Most Utahns live along the I-15 Wasatch Front corridor from Ogden to Provo, which is heavily traveled and frequently under construction. Canyon roads and winter storms add risk. Utah is a no-fault state with an injury threshold for pain-and-suffering claims.
Is Utah a no-fault state?
Yes — Utah is a no-fault state. Utah is a no-fault state. After most crashes, your own personal injury protection (PIP) pays first for medical bills and some lost income, no matter who caused the crash. You can usually claim against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering only if your injuries meet Utah's threshold.
Utah requires $3,000 of PIP. You can usually sue for pain and suffering only above a medical-expense or seriousness threshold.
Learn more in our guide to what a no-fault state is.
How does shared fault work in Utah?
Utah follows a modified comparative fault rule with a 50% bar. Your recovery may be reduced by your share of fault, and you generally cannot recover if you are found 50% or more responsible.
For example, if you were found 20% at fault for a crash in Utah, your compensation could be reduced by 20%. If your share reached the 50% bar, you could be barred from recovering from the other driver.
Read more: what comparative fault means.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Utah?
In Utah, the general deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit is four years from the date of the injury, with some exceptions.
Other deadlines can be much shorter. Your insurance policy may require prompt notice of the crash, PIP and uninsured-motorist claims can have their own timelines, and claims against a city, county or the State of Utah often need formal notice within months. Different rules can also apply to minors and wrongful death claims.
What are Utah's minimum car insurance requirements?
Utah requires drivers to carry at least $25,000 per person / $65,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage.
Minimum limits are often not enough to cover a serious injury. If the at-fault driver has little or no insurance, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, medical payments coverage or PIP may help. See what to do if an uninsured driver hit you.
What should I do after a car accident in Utah?
Get safe, get medical care and protect your evidence. These steps apply anywhere in Utah:
- Call 911 if anyone is hurt, and move out of traffic if it's safe — especially on busy roads like I-15 or I-80.
- Call the police and ask how to get the crash report. Utah generally requires reporting crashes that cause injury, death or significant damage.
- Exchange names, insurance and plate numbers, and photograph the vehicles, the scene and your injuries.
- Get the names and phone numbers of witnesses.
- See a doctor promptly, even if you feel fine — Utah PIP claims can depend on prompt treatment.
- Notify your own insurer, but be careful about giving the other driver's insurer a recorded statement.
- Talk to an independent Utah attorney before signing any release, keeping the four years deadline in mind.
Our full what to do after a car accident guide goes into more detail.
Where do car accidents happen in Utah?
Crashes happen everywhere, but traffic is heaviest in and around Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo, West Jordan, Orem, Ogden and St. George. Major routes include I-15, I-80, I-215, I-84, US-89 and Bangerter Highway. Our attorney-matching service covers every county in Utah.