Salt Lake City Car Accident Lawyers

📞 (801) 970-9913
📍 Murray, UT 84107

Salt Lake City Car Accident Lawyer

Aggressive auto accident representation backed by $100M+ in recovered compensation

When negligent drivers cause devastating injuries, you deserve attorneys who fight insurance companies — not work with them.

Free Case Review: (801) 970-9913

$100M+ Recovered
Only Plaintiff Firm
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Why Car Accident Cases Require Expert Legal Help

Car accidents are the leading cause of personal injury claims in Utah and across the nation. According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, there were over 62,000 motor vehicle crashes in Utah in 2023, resulting in more than 27,000 injuries and 312 fatalities. Salt Lake County consistently leads the state in total crashes, accounting for roughly one-third of all accidents statewide. The Utah Highway Safety Office reports that the economic cost of motor vehicle crashes in Utah exceeds $1.8 billion annually.

Despite these staggering numbers, car accident victims face an uphill battle when dealing with insurance companies. Utah operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means your own insurance company is the first entity you deal with after a crash. This system was designed to speed up the claims process, but in practice it gives insurance companies a powerful tool to limit what they pay. Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage in Utah has a minimum of only $3,000 — barely enough to cover an emergency room visit, let alone weeks or months of treatment and lost wages.

At BAM Personal Injury Lawyers, our founding partners Kigan Martineau and Dan Benzion spent years at Utah's largest personal injury firms (Craig Swapp & Associates and Robert J. DeBry & Associates) before launching BAM. They saw how high-volume firms treat cases like numbers on a spreadsheet. BAM was built on a different model: fewer cases, deeper investigation, and relentless advocacy for every client. The result is over $100 million recovered for injury victims across Utah.

The BAM Guarantee

If we fail to meet every commitment before a settlement offer, you owe nothing. We cover all case costs upfront, including accident reconstruction experts, medical records, court costs, and investigation expenses. You have zero financial risk working with us.

Car Accidents in the Salt Lake City Area

Salt Lake City's unique geography and rapid population growth create driving conditions that contribute to a high volume of serious accidents. The Wasatch Front corridor, stretching from Ogden through Salt Lake City to Provo, is one of the most densely trafficked urban corridors in the western United States. Interstate 15, the primary north-south highway through the valley, carries over 200,000 vehicles per day through Salt Lake County, making it one of the busiest stretches of highway in the Intermountain West.

Winter driving conditions compound the problem significantly. The Utah Department of Transportation reports that weather-related crashes spike dramatically between November and March, with ice, snow, and reduced visibility contributing to hundreds of additional collisions each winter season. Inversions that trap smog in the Salt Lake Valley during winter months further reduce visibility, creating dangerous driving conditions that persist for days or weeks at a time.

The I-15/I-80 interchange, commonly known as the "Spaghetti Bowl," is one of the most accident-prone interchanges in the state. The convergence of high-speed interstate traffic, lane merges, and construction zones creates conditions ripe for rear-end collisions, sideswipe accidents, and multi-vehicle pileups. State Route 201, connecting the western suburbs to downtown, and Bangerter Highway through the south valley are also consistently ranked among Utah's most dangerous roads.

Population growth has intensified these problems. Utah has been among the fastest-growing states in the nation for the past decade, and Salt Lake County's population has surpassed 1.2 million. More drivers on the same road infrastructure means more congestion, more aggressive driving, and more accidents. Distracted driving — particularly smartphone use — has become the single fastest-growing cause of accidents in the Salt Lake area, with UDOT reporting a steady year-over-year increase in distraction-related crashes.

Types of Car Accidents We Handle

BAM Personal Injury Lawyers handles every type of car accident case in the Salt Lake City area. Each type of collision presents unique challenges in terms of injury patterns, liability determination, and insurance coverage. Our experience across all accident types allows us to build the strongest possible case regardless of how the crash occurred.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accident in Salt Lake City and throughout Utah. These crashes frequently occur in stop-and-go traffic on I-15, at red lights on major arterials like State Street, 700 East, and Redwood Road, and in parking lot traffic. While insurance companies often dismiss rear-end collisions as "minor fender benders," the medical reality is very different. The sudden deceleration forces in a rear-end collision cause the head and neck to whip forward and backward violently, resulting in whiplash injuries that can cause chronic pain lasting months or years. Rear-end crashes at even 10-15 mph can cause herniated discs, torn ligaments, and traumatic brain injuries.

Intersection Accidents

Intersection accidents, including T-bone (broadside) collisions, are among the most dangerous types of crashes because the side of a vehicle offers far less structural protection than the front or rear. Salt Lake City's grid system means thousands of intersections throughout the valley, and red-light running and failure to yield are persistent problems. The impact forces in a broadside collision are transferred more directly to the occupants, resulting in severe injuries including broken bones, internal organ damage, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions, while less common than other accident types, produce the most catastrophic injuries and the highest fatality rates. These crashes often occur on two-lane roads in the Salt Lake City area when a driver crosses the center line due to distraction, drowsiness, or impairment. Wrong-way drivers on interstate on-ramps are another source of devastating head-on crashes. The combined speed of both vehicles means the impact forces are doubled, often resulting in fatal or permanently disabling injuries.

Multi-Vehicle Pileups

Utah's winter weather creates conditions that lead to multi-vehicle pileups, particularly on I-15, I-80 through Parley's Canyon, and I-215 around the valley. These chain-reaction crashes can involve dozens of vehicles and present complex liability questions, as multiple drivers may share fault. Insurance companies exploit this complexity to delay and reduce claims. BAM has the resources and expertise to investigate multi-vehicle accidents thoroughly, using accident reconstruction experts to establish each driver's share of responsibility.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents are a growing problem in Salt Lake City. When a driver flees the scene, victims may believe they have no legal recourse. In reality, Utah law provides several avenues for compensation. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on your own policy can cover your injuries when the at-fault driver cannot be identified. BAM works with law enforcement and uses surveillance footage, witness statements, and vehicle debris analysis to identify hit-and-run drivers whenever possible.

Rideshare Accidents

Uber and Lyft accidents present unique insurance complications because multiple policies may apply depending on whether the driver had a passenger, was en route to pick up a passenger, or was simply logged into the app. Rideshare companies carry $1 million liability policies for accidents that occur during active rides, but accessing that coverage requires navigating complex insurance disputes between the driver's personal insurer and the rideshare company's commercial policy. BAM understands these coverage layers and fights to access the maximum available insurance.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accident injuries range from soft tissue strains that resolve in weeks to catastrophic injuries that permanently alter the course of a victim's life. The type and severity of injuries depend on factors including the speed of impact, the angle of collision, whether occupants were wearing seatbelts, and the size difference between the vehicles involved. Understanding the medical reality of car accident injuries is critical to valuing a claim accurately.

Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries

Whiplash is the most frequently diagnosed car accident injury, but the term understates the potential severity. What insurance companies call "whiplash" can include torn muscles, damaged ligaments, herniated cervical discs, and nerve impingement that causes radiating pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms and hands. Studies published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery show that approximately 25% of whiplash patients develop chronic symptoms lasting more than one year. These injuries require ongoing physical therapy, pain management, and sometimes surgical intervention.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most underdiagnosed car accident injuries. A concussion is a TBI, and even a "mild" concussion can cause persistent headaches, cognitive difficulties, mood changes, and sleep disturbances that affect every area of a victim's life. More severe TBIs can result in permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes, seizure disorders, and the inability to work or live independently. The CDC reports that motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of TBI-related hospitalizations in the United States.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Car accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries in the United States. A spinal cord injury can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the damage. The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center reports that the average lifetime cost of care for a person with paraplegia exceeds $2.5 million, while the cost for quadriplegia can exceed $5 million. These injuries require aggressive legal representation to ensure victims receive compensation that covers a lifetime of medical care, adaptive equipment, home modifications, and lost earning capacity.

Broken Bones and Fractures

The violent forces in a car accident can fracture virtually any bone in the body. Common fractures include broken ribs, pelvic fractures, wrist and arm fractures from bracing against the steering wheel, and leg fractures from dashboard intrusion. Compound fractures that break through the skin carry a high risk of infection and often require multiple surgeries, including the insertion of plates, screws, and rods. Even after bones heal, victims frequently experience chronic pain, reduced range of motion, and arthritis at the fracture sites.

Internal Injuries

Internal organ damage is a life-threatening consequence of car accidents that may not be immediately apparent. The force of a seatbelt across the abdomen can cause splenic rupture, liver lacerations, kidney damage, and intestinal tears. Internal bleeding can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated promptly, which is why seeking immediate medical attention after any car accident is critical — even if you feel fine at the scene. Adrenaline can mask the symptoms of internal injuries for hours after a crash.

Utah Car Accident Laws You Need to Know

Utah's car accident laws contain several unique provisions that directly affect your ability to recover compensation. Understanding these laws is essential to protecting your claim.

Statute of Limitations

Under Utah Code § 78B-2-307, you have four years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims arising from a car accident, the deadline is two years under Utah Code § 78B-2-304. While four years may seem like ample time, critical evidence disappears quickly. Surveillance footage is overwritten, vehicle damage is repaired, skid marks fade, and witnesses forget details. We recommend consulting an attorney within days of a serious accident, not months or years.

Comparative Negligence

Utah follows a modified comparative negligence standard under Utah Code § 78B-5-818. This means you can recover compensation as long as you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages total $200,000 and you are found 20% at fault, your recovery is reduced to $160,000. Insurance companies routinely inflate the victim's share of fault to reduce what they pay, which is why having an experienced attorney who can counter these arguments is critical.

Utah's No-Fault Insurance Requirements

Utah is one of approximately a dozen states that operates under a no-fault insurance system. Under Utah Code § 31A-22-306 through 31A-22-309, every driver must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage with minimum limits of $3,000 for medical expenses and $1,500 for lost wages per person. PIP coverage pays regardless of who caused the accident, but the minimum limits are woefully inadequate for any serious injury. Understanding when you can step outside the no-fault system to pursue a full claim against the at-fault driver is one of the most important aspects of a Utah car accident case.

Government Vehicle Accidents

If your accident involved a government vehicle — a UTA bus, UDOT truck, police vehicle, or any other government-owned vehicle — the Utah Governmental Immunity Act (Utah Code § 63G-7-101 et seq.) imposes a strict one-year notice of claim requirement. You must file a written notice of claim with the appropriate government entity within one year of the accident. Missing this deadline permanently bars your claim, regardless of how strong your case may be. Contact an attorney immediately if your accident involved any government entity.

Utah's No-Fault Insurance System Explained

Utah's no-fault system is one of the most misunderstood aspects of car accident law in the state. Many accident victims believe they cannot sue the at-fault driver because Utah is a "no-fault" state. This is incorrect. The no-fault system simply means your own PIP coverage is the first source of payment for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault. But you absolutely can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver's liability insurance once you meet certain thresholds.

Under Utah law, you can step outside the no-fault system and pursue a full personal injury claim against the at-fault driver if your medical expenses exceed $3,000, or if you suffered a permanent disability, permanent impairment, or permanent disfigurement. Given that a single emergency room visit in Salt Lake City routinely exceeds $3,000, most car accident victims with any meaningful injuries meet this threshold. Once you cross the threshold, you can pursue the full range of damages against the at-fault driver, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and future medical expenses that go far beyond what PIP covers.

The no-fault system creates a coverage gap that catches many accident victims off guard. Your PIP coverage pays your first $3,000 in medical expenses and $1,500 in lost wages, but if the at-fault driver's insurance company delays or disputes your claim, you may face weeks or months with mounting medical bills and no income. BAM works aggressively to close this gap by expediting the PIP claim process while simultaneously building the strongest possible case against the at-fault driver's insurance.

Proving Fault in a Utah Car Accident

Proving fault in a car accident case requires demonstrating that the other driver breached their duty to operate their vehicle safely and that this breach directly caused your injuries. While some accidents involve clear-cut liability — such as a rear-end collision or a red-light violation captured on camera — many cases involve disputed facts that require thorough investigation and expert analysis.

Evidence We Gather

BAM's investigation of a car accident case begins immediately and covers every available source of evidence. We obtain the official crash report from the Utah Highway Patrol or local police department, which contains the investigating officer's observations, witness statements, and sometimes a preliminary fault determination. We subpoena surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras before it is overwritten. We photograph the accident scene, document road conditions, and preserve vehicle damage evidence. We obtain the other driver's cell phone records to determine if they were texting or using their phone at the time of the crash. In complex cases, we retain accident reconstruction experts who use physical evidence, vehicle data recorders (black boxes), and engineering principles to recreate exactly how the accident occurred.

Expert Witnesses

Expert testimony is often the difference between a lowball settlement and a full recovery. BAM retains accident reconstruction engineers who can testify about speed, impact angles, and the physics of the collision. We work with biomechanical experts who explain how the forces of the crash caused specific injuries to the human body. Our medical experts, including orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, and pain management specialists, provide opinions on the nature, severity, and long-term prognosis of your injuries. These experts are expensive — often costing $10,000 to $50,000 per case — but BAM advances all expert costs with no upfront expense to you.

How Insurance Companies Undervalue Car Accident Claims

Insurance companies are publicly traded corporations with a fiduciary duty to their shareholders to maximize profits. Every dollar they pay in claims is a dollar off their bottom line. Understanding their tactics is essential to protecting your claim.

The Quick Settlement Offer

Within days of your accident, the at-fault driver's insurance company will likely contact you with a settlement offer. This offer will seem generous — perhaps $5,000 to $15,000 — but it is calculated to be a fraction of what your claim is worth. The adjuster knows that accident victims are stressed, in pain, and worried about bills. They exploit this vulnerability by presenting a quick check as the solution to immediate financial pressure. Once you accept, you sign a release that permanently bars you from seeking additional compensation, even if your injuries turn out to be far more serious than initially believed.

Recorded Statement Traps

Insurance adjusters will ask for a recorded statement shortly after the accident, presenting it as a routine part of the claims process. In reality, the adjuster is trained to ask questions designed to elicit answers that can be used against you later. Questions like "How are you feeling today?" are designed to get you to say "fine" or "better," which the insurance company will later use to argue your injuries were minor. Questions about the accident itself are designed to get you to make statements that can be twisted to suggest you were partially at fault. You have no legal obligation to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company, and we strongly advise against it.

The "Pre-Existing Condition" Defense

If you have any prior medical history involving the same body part injured in the accident, the insurance company will argue that your current symptoms are due to the pre-existing condition rather than the crash. This is one of the most common and most effective tactics insurance companies use to reduce car accident claims. Under Utah law, the at-fault driver takes the victim as they find them — known as the "eggshell plaintiff" doctrine. If the accident aggravated a pre-existing condition, the at-fault driver is liable for the aggravation. BAM works with your treating physicians to document exactly how the accident worsened your condition beyond its pre-accident baseline.

Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring

Insurance companies routinely hire private investigators to conduct surveillance on car accident claimants. They will follow you, photograph you, and video record your activities looking for anything that contradicts your injury claims. A photo of you carrying groceries, playing with your children, or attending a social event can be presented out of context to suggest you are not as injured as you claim. Insurance companies also monitor social media accounts, looking for posts, photos, and check-ins that can be used against you. We advise all clients to suspend social media activity during their case and to be aware that they may be under surveillance at any time.

Delay Tactics

Insurance companies know that delay works in their favor. Accident victims facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and financial pressure become increasingly desperate over time. The insurance company uses this leverage by requesting unnecessary documentation, "losing" paperwork, reassigning adjusters, and making lowball offers designed to wear you down. BAM counters these tactics by maintaining aggressive litigation timelines and demonstrating to the insurance company that delay will only increase, not decrease, the ultimate value of the claim.

Compensation Available in Car Accident Cases

Utah law allows car accident victims to recover compensation for the full range of damages caused by the negligent driver. Understanding the categories of compensation available helps ensure that no element of your losses is overlooked.

Medical Expenses

You are entitled to recover the full cost of all medical treatment related to your accident injuries, including emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgery, diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans), physical therapy, chiropractic care, pain management, prescription medications, and medical equipment. Critically, you can also recover the estimated cost of future medical treatment that you will need as a result of your injuries. For serious injuries, future medical costs often represent the largest component of the claim.

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

If your injuries prevented you from working, you can recover compensation for lost wages from the date of the accident through the date of settlement or trial. If your injuries have permanently reduced your ability to work — whether through physical limitations, cognitive impairment, or chronic pain — you can recover compensation for lost earning capacity. This is calculated based on the difference between what you could have earned over your remaining working life and what you can now earn given your limitations. Vocational experts and economists provide testimony to quantify this loss.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering compensation covers the physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, loss of enjoyment of life, and diminished quality of life caused by your injuries. Unlike medical bills and lost wages, pain and suffering does not have a fixed dollar amount. Utah does not cap pain and suffering damages in car accident cases (unlike medical malpractice cases, which are capped). The value of pain and suffering depends on the severity and duration of your injuries, the impact on your daily activities, and the skill of your attorney in presenting your story to the insurance company or jury.

Property Damage

You are entitled to recover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle, as well as the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired. If your vehicle is totaled, you are entitled to the fair market value of the vehicle at the time of the accident, not the depreciated value the insurance company initially offers. You can also recover compensation for personal property damaged in the crash, including electronics, clothing, and child car seats that must be replaced after any accident.

Wrongful Death Damages

When a car accident results in death, Utah's wrongful death statute (Utah Code § 78B-3-106) allows the deceased person's heirs or personal representative to recover compensation for funeral and burial expenses, the deceased's lost future earnings, loss of companionship and consortium, and the pain and suffering the deceased experienced between the injury and death. Wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the date of death.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Salt Lake City

The actions you take in the hours and days following a car accident can significantly affect the value of your claim. Here is what we recommend to every car accident victim.

At the Scene

Call 911 and request that police respond to the scene. A police report creates an official record of the accident that includes the officer's observations, witness contact information, and sometimes a preliminary fault determination. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver. Photograph everything: vehicle damage from multiple angles, the accident scene including traffic signals and road conditions, any visible injuries, and the other driver's license plate and insurance card. Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. Do not apologize or admit fault — even casual statements like "I'm sorry" can be used against you later.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Go to the emergency room or urgent care within 24 hours of the accident, even if you feel fine. Many car accident injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and herniated discs, do not produce immediate symptoms. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain for hours or days. Delaying medical treatment not only puts your health at risk but also gives the insurance company ammunition to argue that your injuries are not serious or were not caused by the accident. Follow your doctor's treatment plan completely and attend all follow-up appointments.

Document Everything

Keep a daily pain journal documenting your symptoms, pain levels, limitations, and how your injuries affect your daily activities. Save all medical records, bills, and receipts. Keep records of any time missed from work. Photograph your injuries as they progress through the healing process. This documentation creates a contemporaneous record that is far more persuasive than trying to recall details months later at a deposition or trial.

Do Not Speak to the Other Driver's Insurance Company

You have no legal obligation to give a statement to the at-fault driver's insurance company. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. Politely decline to give a recorded statement and direct all communications to your attorney. You should, however, promptly report the accident to your own insurance company and file your PIP claim to begin receiving medical expense and lost wage benefits.

Contact BAM Personal Injury Lawyers

The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner we can begin preserving critical evidence. Surveillance footage is typically overwritten within 30-60 days. Vehicle damage is repaired or the vehicle is scrapped. Skid marks fade. Witnesses move away or forget details. BAM begins investigating immediately upon engagement, including sending spoliation letters to preserve evidence and retaining experts while evidence is still fresh.

How BAM Handles Your Car Accident Case

BAM Personal Injury Lawyers follows a proven process designed to maximize the value of every car accident claim while minimizing stress for our clients.

Free Case Evaluation

Every case begins with a comprehensive, no-obligation consultation. We listen to your account of the accident, review any documentation you have, and provide an honest assessment of your claim. If we believe we can help you, we explain our process and our fee structure. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Investigation and Evidence Preservation

Once retained, we immediately send preservation letters to the at-fault driver's insurance company, the property owner where the accident occurred (if applicable), and any businesses with surveillance cameras. We obtain the police report, interview witnesses, and photograph the scene. In serious cases, we retain accident reconstruction experts within days of the accident to ensure physical evidence is documented before it disappears.

Medical Treatment Coordination

We help connect clients with top physicians in the Salt Lake City area who understand car accident injuries and are experienced in documenting injuries for legal purposes. If you lack health insurance, we work with medical providers who accept liens, meaning they defer payment until your case resolves. This ensures you receive the medical treatment you need without upfront costs, regardless of your financial situation.

Demand and Negotiation

Once your medical treatment is complete or you have reached maximum medical improvement, we prepare a comprehensive demand package. This package includes a detailed summary of the accident, all medical records and bills, documentation of lost wages, expert opinions on future medical needs and earning capacity, and a persuasive argument for the full value of your pain and suffering. We negotiate aggressively with the insurance company, and we do not recommend settlement unless we believe the offer fairly compensates you for your injuries.

Litigation When Necessary

If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we file a lawsuit and prepare for trial. Many car accident cases settle during litigation as the insurance company realizes we are serious about going to trial. BAM's willingness to try cases is what separates us from firms that only settle. Insurance companies track which attorneys actually go to trial and which ones always settle — and they adjust their offers accordingly. When they see BAM on the other side, they know we will take the case to a jury if necessary.

Salt Lake City's Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections

Certain roads and intersections in the Salt Lake City area consistently produce a disproportionate share of serious car accidents. Understanding where accidents occur most frequently can help drivers exercise additional caution, but it also provides important context for car accident claims arising from these locations.

Interstate 15 through Salt Lake County is consistently the most dangerous road in Utah, with the highest total number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities. The stretch between 600 South and 2100 South is particularly hazardous due to the convergence of I-15, I-80, and I-215 interchanges. State Street, one of the longest continuous streets in the United States, runs through the heart of Salt Lake City and consistently ranks among the most dangerous urban roads in Utah. Its combination of high traffic volume, frequent intersections, commercial driveways, and pedestrian activity creates constant conflict points.

Redwood Road (SR-68) through West Valley City and Taylorsville sees a high volume of accidents due to heavy commercial traffic, limited median barriers, and aggressive driving patterns. 700 East through Salt Lake City, particularly near the University of Utah, experiences frequent accidents involving student pedestrians and cyclists. Bangerter Highway, designed as a high-speed alternative to I-15 through the south valley, has become increasingly dangerous as surrounding development has increased traffic volumes beyond what the road was designed to handle.

Specific intersections with the highest accident rates include the I-15/I-80 interchange (Spaghetti Bowl), State Street and 3300 South, Redwood Road and 3500 South, 700 East and 400 South, and the 5400 South interchange on I-15. If your accident occurred at any of these locations, the frequency of accidents there may support your claim by demonstrating that the road design or traffic conditions contribute to crash risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is my car accident case worth?

The value of a car accident case depends on the severity of your injuries, the amount of your medical bills, the duration of your recovery, the impact on your ability to work, and the degree of pain and suffering you have experienced. Minor soft tissue injuries with full recovery may settle for $15,000 to $50,000. Moderate injuries requiring surgery typically settle for $75,000 to $300,000. Severe injuries involving permanent disability can result in settlements or verdicts of $500,000 to several million dollars. BAM evaluates every case individually and provides an honest assessment of its value during the initial consultation.

How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Utah?

The statute of limitations for car accident personal injury claims in Utah is four years from the date of the accident under Utah Code § 78B-2-307. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is two years. However, if the accident involved a government vehicle or entity, you must file a notice of claim within one year under the Utah Governmental Immunity Act. The practical deadline is much sooner than the legal deadline because evidence disappears quickly. We recommend contacting an attorney within days of a serious accident.

What if the other driver was uninsured?

Utah requires all drivers to carry liability insurance with minimum limits of $25,000 per person and $65,000 per accident. Despite this requirement, UDOT estimates that approximately 8% of Utah drivers are uninsured. If you are hit by an uninsured driver, your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage provides protection. Utah law requires insurance companies to offer UM coverage, and we strongly recommend carrying it at limits equal to your liability coverage. BAM handles uninsured motorist claims against your own insurance company with the same aggressive approach we bring to third-party claims.

Should I accept the insurance company's first offer?

Almost never. The first offer from an insurance company is typically a fraction of what your claim is worth. Insurance adjusters are trained to make early offers before the full extent of injuries is known, banking on the victim's financial pressure to accept less than fair value. Studies consistently show that accident victims represented by attorneys recover significantly more than those who handle claims on their own, even after attorney fees. We recommend consulting with an attorney before accepting any settlement offer.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Under Utah's comparative negligence law, you can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 50% at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 30% at fault and your damages total $100,000, your recovery would be $70,000. Insurance companies routinely try to inflate the victim's percentage of fault to reduce what they pay. An experienced attorney can effectively counter these arguments and minimize your allocated fault.

Do I need a lawyer for a car accident?

While you are not legally required to hire an attorney, car accident cases involve complex legal and medical issues that are difficult to navigate without professional help. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters, lawyers, and expert witnesses working to minimize your claim. You deserve the same level of representation. Studies consistently show that injured people who hire attorneys recover significantly more than those who handle claims themselves, even after attorney fees are deducted. At BAM, you pay nothing unless we win your case.

What if the accident was caused by a road defect or poor road design?

If your accident was caused or contributed to by a road defect — such as a pothole, missing guardrail, obscured signage, or poor road design — the government entity responsible for maintaining the road may be liable. These claims are governed by the Utah Governmental Immunity Act and require filing a notice of claim within one year. Road defect cases require engineering expert testimony and thorough investigation of maintenance records. BAM has experience handling claims against UDOT, Salt Lake City, and other government entities.

How long does a car accident case take to resolve?

The timeline depends on the complexity of the case and the severity of your injuries. Cases involving straightforward liability and completed medical treatment may settle in 4-8 months. Cases involving disputed liability, extensive medical treatment, or litigation typically take 12-24 months. Complex cases that go to trial can take 2-3 years. We never rush to settle before the full extent of your injuries is known, because doing so could leave you without compensation for future medical needs.

What is the BAM Guarantee?

If we fail to meet every commitment we make to you before a settlement offer, you owe us nothing. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We also advance all case costs, including expert fees, court costs, investigation expenses, and medical record retrieval. You have absolutely zero financial risk when you hire BAM Personal Injury Lawyers.

Ready to Discuss Your Car Accident Case?

Every car accident case starts with a free, confidential consultation. We will listen to your story, evaluate your claim, and explain your legal options. There is no obligation and no cost. Call BAM Personal Injury Lawyers today at (801) 970-9913 or visit our Murray office at 310 E 4500 S #550, Murray, UT 84107. We are available 24/7 and offer bilingual services in English and Spanish.

Serving All of Salt Lake County

From our office in Murray, BAM Personal Injury Lawyers serves car accident victims throughout Salt Lake County, including Downtown Salt Lake City, Sugar House, The Avenues, Central City, Liberty Park, University District, Rose Park, Glendale, Poplar Grove, Marmalade, Federal Heights, East Bench, Millcreek, Holladay, Cottonwood Heights, Sandy, Draper, South Jordan, West Jordan, Taylorsville, and all surrounding communities.

Last Updated: March 2026



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