Accident Involving Injury Penalties in Salt Lake County
Under Utah Code § 41-6a-401, an operator of a vehicle who has reason to believe that he or she may have been involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person must immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close to it as possible without obstructing traffic more than is necessary and remain there until he or she has fulfilled the requirements of Utah Code § 41-6a-401.7. The duties of motor vehicle operators under that statute include providing to the people involved the operator’s name, address, and the registration number of the vehicle being operated as well as the name of the insurance provider covering the vehicle being operated including the phone number of the agent or provider.
The operator is also required to render to any person injured in the accident reasonable assistance, including transporting or making arrangements for transporting, of the injured person to a physician or hospital for medical treatment if:
- it is apparent that treatment is necessary; or
- transportation is requested by the injured person.
When a driver is at fault for causing an accident that results in injuries to another party, that person is typically cited for an infraction such as following too closely or negligent collision that may be punishable by a fine but does not involve imprisonment. Criminal charges may be filed, however, if the alleged offender is accused of driving recklessly.
Reckless driving is a class B misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. If a driver fails to fulfill his or her duties as a motor vehicle operator, that person can be charged with class C misdemeanor offense of leaving the scene of an accident, which is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $750. If an alleged offender is also accused of DUI, that offense becomes a third-degree felony punishable by five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000.