¡Hablamos Español!

Utah Truck Accident Lawyer

With decades of experience managing complex truck accident cases, we understand how to confront powerful trucking companies and their insurers to secure the best possible outcomes for our clients. Call Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks today, and let a Utah Truck Accident Lawyer fight for the compensation you deserve.

Utah Truck Accident Lawyer – Get Professional Help

Truck accidents are among the most devastating collisions on Utah’s roads, often leading to severe injuries, extensive property damage, and tragic fatalities. Due to the massive size and weight of commercial trucks, victims in passenger vehicles are at a much higher risk of catastrophic harm. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident caused by negligent trucking companies, reckless drivers, or unsafe road conditions, you deserve experienced legal representation to fight for your rights. 

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, our skilled Utah truck accident lawyers understand the complexities of truck accident claims, from dealing with powerful insurance companies to holding multiple liable parties accountable. 

We are committed to securing the maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Contact our Utah truck accident lawyers today to learn how we can help you take the following steps toward justice.

Get the Help You Need: Utah Truck Accident Lawyer

Introduction to Truck Accidents in Utah

Truck accidents are a significant concern in Utah, leading to severe injuries and fatalities each year. Understanding the prevalence and impact of these accidents is crucial for promoting road safety and implementing effective preventive measures.

Utah Truck Accident Statistics 

Recent data highlights the gravity of truck-related incidents in the state:

  • Total Accidents: In a recent year, Utah experienced over 1,000 large truck crashes, resulting in 51 fatalities and 483 injuries. 
  • Fatal and Severe Injury Crashes: Between 2019 and 2021, there were 91 fatal crashes and 232 severe injury crashes involving large trucks in Utah, totaling 323 serious incidents over the three-year period. 

These statistics underscore the critical need for heightened awareness and safety measures to reduce the frequency and severity of truck accidents in Utah.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents From a Utah Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents can have devastating consequences due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. While accidents can happen for various reasons, some factors are more common than others. Understanding these causes can help prevent crashes and improve road safety for both truck drivers and other motorists.

Several factors contribute to the occurrence of truck accidents in Utah:

Driver Fatigue

Long hours on the road can lead to decreased alertness and slower reaction times.

Distracted Driving

The use of mobile devices or other distractions can divert attention from the road.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Exceeding speed limits reduces the ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions.

Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo

Excess weight or unsecured cargo can cause rollovers and loss of control.

Improper Maintenance

Failure to maintain vehicles can result in mechanical failures leading to accidents.

Poor Weather Conditions

Rain, snow, and fog reduce visibility and make roads slippery, increasing the risk of crashes.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision caused by one of these factors, a Utah truck accident lawyer can help determine liability and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Impact on Other Road Users

The consequences of truck accidents often extend beyond the truck drivers themselves:

  • Occupants of Other Vehicles: A significant majority of fatalities in large truck crashes are occupants of other vehicles. 
  • Non-Motorists: Pedestrians and bicyclists are also vulnerable to truck-related incidents.

Recognizing these impacts emphasizes the importance of comprehensive safety strategies to protect all road users.

Preventive Measures

To mitigate the risks associated with truck accidents, several measures can be implemented:

  • Enhanced Training: Ensuring truck drivers receive comprehensive training on safety protocols.
  • Strict Enforcement of Regulations: Adherence to hours-of-service regulations to prevent driver fatigue.
  • Regular Vehicle Inspections: Routine checks to ensure trucks are in optimal working condition.
  • Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating all road users about sharing the road safely with large trucks.

By focusing on these areas, Utah can work towards reducing the incidence and severity of truck accidents, ensuring safer roads for everyone.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can have devastating consequences due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. While accidents can happen for various reasons, some factors are more common than others. 

Understanding these causes can help prevent crashes and improve road safety for both truck drivers and other motorists.

Driver Fatigue

One of the leading causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. Long-haul truck drivers often work extended hours to meet tight deadlines, leading to exhaustion and decreased reaction times. Although federal regulations limit the number of hours a truck driver can operate, violations of these rules are common, increasing the risk of crashes.

Distracted Driving

Like all motorists, truck drivers can become distracted while behind the wheel. Common distractions include:

  • Using a cell phone for texting, calling, or navigation
  • Eating or drinking while driving
  • Adjusting the radio or GPS
  • Daydreaming or zoning out on long trips

Given the size and momentum of a truck, even a few seconds of inattention can lead to catastrophic accidents.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Trucks require more time and distance to stop than smaller vehicles, making speeding especially dangerous. Some truck drivers exceed speed limits to meet delivery deadlines, increasing the risk of:

  • Rear-end collisions due to inadequate stopping distance.
  • Loss of control, especially on curves or steep inclines.
  • Jackknife accidents, where the trailer swings out at an angle, blocking traffic.

Poor Truck Maintenance

Trucks must be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they operate safely. When companies or drivers fail to perform proper maintenance, mechanical failures can cause accidents. Common maintenance-related issues include:

  • Brake failures, leading to uncontrolled stops.
  • Tire blowouts, increasing the risk of rollovers.
  • Faulty steering or suspension systems, making it difficult to control the vehicle.

Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo

Trucks carrying excess weight or improperly secured cargo pose a significant danger on the road. Overloaded trucks are more complicated to control, and shifting cargo can cause rollovers or cargo spills that create hazards for other vehicles.

Impaired Driving

Although commercial truck drivers must adhere to strict drug and alcohol regulations, some still operate under the influence. Impaired driving reduces:

  • Reaction time when responding to sudden stops or lane changes.
  • Judgment and decision-making on the road.
  • Coordination, increasing the likelihood of veering off course.

Poor Weather Conditions

Adverse weather, such as rain, snow, fog, or ice, can significantly affect a truck’s ability to stop or maneuver safely. While truck drivers are trained to handle challenging conditions, driving too fast for road conditions is a common mistake that leads to crashes.

Truck accidents occur for a variety of reasons, including driver fatigue, distractions, poor maintenance, and overloaded cargo. Because these crashes often result in severe injuries and fatalities, trucking companies and drivers must follow safety regulations and take precautions on the road. 

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, seeking legal help can ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Federal & State Trucking Regulations That Impact Utah Cases

Truck accidents often involve complex legal issues due to the extensive regulations governing the trucking industry. Both federal and Utah state laws establish guidelines that truck drivers and trucking companies must follow to ensure safety and prevent accidents. 

When these regulations are violated, they can serve as key evidence in determining liability in truck accident cases.

Federal Trucking Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets regulations that apply to all commercial trucks operating across state lines, including those in Utah. Some of the most essential FMCSA rules include:

Hours of Service Rules

  • Truck drivers can drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
  • They cannot drive more than 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days.
  • Electronic logging devices are required to track driving hours and prevent violations.

Weight Limits & Cargo Securement

  • The maximum weight limit for a commercial truck is 80,000 pounds.
  • Cargo must be securely fastened to prevent shifting or falling during transport.

Drug & Alcohol Testing

  • Drivers must undergo regular drug and alcohol screenings, especially after an accident.
  • The legal blood alcohol concentration limit for truck drivers is 0.04%, half the limit for regular drivers.

Utah State Trucking Regulations

In addition to federal laws, Utah enforces state-specific trucking regulations that impact accident cases. These include:

Utah Weight & Size Restrictions

  • Trucks exceeding 80,000 pounds require a special permit.
  • Oversized loads must be clearly marked, and in some cases, escort vehicles are required.

Speed Limits for Commercial Trucks

  • On interstate highways, the speed limit for trucks is generally 5 mph lower than for passenger vehicles.
  • In urban areas, trucks must reduce speed based on road conditions and traffic laws.

Insurance Requirements

  • Utah requires commercial trucking companies to carry higher liability insurance than standard vehicles.
  • Minimum coverage amounts depend on cargo type but typically range from $750,000 to $5 million.

How Violations Impact Utah Truck Accident Cases

When truck drivers or trucking companies violate federal or state regulations, it can be used to prove negligence in an accident claim. A truck accident lawyer can investigate:

  • Driver log books and electronic records for HOS violations.
  • Maintenance reports to determine if mechanical failures contributed to the crash.
  • Cargo loading documents to see if improper weight distribution caused instability.

Federal and state trucking regulations play a crucial role in Utah truck accident cases. Violations of these laws can be strong proof of negligence, helping accident victims secure rightful compensation. 

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, an experienced attorney can investigate whether regulatory violations contributed to your crash and fight for the compensation you deserve.

How a Utah Truck Accident Lawyer Determines Liability

Truck accidents are often legally complex because multiple parties are responsible for the crash. 

Unlike standard car accidents, where liability typically falls on one or both drivers, commercial truck accidents often involve trucking companies, cargo loaders, and even vehicle manufacturers. 

Determining who is at fault requires a thorough investigation, and understanding the different factors that contribute to liability is essential for building a strong claim.

A Utah truck accident lawyer will investigate the following potentially liable parties:

Key Parties That May Be Liable

Truck accidents often involve more than one liable party, depending on the cause of the crash. Potentially responsible parties include:

  • The Truck Driver: If the driver was speeding, distracted, fatigued, or under the influence, they may be held personally liable for the accident.
  • The Trucking Company: Employers can be responsible for negligent hiring, lack of proper training, or pushing drivers to violate safety regulations.
  • The Cargo Loader: If improperly loaded cargo shifts or falls onto the road, the company that secured the load may be liable.
  • The Truck Manufacturer: Mechanical failures, such as faulty brakes or defective tires, could place liability on the vehicle manufacturer or parts supplier.
  • Maintenance Contractors: The maintenance company could share responsibility if a truck was improperly maintained or inspected.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents & Liability

Several factors contribute to truck accidents, and each one helps determine liability. Some common causes include:

  • Driver Negligence: Speeding, fatigue, distracted driving, and reckless maneuvers can make the driver liable.
  • Company Negligence: Trucking companies may be held responsible if they overwork drivers, fail to conduct background checks or neglect routine maintenance.
  • Equipment Failure: If a defective truck part contributed to the crash, the manufacturer or maintenance team may be at fault.
  • Improper Loading: The loading company may be responsible if the cargo was overloaded or unsecured.

Evidence Used to Prove Liability

Establishing fault in a truck accident requires substantial evidence to determine who was negligent. Investigators and attorneys rely on the following:

  • Black Box Data: Commercial trucks have electronic logging devices that record speed, braking, and driver hours.
  • Driver Logs: Checking the driver’s logbook can reveal whether they violated federal hours-of-service regulations.
  • Surveillance & Dashcam Footage: Video evidence can provide clear proof of negligence.
  • Police Reports & Witness Statements: Law enforcement reports and eyewitness testimony help establish what happened.

Comparative Fault in Utah Truck Accidents Explained by Utah Truck Accident Lawyer

Utah follows a modified comparative fault system, meaning accident victims can recover compensation only if they are less than 50% at fault. However, if the trucking company or another party tries to shift blame, it can reduce or eliminate your settlement. This is why having an attorney is crucial to counter unfair fault assessments.

Determining liability in a Utah truck accident requires an in-depth investigation into driver negligence, trucking company policies, equipment maintenance, and federal regulation compliance. With multiple parties potentially at fault, accident victims must gather strong evidence and fight against insurance company tactics that shift blame. 

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, consulting with an experienced attorney can ensure that the right parties are held accountable and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Insurance Challenges in Truck Accident Claims

Truck accident claims are often more complicated than regular car accident claims, mainly due to the involvement of multiple parties, high insurance policy limits, and aggressive defense tactics from trucking companies and their insurers. 

Understanding the common challenges in truck accident insurance claims can help victims prepare for obstacles and ensure they receive fair compensation.

Dealing with Multiple Insurance Companies

Unlike passenger vehicle accidents, where one or two insurance policies are typically involved, truck accidents often include:

  • The truck driver’s insurance (if they are an independent contractor).
  • The trucking company’s insurance (if the driver is an employee).
  • The cargo company’s insurance (if improperly loaded cargo contributed to the crash).
  • The truck manufacturer’s insurance (if a mechanical defect caused the accident).

Each insurer tries to shift blame to avoid paying out, leading to delays and disputes over liability.

High-Value Policies Lead to Fierce Resistance

Trucking companies are required by federal law to carry higher insurance coverage than standard vehicles due to the severity of truck accidents. Depending on the type of cargo, commercial trucks must have a minimum liability policy between $750,000 and $5 million.

Because of these high limits, insurance companies fight aggressively to minimize payouts, often using the following tactics:

  • Denying liability by blaming the victim or external factors.
  • Delaying investigations to wear down claimants.
  • Offering low settlements in hopes that victims will accept less than they deserve.

Disputing the Severity of Injuries

Insurance companies often try to reduce compensation by downplaying injuries. They may claim:

  • The injuries were pre-existing or not caused by the accident.
  • The victim is exaggerating symptoms or could have recovered sooner.
  • Medical treatments were unnecessary or too expensive.

Having comprehensive medical records and expert testimony can help counter these arguments.

Comparative Fault and Blame-Shifting

Utah follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning that victims can only recover compensation if they are less than 50% at fault. Insurance companies use this rule to their advantage by trying to increase the victim’s percentage of fault.

For example, they may argue that:

  • The victim failed to brake in time, even if the truck driver was speeding.
  • The victim was distracted, which contributed to the accident.
  • Poor road conditions, weather, or other external factors were the leading cause of the crash.

Proving Compliance with Federal Regulations

Truck accident claims often involve complex federal regulations, such as hours-of-service rules, cargo weight limits, and required maintenance checks. A trucking company may be held liable if it violated any of these regulations. However, insurance companies often try to withhold critical evidence, such as black box data and driver logs, to avoid responsibility.

Insurance companies use a variety of tactics to reduce or deny truck accident claims, from shifting blame to disputing injury severity. Victims need strong legal representation to fight back because multiple insurers are often involved, and large sums of money are at stake. 

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, working with an experienced Utah truck accident lawyer can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Utah

Truck accidents can be devastating, often resulting in severe injuries, extensive property damage, and long-term consequences for victims. Taking the right steps immediately after a truck accident in Utah is crucial to ensuring your safety, preserving evidence, and protecting your legal rights. 

If you have been involved in a truck accident in Utah, taking the right steps can help protect your health and legal rights:

Check for Injuries and Call 911

Your health and safety are the top priority. Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 immediately to report the accident. Even if you feel fine, truck accidents can cause delayed injuries, such as whiplash or internal trauma, so seeking medical attention is essential.

Emergency responders will:

Provide medical care to those injured.

Secure the accident scene to prevent further collisions.

File an official police report, which will be crucial for your claim.

Move to a Safe Location (If Possible)

If the accident is minor and your vehicle is drivable, move it to the side of the road to avoid further collisions. However, if you or others are seriously injured, stay inside your vehicle until help arrives unless there is immediate danger (e.g., fire or leaking fuel).

Gather Information from the Truck Driver

Collecting detailed information from the truck driver is crucial for your claim. Be sure to obtain:

  • Truck driver’s name, license number, and contact information.
  • Truck’s license plate number and company name.
  • Trucking company’s insurance details.

Unlike regular car accidents, trucking companies and cargo loaders may also be liable, so documenting all involved parties is essential.

Take Photos and Videos of the Accident Scene

Truck accidents involve multiple parties and insurance companies, so having clear evidence can protect your claim. Capture:

  • Vehicle damage to all involved vehicles.
  • Skid marks, debris, and road conditions may indicate fault.
  • Traffic signals, weather conditions, and any obstructions that contributed to the crash.

If possible, record witness statements and obtain their contact information. Witness testimony can be critical in proving liability.

Avoid Admitting Fault or Discussing the Accident

Insurance adjusters and trucking companies may use your statements against you to minimize their payout. Do not admit fault, apologize, or speculate about what happened. Stick to factual information when speaking with police officers and other drivers.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you feel uninjured, some injuries take hours or days to appear. Seeking immediate medical attention:

  • Creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident.
  • Ensures you receive necessary treatment before conditions worsen.
  • Strengthens your personal injury claim by proving your injuries are accident-related.

Contact an Experienced Utah Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accident claims are complex due to multiple insurance policies, federal regulations, and large trucking companies fighting to avoid liability. An experienced truck accident lawyer can:

  • Investigate the accident and gather critical evidence.
  • Negotiate with trucking companies and insurance adjusters for fair compensation.
  • File a lawsuit if necessary to ensure you receive what you deserve.

Taking the right steps after a truck accident in Utah can protect your health, preserve critical evidence, and strengthen your legal claim. Seeking medical attention, gathering evidence, and contacting an experienced truck accident lawyer can make a significant difference in securing the compensation you need to recover. 

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, reach out to a skilled attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Compensation Available for Truck Accident Victims in Utah

Victims of truck accidents in Utah may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

  • Medical Expenses: Covers emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical care.
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work and loss of future earning capacity.
  • Pain and Suffering: Damages for emotional and physical distress caused by the accident.
  • Property Damage: Covers repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and personal property.
  • Wrongful Death Compensation: For families who have lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident.

A Utah truck accident lawyer will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.

How Our Utah Truck Accident Lawyers Build Strong Cases

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we understand that truck accident cases are more complex than typical car accident claims due to the involvement of multiple parties, federal regulations, and high-stakes insurance policies. 

To secure the maximum compensation for our clients, our Utah truck accident lawyers take a strategic, evidence-based approach to building strong cases.

Conducting a Thorough Investigation

Truck accident cases require immediate and detailed investigations to gather evidence before it is lost or altered. Our legal team works quickly to:

  • Obtain police reports and accident scene documentation.
  • Review surveillance footage or dash cam recordings.
  • Inspect the truck’s black box data, which records speed, braking, and other critical details.
  • Preserve electronic logging device records to check for driver fatigue or hours-of-service violations.

Because trucking companies and insurers often try to withhold crucial evidence, we take aggressive legal action to secure all necessary documentation.

Identifying All Liable Parties

Unlike standard vehicle accidents, truck accidents may involve multiple liable parties, each with different insurance policies. Our firm carefully examines the following:

  • The Truck Driver: If reckless driving, fatigue, or DUI contributed to the crash.
  • The Trucking Company: If they failed to train drivers properly, encouraged overloading, or ignored safety protocols.
  • The Cargo Company: If improperly loaded cargo led to the accident.
  • Truck Manufacturers or Maintenance Contractors: If a mechanical failure (such as brake or tire defects) was a factor.

By identifying all responsible parties, we ensure victims pursue full compensation from every liable source.

Gathering Professional Testimony

To strengthen a truck accident case, we collaborate with industry experts who provide professional analysis, including:

  • Accident Reconstruction Specialists: To recreate how the crash happened and determine fault
  • Medical Professionals: To assess the long-term impact of injuries and necessary treatments
  • Economic Professionals: To calculate the full extent of financial losses, including lost wages and future medical costs

Professional testimony adds credibility and weight to our client’s claims, making it harder for insurance companies to dispute liability or damages.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Trucking companies carry high-value insurance policies, which means their insurers fight aggressively to limit payouts. Our attorneys:

  • Challenge lowball settlement offers.
  • Use evidence and expert reports to prove the full extent of damages.
  • Push back against delays and bad-faith tactics used by insurance adjusters.

We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which often forces insurers to offer fair settlements rather than risk court losses.

Taking the Case to Trial (If Necessary)

If settlement negotiations fail, our firm is fully prepared to take the case to court. We have extensive litigation experience and are not afraid to challenge large trucking corporations before a judge and jury. 

By presenting strong evidence, expert testimony, and compelling legal arguments, we fight to secure the best possible outcome for our clients.

Building a strong truck accident case requires extensive investigation, expert analysis, and aggressive legal advocacy. At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we take a meticulous and strategic approach to ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact us today for a free consultation, and let a Utah Truck Accident Lawyer fight for your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents in Utah

Truck accidents can be overwhelming, and victims often have many legal and financial concerns after a serious crash. Below are common questions about Utah truck accidents.

The Utah statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a truck accident is four years from the date of the crash. However, if the accident results in a wrongful death, the victim’s family has only two years to file a claim.

It is crucial to begin the legal process as soon as possible because evidence can disappear, and trucking companies may destroy records if a claim is not filed quickly.

Pedestrians and bicyclists are especially vulnerable in truck accidents, and injuries are often catastrophic. If you are struck by a commercial truck while walking or biking in Utah, you can file a personal injury claim against the truck driver, trucking company, or other liable parties.

Because trucks have large blind spots, pedestrian and bicycle accidents often occur when a truck is:

  • Turning at an intersection without checking for pedestrians.
  • Backing up in a parking lot or delivery zone.
  • Failing to yield at a crosswalk.

Pedestrians and cyclists have the right of way in many situations, so truck drivers can often be held liable if they fail to exercise caution.

If a trucking company or its insurance representative reaches out to you after an accident, proceed with caution. They may try to:

  • Get you to accept a low settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries.
  • Pressure you into making a recorded statement that could be used against you.
  • Ask you to sign paperwork waiving your right to further compensation.

Do not agree to anything or provide a recorded statement until you consult with a truck accident lawyer. An attorney can protect your rights and ensure you don’t accept an unfair offer.

Yes. Even if the truck driver is an independent contractor, you may still have a claim against:

  • The trucking company, if they failed to vet or supervise the driver properly.
  • The cargo company, if improper loading, contributed to the accident.
  • The truck manufacturer or maintenance provider, if a mechanical failure was involved.

Trucking companies often try to distance themselves from liability by arguing that their drivers are independent contractors, but a lawyer can investigate whether they are still legally responsible.

If a truck driver flees the scene of an accident, it is considered a hit-and-run, which is a serious crime in Utah. If this happens:

  • Call 911 immediately and provide any identifying details about the truck.
  • Look for traffic cameras or eyewitnesses who may have recorded the accident.
  • Check your uninsured motorist coverage to see if it can help cover damages.

Police will investigate, but an experienced attorney can help you explore all compensation options even if the driver is not found.

Utah truck accidents involve many unique legal challenges, from hit-and-run cases to trucking companies shifting liability. Understanding your rights and seeking legal guidance early can help you recover the compensation you deserve. If you have more questions, contact an experienced Utah truck accident lawyer to discuss your case.

Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks: Utah Truck Accident Lawyer for You

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we understand a truck accident's devastating impact on victims and their families. From severe injuries to mounting medical bills and lost wages, the aftermath of a crash can feel overwhelming. Since 1993, Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks has been a trusted advocate for injury victims throughout Utah, providing dedicated legal representation from our offices in cities like Provo, Salt Lake City, and South Jordan. As the first law firm south of Salt Lake County to focus exclusively on personal injury law, we have remained committed to protecting the rights of those harmed by negligence. Our experienced trial attorneys, with over 150 years of combined legal knowledge, fight tirelessly to secure fair compensation for our clients. We take pride in standing by injury victims, offering skilled advocacy and personalized support to help them navigate the legal process. Contact a Utah truck accident lawyer today at (801) 500-4000 for a free consultation, and let us help you take the following steps toward justice and financial recovery.