Immediate Steps After a Pleasant Grove Car Accident and Top 3 Mistakes to Avoid

Car accidents can be disorienting and stressful. Following the correct steps immediately after a crash can protect your rights and ensure a smoother claims process. With the guidance of an experienced Pleasant Grove Car Accident Lawyer, you can navigate this challenging time effectively.

1: Move Cars to Safety and Exchange Information

  • Safety First: Move your vehicle to the side of the road if safe to do so. This prevents additional accidents and ensures safety for all parties.
  • Exchange Information: Collect insurance and contact details from all drivers involved.
  • Document the Scene: Take pictures of all vehicles, damage, license plates, and road conditions. Collect witness contact information to support your claim.

2: Seek Immediate Medical Attention

  • Don’t Ignore Symptoms: Even minor accidents can cause injuries like whiplash or concussions, which may not show symptoms immediately.
  • Document Your Injuries: Seeking medical care creates records critical for your claim.

3: Hire an Experienced Pleasant Grove Car Accident Lawyer

Hiring a skilled Pleasant Grove Car Accident Lawyer like Jake Gunter ensures your claim is handled efficiently and effectively.

  • Avoid General Practitioners: Many lawyers advertise for car accident cases but lack the expertise needed for successful outcomes.
  • Don’t Delay: Prompt legal representation strengthens your claim and avoids common pitfalls.

Step 4: Focus on Recovery

Your health should be your top priority after a car accident. A skilled Pleasant Grove Car Accident Lawyer can help you access medical care, even if you lack private health insurance, by securing medical liens and deferring payments until your case is resolved.

Why Hire a Pleasant Grove Car Accident Lawyer?

1. Better Results

Experienced attorneys know how to negotiate with insurance companies, navigate legal complexities, and maximize compensation for your injuries.

2. No Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Attorney Jake Gunter fronts all case costs, including medical records, expert witnesses, and filing fees. You don’t pay unless your case is resolved successfully.

3. Less Stress

Dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and legal procedures after an accident is overwhelming. A knowledgeable attorney reduces your stress and gives you peace of mind.

No Attorney Fees Unless You Win

Attorney Jake Gunter works on a contingency fee basis. If you don’t win, you owe nothing.

Utah Personal Injury Thresholds and Statutes of Limitations

What is the Personal Injury Threshold?

To claim general damages (e.g., pain and suffering), Utah law requires:

  • Medical bills exceeding $3,000, or
  • Permanent injuries, such as scarring or long-term disability.

Do You Have a Claim?

Most car accident victims qualify for claims to recover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Common Types of Pleasant Grove Car Accidents

  • Rear-End Collisions: Fault is typically assigned to the rear driver.
  • Left-Turn Accidents: The turning driver is usually at fault unless mitigating circumstances exist.
  • Red-Light Accidents: Common at intersections during busy hours.
  • Pedestrian Accidents: Determining fault involves analyzing whether the pedestrian was in a crosswalk.
  • DUI-Related Crashes: DUI cases often involve unique legal challenges, including parallel criminal charges.

Common Injuries from Pleasant Grove Car Accidents

  • Neck and Back Strains: Often caused by rear-end collisions.
  • Bone Fractures: From high-impact crashes or airbag deployment.
  • Dashboard Knee Injuries: Ligament and tendon damage from knees hitting the dashboard.
  • Shoulder Injuries: Caused by seat belts or side impacts.
  • Head Injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries can have lasting effects.

Does PIP Cover Pleasant Grove Car Accidents?

Utah requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance:

  • Minimum Coverage: $3,000 for medical expenses.
  • Coverage Includes: Emergency care, physical therapy, and chiropractic treatment, regardless of fault.

How Are Pleasant Grove Car Accident Claims Resolved?

No Lawsuit

Most claims are settled through negotiations between your attorney and the insurance company.

File a Lawsuit

If negotiations fail, your attorney may file a lawsuit. Possible outcomes include:

  • Out-of-Court Settlement: Many lawsuits settle before trial after discovery.
  • Arbitration: A private arbitrator decides damages in an informal setting, saving time and money.
  • Jury Trial: A jury determines the compensation amount. While this process is longer and more expensive, it can result in higher awards.

Statute of Limitations for Pleasant Grove Car Accidents

  • Personal Injury Claims: Four years from the accident date.
  • Property Damage Claims: Three years from the accident date.
  • Government Claims: If a government entity is involved, the claim must be filed within one year.

Top 3 Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident

  1. Failing to Seek Medical Attention: Delaying care can worsen injuries and hurt your claim.
  2. Not Collecting Evidence at the Scene: Photos and witness details are crucial for proving your case.
  3. Waiting to Hire an Attorney: Prompt legal representation ensures better results and avoids common pitfalls.

Pleasant Grove Car Accident Resources

  • Utah Valley Hospital: 1034 North 500 West, Pleasant Grove, UT 84604
  • Pleasant Grove City Police Department: 48 South 300 West, Pleasant Grove, UT 84601
  • Pleasant Grove District Court: 137 East Freedom Avenue, Pleasant Grove, UT 84606
  • Utah Highway Patrol – Section 6: Online Accident Reports, 763 North 1370 West Street, Orem, UT 84057

Contact Jake Gunter for Expert Legal Help

If you’ve been injured in a Pleasant Grove car accident, let Jake Gunter fight for the compensation you deserve. With nearly 20 years of experience, Jake has the expertise to handle your case from start to finish.

📞 Call or Text: (801) 373-6345
Free Consultation: Jake offers free case evaluations and will meet you at your home, hospital, or accident scene if needed.

No fees unless you win. Get the results you deserve with Jake Gunter, Pleasant Grove’s trusted Car Accident Lawyer.

Learn More About Auto Accident Lawyer Jake Gunter Utah Injury Attorney | 20 Years' Experience

For additional insights on Utah personal injury law and to get to know Jake Gunter better, check out these helpful videos:

These resources will provide you with valuable information as you consider your legal options. For any questions or to schedule a free consultation, feel free to reach out to us directly.