STATE LAW – UTAH LIBRARY – GUIDE 22
Utah Settlement, Release & Claim Closure
Settlement should come only after responsible parties, liability coverage, UM/UIM, PIP benefits, damages, liens and reimbursement interests have been identified.
- Identify every person and entity being released.
- Review general-release, indemnity, hold-harmless, confidentiality and attorney-fee provisions.
- Confirm whether UM/UIM or other first-party rights could be impaired.
- Resolve PIP reimbursement, liens and subrogation claims before distribution.
- Preserve complete settlement, release and payment documentation.
Releasing one Utah defendant does not automatically release the others
Utah Code § 78B-5-822 provides that a release given to one or more defendants does not discharge another defendant unless the release expressly provides otherwise.
Utah generally uses several liability without contribution
Section 78B-5-820 generally limits each defendant’s liability to that defendant’s allocated proportion of fault and provides no contribution right among defendants, subject to statutory and contractual exceptions.
Before signing a release, separately address PIP, UM/UIM, liens, reimbursement, indemnity, confidentiality, and any claims intended to remain open.
PUBLIC-INTEREST LEGAL EDUCATION
VictimsGuide does not provide legal services or create an attorney-client relationship. Insurance requirements, deadlines, remedies and controlling authority can change. Verify current primary authority, policy language and the law applicable to the particular event before legal reliance.
Official Sources
Verify current Utah law at the source
The reviewed Utah guide content above is preserved. Use current statutes, insurance regulation, controlling cases and the operative policy before legal reliance.
Citizen crossroads