500 or more, the requirement to notify the police still applies. If you find yourself in this situation as a driver, it’s a good idea to notify the police to avoid any problems down the road. There may be more to flying or noting damage than meets the eye.
It can be very frustrating to return to find that your car has been damaged and the driver did not pay enough attention to comply with legal requirements. Immediately went to the police and filed a complaint. Still need to get some pictures of the damage. Explore the area and see who saw something or, if you’re lucky, a security camera that captured the incident.
These types of claims are usually considered a collision with an uninsured motorist. If you choose uninsured motorist, collision, or no-fault coverage, the damage may be covered by your policy. Their exact amount will, of course, depend on the details of your policy, including deductibles and potential coverage maximums. If your policy does not apply, the other driver is not identified, you may have to fend for yourself.
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Sometimes you may need to negotiate the details of your claim with your insurance company, even if your insurance is applicable. It is not uncommon for a party to take legal action with their insurance company to obtain the full payment they are entitled to. If the insurance company feels bad for you, consider consulting an attorney who specializes in auto accidents. Having professional representation can make a big difference in your final settlement amount. Insurance claims adjusters are sometimes quick to overlook important details such as highway recovery after repairs, vehicle depreciation, or other important details for which you may be entitled to compensation.
The nuances of car insurance can be complicated. Protect yourself and protect your investment with a free consultation to evaluate your performance.
Attorneys have specialized advocates who can focus on your recovery. Having an experienced car accident attorney can help you get a fair settlement. Our professional staff and qualified attorneys are ready to discuss your case during a free consultation. Call us today at (801) 326-0809 or fill out the form below, or chat directly with an attorney here this minute. You deserve an advocate! Most car accidents involve one or two cars, but sometimes multiple cars can be involved in the same accident. These multiple car accidents can be complex and confusing, in terms of investigating and determining fault, settling insurance and seeking compensation for injuries.
The most common type of multi-vehicle collision is what we sometimes call a pile-up. In a long queue of cars
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