Where to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Washington, Iron, or Beaver County
General information, not legal advice. Read the full disclaimer.
Short answer: Under Utah Code § 78B-3a-201, a car accident lawsuit is generally filed in the county where the crash happened or where any defendant lives. Washington, Iron, and Beaver counties make up the Fifth Judicial District. Utah Courts lists district court locations in St. George (206 West Tabernacle, Suite 100), Cedar City (40 North 100 East), Beaver (2270 South 525 West), and Parowan (mailing address P.O. Box 608). Confirm addresses and hours with the court before you go.
Who this guide is for
People hurt on southern Utah roads — I-15, SR-9 toward Zion, or in the St. George and Cedar City areas — who want to know where a lawsuit would be filed.
The venue rule
Under § 78B-3a-201(1), the plaintiff brings the action in the county where the cause of action arises or where any defendant resides at commencement. If no defendant resides in Utah, the plaintiff may choose any county; if a defendant is about to leave the state, a county where a party resides or service is had.
The Fifth Judicial District
| County | Court location (per Utah Courts) |
|---|---|
| Washington | St. George District Court, 206 West Tabernacle, Suite 100, St. George |
| Iron | Cedar City District Court, 40 North 100 East, Cedar City; Parowan District Court (P.O. Box listed) |
| Beaver | Beaver District Court, 2270 South 525 West, Beaver |
Local situations to think about
- Tourist and out-of-state drivers. Southern Utah roads carry many visitors; if the other driver lives outside Utah, the venue rule may let the plaintiff choose a county, and collecting may involve out-of-state insurers. See Utah Third-Party Auto Insurance Claim Process.
- OHV, ATV, and UTV accidents on trails and public land. See Utah ATV, UTV, and Off-Highway Vehicle Accident Claims.
- National park and federal land injuries (such as Zion). See Injured by a Federal Employee in Utah?.
- Recreational injuries on land open to the public. See Utah's Limited Liability for Recreational Land.
- Commercial trucks on I-15. See Utah Commercial Truck Accident Claims.
- Hit-and-run and uninsured drivers. See Utah Hit-and-Run Accident Claims and Utah Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims.
Venue is not the deadline
Where you file doesn't change when you must file. See Utah Personal Injury Statute of Limitations for the general four-year period and its exceptions, and How a Utah Personal Injury Lawsuit Works for what happens after filing. Claims against a city, county, school district, or other government entity require a written notice of claim within one year first; see How to File a Notice of Claim Against a Utah Government Entity. For the broader picture of where a case can be filed, see Where to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Utah.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file if the crash was in Washington County?
Generally in Washington County (St. George District Court), or in the county where a defendant lives.
What if the other driver lives out of state?
If no defendant resides in Utah, the plaintiff may bring the action in any county designated in the complaint.
Is the filing deadline different in southern Utah?
No. Utah's statute of limitations is statewide.