Car Accident Statute of Limitations in Utah

In Utah, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident personal injury lawsuit is four years from the date of the accident, under Utah Code Section 78B-2-307. Missing this deadline means the court will dismiss your case regardless of how strong your claim is. Acting promptly protects your right to compensation.

The Four-Year Rule for Bodily Injury Claims

If you were injured in a car accident in Utah, you have four years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit in district court. This deadline applies to claims for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other injury-related damages. The clock starts on the day of the accident, not when you first notice symptoms or receive a diagnosis.

Two-Year Rule for Wrongful Death

If a family member died as a result of a car accident, the deadline to file a wrongful death lawsuit is two years from the date of death under Utah Code Section 78B-2-304. The wrongful death deadline is shorter than the personal injury deadline and requires prompt action to preserve the family's right to compensation.

Property Damage Claims

Claims for vehicle damage and other property losses follow a three-year statute of limitations under Utah Code Section 78B-2-305.

Exceptions That Can Extend the Deadline

Certain circumstances can toll (pause) the statute of limitations:

• Minor victims: If the injured person was under 18 at the time of the accident, the four-year clock generally does not start until they turn 18.
• Government vehicles: Claims against a government driver or agency require a notice of claim within one year under Utah Code Section 63G-7-402, which is much shorter than the standard deadline.
• Discovery rule: In rare cases involving latent injuries, the clock may not start until the injured person knew or should have known of the injury.

Why Early Action Matters

Evidence degrades quickly after an accident. Surveillance footage is overwritten, witnesses' memories fade, and physical evidence is lost. Filing within the statute of limitations is the legal minimum, but preserving evidence requires action within days, not years. BAM Injury Law sends evidence preservation letters to insurers within 24 hours of case intake.

Contact a Utah Car Accident Lawyer

Do not wait until you are close to the deadline to contact an attorney. BAM Injury Law represents car accident victims across Utah on a contingency fee basis with no fee unless your case is won. Call (801) 839-5652 to speak with attorney Kigan Martineau today.