After a Serious Crash in Utah: First Steps for Survivors and Families

A serious crash — one that puts you or someone you love in the hospital, that changes what you are able to do, that leaves you wondering how you are going to manage — is one of the most disorienting things a person can go through. The days and weeks after a crash are often a blur of medical appointments, insurance calls, and unanswered questions. This article is written for people in that situation.

The first thing to know is that you do not have to figure everything out at once. The legal side of a crash can wait until you are ready to think about it. Your health and your family's wellbeing come first. If you are still in the acute phase of recovery, this article will be here when you are ready.

That said, there are a few things that are worth knowing early. Insurance companies — including your own — have their own interests, and those interests are not always the same as yours. Adjusters are trained to gather information and to resolve claims. Speaking with a lawyer before giving a recorded statement to any insurance company is generally a good idea, even if you ultimately decide not to pursue a claim.

Documentation matters, and it is easier to gather early than later. If you are able, keep records of your medical care, your prescriptions, your time away from work, and the ways the crash has affected your daily life. Notes written close to the time of the event are more reliable than memory alone. If you are not in a position to do this yourself, a family member or trusted friend can help.

Families of people who were seriously injured often have their own questions. If you are supporting someone who was hurt, you are allowed to reach out on their behalf. Frank can speak with a family member first, and the person who was injured can decide later whether they want to be involved in the conversation.

One of the most common questions people ask is whether they can afford a lawyer. Frank works on a contingency basis for crash cases, which means there is no attorney fee unless there is a recovery. If there is no recovery, you will not owe an attorney fee. A first conversation is free, confidential, and creates no obligation.

Another common question is whether it is too late. The answer depends on the specific circumstances of your situation. The most important thing is not to assume it is too late without speaking to someone who can look at your particular case.

If you are in a medical emergency, call 911. This article is informational only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. When you are ready to talk, Frank Stucki is available for a free, confidential case review. No attorney fee unless there is a recovery. If there is no recovery, you will not owe an attorney fee.