Here in the United States, car accidents occur every single day. In fact, according to the Utah Department of Public Safety, there were 60,021 crashes in 2021. That is roughly 164 car crashes every single day in Utah alone. With so many car accidents occurring every day the likelihood of getting into a car accident is high.
Car accidents can lead to severe injuries and incredibly large medical bills. The process of filing a car accident claim can be long, difficult, and confusing if you do not know what to do. A car accident claim can be crucial in getting a victim of a car accident the compensation they deserve for their medical bills and pain and suffering.
One thing that may stop a potential car accident victim from seeking the compensation that they deserve is if they are not a citizen in the United States. In this article, the Utah personal injury lawyers at LifeLaw will be diving into Non-Citizen rights in a car accident with the goal of helping everyone to understand the process of receiving compensation for your injuries.
Can I File a Claim as a Non-Citizen?
No matter the country that you were born in, here in the United State you have the rights if you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident. When it comes to seeking compensation for the injuries that you have sustained from a motor vehicle accident your current legal status as a citizen does not affect whether you are able to file a personal injury claim or not.
If you hold a green card or if you are undocumented, you have the same rights as every American citizen to file a personal injury claim without fear of deportation.
Non-Citizen V.S. Permanent Resident
State laws and regulations can not discriminate or undocumented workers when it comes to seeking compensation for any injuries sustained in an automobile accident. A permanent resident is treated the exact same as a normal citizen, you are able to file a personal injury claim as well as obtain a state issued driver’s license.
When it comes to being a noncitizen you may not be entitled to a state driver’s license, however this does not mean that you are unable to file an insurance claim. Even without a drivers license you can still file a personal injury claim if you were injured and it was not your fault.
Do Not Miss These Steps After a Car Accident
After a car accident it is critical that you take immediate action, even if you are a non-citizen or illegal. Always, always make sure to call the police after a car accident. In an insurance claim a police report is critical evidence in proving who is responsible for an accident and is the primary piece of evidence insurers will use when establishing liability. The police are there for the car accident report, not to arrest you if you are illegal.
Even if you do not have a license, call the police, they may give you a citation for driving without a license, but if the accident was not your fault you will still file an insurance claim for your injuries.
After an accident, you have rights and they deserve to be protected. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident and it was not your fault, call the Utah personal injury lawyers at LifeLaw.
Anyone regardless of citizenship has the right to get the compensation they deserve for their injuries, and here at LifeLaw we will fight for your rights. Call us today for a free consultation and to get the help you need. We are your Salt Lake City personal injury lawyers, here to guide and assist you every step of the way.
Utah Code, Insurance Code:
https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title31A/Chapter22/31A-22-S309.html
Utah is one of 12 states that has a no-fault insurance system for auto accidents:
https://www.iii.org/article/background-on-no-fault-auto-insurance