What To Do If You Are In A Vehicle Crash
Q. What must I do if I am involved in a vehicle crash?
A. Utah law requires the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident to immediately stop their vehicle at the scene or as close to it as possible. This is especially true if a person is injured or where there is property damage. Try to not obstruct traffic more than is necessary.
Utah law further requires that the operator of a vehicle involved in a crash render to any person injured reasonable assistance, including the transporting, or the making of arrangements for the transporting, of the injured person to medical help.
Q. Should I call the police if I am involved in a vehicle crash?
A. Yes. It is important that you call the police for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that the police make sure that the proper information is exchanged between you and the other driver(s). In addition, the police will investigate the accident scene and will prepare reports which are helpful in processing a claim for injuries. A sketch of the accident scene allows the accident to be reconstructed so that the negligence of the other driver can be determined. There are many other reasons why you should insist that the police are summoned, the paramount one being to protect your interest if you are injured or have suffered damage to your vehicle.
Q. What information should I get at the accident scene?
A. Although it is not always possible to get information if you are involved in a car crash, you should try to get at least the name, address and telephone of the other driver. Also get the other person's driver's license number, insurance information, i.e. name of insurance company and policy number. The law requires you to exchange your name, address and the registration number of the vehicle you are operating.
Get the description of the other vehicle and license plate number. Check out our Car Crash Information Form which will help guide you as you collect a lot of this information. We suggest you print a copy and keep it in your car, just in case. Be sure not to comment to others about the accident. You may later learn that you were not at fault, or that the other driver was equally or more at fault.
Q. If there are witnesses to the crash, should I talk to them?
A. Yes, if only to get the witness(es)' name(s), address(es) and telephone number(s) so we can follow up with them and get a statement(s) from them. If they make statements to you about fault, etc. be sure to make a note of it so that the witness can be asked about that later.
Q. If possible, should I take pictures of the accident scene?
A. Yes, if you can. However, if it is not possible don't worry about it since we can have one of our investigators do this later. The earlier we can get photographs of the scene the better it is for the preparation of the case.
Q. Should I make notes of the accident scene?
A. Yes. Make your own written notes on all significant circumstances concerning the accident. Draw a sketch of the accident scene and be sure to show the position of the cars after the accident. If possible, step off the distances of skid marks, if any, and other important distances. Identify the location where the vehicles collided and where they came to a stop so that you can locate them at a later time.
Q. After doing all of this can I leave the accident scene?
A. If there is injury or death or property damage in excess of $1,000 then you should wait until the police have been called and have arrived at the scene. At any rate, if possible, unless injuries make it necessary for your to leave the scene sooner, do not leave the scene until you have completed all of the above and have identified the other driver, obtained the names, addresses and statements of witnesses and made notes and filled out the Accident Information Form you can find on our web site.
DISCLAIMER
Although we strive to provide the most accurate information possible in these web pages, every case is different so the information may not apply to your particular set of facts. This site is merely a resource for further inquiry. NO LEGAL SERVICES ARE BEING PROVIDED. Your inquiry and any response we may provide does not create an attorney-client relationship.