What the police report says about an Ogden crash matters less than what you can prove about fault, income loss, and family loss. In Utah, there is no fixed payout for a wrongful death case. Value can range from funeral and final medical bills only to much more if the person who died supported a spouse or children, had steady wages, and there is strong proof the other driver was mostly at fault. Utah's 50% bar rule also matters: if the person who died was 50% or more at fault, recovery is blocked.

To prove value, gather the documents that match each type of claim.

For a wrongful death claim, Utah allows the heirs - typically a spouse, children, or parents - or the personal representative acting for them to seek damages for funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, and the family's loss of care, guidance, and consortium. Use:

• Funeral home invoices, cemetery bills, cremation costs
• Pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns, union records, overtime history
• Proof of benefits like health insurance, pension, or retirement contributions
• Marriage certificates, birth certificates, and proof of household support

For the estate's claim - often called a survival action - the personal representative can pursue losses the person had before death, such as medical bills, lost wages between injury and death, and other damages tied to that period. Use hospital bills, EMS records, life-flight invoices, prescription records, and employment records showing missed work.

To prove fault in a winter crash on roads like I-15, I-84, or Harrison Boulevard, collect the Utah Highway Patrol or Ogden Police report, scene photos, black-ice or snow-condition photos, dashcam video, witness names, towing records, and weather data.

The filing timeline is short: a Utah wrongful death lawsuit is generally due within 2 years from the date of death. If there is an estate claim too, open the estate promptly in Weber County so a personal representative can act.