The First Thing Everyone Gets Wrong
I've been doing this for 28 years. The number one mistake I see — the one that costs people thousands of dollars — is talking to the other driver's insurance company before calling an attorney. I'm not being dramatic. Their adjuster calls you within hours, sounds friendly, asks 'How are you feeling?' If you say 'I'm okay' or 'I'm fine,' congratulations — you just handed them ammunition to destroy your claim. I've seen it happen hundreds of times. Do not talk to them. Period.
Call 911 — Even if It Seems Minor
I don't care if it's a fender bender. Call 911 and get a police report. I've had cases where a 'minor' rear-end collision turned into a $200,000 herniated disc case. Without that police report, the insurance company will argue the accident never happened the way you described it. The report is your foundation. Everything we build in your case starts there.
Get to a Doctor Within 48 Hours
Here's what I tell every client: your body is full of adrenaline after an accident. You feel fine. You go home, sleep it off, and three days later you can't turn your neck. That's normal — but if you waited a week to see a doctor, the insurance company will argue your injury came from something else. See a doctor within 48 hours. Not because I'm telling you to — because your body deserves it, and your case depends on it.
Document Everything Like Your Case Depends on It — Because It Does
Take photos of everything. Both cars. The road. The intersection. The weather. Your injuries. The other driver's license plate and insurance card. Get witness names and phone numbers. Write down exactly what happened while it's fresh. I've won cases because a client took one clear photo of the other driver's brake lights that proved they ran the red light. Evidence disappears fast. Your phone is your best weapon at the scene.
Then Call Me
After you're safe, after you've called 911, after you've documented the scene — call LawyerUp. I don't say this to sell you something. I say it because in 28 years, I've never once had a client tell me they called too soon. But I've had plenty tell me they wished they'd called sooner. We start preserving evidence immediately. We put the insurance company on notice. And we make sure nobody takes advantage of you while you're hurt. That's my job. Call (866) 264-2638.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I admit fault at the accident scene?
Absolutely not. Even saying 'I'm sorry' can be used against you in Utah. Let the police investigate and determine fault. Your job at the scene is to stay safe, document, and say as little as possible to the other driver.
The other driver's insurance called me. What do I say?
Nothing. Tell them you have an attorney and give them my number. That's it. Every word you say to them is being recorded and will be used to minimize your payout. I handle all insurance communication for my clients.
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