Getting into an auto accident is stressful, and dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and emotional distress only adds to the chaos. In the midst of it all, many people wonder: How long do I have to file an insurance claim after a car accident?
The answer depends on your insurance company, the state you live in, and whether you plan to file a personal injury lawsuit in addition to the claim. In this blog, we’ll break down the deadlines, legal considerations, and practical tips you need to know if you’ve been in a crash in Utah.
Insurance Claim Time Limits: Know Your Policy
Every insurance company has its own rules about how soon you need to report an accident. These rules are outlined in your insurance policy agreement, and the deadline may differ depending on whether the claim involves property damage, personal injury, or both.
Most policies require you to report the accident promptly or “within a reasonable time.” While this language may sound vague, most insurers expect you to notify them within 24 to 72 hours after the crash, especially if there’s damage or injuries involved.
Even if you feel okay or think the damage is minor, it’s smart to report the accident to your insurer right away. Delaying the report may give them reason to deny or devalue your claim later.
Utah’s Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents
The statute of limitations refers to the legal deadline you have to file a lawsuit, not just an insurance claim. In Utah, these deadlines are strict:
- Personal Injury Claims: You have 4 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
- Property Damage Claims: You have 3 years to file for damage to your vehicle or other property.
If you fail to file within these windows, you may lose your right to compensation, regardless of how strong your case is. However, when it comes to insurance claims, these legal deadlines are different from the insurer’s internal reporting timelines, so both need to be tracked carefully.
When Should You Contact an Attorney?
If you’re injured, your vehicle is badly damaged, or liability is disputed, it’s wise to contact a Utah car accident lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can help:
- Navigate insurance reporting requirements
- Gather evidence before it disappears
- Prevent you from saying something that may be used against you
- Ensure you meet all legal deadlines
- Maximize the value of your claim
Even if you’re not sure whether you need a lawyer, most personal injury firms — like LifeLaw in Salt Lake City — offer free consultations. There’s no harm in getting answers early.
What If You’re Filing a Claim with the Other Driver’s Insurance?
If the other driver was at fault and you’re filing a third-party claim, there’s no universal deadline — but acting quickly is still critical. Most insurers recommend filing within 30 days of the crash. Waiting too long could:
- Give the insurance company a reason to question the legitimacy of your injuries
- Make it harder to collect evidence, like witness statements or video footage
- Hurt your ability to recover full compensation
The sooner you initiate the process, the better chance you have of avoiding disputes or delays.
No-Fault Insurance in Utah: What It Means
Utah is a no-fault insurance state, which means your own insurance company pays for certain expenses (like medical bills and lost wages) regardless of who caused the accident, up to your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) limits.
You must typically file a PIP claim immediately after the accident. In Utah, your PIP benefits may cover:
- Up to $3,000 in medical expenses
- Lost income (subject to limits)
- Essential household services (if you can’t perform them due to your injuries)
To step outside the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver for additional damages, your injuries must meet a threshold, such as:
- Medical expenses over $3,000
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Fractures or other serious injuries
What Happens If You Miss the Insurance Deadline?
Missing your insurer’s claim deadline — or failing to notify them promptly — can result in:
- A denied claim, meaning they won’t pay anything
- A reduced payout, arguing that your delay worsened the damage or muddied the facts
- Legal hurdles if you try to sue later
That’s why it’s critical to understand the difference between insurance deadlines and legal deadlines — and stay ahead of both.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Car Accident
To avoid missing any deadlines and protect your rights, follow these steps right after the accident:
- Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical attention if needed.
- Document the scene – Take photos of the vehicles, injuries, and surroundings.
- Exchange information – Get the other driver’s insurance and contact info.
- File a police report – This creates a legal record of the accident.
- Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, symptoms may show up later.
- Notify your insurer – File your claim or report the incident as soon as possible.
- Speak to an attorney – Especially if you’ve been injured, the damage is significant, or liability is unclear.
Special Situations to Consider
Accidents Involving Government Vehicles
If you were hit by a city, county, or state-owned vehicle, different rules apply. You must file a notice of claim with the appropriate agency within one year in Utah — and in some cases, as little as 90 days.
Hit-and-Run or Uninsured Drivers
If you’re using uninsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM), notify your insurance company right away. These claims often have shorter reporting windows, sometimes as little as 30 days.
Delayed Symptoms or Late Discovery
If injuries appear days or weeks after the accident (which is common with whiplash, brain injuries, or soft tissue trauma), you can still file a claim. Just be sure to document when symptoms began, and notify your insurer as soon as you realize you’ve been hurt.
Don’t Wait — Act Early and Protect Your Claim
Time matters after a car accident. While Utah law may give you a few years to file a lawsuit, insurance companies don’t wait that long — and neither should you. Reporting your claim promptly, documenting your injuries, and working with a trusted Salt Lake City car accident lawyer can make all the difference.
At LifeLaw, we understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a crash can be. That’s why we’re here to walk you through every step of the process — with clarity, compassion, and proven legal strength. Contact us today and let us help you get the compensation and peace of mind you deserve.