Wendover, UT (March 25, 2025) – On the afternoon of March 23, a fiery crash on westbound Interstate 80 near mile marker 24 resulted in serious injuries and a full shutdown of traffic in the area. According to the Utah Highway Patrol, the crash occurred just outside Wendover and involved an SUV and a semi truck with a trailer.
Authorities say the SUV was traveling westbound when it collided with the rear of the semi truck. The impact forced the SUV underneath the trailer, and the vehicle quickly caught fire. Emergency crews responded rapidly, and the driver of the SUV was airlifted from the scene with serious injuries. The semi truck driver was not hurt.
The westbound lanes of Interstate 80 were temporarily closed as firefighters extinguished the flames and investigators surveyed the wreckage. The Utah Department of Transportation and law enforcement urged drivers to avoid the area until cleanup was complete.
We hope those injured in this accident recover quickly.
Truck Accidents in Utah
Truck accidents are among the most dangerous types of crashes on Utah highways. Due to their size and weight, semi trucks pose a serious risk to passenger vehicles—especially in rear-end impacts. Interstate 80, a major cross-state corridor, sees frequent commercial traffic, and any collision involving a large truck can lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
Here are several reasons why semi truck accidents often result in severe consequences:
- Size Disparity Between Vehicles: Passenger vehicles are significantly smaller than semi trucks, making them vulnerable in crashes. Rear-end impacts with trucks can cause vehicles to slide underneath trailers, often resulting in major injuries or fires.
- Limited Stopping Distance: Large trucks require more distance to come to a complete stop. If a vehicle slows down or changes lanes too closely in front of a truck, the driver may not be able to stop in time.
- Blind Spots: Semi trucks have larger blind spots than standard vehicles. Cars driving alongside or behind them for extended periods can easily go unnoticed, increasing the risk of collisions during lane changes or turns.
- Cargo Weight and Load Shifts: A fully loaded trailer affects handling and braking. Sudden maneuvers can lead to jackknife accidents or tip-overs, especially if the load is improperly secured.
- Fatigue Among Drivers: Truck drivers often travel long distances, and fatigue can impair judgment and reaction times. Though regulated, violations of rest requirements do occur, contributing to crashes.
If you’ve been injured in a truck-related crash, contact our Wendover truck accident attorneys as soon as possible. Trucking companies often move quickly to protect their interests—so should you. Our legal team at Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks can help preserve key evidence, work with accident reconstructionists, and fight to get the full compensation you deserve. Delaying action could affect the strength of your claim.
At Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks, we have been helping Utah injury victims since 1993. With more than 150 years of combined experience, our attorneys offer one-on-one guidance and a personal approach to every case. We never charge up-front fees, and we don’t take a cut from your PIP benefits. Our contingency rates are lower than many firms, and we maintain fair pricing whether your case settles or goes to trial. Call us at (801) 500-4000 for a free consultation and let us stand beside you on the road to recovery.
