Is Utah a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?

After a car accident, it is natural to have questions about what happens next. One of the first and most important questions is whether Utah is a no-fault or at-fault state. The answer affects how you file claims, who pays your bills, and whether you can sue the other driver.

Is Utah a no-fault state? The short answer is yes. However, there are some important exceptions.

In this post, our Provo car accident lawyers explain what no-fault insurance means in Utah, how personal injury protection (PIP) works when stepping outside the no-fault system, and what happens if the fault is shared.

Please don’t hesitate to call (209) 600-4389 or send us an online message today for a free consultation.

What Does No-Fault Mean?

In a no-fault car accident system, drivers turn to their own insurance policies first, no matter who caused the crash. Your insurance covers your medical expenses and certain other costs up to a limit, without needing to prove that someone else was at fault.

This system is designed to:

• Speed up payment of medical bills,
• Reduce lawsuits for minor injuries, and
• Simplify claims after accidents.

However, this does not mean fault never matters or that you can never sue the other driver. It just changes the first steps after a crash.

Is Utah an At-Fault State?

No, Utah is a no-fault state for car accidents.

Utah drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage as part of their auto insurance policies. 

After a crash, you must first file a claim through your own PIP coverage to pay for:

• Medical expenses,
• Lost wages (up to a limit), and
• Household services if you become unable to care for yourself.

Only after certain conditions are met can you pursue a claim against the other driver.

What Is Utah PIP and How Does It Work?

Utah PIP coverage includes:

• A minimum of $3,000 for reasonable and necessary medical expenses;
• Compensation for up to 85% of lost wages, capped at a certain amount per week;
• Up to $20 per day for household services; and
• A death benefit and funeral expenses, if needed.

Every driver must carry at least the minimum required PIP coverage, though you can purchase higher limits. After an accident, you submit your medical bills to your insurance company, not the other driver’s. Your insurance company pays your benefits quickly without waiting to determine fault.

When Can You Step Outside Utah’s No-Fault System?

You can file a traditional personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver if your injuries meet certain thresholds. 

Under Utah law, you may pursue a claim if your medical expenses exceed $3,000 or you suffered serious injuries such as:

• Permanent disability,
• Permanent impairment,
• Fractured bone,
• Disfigurement, or
• Dismemberment.

Once you meet one of these conditions, you are no longer limited to your own insurance; you can seek full compensation from the at-fault driver, including pain and suffering. If you’re pursuing an uninsured motorist (UM) claim, these requirements do not apply.

How Does Fault Work in Utah After You Step Outside of the No-Fault System?

If your case meets the serious injury threshold, your claim transitions to an at-fault one. That means the person or persons who caused the accident are financially responsible for your injuries. The advantage of pursuing a personal injury claim against someone else is the ability to collect for your pain and suffering and other fault-based damages.

You can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance for:

• Medical expenses beyond PIP,
• Lost wages not covered by PIP,
• Pain and suffering,
• Emotional distress, and
• Other damages related to the crash.

In order to recover damages from another party, you will need to prove they were negligent or careless in causing the accident.

What If You Were Partially at Fault?

Utah follows a rule called modified comparative negligence, which allows you to recover compensation if you were less than 50% responsible for the accident. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you are found 20% at fault and awarded $100,000, your recovery will be reduced by 20%. That means you would receive $80,000. If you are 50% or more at fault, however, you cannot recover damages from the other driver.

Fault is often hotly contested in accident claims. Insurance companies may shift the blame onto you to reduce or eliminate what they have to pay.

How Does Filing a Claim Work in Utah?

After a crash in Utah, here is the typical process:

1. File a claim with your insurance under your PIP policy for immediate medical expenses;
2. Evaluate your injuries, and if they are serious or your medical bills exceed $3,000, you may pursue a claim against the at-fault driver;
3. File a liability claim or personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver’s insurance; and
4. Negotiate a settlement or go to trial if necessary.

Throughout the process, documentation is key. Medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert evaluations can all strengthen your case.

Why Understanding Utah’s No-Fault System Matters

Knowing whether Utah is a no-fault state can help you:

• Avoid costly delays after an accident,
• Understand what insurance covers right away,
• Recognize when you have the right to sue, and
• Protect yourself if the other driver or insurance company tries to shift blame.

Many accident victims do not realize they can pursue a fault-based claim in Utah after a serious injury. Others wait too long and miss critical deadlines. Speaking with an experienced Provo accident attorney early in the process can make all the difference.

Call Silva Injury Law to Understand Your Rights After a Utah Car Accident

If you were injured in a car crash and are wondering how no-fault insurance in Utah affects your rights, you are not alone. The system can feel confusing, especially when trying to heal and return to everyday life.

At Silva Injury Law, we help injured drivers across Utah understand their options and fight for fair compensation. Our founder, Michael Joe Silva, has spent years standing up for people who need help after serious accidents, not big insurance companies.

Whether dealing with your PIP insurer or pursuing a claim against the at-fault driver, we can help you navigate every step forward. Contact our firm online or call (209) 600-4389 today for a free consultation.