Car Accident Lawyer Salt Lake City, UT

Your Salt Lake City Car Accident Advocates

While it is possible to handle a car accident claim on your own, it is not recommended. Car accident claims can be incredibly complex and you want someone with knowledge and experience on your side. Our skilled Salt Lake City, UT car accident lawyer will tell you what you can expect and protect your legal rights. We can help you gather evidence, locate key witnesses and negotiate with the insurance company. We won’t let the insurance company get away with offering you a settlement that’s less than you deserve. We can improve your chances of getting a fair settlement offer.

Table of Contents

---

• What Not To Say Following a Car Accident
• Salt Lake City Car Accident Infographic
• What to Do When Involved In a Car Accident
• Common Examples of Injuries in Car Accidents
• Common Types of Car Accidents
• How Injury Settlements are Calculated
• Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident
• Salt Lake City Car Accident Statistics
• Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
• Frequently Asked Car Accident Questions
• Securing Fair Compensation for Your Auto Accident Injuries
• Rasmussen & Miner Salt Lake City Car Accident Lawyer

---

What Not To Say Following a Car Accident

Our Salt Lake City, UT car accident lawyer understands that being a victim of a car accident can be one of the most stressful events of your life. However, it’s important to retain your composure so that you avoid saying the wrong things. Robert Miner of Rasmussen & Miner is a Salt Lake City car accident lawyer who has seen many individuals not get a fair settlement because of what they said after the accident.

I Think That..

If you were involved in a car accident, the police, your insurance company, and your attorney will ask you questions about the event. Avoid speculating when it comes to answers. Doing so can damage your claim. If you’re not ensure about the answer, simply say, “I don’t know.” A car accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT residents choose from our firm can speak on your behalf.

I’m Sorry

Sometimes people say they’re sorry after car accidents to reduce tension, even if they didn’t do anything wrong. However, apologizing can make it seem like you’re admitting fault. To avoid damaging your claim, avoid saying you’re sorry.

I’m Not Injured

Even if you feel perfectly fine after the car accident, you should avoid saying that you’re not hurt. Some injuries, like whiplash and traumatic brain injuries, don’t show up until days or weeks after the accident. That’s why you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. A doctor can give a proper evaluation and determine if you’re truly injured or not. If you previously said you were not injured, the at-fault driver’s insurance company can claim you are fine. After your diagnosis, a car accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT victims trust can submit your medical records with the claim as they will show proof of injury.

That Was My Fault

Under no circumstances should you admit to any degree of fault after a car accident. Any admission of guilt can affect your chances of receiving compensation. Even saying things like, “I didn’t see you,” or “I took my eyes off the road for just a second” can be damaging. As soon as possible after the accident, write down everything that happened and make a copy for when you hire a car accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT motorists turn to in similar situations.  Learn More: Can I Recover Damages if I Didn’t Wear a Seat Belt?

I Don’t Have a Lawyer

If you don’t plan to work with an attorney on your claim, you shouldn’t advertise this to the insurance company. Just tell them that you are still considering your representation options. At Rasmussen & Miner, we offer a free consultation so it may be worth it to at least discuss your case with a car accident lawyer in Salt Lake City UT who will have your best interests in mind.

I Accept

If you were involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, the other driver’s insurance company may contact you and offer you a settlement. You should avoid accepting the first offer. The insurance company will likely offer you the lowest possible amount, which isn’t fair to you. Talk to your attorney before you accept any settlement offer.

If you were injured in a car accident, it may be in your best interest to consult with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. He or she may review your case and advise you the best way to proceed. Learn more about The Car Accident Injury Often Forgotten About.

At Rasmussen & Miner, we understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with the aftermath of a car accident and want to help you as much as possible. Rob Miner has represented many people in difficult situations and he truly cares about the well-being of his clients. If you would like to meet with a car accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT respects for a free consultation, call Rob Miner at (801) 683-9944 today.

Salt Lake City Car Accident Infographic

What to Do When Involved In a Car Accident

Accidents can happen to anyone, and a lot of people have been involved in at least one car accident in their lifetime. Car accidents can be caused by a number of things including negligence on your part or the other driver’s part, faulty brakes or inclement weather. If you have been involved in a car accident, there are a few steps you need to take.

Step 1: Check for Injuries

When you get in a car accident and if you are alone, you should immediately check yourself for injuries. Even if you feel fine, there may be an issue that, if not treated immediately, could lead to other serious problems with your health, so you should still call for medical help even if you aren’t visibly hurt. If you are with others, have them check for injuries before you make sure the other party involved is all right.

Step 2: Get Information

One of the first things you should do after getting in a car accident, if you are not hurt, is to obtain the information of the other driver so that you can get the matter taken care of by providing this information to your car accident lawyer in Salt Lake City UT. You should also, if you can, take pictures of the accident for extra measure so you can give the photos to the police and to your attorney from Rasmussen & Miner: Personal Injury Attorney.

Step 3: File a Police Report

Once you’ve collected all the necessary information from the other driver, you should file a police report. Especially if the accident is not your fault, it is very beneficial for you to have a copy of a police report to prevent any problems with the party at fault.

Step 4: Consult a Lawyer

Another thing you should do when in a car accident is to meet with a car accident lawyer in Salt Lake City UT, especially if you or the other driver involved are going to press charges. Someone working for Rasmussen & Miner: Personal Injury Attorney can assist you in the legal proceedings.

Being involved in a car accident is a huge inconvenience, even if it is a minor accident and you are not hurt or at fault. But checking for injuries, getting the necessary information from the other driver, filing a police report and consulting a car accident lawyer in Salt Lake City UT, are some crucial steps for you to take to prevent the accident from being too major of an inconvenience for you.

Common Examples of Injuries in Car Accidents

A car accident can happen at any time. For this reason, it is important to put safety at the top of the priority list every time you get behind the wheel of a car. Sadly, not everyone will do the same thing, and an accident can happen when you least expect it. Even minor car accidents can lead to serious injuries, which is why you should rely on a car accident lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT, such as Rasmussen & Miner: Personal Injury Attorney, to help you. What are some of the most common examples of injuries people suffer in a car accident? 

Traumatic Brain Injury

One of the most serious injuries you might suffer in a car accident is a traumatic brain injury. This takes place when there is an acute blow to your head. Common examples of traumatic brain injuries include skull fractures, concussions, and cerebral hemorrhages. This injury can take place if you strike your head on the steering wheel, dashboard, or window. Unfortunately, some brain injuries can lead to permanent complications. If you have suffered a brain injury, you need to work with a doctor who can assist you. Then, reach out to a car accident lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT for help. 

Serious Mental Health Concerns

A lot of people Overlook mental health concerns following a motor vehicle accident; however, these can be serious. For example, some people develop post-traumatic stress disorder, usually shortened PTSD, following a car accident. This can make it difficult for someone to get behind the wheel of a car, leading to adverse impacts on their everyday lives. If you think you need a referral to a mental health professional, you should talk to your primary care doctor who can help you. The backbone of mental health treatment is usually therapy. 

Trust a Car Accident Lawyer To Help You

Clearly, injuries following car accidents and take many shapes and forms. For this reason, you need to rely on a car accident lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT, such as Rasmussen & Miner: Personal Injury Attorney to help you. Following a car accident, you will probably have a lot of emotions going through your head. You may not know what to do next. Keep in mind that you do not have to go through this on your own. Always seek the help of a medical professional. Then, rely on a professional injury lawyer who can help you.

Common Types of Car Accidents

Car accidents are an unfortunate side effect of daily life in Utah. However, that doesn’t mean that crashes are unavoidable, or that no one is at fault for them. Most crashes are preventable, because they are caused by driver negligence.

As our Salt Lake City, UT car accident lawyer will tell you, certain types of car accidents are more common than others. And it is worth noting that even “minor” crashes can result in devastating injuries. Therefore, it is important to discuss your options with an experienced attorney like those at Rasmussen & Miner.

Here are three of the most common types of crashes involving more than one vehicle, according to statistics:

Rear-end collisions: Whether on the highway, a street or even a parking lot, rear-end crashes occur when the front of one driver’s vehicle collides with the back of another vehicle. These types of accidents are likely to result in whiplash and other neck/back injuries.

While the rear driver is usually assumed to be at fault, this isn’t always the case. If the driver in front stops or slows suddenly for no good reason, they might be liable for the crash.

Cross-traffic (T-bone) accidents: At their most basic, these crashes involve the front of one vehicle crashing into the side of another. T-bone accidents can be fatal to the vehicle occupant on the side that is directly struck. Sometimes, that’s a front-seat passenger. Other times, it’s the driver.

They most frequently occur at intersections, typically because a driver has run a red light, rolled through a stop sign, failed to yield at a yield sign or tried to turn left across oncoming traffic without making sure that the path was clear. An experienced Salt Lake City, UT Car Accident Lawyer like those at Rasmussen & Miner is adept at collecting all available evidence and reconstructing the accident to determine who was at fault and why.

Clipping (or sideswipe) accidents: Highway drivers who fail to check their blind spots and/or fail to signal a lane change are responsible for one of the most common types of crash. Clipping, or sideswipe, accidents involve a car crashing into the side of another vehicle traveling in the same direction. They may not be as fatal as other types of crashes, but they certainly do cause injuries and property damage. Moreover, they can cause other drivers to react and overcorrect, leading to a chain-reaction crash.

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident caused by the negligence of another driver, please discuss your legal options with a skilled Salt Lake City, UT Car Accident Lawyer. The attorneys at Rasmussen & Miner have decades of experience, and we proudly offer free initial consultations to all prospective clients. 

How Injury Settlements are Calculated

Anyone who is a victim of an accident caused by another party is legally able to file a claim against the at-fault party, through their insurance company, for the losses that their injuries have caused them. Arriving at a fair and just amount, however, often requires the assistance of a car accident lawyer Salt Lake City, UT to help protect the rights of the victim.

When an accident claim is filed with an insurance company, they will assign it to one of their insurance adjusters. The adjuster is tasked with determining how much the value of the victim’s claim is, however, their end goal is to settle the case for the least amount of money possible.

It is with goal in mind that the insurance adjuster will make the first settlement offer. This amount is typically much lower than what the claim is actually worth. However, the goal of the insurance company is also to avoid litigation and having the claim end up as a lawsuit where the determination of how much the victim’s losses are worth is made by a jury or a judge. This could end up being much costlier for the company.

Therefore, the insurance company is open to negotiations with the victim’s car accident lawyer Salt Lake City, UT. During these negotiations, the adjuster will likely examine the following when coming up with an amount that both sides will agree to:

• All of the documented expenses the victim has incurred as a result of the injuries. This includes medical bills, travel expenses for treatments, and property damage.

• Past, present, and future loss of income and benefits

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional anguish

• Permanent disability

• Scarring

• Disfigurement

The adjuster will also look at evidence presented by the Salt Lake City, UT car accident lawyer regarding how the injury has impacted the victim’s daily life, including their ability to enjoy and participate in the activities the way they did before the accident.

After the insurance adjuster has examined all of the evidence submitted by the victim’s Salt Lake City car accident lawyer and researched similar types of injuries, they will make a decision regarding just how strong the victim’s case is against their client. The stronger the evidence, the stronger the commitment of the insurance company to negotiate in good faith and offer a higher settlement amount.

When it comes to determining the settlement amount, there are economic and noneconomic damages to consider. The economic damages have actual dollar amounts attached to them, such as lost wages and medical expenses. Noneconomic damages are things like pain and suffering and emotional anguish and do not have a tangible value like economic damages do.

Since noneconomic damages do not have dollar amounts, they have to be determined a different way. There are two common formulas that insurance companies use for these types of damages.

The first is the per diem method. This is where the insurance adjuster will set a per day value for each day the victim suffered. They will then multiply that amount by the total number of days the victim was recovering.

The second way they can use is referred to as the pain multiplier method. The insurance company will choose a multiplier between the numbers of 1.5 and 5. This number is based on how much pain and suffering the victim endured. They will then multiply that number to the total amount of medical bills and lost wages.

Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident

There’s no denying that a car accident is an extremely stressful event. After the crash, you may have a million thoughts rushing through your mind and not know how to act. However, don’t let the stress of the accident cause you to say or do something that may jeopardize your car accident claim. Here are some common mistakes you should avoid making after a car accident.

Things to Know About Insurance Companies

Your insurance company—or the other driver’s—wants you to talk to them. They want to seem like they are on your side, but really? They’re not. It doesn’t help that most insurance commercials feature friendly animals like geckos and geese or say that they’re a great neighbor and are there for you. Doesn’t even matter if you’ve just had a car crash or had one ages ago.

To know how to fight an insurance claim, you need to know how they fight back in claims. Your lawyer will also know these things, but it’s good for you to know them as well.

First thing’s first, that insurance adjuster? They’ll play friendship. If you make a claim on an insurance policy after an accident, the claims adjuster that represents that company is going to call you. They’re friendly, they are going to express concern and ask how you’re doing. Don’t let yourself be caught up in their kindness, it’s part of their employee training—they know how to get more information that they can use against you by being nice, courteous and sympathetic. The information you share with them can and will be used against your claim.

Your insurance company HAS to assess your claim in good faith. This is a legal doctrine that is complex, and is based on a pretty easy notion to understand—people should treat other people reasonably, often fairly, honestly and by the law. If you think your insurance adjuster is investigating or negotiating your claim in a “bad faith” manner, they could get in trouble—in fact if they are found guilty of acting in bad faith, they may have to pay you a lot more money.

Your contract with that insurance company states that they have to act in good faith against you. If they’re not, let a personal injury lawyer know. Most personal injury lawyers that deal in car accidents are going to give you a very honest answer involving your claims—especially about what you can expect to get offered in settlement or by going to court.

Your insurance company is not going to be afraid to use what you say to them against you. Anything you tell them can be turned into a contradictory statement later, if you go to court. They’ll use your own words—and even short conversations with an adjuster can be tricky. There  is an obligation to talk to your insurance company after you’ve made your claim, but you should be especially wary of speaking openly to the other driver’s insurance company. If you feel that you have a case, have your lawyer talk to both insurance companies to avoid anything being said that could later be misconstrued.

Insurance companies exist to make profit, and you’ve paid your bills to them to protect yourself. So, know that they make their profit by lowballing claims—not every claim is worth millions, but any cost associated with the accident and lifelong injury should be covered under your insurance. Don’t take a settlement that’s offered to you without discussing it with your lawyer.

Admitting Fault

If you were driving a few miles over the speed limit or forgot to use your turn signal, you might think that you are partially to blame for the car accident. However, you should avoid admitting any kind of fault. Let the police and insurance adjusters investigate the true cause of the accident. If you admit fault, it can give the insurance company a reason to deny your claim.

Failing to Preserve Evidence

In order to get compensation for a car accident claim, you must have sufficient evidence. Before you leave the crash scene, don’t forget to take several pictures of all the vehicles involved in the accident, skid marks on the road, road signs and anything else that may have contributed to the crash. If you are physically unable to take photos, you should ask a bystander to do it for you.

Delaying Medical Care

Even if you feel fine, you should still see a doctor as soon as possible. Some car accident injuries, like whiplash, don’t show symptoms until days or weeks later. A medical professional should examine your injuries and then recommend the best treatment. If you delay medical care, you’re not just putting your health in jeopardy. You’re also risking getting your claim denied. If the insurance company finds out that you didn’t seek medical care right away, they might think that you’re not as injured as you claim.

Accepting a Quick Settlement

Dealing with a car accident claim is stressful, so it is understandable that you want to get the process over with quickly. However, that doesn’t mean that you should accept the insurance company’s first offer. It’s likely much less than you deserve. It’s important to be patient and let your car accident lawyer in Salt Lake City UT negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company.

An experienced car accident lawyer Salt Lake City, UT will fight to protect your rights and win you the compensation you deserve. Call Rasmussen & Miner now for your no-obligation consultation.

Salt Lake City Car Accident Statistics

According to the National Safety Council, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of personal injury in the United States. In 2021, there were over 6 million car accidents in the United States, resulting in over 3 million injuries and 40,000 fatalities.

Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer

If you suffered injuries in a car accident caused by another driver, it is important to take legal action. You deserve compensation for what you’ve endured. Here are a few benefits of hiring a car accident lawyer in Salt Lake City UT to help you.

• Know the True Value of Your Claim: If you do not have a legal background, you probably don’t know much your claim is truly worth and may accept a lower offer from the insurance company. An experienced car accident lawyer has handled many car accident claims in the past. Therefore, he or she will know how much your claim is actually worth. Your lawyer will take your medical bills, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity and other factors into account before determining a figure. 

• Prevent You from Hurting Your Claim: Many people have jeopardized their car accidents claims without even realizing it. For example, they may have provided the insurance company with too much information about their case or discussed their case on social media. If you have an experienced lawyer on your side, he or she can prevent you from making these costly mistakes.

• Negotiate With the Insurance Company: Car accident claims are very expensive for insurance companies, so they may try to do anything to avoid paying you what you deserve. That’s another good reason to work with a car accident lawyer in Salt Lake City UT. He or she will possess excellent negotiating skills and won’t get intimidated by insurance adjusters. 

• Reduce Stress: If you have suffered injuries in a car accident, you probably feel very overwhelmed. Handling a legal claim on your own will just add to your stress. If you hire a car accident lawyer, he or she will handle all the legwork for you. This way, you can concentrate on recovering from your injuries.
• Represent You in Court: The majority of car accident claims get settled out of court. However, sometimes it is necessary to take a case to trial if the insurance company will not offer a fair settlement. In this situation, it is critical to have a car accident lawyer in Salt Lake City UT standing next to you. He or she will work hard to persuade the jury to side with you and help you feel more comfortable.

Please call Rasmussen & Miner today to learn more.

Frequently Asked Car Accident Questions

What should I do if I’m involved in a crash?

After you have been in an accident, it is important to check to make sure everyone involved is uninjured. If someone is injured, you should contact emergency personnel to obtain proper medical treatment. It is important to remember that there are several requirements under Utah law in regards to stopping at the accident, rendering aid, and reporting the accident. There are significant penalties for failing to perform any of these duties.

Is there anything actions I should avoid doing at the scene?

Quite often after an accident, it is a natural reflex to want to apologize. However, this should be avoided, as it may indicate potential fault. Along similar lines, it is critical to not admit fault to anyone at the scene, such as the other driver or any passengers. Instead, when the police arrive and begin forming the report of the accident, you should provide the officer with an honest description of what happened.

What factors should I be documenting?

Additionally, it may prove beneficial for your Salt Lake City UT car accident lawyer to take notes of the scene. Pay attention to things like the weather conditions, any stoplights or signs, and traffic conditions. All of this can end up being important while negotiating with the insurance company or during litigation. Utilize the camera on your phone and take photographs. These often provide much better evidence than people’s statements.

Do I need to see a doctor if I only have minor injuries?

If you have even slight pain, as soon as possible after the accident you should be evaluated by a physician or other health care professional. While immediately after the accident you may have only minimal pain, it is possible that increased adrenaline is contributing to masking your pain. Additionally, minor pain may still be the result of a more serious condition.

Aside from obtaining needed treatment, seeking immediate medical attention will strengthen any personal injury claim you may end up making. If medical treatment is not immediately sought, it can be argued that the injury is not serious or nonexistent completely. Alternatively, assuming an injury is not contested, a gap between the accident and medical treatment can make it more difficult to prove the injury was caused by the accident.

What kind of evidence will be needed to prove my injuries?

During the period in which you are receiving treatment, it is critical that you keep track of the diagnosed injuries and the specific treatment administered. This includes keeping receipts for prescriptions and any medical bills you receive. Additionally, take note of any correspondence you have with doctors or other health care professionals. If any injuries are physically visible, you should take photographs of them, which will help demonstrate the extent and seriousness of those injuries.

How Soon Should I Get Medical Attention After a Car Accident?

It is critical to seek emergency medical care immediately, even if your injuries don’t seem too bad. Not all injuries have apparent symptoms right away, but still need to be checked out by a doctor promptly. For example, whiplash, a neck injury, often doesn’t present symptoms until several days after an accident. If you delay medical care too long, your injury could worsen and become harder to treat. Waiting too long to see a doctor can also jeopardize your accident claim.

What Type of Evidence Will I Need?

In order to have a successful car accident claim, you will need to show the court sufficient evidence. Try to obtain photos of the accident scene, a police report, witness statements, medical records and photos of your injuries. It may also be wise to write about the accident in a journal. Jot down everything you remember about the accident, such as whether or not the driver was distracted before the crash. 

How Much Compensation Can I Recover?

The amount of compensation a car accident lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT can help you obtain depends on the individual circumstances of your case. Your lawyer will take several factors into account before estimating how much compensation you may be entitled to, such as the cost of your medical bills, how long you’ve been out of work and if you endured pain and suffering.

Will I Have to Go to Court?

Whether or not you will have to go to court will depend on unique factors in your case. However, it is important to note that the majority of car accident cases do get settled out of court. Your lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company to get a fair settlement. If the insurance company isn’t willing to budge, though, on a fair settlement, it may be necessary to go to trial.

Securing Fair Compensation for Your Auto Accident Injuries

Rasmussen & Miner Salt Lake City Car Accident Law Firm

---

Client Review

“Had a great experience with Rasmussen & Miner. Robert did an excellent job working through a very complex accident process with numerous insurance companies and medical providers. Extremely happy with the level of professional and personal service and the ultimate outcome. Highly recommend Robert and the firm!!” Daemon