Utah: Interstate 70 Police Reports and Accident Guide

Utah’s diverse terrain and growing population have made its highway system a vital part of daily life. Among these roadways, Interstate 70 stands out for its critical role in connecting east and west through central Utah. I-70 stretches from Cove Fort in the west to the Colorado state line in the east, cutting through remote landscapes and mountain passes. It passes through counties like Sevier, Emery, and Grand, and serves cities including Richfield, Salina, Green River, and the Moab area.

Despite relatively low traffic compared to other interstates, I-70 in Utah is still known for its unique dangers. Sudden weather shifts, long desolate stretches, and limited cell service can all turn a simple drive into a life-threatening event. Add in high speeds and out-of-state drivers unfamiliar with the terrain, and the risks increase dramatically.

Legal Help After an I-70 Accident

If you’ve been injured in a crash on Utah’s Interstate 70, you may be eligible for compensation. Utah law allows accident victims to recover damages through insurance claims or personal injury lawsuits when someone else’s negligence caused the crash. Compensation may include payment for medical bills, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and more.

Utah follows a modified comparative fault system. This means you can still recover compensation as long as you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are found to be 20% responsible, your compensation will be reduced by that amount.

The aftermath of a highway accident can be overwhelming. Our Utah I-70 accident attorneys are here to help relieve your burden. We’ll guide you through every step, from securing your crash report to negotiating with insurance companies and pursuing legal action. Contact us today for a free consultation.

We Can Assist You in Getting a Copy of Your Accident Report

After an accident, one of the most important documents you’ll need is your police crash report. This report provides a detailed, impartial account of what happened and is often crucial in proving fault.

While you can obtain your crash report independently, it can be a time-consuming and frustrating process, especially if you’re dealing with injuries. Our Utah I-70 accident lawyers can request your crash report on your behalf and help interpret its contents to support your case. Contact us for a free consultation—there’s no fee unless we win your case.

Why Are Utah Highways So Dangerous?

Utah’s highways, especially I-70, are deceptively hazardous. While traffic volumes are lower than in more urbanized states, the risks are magnified due to several factors:

• Long, isolated stretches with no services for 100+ miles
• High elevation mountain passes that experience sudden snow or ice
• Sharp curves through canyons and steep descents
• Unfamiliar tourist drivers heading to national parks
• Wildlife crossings, especially in San Rafael Swell and Fishlake National Forest

Many drivers underestimate these risks, resulting in serious crashes caused by speeding, driver fatigue, distracted driving, and weather-related incidents.

Utah Crash Statistics

Data from the Utah Department of Public Safety and Utah Highway Patrol show worrying trends:

• In one recent year, there were more than 61,000 reported motor vehicle crashes statewide.
• Over 300 people were killed, and more than 25,000 were injured.
• Rural highways like I-70 accounted for a disproportionate share of fatal crashes.
• Nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities were linked to impaired driving.
• Speeding was a factor in more than 40% of fatal collisions.
• Distracted driving caused nearly 5,000 crashes in a single year.

These numbers highlight the importance of cautious driving, especially on remote routes like I-70.

Construction and Canyon Hazards on I-70

While Utah’s I-70 has fewer major construction zones than urban interstates, ongoing maintenance still poses hazards. The narrow canyons of Clear Creek and the steep grades of Spotted Wolf Canyon require constant upkeep. Sudden lane closures, uneven pavement, and unclear detours can confuse drivers unfamiliar with the area.

If your accident occurred in a construction zone, liability may extend beyond the other driver. Construction contractors and the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) may be partially responsible if safety standards weren’t met. Common issues include:

• Missing or damaged warning signs
• Improperly placed cones or barrels
• Poor lighting or signage visibility
• Abrupt lane merges without notice

Documenting the scene immediately after an accident—especially in construction zones—is critical, as road conditions can change rapidly.

Danger Zones Along Utah’s I-70 Corridor

Although the entirety of I-70 in Utah requires caution, certain segments are more accident-prone:

• Eagle Canyon and Ghost Rock areas in Emery County feature steep grades, sharp curves, and sudden weather changes.
• Salina to Green River, one of the longest stretches in the U.S. with no gas stations or services (110 miles), is notorious for driver fatigue and wildlife collisions.
• I-70 near Fremont Junction is a frequent site of rollover crashes due to high speeds and wind gusts.
• Glenwood to Richfield, where speed limits fluctuate and elk crossings are common.

These segments demand full driver attention and cautious speeds, especially during dusk or winter months.

Utah Weather and Terrain Risks on I-70

Utah’s Interstate 70 presents distinct environmental hazards:

• Snow and ice in high elevations between November and March create slick road conditions.
• Flash flooding near the San Rafael River and in narrow canyon areas can wash out roadways in minutes.
• Strong wind gusts, particularly near Ghost Rock and Spotted Wolf Canyon, can push high-profile vehicles off course.
• Limited lighting and steep cliffs add danger during nighttime travel.

UDOT provides live road conditions through its website and the UDOT Traffic app. Before any I-70 trip, it’s wise to check for closures, weather alerts, or chain restrictions.

The Importance of Your Utah Car Accident Report

In Utah, police are required to file an official crash report if a crash results in injury, death, or apparent property damage of $1,500 or more. These reports are submitted to the Utah Department of Public Safety and are used by insurance companies and attorneys to determine liability and process claims.

If officers do not respond to the scene, Utah law mandates that drivers involved in such accidents self-report the crash within 10 days using Form DI-9, which can be downloaded from the DPS website.

What Information Is in a Utah Crash Report?

A standard Utah crash report includes:

• Date, time, and location of the accident
• Information about all drivers, including license numbers and addresses
• Vehicle details, VINs, and plate numbers
• Roadway, weather, and lighting conditions
• Description of any injuries or fatalities
• Diagrams of the accident scene
• Any citations or violations issued
• The officer’s narrative summary and preliminary fault assessment

This documentation is a key piece of evidence for insurance claims and any legal proceedings.

Why You Need a Copy of Your Utah I-70 Accident Report

Your crash report can significantly influence the outcome of your injury claim. Insurance companies use it to assign blame and determine compensation. If the report inaccurately describes the crash or omits key facts, your case could suffer.

Obtaining your report early lets you review it for errors, provide clarification to insurers, and ensure your attorney has all necessary details for building your case.

Where to Obtain a Utah Crash Report

Utah crash reports can be obtained from the Utah Department of Public Safety:

• Online: Visit highwaypatrol.utah.gov and access the Public Crash Report Search tool. You’ll need the date of the crash, location, and names of those involved.
• By Mail: Submit a written request along with payment to:

  Utah Highway Patrol Records Section
  4501 South 2700 West
  Salt Lake City, UT 84119

• In Person: You can also request the report at the Utah DPS office during business hours.

Reports cost approximately $10–$15, and are typically available within 7–10 business days of the crash.

Utah’s Statute of Limitations and Fault Rules

Utah gives car accident victims four years to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you must act quickly to preserve evidence and maximize your chance of success.

Important time limits:

• Government entities (e.g., UDOT or a city vehicle): Notice of claim must be filed within one year.
• Wrongful death claims: Two-year limit from the date of death.
• Minors: Time limits may be extended until the child turns 18.

Utah uses modified comparative negligence with a 50% fault bar. You can recover damages if you’re 49% or less at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

Why Hire a Utah I-70 Accident Attorney?

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by blaming victims or underestimating the severity of injuries. A knowledgeable I-70 accident lawyer can:

• Retrieve and analyze your crash report
• Preserve key evidence, including truck logs and dash cam footage
• Work with reconstruction experts to prove fault
• Handle all negotiations while you focus on recovery

You deserve full compensation, and experienced legal guidance can make all the difference.

If you or someone close to you has been involved in a crash on I-70, we can connect you with a qualified Utah car accident attorney. We also provide guidance on how to obtain your official crash report and explore your legal rights after a serious collision. Reach out today to get free help.