Average Settlement for a Car Accident in Utah

average car accident settlement utah

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Utah, one of your first questions is likely, “What is the average settlement for a car accident in Utah?” The reality is that auto accident settlements in Utah vary widely depending on the specific circumstances of the accident.

However, by understanding the factors that affect your car accident settlement amount, you can get a general idea of what to expect and how to maximize your compensation.

Factors That Impact Your Utah Car Accident Settlement

Several key factors will significantly impact your settlement after a car accident in Utah:

Severity of Injuries

One of the biggest factors is the severity of the injuries sustained in the crash. Claims involving minor injuries like whiplash or soft tissue damage typically settle for much lower amounts than claims involving catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or injuries requiring surgery. In cases of permanent disability or disfigurement, settlements may be very high.

According to data from actual car accident injury cases filed in Utah courts, the average settlement for a minor injury claim is around $10,000-$25,000. For a severe injury, the average car accident settlement amount rises to $50,000-$75,000 or more. Of course, every case is unique.

Liability

Another major factor is liability – who was at fault for the accident. Utah follows a comparative negligence system (Utah Code § 78B-5-818). This means if you are found partially responsible for the accident, your settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if your damages are $100,000 but you are found 30% at fault, you would only receive 70% of that amount, or $70,000. If you are more than 50% responsible, you cannot collect any compensation from the other party.

Coverage Limits

The at-fault party’s auto insurance coverage limits will also affect the settlement. Utah requires all drivers to carry a minimum of:

  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $65,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $15,000 property damage per accident

While many drivers carry higher limits, if your damages exceed the policy limits, you may need to sue the at-fault driver personally to recover the full amount. This can be difficult if they have limited assets. (Utah Code § 31A-22-304)

Other Economic Damages

Economic damages such as medical bills, lost wages, vehicle damage, and other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident will be factored into your settlement. The more extensive your economic losses, the higher your settlement is likely to be.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering and other non-economic damages may also be awarded in a car accident settlement. These attempt to compensate you for the physical pain, emotional anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and other subjective losses you’ve endured as a direct result of the accident.

Average Car Accident Settlement Amounts in Utah

So what can you expect for an average payout for an auto accident claim in Utah? Here are some very rough estimates based on the extent of injuries:

  • No injury/property damage only: $5,000-$15,000
  • Minor injuries (whiplash, strains/sprains, small cuts): $10,000-$25,000
  • Moderate injuries (broken bones, more significant soft tissue damage): $25,000-$75,000
  • Severe injuries (spinal injuries, brain injuries, injuries requiring surgery): $75,000-$100,000+
  • Catastrophic injuries (paralysis, severe brain damage, fatalities): $150,000-$1,000,000+

Of course, these ranges are extremely broad estimates, and your actual settlement will depend on the unique facts of your case. An experienced Utah car accident lawyer can give you a more precise estimate of your claim’s value.

Maximizing Your Utah Car Accident Settlement

To get the maximum compensation possible after an auto accident in Utah, it’s important to:

  1. Get immediate medical attention and follow all treatment recommendations
  2. Gather extensive evidence from the accident scene
  3. Track all accident-related expenses and losses
  4. Avoid giving a recorded statement to the insurance company
  5. Reject lowball settlement offers
  6. Consider hiring a skilled car accident injury attorney

At West Injury Law, attorney Christian West is dedicated to helping injured Utahns secure the settlement they deserve. As our testimonials show, we provide compassionate, detailed legal representation to guide you through the aftermath of an auto accident.

Our firm offers extensive coverage across Utah, including Salt Lake County, Weber County, Davis County, and Utah County. We also provide free consultations to discuss your case. Contact West Injury Law today to learn more about how we can help with your car accident claim.

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