Car Accident Law

January 5 2024

The Guide to Utah Car Insurance Laws

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Trying to keep up with and understand Utah car insurance laws can often feel like a daunting task. However, knowing the specific laws and requirements in Utah is extremely important for every driver. In the Beehive State, car insurance isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a legal necessity. Each state has its own set of rules and minimums, and Utah is no exception. Whether you’re a new driver, a seasoned commuter, or just brushing up on your knowledge, our guide will dive into all the essential details you need to know about Utah car insurance laws. From coverage minimums to penalties for non-compliance, we’ll make sure you’re well-informed and prepared for the road ahead.

If you live in Utah and have been in an accident and need legal advice, call us at (435) 752-3551 or click the button below to get a free legal consultation.

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Is Utah A No Fault State?

Utah Car Insurance Requirements

Utah’s car insurance requirements are designed to ensure that drivers have adequate protection in case of accidents or mishaps on the road. Here are the main aspects of Utah’s car insurance laws:

Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Utah is a no-fault state, meaning your insurance pays for your medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. The minimum PIP coverage required in Utah is $3,000.
Liability Insurance: Utah law requires drivers to have liability insurance to cover damages or injuries you might cause to others in an accident. The minimum coverage limits are:
$25,000 for bodily injury per person
$65,000 for bodily injury per accident
$15,000 for property damage per accident
Uninsured Motorist Coverage: While this coverage is not mandatory in Utah, it’s highly recommended. It protects you in case you’re in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Similar to uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage is an optional add-on that provides additional protection if the at-fault driver’s insurance cannot cover all the expenses related to an accident.
Proof of Insurance: Utah drivers are required to carry proof of insurance in their vehicle at all times and present it when requested by law enforcement.

Utah Liability Insurance Coverage

Utah’s liability insurance coverage is a fundamental component of the state’s car insurance requirements, designed to protect drivers financially if they are at fault in an accident. Here are a few key points about Utah’s liability insurance coverage:

What It Covers: Liability insurance in Utah covers expenses related to injuries, death, and property damage that you, as the at-fault driver, cause to others in an automobile accident. This includes medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering of the injured party, and costs for repairing or replacing damaged property.
Importance of Adequate Coverage: While sticking to the minimum limits might seem cost-effective, it’s important to assess your potential risk and consider higher coverage limits. If the damages in an accident you cause exceed your coverage limits, you will be personally responsible for the remaining costs, which could be financially devastating. Higher liability limits offer more

comprehensive protection and peace of mind.

Exclusions and Limitations: Liability insurance does not cover your own injuries or property damage. For that, you’ll need other types of coverage like collision, comprehensive, or personal injury protection (PIP). Additionally, intentional damage or harm and damages above your policy limits are not covered under liability insurance.

Is Personal Injury Protection Required in Utah?

In Utah, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is indeed a required component of auto insurance policies. This requirement stems from Utah being a no-fault state, which fundamentally changes how insurance claims are handled after an auto accident. Unlike in at-fault states, where the driver who caused the accident is responsible for covering the damages, in no-fault states like Utah, your own insurance policy pays for your medical expenses regardless of who is at fault in an accident.

Personal Injury Protection plays a crucial role in this process. It’s designed to cover medical expenses, a portion of lost wages, and sometimes funeral costs, up to a certain limit, for you and your passengers after an accident. This coverage ensures that, following an accident, individuals can receive timely medical attention without the immediate need to establish fault, which can sometimes be a lengthy process.

It’s important to note that while PIP provides essential coverage for immediate medical expenses and related costs, it does not cover property damage. It also doesn’t cover more extensive injuries and damages that might exceed its limit. For these scenarios, other types of insurance coverage, such as bodily injury liability and property damage liability, come into play.

Penalties For Driving Without Insurance

Fines: The most immediate consequence is a monetary fine. The amount varies, often increasing with subsequent offenses, serving as a financial deterrent.
License Suspension: A driver caught without insurance may face suspension of their driver’s license. This suspension can create a significant inconvenience, affecting the driver’s ability to commute and maintain their daily routine.
Registration Suspension: Along with the driver’s license, the vehicle’s registration can also be suspended. This means the vehicle cannot be legally driven by anyone until the issue is resolved.
Reinstatement Fees: To reinstate a suspended license or registration, drivers typically need to pay a reinstatement fee, adding to the financial burden of the penalty.
SR-22 Requirement: For serious or repeated offenses, drivers may be required to file an SR-22 form. This certificate of financial responsibility must be maintained for a designated period and often leads to higher insurance premiums.
Increased Insurance Costs: Even after reinstating their insurance, drivers who have been penalized for driving without insurance often face higher insurance rates, as insurers consider them high-risk.
Legal Consequences for Accidents: If an uninsured driver is involved in an accident, the legal and financial consequences can be severe, especially if they are at fault.

Ordinary Negligence vs Gross Negligence

Optional Car Insurance Coverage

Optional car insurance coverages go beyond the basic requirements set by state law, offering drivers additional protection and peace of mind. These optional coverages can be tailored to individual needs and circumstances, providing a more comprehensive shield against various risks on the road. Here’s an overview of some common types of optional car insurance:

Collision Insurance: This coverage pays for damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision, regardless of who is at fault. It’s particularly valuable for newer or more expensive vehicles.
Comprehensive Insurance: Comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision-related damage to your vehicle. This includes events like theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, and interactions with animals. It’s often bundled with collision coverage.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: While not mandatory in all states, this coverage is crucial for protecting yourself against drivers who lack sufficient insurance. It covers your expenses if you’re in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Gap Insurance: If you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, gap insurance can be vital. It covers the difference between the vehicle’s actual value and the amount you still owe if the car is totaled or stolen.
Rental Reimbursement: If your car is in the shop due to a covered accident, rental reimbursement helps cover the cost of a rental car, easing transportation woes during vehicle repairs.
Roadside Assistance: This coverage provides help for situations like flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, and towing. It’s a convenient service for unexpected roadside issues.
Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage: For those who have significantly modified or upgraded their vehicles, this insurance covers the cost of custom parts and equipment in case of damage or theft.

Medical Payments Coverage: Similar to PIP, this coverage helps pay for medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of who’s at fault. It’s beneficial in states that are not no-fault.

What to do if you’ve been in an accident in Utah

If you’re involved in a car accident in Utah, prioritizing safety is paramount. Initially, check for any injuries among all parties and call emergency services if needed. If the vehicles are operable and the accident is minor, move them to a safe spot to avoid obstructing traffic.

It’s essential to exchange information with the other drivers, including contact details, insurance information, and vehicle descriptions. Documenting the accident scene with photographs and noting the exact location can also be helpful. Contacting the police is vital, especially in cases of significant damage or injury. A police report provides an official record of the incident, valuable for insurance claims and legal purposes. After addressing immediate safety and legal requirements, report the accident to your insurance company. Provide them with detailed information to initiate the claims process. Honesty and thoroughness in this step are key to a smooth claim resolution.

Do you insure the car or driver in Utah?

In Utah, as in most states in the U.S., car insurance policies are typically written for the vehicle, not the individual driver. This means that the insurance coverage is primarily attached to the car itself. When you insure a car in Utah, the policy generally covers the vehicle and any drivers who are permitted to operate it, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. However, it’s important to note that the specifics can vary based on the insurance policy.

Most policies have provisions that cover other drivers operating the vehicle with the owner’s permission. These provisions usually extend the same level of coverage to the driver as if the vehicle owner were driving. For instance, if a friend or family member who has your permission is driving your insured vehicle and is involved in an accident, your insurance policy would typically cover the damages, again, according to the terms of your policy.

What happens if someone else is driving my car and gets in an accident in Utah?

If someone else is driving your car and gets into an accident in Utah, your car insurance policy is typically the first to be used for coverage. This means your policy will cover the damages up to its limits, provided the driver had your permission to use the car. If the accident costs exceed your policy limits, the driver’s insurance might serve as secondary coverage. However, if the driver did not have your permission, their insurance might be primarily responsible. In either case, the accident could affect your insurance premiums and you would be responsible for any deductibles on your policy.

Utah Car Insurance Laws Conclusion

Understanding Utah’s car insurance laws, from mandatory liability and personal injury protection (PIP) to optional coverages, is essential for every driver. Navigating the aftermath of an accident, especially when it involves different drivers, can be complex and confusing.

At Harris, Preston & Chambers, our experienced attorneys specialize in guiding clients through the intricacies of personal injury accidents and other legal matters. Whether you’re dealing with insurance claims, seeking compensation, or facing any legal challenges on the road, our team is equipped to provide the support and expertise necessary to ensure your rights are protected.

*Nothing herein constitutes legal advice. You should obtain independent legal counsel regarding your specific factual situation.

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Utah Car Accident Law

December 15 2023

Is Idaho a No Fault State? The Accident Insurance Guide

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A common question among residents and newcomers alike is, “Is Idaho a no-fault state?” The answer to this is pivotal in shaping how insurance claims are handled in the event of a car accident. Unlike some states that follow the no-fault system, Idaho operates under a fault-based insurance framework. From minimum coverage requirements to the consequences of driving uninsured, we’ll go into the specifics to ensure you’re informed on Idaho’s regulations.

If you’ve been in an accident in Idaho and need an attorney, we can help. We’ll give you a free consultation. Just click the button below or call us at (435) 752-3551.

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Idaho Peronsal Injury Law

Is Idaho a No Fault State?

Idaho is not a no-fault state for insurance. As mentioned above, it operates under a fault-based or tort-based insurance system. This means that in the event of a car accident, fault must be determined, and the party at fault is responsible for the damages. Car accident victims in Idaho must file their claims with the insurance company of the party at fault. In no-fault states, drivers would file claims with their own insurance regardless of who is at fault, but this is not the case in Idaho.

Idaho’s fault laws require the identification of the driver responsible for the crash before filing insurance claims with that driver’s insurance provider. If there’s a dispute about who is at fault, it may be necessary to gather evidence to support the claim.

Idaho Minimum Car Insurance Laws

Idaho car insurance laws mandate that drivers carry a minimum level of liability insurance to legally drive in the state. The minimum coverage required by Idaho law is known as 25/50/15, which breaks down as follows:

$25,000 for bodily injury per person
$50,000 for bodily injury per accident
$15,000 for property damage per accident

These limits are designed to ensure that drivers have a basic level of coverage to pay for damages they may cause in an accident. However, it’s important to note that these minimums may not provide sufficient protection in all situations. If the costs of an accident exceed these limits, the at-fault driver would be responsible for paying the difference out of pocket. For leased vehicles, the insurance requirements may be different, as they are often set by the lender. Most leasing companies require drivers to carry

full coverage insurance, which includes both collision and comprehensive insurance, along with possibly higher liability coverage limits.

Is Idaho a PIP State?

The state of Idaho is not a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) state. In the context of auto insurance, PIP is a type of coverage that is often mandatory in no-fault states. It covers medical expenses and, in some cases, lost wages and other damages, regardless of who is at fault in an accident. However, since Idaho follows a fault-based system for car accidents, PIP is not required.

Under Idaho’s fault-based system, the driver who is at fault for an accident is responsible for paying the damages suffered by other parties involved in the accident. This is typically done through the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. As a result, PIP, which is designed to bypass the need to determine fault, is not a part of Idaho’s car insurance framework. For drivers in Idaho, it’s important to have sufficient liability insurance as required by state law to cover potential damages in an accident where they are at fault. Additionally, drivers may consider purchasing other types of optional insurance coverage for further protection.

Who Is At Fault In Rear End Collisions?

Idaho Uninsured Motorist Coverage

In Idaho, uninsured motorist coverage is an optional insurance policy that protects a policyholder in the event they are involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance. This type of coverage is particularly important given the high possibility of accidents involving uninsured drivers in Idaho.

Here’s a brief overview of what uninsured motorist coverage typically entails in Idaho:

Coverage Scope: Uninsured motorist coverage typically pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages if you’re in an accident caused by a driver who has no auto insurance. It may also cover hit-and-run accidents where the at-fault driver is not identified.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Along with uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage can also be important. This covers you if the at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits are not enough to cover all the damages they caused.
Policy Limits: Like other types of insurance, uninsured motorist coverage has limits. These limits are typically set at the same amount as your liability coverage limits, though you can choose to purchase higher or lower limits.
Legal Requirements: While Idaho law requires drivers to have liability insurance, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is optional. However, insurance companies must offer it, and you must reject it in writing if you choose not to purchase it.
Benefits: This coverage is beneficial as it ensures you have some level of protection even when the at-fault party cannot cover your losses. This is crucial in avoiding significant financial burdens resulting from accidents with uninsured drivers.

Penalties

Driving without insurance can result in severe penalties in Idaho. If caught driving without the mandatory liability insurance, drivers face various consequences.

For a first offense, there is a fine of $75. However, if a driver is caught without insurance again within a five-year period, the penalties escalate significantly. Subsequent offenses can lead to fines of up to $1,000 and jail time of up to six months. Moreover, each offense can result in the suspension of the driver’s license until proof of insurance is provided. It’s also important to note that if these offenses are not addressed properly, it can lead to a cycle of issues. For instance, a charge of failure to maintain liability insurance can lead to the suspension of driving privileges. If a driver is unaware of this suspension and is caught driving, they could be charged with driving without privileges (DWP), which carries its own set of serious penalties.

Is Idaho a No Fault State Conclusion

Idaho’s auto insurance laws and the penalties for non-compliance are crucial for every driver in the state to understand. Idaho is not a no-fault state and operates under a fault-based system, requiring drivers to have liability insurance with minimum coverage limits.

For those facing legal matters related to car insurance laws in Idaho, or other legal issues, the law firm of Harris, Preston, and Chambers offers experienced legal assistance. Our team of attorneys practices throughout Idaho, Wyoming, and Utah, providing knowledgeable and dedicated legal services to help navigate these complex areas effectively. Whether you’re dealing with insurance violations, personal injury cases, or other legal challenges, our expertise can guide you towards a favorable resolution.

*Nothing herein constitutes legal advice. You should obtain independent legal counsel regarding your specific factual situation.

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What Happens When Your Car Gets Totaled?

The Average Payout For T-Bone Accidents Guide

November 20 2023

The Average Payout for T-Bone Accidents in Utah

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From heavy traffic in Salt Lake to icy conditions in the winter, Utah roads see their fair share of T-bone collisions. If you’ve been injured in one of these collisions, you may be wondering about the average payout for a T-bone accident in the state of Utah. From physical ailments to financial repercussions, a T-bone accident can cause major disruption in your life.

The lawyers of Harris, Preston, and Chambers have years of experience helping people like you get the compensation you deserve following a T-bone accident. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the average payout for t-bone accidents in Utah, common causes, prevalent injuries, as well as the types of compensation available. Call us at (435) 752-3551 or click the button below to request a free consultation.

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Utah Car Accident Lawyers

Average Payout for T-Bone Accidents in Utah

A T-bone accident occurs when one car drives directly into the side of another car. These accidents typically happen at intersections and can cause severe, even life-threatening injuries. The average payout for a T-bone accident depends on a number of factors.

While settlements can range anywhere from $9000 to $300,000, every case is unique. It’s impossible to get an accurate estimate for your case without speaking to a personal injury attorney. The amount of fault you share in the accident, the severity of your injuries and medical bills, and many other factors play a huge role in how much compensation you’ll receive.

Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents

Because of their nature, T-bone accidents, also called right-angle or side-collision accidents, typically occur at intersections. The force that occurs when one car hits the side of another can cause moderate to severe injuries that have a lifelong impact. By paying attention to the road around you and understanding how T-bone accidents occur, you can better avoid one.

Here are some of the most common causes of T-bone accidents:

Failure to yield: Failure to yield is one of the most common causes of T-bone accidents. This occurs when one driver runs a red light or stop sign and crashes into the vehicle that had the right-of-way.
Distracted driving: Any sort of activity that diverts a driver’s attention away from the road is considered distracted driving. Whether that’s eating or using in-car entertainment systems, when a driver is not fully focused on the road, they are more likely to miss important cues that lead to a T-bone accident.
Cell phone use while driving: Cell phone use while driving is one of the most significant contributors to T-bone accidents. Texting or talking on the phone takes the driver’s attention off the road, impairing their ability to react quickly to changing traffic conditions.
Brake malfunction: Brake malfunction can occur when a vehicle’s braking system doesn’t stop the vehicle properly. Brakes might malfunction because of issues with the brake pads, hydraulic systems, or other components. If a driver’s brakes fail when approaching a stop sign, for example, they may collide with the vehicle already in the intersection.
Drunk driving: Driving drunk impairs a driver’s ability to drive safely and appropriately, putting their life and the lives of others around them at risk. Drunk drivers are more likely to run stop signs or red lights and cause a T-bone accident.

Most Common Injuries from T-Bone Accidents

The average payout for T-bone accidents is greatly impacted by the type and severity of injury received. The injuries that happen in a T-bone accident can vary from moderate to severe. Some of the most common injuries seen in T-bone accidents include:

Whiplash: Whiplash is a common injury in T-bone accidents. The rapid motion of the neck back and forth strains the muscles and ligaments. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and difficulty moving the neck. Whiplash injury often takes a long time to heal.
Broken bones: The force of a T-bone collision can cause fractures or broken ones, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones.
Spinal injuries: T-bone accidents can cause severe spinal injuries, ranging from a herniated disc to fractured vertebrae. Right-angle collisions can even result in spinal cord injury, paralysis, or long-term neurological issues.
Head injuries: T-bone accidents can cause a variety of head injuries, including concussions, contusions, lacerations, and skull fractures. While airbags and seatbelts help mitigate some of the risk, the force in T-bone collisions still poses a significant risk.
Internal damage: Internal injuries can occur after a T-bone accident when the force of the crash damages organs or causes bleeding. These injuries aren’t always visible from the outside, which is one of the things that makes them so dangerous. Symptoms often include abdominal pain, swelling, and signs of shock.

Is Utah A No Fault Car Insurance State?

Types of Compensation You Can Recover from a T-Bone Accident

In the state of Utah, you can typically recover economic damages and non-economic damages after a T-bone accident. Economic damages include losses that have a specific monetary value. These include medical expenses, property damages, and lost wages. Non-economic damages are losses that are harder to quantify. Pain and suffering, permanent disability, and loss of consortium are all types of non-economic damages that you might be compensated for.

In order to receive compensation, fault has to be determined first. Utah is considered a modified comparative fault state. This means that you may be entitled to compensation if you are less than half at fault for the accident. If you are fifty percent or more at fault, you won’t be able to receive any sort of compensation.

How Serious Injuries Change the Settlement Amount in Utah

The seriousness of your injuries can significantly alter the settlement amount you receive. In fact, the average T-bone accident payout goes up for more serious injuries. Utah laws consider factors like ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term disability. Injuries that are permanent typically result in a much higher settlement than a simple broken arm.

Beyond just the physical impact, victims of T-bone accidents often experience emotional pain. For more serious injuries, the emotional pain of a completely different lifestyle can be significant and can greatly increase the settlement.

The Impact of Expensive Medical Bills on the Settlement in Utah

After a T-bone accident, medical bills can accumulate rapidly, adding financial strain to an already stressful situation. The impact of these bills on the settlement is a critical consideration, with compensation needing to account for current and anticipated future costs. Sometimes the cost of these medical bills can be much more than the insurance is willing to pay. From hospital stays to rehabilitation, this can really add up. An experienced personal injury attorney in Utah can negotiate with the insurance help you receive a fuller settlement to cover all of these costs.

How a Lawyer Can Help You

Navigating the aftermath of a T-bone accident requires expertise in the state’s legal workings. A Utah personal injury lawyer, like those at Harris, Preston, and Chambers, can provide invaluable assistance in your claim that may mean the difference between being compensated appropriately. Here are some of the things a lawyer can help you with after a T-bone accident:

Investigate the case
Gather evidence
File important paperwork
Negotiate with insurance
Take your case to trial

While legally, you could represent yourself, you’re much more likely to receive what you’re entitled to with an attorney on your side. Familiarity with Utah-specific regulations, such as the average payout for T-bone accidents, statute of limitations, and types of compensation significantly improves the chances of obtaining a fair and just settlement.

If you’re in need of a personal injury attorney, let Harris, Preston, and Chambers help. T-bone accidents can leave you with serious, lifelong injuries, and worrying about your health is difficult enough. We’ll investigate your case, gather evidence, and do everything in our power to get you a fair settlement so you can focus on healing.

*Nothing herein constitutes legal advice. You should obtain independent legal counsel regarding your specific factual situation.

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Ogden Car Accident Lawyers

November 16 2023

The Sideswipe Collision Guide: Most Common Scenarios & Injuries

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One of the most common types of accidents that happens across the country every day is a sideswipe collision, causing countless injuries and fatalities. In this article, we’ll go over the factors contributing to sideswipe accidents, their common causes, and the range of injuries they commonly inflict.

If you’ve been in a car accident in Utah, Idaho, or Wyoming, we’ll give you a free consultation to help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us at (435) 752-3551 to request a call or click the button below.

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Utah Truck Accident Law

What is a Sideswipe Collision?

A sideswipe collision often occurs when the sides of two parallel vehicles make contact. This typically happens when one vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane, coming into contact with a vehicle in the adjacent lane. Unlike head-on or rear-end collisions, sideswipe accidents involve a lateral, glancing blow rather than a direct hit, which can make their impact less straightforward to assess.

Most Common Sideswipe Accident Scenarios

Sideswipe accidents, while varying in specifics, often follow certain common scenarios. Understanding these scenarios can help in both preventing and responding to such incidents. Here are some of the most typical situations where sideswipe collisions occur:

Lane Changing and Merging: This is perhaps the most frequent scenario for sideswipe collisions. A driver might fail to check their blind spot or misjudge the distance to another vehicle when changing lanes or merging onto a highway. Such incidents can also occur if a driver doesn’t properly signal their intention to change lanes, leaving nearby drivers unprepared.
Drifting Between Lanes: Distraction, fatigue, or impairment can lead drivers to unintentionally drift from their lane into an adjacent one. This can happen gradually or suddenly, and the other driver might not have enough time or space to avoid a collision.
Dual Lane Changes: Sideswipe accidents can occur when two vehicles, driving side by side, simultaneously attempt to move into the same lane from opposite sides.
Highway Driving: High-speed roads, like highways and freeways, are common sites for sideswipe collisions, especially in heavy traffic conditions where drivers are frequently changing lanes.
Narrow Roads and Construction Zones: On roads with limited space or in construction zones where lane widths might be reduced, the risk of sideswipe collisions increases.
Aggressive Driving and Road Rage: Aggressive maneuvers, such as sudden lane changes, can lead to sideswipe collisions, especially when drivers don’t take the time to properly assess their surroundings.

Most Common Sideswipe Accident Injuries

Sideswipe accidents, while often less severe than head-on or rear-end collisions, can still result in a range of injuries. The nature and severity of these injuries largely depend on factors like the speed of the vehicles, the angle of impact, and whether the occupants were wearing seatbelts. Here are some of the most common injuries associated with sideswipe accidents:

Soft Tissue Injuries: These are among the most frequent injuries in any car accident, including sideswipes. Soft tissue injuries involve damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Whiplash, which is caused by the sudden movement of the head and neck, is a typical soft tissue injury in these types of collisions.
Cuts and Bruises: Due to the lateral impact of a sideswipe, occupants can be thrown against the doors, windows, or other hard surfaces inside the car, leading to cuts and bruises. Broken glass from windows can also cause lacerations.
Head and Brain Injuries: If the impact causes an occupant’s head to strike a window, steering wheel, or other hard surfaces, it can lead to concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Even if there’s no direct impact, the jarring motion of a sideswipe can cause brain injuries.
Bone Fractures: The force of a sideswipe collision can break bones, particularly in the arms or hands if they are thrown against the door, or in the lower body if the car’s side structure intrudes into the passenger compartment.
Spinal Cord Injuries: The torsional (twisting) force exerted on the body in a sideswipe accident can lead to spinal cord injuries. These njuries can range from minor (causing temporary pain and discomfort) to severe (leading to long-term disability or paralysis).
Psychological Trauma: Apart from physical injuries, sideswipe accidents can lead to psychological issues such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a fear of driving. These psychological impacts are sometimes overlooked but can be as debilitating as physical injuries.

Utah Car Accident Law

Damages You Can Recover

In the aftermath of a sideswipe collision, victims are often eligible to recover damages that cover a wide range of losses. These recoverable damages are generally designed to compensate for both tangible and intangible consequences of the collision. This would include:

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Repair or replacement of damaged property
Pain and suffering
Loss of quality of life

What To Do After a Crash

After any kind of crash, it’s extremely important to adhere to legal requirements and protect your interests. Here’s a list of actions to consider:

Check for Injuries: Immediately assess your own physical condition and that of your passengers. If anyone is hurt, call for emergency medical assistance.
Move to Safety: If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid obstructing traffic and to reduce the risk of further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Call the Police: In many jurisdictions, it’s required to report an accident to the police, especially if there are significant injuries or property damage. A police report can be invaluable in legal and insurance proceedings.
Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Be sure to get their name, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver’s license number, and license plate number.
Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including damage to all vehicles involved, any injuries, and overall road conditions. These can be crucial for insurance claims and potential legal action.
Look for Witnesses: If there are witnesses, get their contact information. They could provide valuable testimony if there are disputes about the accident’s circumstances.
Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with all the information and evidence you have gathered.
Keep Records: Document everything related to the accident, including medical visits and treatments, repairs to your vehicle, and any other expenses incurred as a result of the crash.

How an Accident Attorney Can Help You

An accident attorney has a deep understanding of relevant laws and in deciphering the complex issues of liability and compensation. An attorney also acts as a buffer between you and insurance companies, which are often more inclined to settle claims quickly rather than fairly. By advocating on your behalf, they work to secure a settlement that genuinely reflects the full scope of your losses and suffering. Handling everything from evidence collection to expert consultations, and even court representation if necessary.

The Sideswipe Collision Guide Conclusion

Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, from understanding legal nuances to negotiating fair compensation. At Harris, Preston, & Chambers, our years of expertise in injury law means we’re well-equipped to help you navigate these challenges. Whether you’re dealing with the repercussions of a car, truck, or motorcycle accident, or even an incident like a dog bite, our experienced team is here to ensure you get the best possible outcome. Trust us to be your ally in these tough times, working tirelessly to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.

*Nothing herein constitutes legal advice. You should obtain independent legal counsel regarding your specific factual situation.

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Car Accident On Private Property Laws