Utah Personal Injury
Settlement Calculator
Utah follows Modified Comparative (50% bar). Settlements average $24,000 to $95,000 depending on injury severity, fault, and representation. The 4 years statute means you must act — but not rush into a bad deal.
A Salt Lake City software engineer was rear-ended on I-15 during the evening commute. His PIP covered the first $3,000 in medical bills immediately. Then the real bills arrived — MRI ($4,200), orthopedic specialist ($3,800), physical therapy for 4 months ($8,900). Total: $20,100. The at-fault driver's State Farm adjuster offered $9,500 citing "conservative Utah juries." The engineer used the calculator: $42,000–$68,000 fair value. He hired a Salt Lake County attorney. Settlement: $58,000 in 7 months.
⚖ Utah’s Negligence Law Explained
Utah uses modified comparative fault with a strict 50% threshold (Utah Code § 78B-5-818). If you are 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing. At 49% or less fault, your damages are reduced proportionally. Utah's 50% bar (not 51%) is stricter than most states.
Example: You are 30% at fault. Total damages: $60,000. Under Utah’s law, you recover $42,000. If the insurer argues you are at or above the threshold, you recover $0. Fault allocation is the most critical negotiation point in any UT claim.
⏰ Statute of Limitations: 4 years
Personal injury: 4 years (Utah Code § 78B-2-307) — one of the longest in the country. Wrongful death: 2 years. Property damage: 3 years. Government claims: 1-year notice requirement (Utah Code § 63G-7-401).
| Claim Type | Time Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 4 years | From accident date |
| Wrongful Death | 4 years | From date of death |
| Property Damage | Varies | Check state code |
| Government Entity | Shorter — notice required | Often 6 months or less |
📈 Average Settlement Amounts in Utah
| Injury Type | Typical Settlement Range | Multiplier Used |
|---|---|---|
| Whiplash / Soft Tissue | $8,000 – $32,000 | 1.5x – 2.5x |
| Broken Bones | $30,000 – $110,000 | 2x – 3.5x |
| Herniated Disc | $50,000 – $195,000 | 3x – 5x |
| TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) | $195,000 – $780,000 | 4x – 7x |
| Spinal Cord Injury | $550,000 – $2.2M+ | 5x – 9x |
| Wrongful Death | $450,000 – $3.5M+ | Varies |
The multiplier method: Medical bills × severity factor (1.5x–7x) + lost wages = your settlement range. This is the same formula adjusters and attorneys use. Calculate yours free →
📌 Key Factors That Affect Your UT Settlement
▪ No-fault PIP comes first — use it
Your PIP pays immediately, no fault determination required. This is valuable cash flow while the liability claim resolves. Use your PIP, then pursue the at-fault driver for everything above your PIP limit.
▪ $3,000 PIP threshold is very low
Utah's minimum PIP is only $3,000. Any serious injury will blast through this quickly. Once exceeded, you're in the at-fault system — document medical bills carefully from day one to establish the threshold is met.
▪ Conservative Utah County vs. Salt Lake County
Provo and Orem (Utah County) juries are notably more conservative than Salt Lake County. If your attorney has discretion over venue, Salt Lake County is preferable for higher-value claims.
▪ Ski and outdoor recreation injuries are unique
Utah has significant ski resort, trail, and outdoor recreation injury claims. These often involve landowner liability, assumption of risk doctrines, and release agreements — they require specialized analysis beyond standard PI methodology.
🏙 Settlement Trends by City in Utah
| City | Population | Settlement Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City | 200K | Highest — Salt Lake County, most experienced PI bar in state |
| West Valley City | 140K | High — Salt Lake County market, high traffic volume |
| Provo | 116K | Moderate — Utah County, more conservative jury pool |
| St. George | 97K | Moderate — Washington County, fastest-growing, increasing accident rates |
| Ogden | 87K | Moderate — Weber County, manufacturing and transit accident history |
📋 Insurance Coverage in Utah
Utah is a no-fault state. Your own PIP coverage (minimum $3,000) pays your medical expenses first, regardless of who caused the accident. You can only step outside the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver if your medical bills exceed $3,000 or you suffer serious injury, death, or permanent disability.
- Liability: Required — pays the other party if you cause an accident
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: Strongly recommended
- MedPay: Optional — pays your bills regardless of fault
- PIP: ✅ Yes (Mandatory No-Fault)
🔔 What to Do After an Accident in Utah
- Call 911 and secure a police report. Non-negotiable documentation of fault.
- Photograph everything — vehicles, road conditions, your injuries, witnesses.
- Seek medical care the same day. Any gap weakens your claim.
- Do not give a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurer.
- Calculate your fair value before responding to any offer. Free calculator here.
- Send a formal demand letter once treatment is complete, with all bills and lost wage documentation.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Utah
What is Utah’s statute of limitations?
Personal injury: 4 years (Utah Code § 78B-2-307) — one of the longest in the country. Wrongful death: 2 years. Property damage: 3 years. Government claims: 1-year notice requirement (Utah Code § 63G-7-401).
How does Utah’s negligence law affect my settlement?
Utah uses modified comparative fault with a strict 50% threshold (Utah Code § 78B-5-818). If you are 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing. At 49% or less fault, your damages are reduced proportionally. Utah's 50% bar (not 51%) is stricter than most states.
What is the average settlement in Utah?
Settlements range from $24,000 to $95,000. Minor: $7,000 – $26,000. Moderate: $28,000 – $85,000. Severe: $140,000 – $650,000.
Do I need an attorney in Utah?
For minor injuries with clear liability, self-representation can work. For moderate–severe injuries or disputed fault, an attorney typically recovers 3–4x more than self-represented claimants — even after their 33% fee. Our calculator helps you decide.
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