Do I need a lawyer after a car accident in Utah?
Every rule below is quoted from Utah law or a state agency, with a link. Checked September 17, 2026.
The short answer
We can't tell you whether you need a lawyer. We can show you the Utah rules that usually decide it: how fault is split, how long you have, and how injury lawyers are allowed to charge. Many people with only car damage settle directly with the insurer. People with injuries, disputed fault or a claim near a deadline often talk to a lawyer first.
How fault changes your claim
If you were partly at fault
Utah uses modified comparative negligence. You can recover money only if your own share of fault is not greater than the combined fault of the people you are suing, and your payout is reduced by your own share of fault.
“A person seeking recovery may recover from any defendant or group of defendants whose fault, combined with the fault of persons immune from suit and nonparties to whom fault is allocated, exceeds the fault of the person seeking recovery”
When you can sue the other driver
You can sue the other driver for pain and suffering only if the crash caused death, dismemberment, permanent disability or impairment shown by objective medical findings, permanent disfigurement, a broken bone, or medical expenses over $3,000. This does not limit a claim against your own insurer for uninsured motorist benefits.
“A person who has or is required to have direct benefit coverage under a policy that includes personal injury protection may not maintain a cause of action for general damages arising out of personal injuries alleged to have been caused by an automobile accident, except where the person sustains one or more of the following: death; dismemberment; permanent disability or permanent impairment based upon objective findings; permanent disfigurement; a bone fracture; or medical expenses to a person in excess of $3,000.”
How long you have
- 4 years
- to sue for injuriesUtah Code 78B-2-307(4)
- 4 years
- to sue for car or property damageUtah Code 78B-2-307(3)
- 2 years
- for a family to sue after a deathUtah Code 78B-2-304(3)
- 1 year
- to notify the government if a public vehicle or road was involvedUtah Code 63G-7-402
Deadline to sue for injuries
You have 4 years from the crash to sue over your injuries.
“An action may be brought within four years: ... for relief not otherwise provided for by law.”
If a government vehicle or road was involved
If a government vehicle or a government road caused the crash, you must file a written notice of claim within 1 year of when the claim arose.
“A claim against a governmental entity...is barred unless notice of claim is filed with the person and according to the requirements of Section 63G-7-401 within one year after the claim arises”
How injury lawyers charge in Utah
Contingency fee rules
Utah has no dollar or percentage cap on personal injury contingency fees. The fee has to be reasonable, and the contingent fee agreement must be in a writing signed by the client.
“A contingent fee agreement shall be in a writing signed by the client and shall state the method by which the fee is to be determined, including the percentage or percentages that shall accrue to the lawyer in the event of settlement, trial or appeal”
Questions to ask any lawyer before you sign
- What percentage do you charge, and does it change if the case goes to trial?
- Who pays case costs like records and expert fees if we lose?
- Will you handle my case yourself, or pass it to someone else?
- How long do cases like mine usually take here?
- What is the deadline for my claim, and when will you file?
If the insurer is the problem
File a complaint with the state
You can file a complaint against an insurance company with the Utah Insurance Department online, which requires creating an account, or by downloading and mailing, faxing, or emailing a paper form. The department says online is faster, usually 3 to 4 weeks, and mailed forms take longer.
“Your complaint will be forwarded to the party that you are complaining against for a response. We will review the response and provide you with our findings.”
Sources on this page
Each one was opened and checked on September 17, 2026.
Know My Claim is not a law firm or a government agency, and this page is not legal advice. Laws change, so check the linked source before you rely on a deadline.