Answers to Common Questions About Motor Vehicle Accidents

Auto accidents happen every day. But when it happens to you or a loved one, it is quite overwhelming. You may quickly realize there are multiple issues and a lot you don’t know.

Personal injury attorney Ken Peterson at Northern Utah Law answers some frequently asked questions here to get you started. Ken can also address your unique situation and specific concerns in a free initial consultation.

Won’t My Insurance Company Handle My Car Accident Claim?

Yes, and no. Utah is a state with “no-fault” insurance, meaning your own insurance company should pay your claim regardless of who caused the crash. However, injured parties, no matter whose fault an accident may have been, can seek payment for the first $3,000 of medical expenses from their insurance carrier. This payment is more often not enough to cover most medical costs, not to mention other costs associated with car accidents like lost wages and pain and suffering. This is why hiring an experienced and knowledgable personal injury is vital to receiving fair compensation.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me After a Car Crash?

An insurance company’s first allegiance is to its bottom line. They will try to pay out as little as possible. An attorney – by law and by oath – serves your best interests. An experienced personal injury attorney can:

Explain and protect your rights under Utah law
Make sure you get proper medical treatment
Investigate your accident and establish the other driver’s negligence
Document and calculate your damages
Negotiate the best possible settlement
Represent you at trial if the defendant and the insurance company will not admit liability or settle for a fair amount

See the FAQ on personal injury for more insight on how a knowledgeable lawyer can help.

Who is Responsible for a Rear-End Accident?

The driver behind is usually presumed to be at fault. The most common causes of rear-end accidents are tailgating, not paying attention, or driving too fast. However, that presumption is not always correct. Did the driver in front of you suddenly break for no reason, abruptly change lanes, or “brake check” you in an aggressive manner? Were their brake lights working? Did another car farther ahead cause a chain reaction? If you are accused of causing a rear-end accident, you need an attorney who can oversee a proper investigation or even an accident reconstruction to dispute who was at fault.

What if I was Partially at Fault for a Car Accident?

You may still be eligible for compensation. When liability is disputed, a judge or jury assigns a percentage of fault to each driver or pedestrian. Utah uses modified comparative fault, aka the 50% rule. As long as your fault is 49% or less, you can be compensated. But if you are found 50% or more at fault, you are not entitled to any damages. Compensation is tied to the percentage of your fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault you could collect 80% of your total damages.

Get Answers in a Free Consultation with Personal Injury Lawyer Ken Peterson

You likely have many questions after a serious accident. Ken Peterson at Northern Utah Law can address your concerns and skillfully pursue your compensation. Based in Cache County, Ken represents individuals and families throughout northern Utah. To arrange a free initial consultation reach out to Ken online. He handles car, truck, motorcycle, and other vehicle accidents on a contingency fee. This means no attorney fees are collected unless he secures compensation for you.