The short answer is yes. Even if you walk away unharmed after an accident (thanks to your airbag or seat belt), you can still recover compensation for your property damage and financial loss.

People often assume that car accident claims can only make sense if you get physically injured. No injuries – no claims, sounds familiar, right? But that’s not exactly how Utah law sees non-injury car accidents.

You need to understand that insurance claims and lawsuits aren’t always based on your medical bill. In non-injury cases, your claim just shifts from a personal injury claim to a property damage claim.

This guide will give you a closer look at average settlements for non-injury car accidents and what you can actually claim.

What Can You Be Compensated for After a No-Injury Car Accident?

Utah requires all automobile drivers to carry a minimum of $1500 in property damage liability insurance. If the other driver caused the accident, your insurance company will pay for your vehicle repair.

A car accident attorney can also help you understand your options and pursue the compensation you are owed. Here are some types of compensation listed that you can pursue in Utah court.

1)   Vehicle Damage

This is the most common reason people file a property damage lawsuit in the first place. After a crash, a car loses its market value or may need expensive repairs. Therefore, Utah law allows you to claim money for the lost market value even if your car gets fully repaired.

2)   Vehicle Replacement

Sometimes the vehicles get so damaged that it becomes impossible to repair them economically. You can also file a claim to demand vehicle replacement in similar situations.

3)   Towing and Storage Fees

The damaged car may need to be towed and stored unless you decide what to do with it or take it to the garage for repair. You can keep the receipts for towing and storing, and these expenses can add to your claim.

4)   Rental Car or Loss of Use

You still need to go to work while your car is under repair. Therefore, Utah’s insurance department states that the at-fault driver’s insurer may be required to pay you for transportation or a rental car you are using as a substitute.

For more information about handling repairs, rental vehicles, total losses, and other insurance issues, see this guide to car insurance after a crash.

5)   Personal Property Damage

Utah law recognizes that your vehicle may not be the only property damage you have suffered in the collision. Anything that is damaged in the crash will be counted as personal property damage, whether it was your laptop, cell phone, child safety seats, prescription glasses, or more.

6)   Emotional Distress

You can also add emotional distress you suffered followed by an accident. However, the psychological impacts are a bit hard to prove, especially when you aren’t that much physically hurt.

But it doesn’t mean they are off the table. You may just need to submit diagnostic test results from a licensed psychologist to support your claim.

What If There Is No Video or Witness to Support Your Story?

You can still prove your loss by submitting alternative evidence. If you are not seriously injured, you should still immediately seek medical attention and follow the care plan provided by your physician. Your medical record can certainly help you strengthen your claim.

Additionally, witness testimonies can also support your claims. Images, videos, and CCTV footage from the accident site also help in analyzing the physical facts. But you should remember that routine legal systems mostly rely on non-video evidence because real-world evidence rarely happens in the view of a camera.

How To Get Money If The Other Driver Has No Insurance?

When the other driver has no insurance, you can rely on your own uninsured motorist coverage or file a property damage claim against the driver.

Follow these immediate steps to secure fair compensation in no-injury accident cases.

Step 1: Call 911 to report the incident, document the scene by taking photos or videos, and collect the witness information.

Step 2: Even if you apparently are not hurt, you should still immediately see a physician because sometimes internal injuries appear days after the accident.

Step 3: As Utah is a no-fault state, you should first notify your insurer about the accident, and you may get immediately paid for your property damage for up to $2500.

Step 4: If your vehicle is damaged beyond repair and you need a vehicle replacement. Utah law lets you take the at-fault driver to court and sue them for the damages.

How Much Can You Get From A Car Accident With No Injuries?

The table below shows the direct comparison for typical payouts victims may receive for accidents with no injuries.

Conclusion

Car accidents always come with major financial consequences, and not being physically harmed doesn’t mean you weren’t affected. You will still have to cover costs for missed work and vehicle repair costs.

But the good news is you are entitled to recover your losses under Utah law. You can get money either from your uninsured motorist coverage, or you can sue the at-fault driver in court for a property damage claim.

You can always count on Cockayne Law’s expertise to get a fair settlement for your losses, especially if you also have personal injuries.

This law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t have to pay a penny to the firm (except court charges) unless they win a verdict in your favor.

FAQs

What happens if my car is totaled but I have no injuries?

Even if you have no injuries, you can still recover the financial loss you have suffered because of the accident. Whether you want vehicle repair costs or compensation for the diminished value of the car (if the car is beyond repair), Utah law lets you get fair compensation if you file a car accident property damage claim within three years of the accident.

Do I need a lawyer for a no-injury car accident?

It’s not mandatory, but it’s always better to have one on your side. An experienced lawyer can help you explain your legal rights and defend your claim in Utah court.

Can I get compensation for diminished vehicle value?

Of course, even after your car is completely repaired, you can still file a property damage claim to get compensation for the lost market value of your car.

What should I do if the insurance company offers too little?

You should not accept any offer right away and prepare your own estimates to counter their number with evidence. Ask your insurance company to explain their math, politely refuse the offer, and send a counteroffer in writing with supporting documents.