Step 1: Check for Injuries — Yours and Others
Before anything else, assess yourself and your passengers. Adrenaline masks pain; what feels fine immediately after impact sometimes isn't. Check:
- Any head or neck pain, dizziness, or confusion (possible concussion or whiplash)
- Chest pain (airbag deployment force, steering wheel impact)
- Pain that appears in the minutes following impact — don't dismiss it
If anyone — in your vehicle or the other — is injured, call 911 immediately and keep them still. Don't move someone who may have a neck or back injury unless they're in immediate danger (fire, oncoming traffic). If you suspect internal injuries or significant trauma, wait for EMS.
Step 2: Move to Safety (If You Can)
In Utah, as in most states, you are required to move your vehicle out of the traveled portion of the road if it can be driven safely and if doing so won't worsen injuries. On I-15 or any freeway, staying in a travel lane with a damaged vehicle is extremely dangerous — secondary accidents involving stopped vehicles kill people every year.
If the vehicles can be moved: pull to the shoulder, a nearby parking lot, or a side street. Turn on hazard lights immediately. Set out road flares or reflective triangles if you have them — especially critical at night or on high-speed roads.
If the vehicle cannot be safely moved (deployed airbags, fluid loss, structural damage, not starting), stay in the vehicle with seatbelt on until emergency vehicles arrive — do not stand in or near a travel lane.
Step 3: Call the Police
In Utah, you are legally required to report an accident to law enforcement if:
- Anyone is injured
- Property damage appears to be $2,500 or more
- A hit-and-run occurred
- Any driver appears to be impaired
Even for minor accidents that don't legally require police involvement, a police report creates an official record that is invaluable for insurance claims. The other driver's story can change significantly without a report. If officers respond, ask for the report number before they leave — you'll need it for your insurance claim.
For accidents on Salt Lake City streets and the Salt Lake metro: call the Salt Lake City Police non-emergency line or UHP (Utah Highway Patrol) for freeway incidents. 911 routes to the appropriate agency.
Step 4: Document Everything — Thoroughly
Your phone is your most important tool at the accident scene. Document comprehensively before any vehicles are moved (if it's safe to do so):
- Damage photos: All four corners of every vehicle involved, close-ups of all damage points, wheel positions, and the overall scene
- Position photos: Wide shots showing where vehicles ended up relative to lane markings, traffic signs, and intersections
- Skid marks and debris: Photograph any skid marks, glass, or debris — these establish speed and direction of travel
- Road conditions: If weather, road surface, or visibility was a factor, document it
- Other driver's information: Driver's license, license plate, registration, insurance card (photograph all of these)
- Witness information: Names and phone numbers of any witnesses
- Intersection/address: Exact location — street address or cross streets
Step 5: Exchange Information
Even if you've photographed everything, verbally exchange and confirm:
- Full legal name and address
- Driver's license number and state
- License plate number and state
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Vehicle make, model, year, and color
- Phone number
If the other driver is uncooperative or refuses to exchange information, do not leave the scene. Wait for police and report the refusal. Hit-and-run is a serious criminal offense in Utah — the responding officer can assist in identifying the vehicle and driver.
Step 6: Decide About Towing
Several scenarios require a tow truck:
- Vehicle isn't drivable (won't start, flat tire, fluid leaking, structural damage)
- Airbags deployed (in most modern vehicles, airbag deployment disables the car for insurance purposes even if it seems drivable)
- Police or your insurance company requests the vehicle be moved
- You're at an unsafe location and can't stay with the vehicle
Your right to choose your tow company: In Utah, if your vehicle is on private property or if you are incapacitated, the property owner or authorities may arrange towing. But if you're present and capable of making decisions, you have the right to choose your own tow truck company. Police-dispatched tow trucks are typically on a rotation list and may not be your lowest-cost or most convenient option.
Call your insurance company first — many policies include towing coverage and have preferred providers. If you need to choose independently, use a directory like the National Tow Connect directory to find local companies and compare.
Step 7: Contact Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company as soon as reasonably possible after an accident — ideally the same day. Most insurance companies have 24/7 claims lines. When you call:
- Have your policy number, police report number, and all documentation from the scene ready
- Describe the accident factually — stick to what you observed
- Ask about rental car coverage if your vehicle will need repairs
- Ask about towing reimbursement if you paid for a tow
- Ask about the claims timeline and what to expect next
Step 8: Get a Medical Evaluation
Even if you feel fine immediately after an accident, see a doctor within 24–48 hours. Whiplash symptoms, soft tissue injuries, and concussion signs can take hours or days to become apparent. Getting a medical evaluation:
- Documents any injuries for insurance purposes
- Establishes a timeline linking injuries to the accident
- Identifies injuries before they become worse
- Is required for any personal injury claim
Delaying medical evaluation — even by a few days — gives insurance adjusters grounds to argue that injuries weren't caused by the accident. Same-day or next-day evaluation is strongly recommended.
Utah-Specific Considerations
Reporting requirements
In Utah, if damage exceeds $2,500 or someone is injured, you must report to the DMV within 10 days using the SR-1 form (available at DMV offices and online). Police may file this on your behalf if they respond to the scene — confirm whether you still need to file separately.
Uninsured drivers
Utah has a relatively high rate of uninsured drivers. If the other driver can't provide insurance information, document their license plate and driver's license number, file a police report, and contact your own insurance about uninsured motorist coverage. Utah law requires UIM coverage to be offered — check your policy.
Fault determination in Utah
Utah follows a modified comparative negligence rule — you can recover damages even if you're partially at fault, as long as you're less than 50% responsible. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. This makes thorough scene documentation especially important.