Life in Salt Lake City can be hectic, but the shock of a fatal car accident can bring it to a screeching halt. If a loved one was killed in an accident, you may be overwhelmed by medical bills, funeral expenses, and the stress of dealing with insurance companies. At Siegfried & Jensen, our Salt Lake City car accident lawyer is here to help.
We have supported Utah clients for over 30 years and successfully won over $1.2 billion for our clients. While a financial settlement cannot bring back your loved one, it can help support you and your family as you heal and may bring about some feeling of justice being done. Contact our Salt Lake City fatal car accident lawyer for a free consultation and to tell your story.
Salt Lake City Fatal Car Accident Claims and Lawsuits
Salt Lake City, like many urban areas, sees its fair share of car accidents. Understanding the legal landscape in Utah is crucial for anyone involved in a collision, especially those struggling through the aftermath of a fatal accident.
While Utah’s no-fault insurance system offers some benefits, it also presents unique complexities that can make navigating the aftermath of an accident challenging. Luckily, our Salt Lake City personal injury lawyers are familiar with these laws.
Under Utah code §31A-22-309, car accident victims can seek compensation for their injuries from their own insurance company, no matter who was at fault for the accident. All Utah residents are required to carry at least $3,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and related costs. However, fatal car accidents have higher expenses and other non-monetary losses that cannot be fully covered with this policy alone.
In that case, you may wish to seek compensation with a car accident lawsuit against the other driver involved. While fault may not be necessary to establish to receive PIP benefits, you will have to build a solid case against the at-fault party if you wish to receive compensation from your lawsuit.
Speak with a knowledgeable fatal car accident lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT, from Siegfried & Jensen to learn more about your legal options after a car accident fatality.
Time Limit on Filing Fatal Car Accident Lawsuits in Utah
In Utah, you typically have four years from the date of a car accident to file a lawsuit, as specified in Utah code §78B-2-307. However, there are exceptions to this rule, especially in the case of a fatality following a personal injury, so be sure to speak with a wrongful death car accident lawyer. Missing this deadline can significantly impact your ability to seek compensation for your family’s losses.
The sooner you get started, the better. Contact our fatal car accident attorney in Salt Lake City, UT, for a free discussion regarding your case today. We will talk through your options under Utah law and determine what to do after a car accident ends in wrongful death.
For a free legal consultation with a fatal accident lawyer serving Salt Lake City, call (801) 266-0999
Negligence and Comparative Fault Under Utah Laws
While Utah’s no-fault insurance system simplifies the initial claims process, it is important to understand the concept of negligence, especially when seeking additional compensation beyond what’s covered by PIP.
Under Utah code §78B-5-818, each party involved in the accident is evaluated to assess their degree of responsibility for the collision. This determination can significantly impact the amount of compensation you may recover.
If the deceased was deemed partially responsible for the accident, you may still be able to receive compensation based on how comparative negligence works.
As long as their fault was less than 50%, this percentage is used to reduce the compensation owed accordingly. If the percentage of fault is deemed more than 50%, you will be barred from receiving any compensation.
Understanding comparative negligence is crucial when evaluating potential compensation in Utah car accident cases. An experienced Salt Lake City fatal car accident attorney can help you understand how to position your case to maximize your settlement strategically. Check out our legal resources and contact our team at Siegfried & Jensen when you are ready to discuss your case.
Salt Lake City Fatal Accident Lawyer Near Me (801) 266-0999
Car Accident Injuries Causing Fatalities
Fatalities often result from severe injuries obtained in car accidents. These could occur right away for a while after the injured victim is not able to make a full recovery. Some of the most common fatal injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These injuries occur when the brain is violently jolted or struck, leading to damage to brain tissue and internal bleeding. Symptoms can range from mild brain injuries like concussions to severe, life-altering conditions if not treated promptly.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can result in paralysis, loss of sensation, and other debilitating conditions. They often occur due to the force of impact, which can cause damage to the spinal cord.
- Internal Bleeding: Organ damage, broken bones, and other injuries can cause internal bleeding, which can be difficult to detect right away, as there may not be obvious external signs other than discomfort. Persons with bleeding disorders or those who suffer from too much internal bleeding may die from their injuries.
- Chest Injuries: These injuries can affect the lungs, heart, and other vital organs and can be caused by direct impact or the force of a seatbelt. Chest injuries can lead to difficulty breathing, heart problems, fluid filling the lungs, and other complications.
- Multiple Traumas: In many fatal accidents, victims suffer from multiple injuries that collectively overwhelm the body’s ability to recover and increase the risk of death.
It is important to note that even minor-seeming injuries can have serious long-term consequences. If someone you love died during their recovery from a car accident, you should speak with a fatal car accident attorney in Salt Lake City to determine if you have a case.
You may have a claim for compensation for your losses, such as medical bills, funeral expenses, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and more.
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Contact Siegfried & Jensen for Help With Your Salt Lake City Fatal Car Accident Case
At our firm, we handle over 2,000 car accident cases annually, and we know how to fight for justice against insurance companies that try to deny your family’s pain and suffering.
Let our fatal car accident lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT, help you navigate the legal process and handle the complexities of personal injury law while you focus on taking care of your family. Contact Siegfried & Jensen today for a free consultation to get started.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
