When to Hire an Accident Lawyer in Utah

Not every car accident requires a lawyer - but certain situations absolutely do. Here's how to know if you need legal representation.

✓ You NEED a Lawyer If:

1. Serious Injuries Requiring Hospitalization

Broken bones, head injuries, internal injuries, or any injury requiring surgery or extended hospital stay. These cases involve high medical bills and potential long-term disability.

Why: Insurance companies hire teams of lawyers and doctors to minimize serious injury claims.

2. Permanent Disability or Disfigurement

If the accident left you with permanent scarring, loss of bodily function, chronic pain, or disability that affects your ability to work.

Why: Permanent injuries require compensation for future medical care, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering - calculations best done by attorneys.

3. Disputed Fault or Multiple Parties

When the other driver denies fault, blames you, or multiple vehicles were involved. Also when accident reconstruction may be needed.

Why: Utah's comparative negligence law means even 10% fault can reduce your settlement by thousands.

4. Commercial Vehicles Involved

Accidents with semi-trucks, delivery vans, Uber/Lyft, or company vehicles. These involve complex insurance policies and corporate defendants.

Why: Commercial insurance policies have higher limits ($1M+) but companies fight harder to avoid paying.

5. Insurance Company Denying or Lowballing

If the insurance company denies your claim, offers far less than your medical bills, or refuses to negotiate in good faith.

Why: Lawyers can file bad faith claims and force insurers to pay full value or face penalties.

6. Lost Wages Exceeding $5,000

If you missed significant work, got demoted, lost your job, or can't return to your previous occupation due to injuries.

Why: Calculating lost earning capacity requires expert testimony and vocational analysis.

7. Government Vehicles (Special Rules)

If a city, county, state, or federal vehicle hit you. Police cars, fire trucks, postal vehicles, school buses, etc.

Why: Utah law requires special 1-year notice of claim against government entities - miss the deadline and lose your case forever.

? You MIGHT Not Need a Lawyer If:

Property Damage Only: No injuries whatsoever, just vehicle damage under $5,000
Minor Injuries Fully Resolved: Soreness that went away in 2-3 weeks with no ongoing treatment
Clear Fault + Cooperative Insurer: Other driver admitted fault, their insurance accepts liability, and they're offering fair settlement
Total Damages Under $3,000: Medical bills + lost wages + pain/suffering all under $3K

⚠️ When in Doubt, Get a Free Consultation: Most Utah accident attorneys offer free case evaluations. There's no downside to getting professional advice - if they say you don't need a lawyer, at least you'll know.

Why Lawyers Get 3-5× Higher Settlements

Insurance Industry Study: Accident victims who hire attorneys receive settlements averaging 3.5 times higher than those who represent themselves - even AFTER paying attorney fees.