Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Salt Lake City

FAQs

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

  Call 801-799-3000 to reach the Salt Lake City Police Department for non-emergency concerns.

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

  Obtain a report request form from the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) lobby or online at https://www.slcpd.com/resources/grama-records-request/ Complete the request form and go to the SLCPD address below to submit it in person. You can also mail the completed request form. If mailing the request form, enclose a notarized copy of your government-issued photo ID, and a money order or check payable to Salt Lake City Corporation. Police report copies cost $10 for the first 50 pages and $0.25 for each additional page.

  In-person submission: Salt Lake City Police Department Service Desk Public Safety Building 475 South 300 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-5497 Open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  Mailing Address: ATT: Service Desk Salt Lake City Police Department 475 South 300 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-5497 P.O. Box 145497

• What damages can you claim for your personal injury case in Salt Lake City?

  Personal injury plaintiffs in Salt Lake City can seek two types of damages, economic and non-economic. Economic damages are calculable and financial in nature, including medical costs, current and future income loss, and property repair expenses. Non-economic damages address intangible losses, such as mental anguish, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.

• How much does a personal injury lawyer cost in Salt Lake City, UT?

  Most personal injury lawyers in Salt Lake City work on a contingency basis. That means they only get paid if they successfully secure compensation for your damages. The lawyer will collect a percentage of your insurance settlement or the compensation awarded by the court as their payment. The percentage to be collected will be agreed upon with you before the lawyer takes the case. This payment system allows you to get legal representation without making out-of-pocket payments.

• What is the statute of limitation for filing a personal injury claim in Salt Lake City?

  You must start your personal injury claim within four years from the time the injury was sustained. For personal injury cases where the claim is against a government entity in Salt Lake City, the statute of limitations is only one year. It is recommended you seek counsel from a local personal injury lawyer to ensure your claim is filed on time.

• Are you required to provide information to the at-fault party’s insurance company in a personal injury case in Salt Lake City?

  No, you’re not legally obligated to provide statements or information to the other party’s insurer. If you still wish to communicate with the other party’s insurer, advise them to route communication through your personal injury attorney in Salt Lake City. The insurance company can use your statements against you in an attempt to negotiate a lower settlement.

• What damages can be claimed if a personal injury victim passes away in Salt Lake City?

  In Salt Lake City, the surviving family or legal representative of the deceased can actually make two claims for their loved one’s death. They can file a wrongful death claim to compensate for the medical and burial expenses and loss of companionship. They can also bring a survival action, which is meant to compensate for the damages the victim experienced prior to death, such as pain and suffering.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.