If you’ve been injured in an accident in Utah, the thought of filing a lawsuit may feel overwhelming. Between medical bills, lost work, and the stress of recovery, the idea of taking on a legal battle might seem like too much.
The truth is, understanding what happens in a Utah personal injury lawsuit can take away much of the fear of the unknown. While every case is unique, there are common steps and timelines you can expect. With the right legal team by your side, you can focus on healing while knowing your rights are protected.
At Steele Adams Hosman, we’ve helped hundreds of Utah families navigate this process. Here’s what you need to know about what lies ahead.
Step One: Filing Your Lawsuit
The journey begins by filing a complaint with the appropriate Utah court. Most personal injury lawsuits are filed in district court, though smaller cases may go to justice court.
Your complaint will:
- Outline the facts of what happened
- Identify the responsible parties
- Specify the damages you’re seeking
Utah has strict deadlines for filing, called statutes of limitations. For most injury claims, you have four years from the date of the accident. For medical malpractice, the limit is just two years. Missing these deadlines could mean losing your right to recover compensation altogether.
Once filed, the defendant is served with the complaint and has 21 days to respond. From there, the formal litigation process begins.
Considering a personal injury lawsuit? Let Steele Adams Hosman guide you through Utah’s legal process.
Step Two: Discovery and Evidence
Discovery is the phase where both sides exchange information. This can be the longest stage of the case, but it’s also one of the most important.
During discovery, your lawyer may:
- Send written questions to the other party
- Request important documents like medical records or maintenance logs
- Take depositions of witnesses, doctors, or experts
You may also need to undergo medical evaluations, sometimes by the defense’s chosen doctors. While this part of the process can feel invasive, it’s meant to establish the facts of your case and strengthen your claim for compensation.
Step Three: Settlement Negotiations
Most personal injury cases in Utah never go all the way to trial. Instead, they’re resolved through settlement negotiations.
Settlement can happen at any stage, even before a lawsuit is filed. Utah courts often require mediation, where a neutral third party helps both sides explore resolution options.
The key is to carefully weigh any settlement offer. A quick payout may seem tempting when bills are piling up, but it may not account for long-term medical needs or lost earning capacity. A trial-ready legal team, like Steele Adams Hosman, ensures that negotiations are fair and backed by evidence.
We’ve guided hundreds of Utah families through this process. Let’s talk about how we can help you.
Step Four: Preparing for Trial
If a settlement isn’t reached, your case heads to trial. Trial preparation involves months of work behind the scenes, including:
- Developing a clear narrative of your case
- Preparing witnesses and experts to testify
- Creating exhibits like accident reconstructions or medical charts
- Anticipating and countering defense arguments
Jury selection is also critical. Your attorney will work to ensure jurors are fair and unbiased, so your story is heard with clarity and compassion.
Step Five: The Trial Process
Trials follow a structured format:
- Opening statements from both sides
- Plaintiff’s case, presenting witnesses, experts, and evidence
- Defense’s case, disputing liability or damages
- Cross-examination of witnesses to test credibility
- Closing arguments before the jury
The judge then instructs the jury on the law. In Utah, a unanimous verdict is required for personal injury cases. If the jury rules in your favor, they’ll determine your compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Don’t navigate Utah’s complex legal system alone. Contact Steele Adams Hosman now.
After the Trial
Even after a verdict, cases don’t always end immediately. There may be:
- Post-trial motions challenging the outcome
- Appeals if legal errors are alleged
- Collection proceedings if the defendant refuses to pay
Your attorney will continue guiding you through these steps, making sure you receive the compensation awarded.
Utah’s Comparative Negligence Rule
Utah follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means if you’re partly at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re found 50% or more responsible, you cannot recover damages.
This rule makes it critical to present strong evidence of the other party’s negligence, and to have an attorney who can counter insurance companies’ attempts to shift blame onto you.
Why Local Experience Matters
Every Utah court has its own culture and expectations. From Salt Lake City Justice Court to the 3rd District Court of Utah, knowing how judges and juries view injury cases is essential. At Steele Adams Hosman, we bring deep local knowledge that gives our clients a strong advantage.
Our trial-ready approach also means we’re prepared to go to court if needed, which often leads to better settlement offers before trial.
Call Steele Adams Hosman today for a free consultation, and take the first step toward healing and recovery.
