Essential Steps After a Car Accident in Utah–Call/TXT Jake Gunter
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, motorcycle crash, or car vs. pedestrian/bicyclist accident in Utah, there are essential steps to take to protect both your health and your legal rights.
Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Care
Following any type of accident, prioritizing immediate medical attention is crucial. Whether you visit the emergency room, an urgent care provider, or schedule a same-day appointment with your family doctor, the key is to address your injuries promptly. In serious cases, ask for an ambulance to take you to the ER, even if it’s simply to confirm your well-being.
In Utah, most car insurance policies include Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which provides a minimum of $3,000 in no-fault coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and related costs. This means you can receive medical care without worrying about who was at fault for the accident. Importantly, this $3,000 PIP coverage doesn’t apply to motorcycles, ATVs, or street-legal hotrods, but stacking PIP policies can often enhance your coverage for a car accident.
Delaying medical treatment can be detrimental to both your health and any potential compensation claim. Insurance adjusters often view gaps in treatment as a red flag, and missed appointments can impact the credibility of your case.
Step 2: Consult a Qualified Personal Injury Attorney
Once the initial shock has subsided, it’s wise to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney who has extensive experience with Utah accident claims. Insurance companies can’t make an offer to settle your case until at least seven days after the accident, giving you time to consider legal representation.
Many attorneys advertise personal injury law, but not all are truly experienced. A knowledgeable attorney who regularly handles car accident cases will have a network of local adjusters and insurance attorneys to work with and can guide you through Utah’s complex insurance system.
Navigating Insurance and Legal Challenges: Dealing with the aftermath of an accident often involves multiple parties, such as your insurance company, the PIP adjuster, property damage adjusters, bodily injury adjusters, and possibly even debt collectors. A skilled personal injury lawyer can manage these contacts and help you avoid pitfalls that could jeopardize your claim or reduce your compensation. In Utah, the statute of limitations for car accident bodily injury claims is generally four years, and three years for property damage claims. Special rules apply for minors and government entities, making it essential to have a lawyer’s expertise.
Why Choose Jacob S. Gunter for Your Personal Injury Case?
Attorney Jacob S. Gunter is a seasoned personal injury lawyer who regularly handles auto accident claims, navigating the complexities of PIP claims, negotiations, and lawsuits for full compensation. Let Jacob S. Gunter and the law firm of Howard Lewis & Petersen, P.C. guide you through the process, ensuring that your health and financial interests are protected.
Contact Jacob S. Gunter at www.gunterinjurylaw.com or call (801) 373-6345 to schedule a consultation today.