Best Car Accident Lawyers in Ogden

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Ogden, Utah?

  The non-emergency phone number of the Ogden City Police Department is (801) 395-8221.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Ogden, Utah?

  You must contact the Ogden Police Department Records Bureau at 801-629-8067 to get a copy of your police report. An individual involved in the accident or their agent may be given access to the report.

• What are the primary causes of car accidents in Ogden?

  Speeding, driving under the influence, and distracted driving are among the most common causes of car accidents in Ogden. According to Utah Highway Safety Office data, 48 people were killed in Ogden crashes from 2017 to 2021. In January 2023, two people were killed when a speeding driver who failed to stop at the Riverdale Road and Washington Boulevard intersection crashed into a building.

• Why hire a car collision lawyer if you have been involved in an accident in Ogden?

  Hiring an Ogden accident attorney can significantly improve your chances of receiving maximum compensation. Lawyers demonstrate the accurate extent of your harm to negotiate a better settlement, and they collaborate with trusted medical practitioners and specialists to prove the long-term effects of your injury. According to data, attorneys obtain three times the amount of payment from insurance providers as victims who attempt to do it on their own.

• What to do if you have been involved in a rideshare accident in Ogden?

  If you have been involved in a ridesharing collision, seek legal counsel from an experienced car accident lawyer in Ogden. Drivers of Lyft and Uber who are in a hurry are among the most common causes of automobile accidents in the state. Drivers for these rideshare companies are considered independent contractors, which means that the businesses can deny liability for accidents involving their drivers. You can still file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to get the compensation you deserve.

• What are the deadliest roads in Ogden for car drivers?

  Lt. Cameron Stiver of the Ogden City Police Department identified Washington Boulevard, Wall Avenue, 30th Street, and 12th Street as some of the city's most dangerous hot spots due to heavy traffic. According to data from June 2022, Weber County, where Ogden is located, had 89 fatal car accidents, ranking third in the state. In January 2023, a fatal car accident occurred at the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Riverdale Road that killed two individuals.

• What does comparative negligence mean in an Ogden car accident?

  The state of Utah, where Ogden is located, employs modified comparative negligence to determine who is to blame for the car accident and to what extent. This means you can get compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident. If you are partially at fault for your injuries, your compensation will be reduced. However, if you are more than 50% at fault, you will lose all rights to file a personal injury claim.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.