This page collects the rules that decide what an injury claim is worth in Utah: who can recover when both sides share the blame, how long you have to sue, what insurance drivers must carry and whether the state caps damages. Every rule links to the statute or court decision behind it, and every calculator on this site uses these same values.
Utah is a no-fault state, so car crash claims start with your own PIP coverage. 50% bar decides how fault affects everything else.
Fault. Utah uses modified comparative fault with a 50% bar. Your award drops by your share of fault, and at 50% or more you recover nothing, so an even split leaves you with nothing. Insurers know this, so expect them to argue your share up.
Filing deadlines. You have four years from the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Families have two years for a wrongful death claim, usually counted from the date of death. Claims against a government agency need written notice much sooner.
Car insurance. Utah is a no-fault state. Your own personal injury protection (PIP) pays your medical bills and part of your lost income first, up to $3,000, whoever caused the crash. To claim pain and suffering from the at-fault driver, you need $3,000 in medical bills, or a fracture, permanent disability or impairment, permanent disfigurement, dismemberment or death. Liability minimums are 30/65/25.
Damage caps. No cap on injury damages. Medical malpractice and punitive damages can have separate limits.
Dog bites. Owners are strictly liable for injuries their dog causes, regardless of the dog’s history.
Yes, as long as you were less than 50% at fault. Your award is reduced by your percentage, and at 50% or more you recover nothing.
four years from the injury in most cases.
Usually the at-fault party’s insurer: auto, homeowner’s or business liability coverage. The policy limit often sets the practical ceiling.
Not in most injury cases. No cap on injury damages. Medical malpractice and punitive damages can have separate limits.