Salt Lake City is significant in Utah traffic fatalities, with 23 fatalities recorded in 2022. While most crashes in Salt Lake City aren’t fatal, these numbers highlight why accident reporting matters so much. Unfortunately, most drivers only think about accident reports after they’ve already become part of these statistics. Filing an accident report is a critical step, not only for legal and insurance purposes but also to ensure you have proper documentation in case of future disputes or claims.
Utah Laws Concerning Accident Reporting
Utah law is specific about what drivers need to do after an accident. If there’s an injury, death, or apparent property damage of $2,500 or more, you must file a report within 10 days if the Department of Transportation requests one. This law helps filter out minor incidents while ensuring that serious crashes get documented.
If you’re physically unable to make the report and you’re not the owner of the vehicle, the owner has 15 days after learning about the accident to file a report. Not filing when required can lead to license suspension until the road accident report is submitted, and the department can extend that suspension up to 30 days.
The Importance Of Accident Reports
Car accident police reports capture details that might prove crucial later, including:
- The exact location and time of the crash
- Weather and road conditions
- Names and contact information of everyone involved
- A description of the vehicle damage
- Statements from witnesses
This information can be instrumental for dealing with insurance claims or legal issues months down the line.
How To File An Accident Report In Salt Lake City
If you’re among those asking, “Where do I need to file a police accident report in Salt Lake City?” you have three main options:
- At the scene with the responding officers
- Online through the Utah Department of Public Safety portal
- In person at a local police station
Filing at the scene is usually best because officers can document everything firsthand. However, officers can meet you at the hospital or your home to gather information if that’s not possible due to serious injuries. The online system through the Department of Public Safety portal works well for straightforward cases without injuries.
Avoiding Common Reporting Mistakes
The most common mistake drivers make has to do with what they leave out of their Utah accident reports. Small details like the exact time or precise location might seem inconsequential at the moment, but they can become important later. Another common error is failing to note the road or weather conditions. These environmental factors often explain why crashes happen.
What To Do Immediately After A Crash
Before you even think about filing a report, there are several steps you should take that matter more:
- Check for injuries and call emergency services if needed
- Move vehicles to a safe location if possible
- Exchange information with the other drivers
- Take photos of everything, including the vehicles, the accident site, and contributing road conditions
- Gather contact information from witnesses
Each step builds on the previous one and makes filing the report later much easier.
Getting Copies Of Your Accident Report
To obtain a copy of your accident report later on, you’ll need some basic information, including:
- Your name and driver’s license number
- Your case number
- The date of the accident
You can request copies through the Utah Department of Public Safety’s online portal. There’s usually a small fee, but it’s worth it to have an official copy on hand.
Reporting Accidents Helps Make Positive Changes
Reporting an accident means documenting precisely what happened before memory and time start to blur the details, and the best time to learn about accident reports is before you need to make one. A properly completed accident report is foundational for everything that follows, including insurance claims, repairs, and any legal proceedings that might become necessary.
Contact our Car Accident Lawyers at McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers for Legal Help With Your Case
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact your nearest McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers location to schedule a free consultation today:
McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers – Austin, TX Office
502 W 14th St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-0222
McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers – Salt Lake City, UT Office
650 S 500, Suite 290, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
(512) 474-0222
