Salt Lake City Car Accident Lawyer

Car Accident Attorney in Salt Lake City, UT

Whether you’re traveling down South Main Street or West 600th, car accidents in Salt Lake City are not unusual occurrences. If you’re involved in an auto accident, a Salt Lake City car accident lawyer can help you ensure your rights are protected.

Crashes, collisions, and fender-benders can all have the same result: pain, stress, and property damage. The aftermath of a car accident can mean you’ve lost out on wages, transportation, and sleep.

At the Garner Law Firm, our car accident attorneys understand that automobile accidents affect far more than your vehicle. Studies show that severe motor vehicle accidents may result in posttraumatic stress (PTS), depression, and grief.

In 2023, the latest available data showed that a person was injured in a car crash every 19.7 minutes in the state of Utah. That’s shorter than a quick ride over to South Salt Lake or Kearns. With such a high frequency of casualties, you may need a Salt Lake City car accident lawyer at some point. When you do, you want an auto accident attorney with the skills and experience to make sure you get the compensation you’re due.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Salt Lake City

While Utah saw a 10% decrease in car accidents in 2025, including during the “100 Deadliest Days” (the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day), both teenage and motorcycle fatalities rose. Teen drivers make up 8% of Utah’s drivers, but account for 20% of car accidents.

When it comes to personal injury attorneys, a Salt Lake City car accident lawyer at the Garner Law Firm has extensive knowledge of Utah traffic laws and the nuances of the insurance industry. We understand the Comparative Negligence Law, the PIP (personal injury protection) requirements, and what documents you need to prove your car accident claim.

We have also worked cases in the Salt Lake City Justice Court and Third District Court, successfully reaching our clients’ goals through negotiation, settlements, and courtroom litigation.

We begin with a thorough analysis of the accident and inform you as soon as possible if you have a case. If you do, you’ll be assigned a Salt Lake City car accident lawyer and given their personal cell phone number.

Car accidents can leave you frazzled and in pain, and questions might not pop up until you’re at home, safe and secure. Our philosophy is that your questions should be answered as they occur. We treat our clients with the respect, dignity, and compassion they deserve during such a trying time. When you are in a car accident, hire a car accident lawyer committed to providing you with the support and counsel you need.

Compensation for Car Accidents in Salt Lake City

You deserve compensation when you’ve been harmed by someone else’s negligence with an automobile. A car accident claim begins with the at-fault party’s insurance company. A claim can result in payment for damages such as: 

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages (including potential future lost wages)
• Property damage
• Emotional suffering

Our goal as Salt Lake City car accident attorneys is to ensure you are covered not only for the medical and property bills you’ve already paid, but also any future bills you need to pay due to injuries sustained in the accident. We also calculate lost wages so you can pay your bills while you are out of work due to injury.

Utah’s Comparative Negligence Law and PIP

Utah Title 78B-5-S818 states that if the injured party is more than 50% at fault, they may not be allowed to file a legal claim. However, if they are only partially at fault (less than 50%), their damages are reduced by the percentage of the accident that was their fault. Utah also requires PIP to cover medical expenses and property damage up to $3,000. In certain cases, however, you may make a claim against the negligent party for the full amount.

You or your representative may file a claim against a negligent party if you have sustained one of the following due to a car or motor vehicle accident:

• Death
• Dismemberment
• Permanent injury/disability
• A fractured bone
• Disfigurement
• Over $3,000 in medical expenses

A Salt Lake City car accident lawyer from the Garner Law Firm can help you navigate the complicated insurance and legal systems to ensure you achieve the full damages you are entitled to.

Burden of Proof

Consulting and/or hiring a Salt Lake City car accident lawyer is one of the first things you should do after medical treatment. An effective auto accident lawyer can work with you to write down every detail you remember as soon as possible. This helps later if an injury appears. For instance, if you hit your shoulder on the door and a bruise appears later, you can know where it came from.

Since the burden of proof is on the victim when you are in a motor vehicle accident, you should make note of everything at the scene, including: 

• A list of any witnesses and, if possible, contact information for them
• License plate number of the other party’s car
• Any damage to either vehicle
• Exactly what occurred in your recollection

As you make this list, you should:

• Accept medical treatment to prevent the insurance company from insinuating you weren’t hurt
• Call the police to create a paper trail and show fault

After your medical treatment, you should: 

• Contact a Salt Lake City car accident lawyer from the Garner Law Firm
• Gather any medical documentation showing both the injuries you sustained and the cost of the treatment
• If future treatment is needed, try to get an estimate from your doctor for the cost

In any motor vehicle accident, there is the potential for injuries that don’t appear until later. This is why it is critical that you record all events as soon as possible. If you sustain soft injuries, such as tissue damage, it may not appear on an X-ray or even an examination. By recording your experience, you may be able to show how you sustained damage that isn’t visible or hasn’t appeared yet.

The sooner you hire a Salt Lake City car accident lawyer, the more quickly they can assess your case and help you with any claim filings. At the Garner Law Firm, we are with you every step of your case to counsel you on your options. We take a detailed account of what occurred and discuss next steps before any negotiations occur with the insurance company or individual.

FAQs

Is It Worth Getting an Attorney for a Motor Vehicle Accident?

Whether it is worth getting an attorney for a motor vehicle accident depends on several factors. Most car accident attorneys can work to get you the highest compensation possible, factoring in elements like lost wages and pain and suffering. Your monetary recovery is likely to be higher, as your lawyer can navigate tricky insurance companies and complex traffic laws.

If your attorney gets paid from a portion of your compensation, you should weigh costs against recovery to help you decide.

What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement in Utah?

The average car accident settlement in Utah really depends on the unique factors of your case, such as medical expenses and lost wages. At the Garner Law Firm, our Salt Lake City car accident lawyers have extensive courtroom experience with car accident cases. Our proven track record shows we’ve fought against some of the toughest insurance companies and won. We have several million-dollar settlements on record, and we work just as hard for every client.

What Are the Chances of Winning a Car Accident Case?

The chances of winning a car accident case rise when you have the proper evidence and the right personal injury lawyer. You should collect as much evidence as you can, including medical records, medical bills, and police reports. A list of any witnesses, including their contact information, can also aid your chances of winning. Your car accident lawyer can take a detailed account of your situation, including what your goals are for the outcome of your case.

How Long After a Car Accident Should I Get a Lawyer?

The statute of limitations for most personal injury cases in Utah is four years. There may be some exceptions, such as when a person under 18 is injured or when the injury is not apparent right away. However, because your recollection and that of witnesses can fade over time, it is wise to hire a Salt Lake City car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

The Garner Law Firm, Your Local Personal Injury Attorneys

At the Garner Law Firm, our Salt Lake City car accident attorneys provide compassionate, capable, client-oriented legal counsel. Our success rate and satisfied clients are a testament to our dedication to achieving the highest value possible for those who put their trust in us.

Other lawyers look for the quickest payout, but that leaves money on the table. As trial lawyers, we are always prepared to go all the way to trial. You shouldn’t have to seek justice alone, and with the Garner Law Firm, you don’t have to. Contact us today to speak with one of our Salt Lake City lawyers.