If you were a passenger in a Utah car accident and need support, we’re here to help. Contact Robert J. DeBry & Associates today for a free consultation. Let’s make sure you’re protected and supported every step of the way.
First Things First: Check For Injuries And Stay Safe
Right after a crash, you’re dealing with shock and confusion. Take a moment to check yourself for injuries. Passengers often feel pain later, since adrenaline masks symptoms, so you’re never out of the woods just because you feel okay at first. If you’re able to move safely, get to a secure spot away from traffic. Utah roads can be busy, especially along the Wasatch Front, and you want to avoid additional danger.
If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away. Utah law encourages people involved in a crash to report injuries, and emergency teams know how to handle these situations. You’re not responsible for deciding who caused the crash. Your job is simply to make sure help arrives and that you’re safe.
Call The Police Even If The Drivers Don’t
Some drivers feel tempted to avoid calling law enforcement, especially if the damage looks small. As a passenger, you benefit from having an official report. Police reports help document what happened, who was involved, and what injuries you reported at the scene. These details become important when insurance companies start asking questions.
A police report also creates a timeline of events. Utah insurance requirements rely on documentation, and your rights as a passenger in a car accident sit on clear records. Even if the drivers want to exchange information and move on, you can still request that the police come to document the crash.
Gather Information While You’re Still At The Scene
Even though you weren’t driving, you still play a key role in collecting information. If you’re able, gather:
- The names and contact details of every driver
- Insurance information for all vehicles involved
- Photos of the scene, damage, and anything unusual on the road
- Names of witnesses
- Badge numbers of responding officers
Since you’re a passenger, you might notice details the drivers miss. Photos are especially helpful because memories fade quickly after the shock of a crash. You’re creating a strong foundation for your claim and giving your future legal team the evidence they need.
Know Your Rights As A Passenger In Utah
Many people assume that passengers have fewer rights after a crash, but that isn’t true. Utah law protects you, and you’re eligible to file a claim regardless of who caused the accident. You’re also not choosing sides when you file. You’re simply getting access to the coverage that exists to help you recover.
Here’s what your rights look like as a passenger in a car accident:
You Can File A Claim With One Or More Insurance Policies
Utah is a no fault state for auto insurance. This means the Personal Injury Protection coverage on the driver’s policy provides your first layer of benefits. PIP helps cover medical bills, lost income, and essential services regardless of who caused the crash.
If your injuries go beyond Utah’s no fault thresholds, you can also file claims against the at fault driver’s insurance. If more than one driver contributed to the crash, you’re allowed to pursue multiple insurance policies. Since you didn’t contribute to the accident, you’re protected from being blamed.
You Have The Right To Seek Medical Treatment
Always get checked out by a doctor after the crash, even if you think you’re fine. Passengers often experience neck pain, back injuries, concussions, and soft tissue injuries that develop hours or days later. Utah doctors understand how accident injuries work and can document everything properly.
Your medical records are key to showing that the crash caused your injuries. You’re doing your future self a favor by getting the care you need early.
You’re Allowed To Work With A Personal Injury Attorney
Passengers sometimes hesitate to reach out for legal help because they know one or both drivers personally. Working with an attorney isn’t an attack on anyone. You’re simply making sure insurance companies treat you fairly and cover what they’re supposed to cover. Injury claims are about coverage, not personal conflict.
An attorney protects your rights, handles communication with insurance companies, and helps you understand what a fair settlement looks like. In Utah, injury cases can get complicated when multiple drivers and insurance policies are involved, so having a team in your corner makes the process easier.
What To Avoid After The Crash
Passengers can unintentionally hurt their claim by making quick statements or downplaying injuries. Here’s what to avoid:
Don’t Say “I’m Fine”
You’re being polite, but those words can be used against you later. It’s okay to say you’re shaken up and want to get checked out.
Don’t Discuss Blame
Leave that to investigators and attorneys. You’re not expected to analyze the crash on the spot.
Don’t Post About The Accident On Social Media
Insurance companies look for posts that contradict your injury claim. It’s much safer to keep the situation offline.
Don’t Skip Medical Care
If you skip care or wait too long, insurance companies may claim your injuries came from something else.
How Utah’s No Fault System Affects Passengers
As a passenger in a Utah car accident, no fault coverage is your first step. PIP usually covers the first portion of your medical bills. When injuries are more serious, you’re allowed to step outside the no fault system and pursue additional compensation. These cases often involve:
- Broken bones
- Long term pain
- Permanent injuries
- Significant medical bills
- Lost wages
If your injuries meet the legal threshold, you can pursue pain and suffering damages too. This is where having an experienced Utah injury attorney matters, because they understand how to demonstrate the full impact of the crash on your life.
When To Call A Utah Car Accident Attorney
You’re not required to hire a car accident attorney in Utah, but passengers benefit from having someone manage the details. You’ll want to reach out for legal help if:
- Your injuries are serious
- Medical bills are adding up
- You’re getting calls from multiple insurance companies
- The drivers disagree about what happened
- Your symptoms are getting worse
- You feel unsure about what your claim is worth
An attorney helps you avoid mistakes, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and focus on healing instead of paperwork.
How Robert J. DeBry & Associates Helps Passengers After A Crash
We work with Utah passengers in all types of car accidents. Our team knows how confusing it feels when you weren’t driving and suddenly you’re dealing with injuries, insurance questions, and new expenses. We’re here to guide you through every step.
When you reach out to us, we help you:
- Understand your rights
- Document your injuries
- File claims with the correct insurance companies
- Handle communication so you don’t have to
- Build a strong case with medical records and evidence
- Pursue a fair settlement that reflects your recovery
You’re not expected to manage this on your own. Utah’s laws are designed to protect you, and we’re here to make sure that protection works.
Your Next Steps Start Here
Being a passenger in a car accident leaves you feeling powerless in the moment, but you have strong rights in Utah. You’re covered through insurance policies, you’re protected from blame, and you’re fully allowed to work with an attorney to make sure you receive fair compensation. Take care of your health, document everything you can, and reach out to a legal team that understands how Utah accident claims work.
If you were a passenger in a Utah car accident and need support, we’re here to help. Contact Robert J. DeBry & Associates today for a free consultation. Let’s make sure you’re protected and supported every step of the way.
