Midvale, UT (March 24, 2025) – A crash in Midvale on March 22 left one teenager dead and another in critical condition. The incident occurred just before 1 p.m. on Fort Union Boulevard, according to the Unified Police Department. Officials say a 17-year-old driver, a student at Hillcrest High School, died after the SUV they were operating veered off Fort Union Boulevard and collided with a parked semi-truck.
The Unified Police Department reported that the SUV had been heading west on Fort Union Boulevard around 12:48 p.m. when the teen driver attempted to swerve away from another vehicle. Road conditions were wet, and the driver lost control, resulting in a fatal impact with the back of the stationary semi-truck.
A 19-year-old passenger who was in the vehicle at the time suffered life-threatening injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Police are still working to determine all contributing factors but noted that slick roads likely played a significant role in the crash. Midvale Mayor Dustin Gettel confirmed the student’s death via social media and expressed condolences to the community. The Unified Police Department is investigating.
We extend our sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased victim during this grieving time. We also hope those injured in this accident recover quickly.
Car Accidents in Utah
Utah sees thousands of motor vehicle accidents every year, many of which result in serious or fatal injuries. According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, over 60,000 crashes occur annually across the state. Of these, approximately 25,000 lead to injuries, and several hundred result in fatalities. Rain, snow, and icy roads are frequent contributors to loss-of-control incidents, especially during seasonal transitions.
Here are some key points to consider about road hazards in Utah:
- Wet or Icy Roads: Weather plays a major role in crash risk. Rain, sleet, and snow can reduce traction, extend braking distance, and impair visibility. Drivers who fail to adjust their speed or following distance in these conditions are more likely to crash.
- Parked Vehicles and Roadside Hazards: Stationary vehicles can be especially dangerous when visibility is low. When drivers lose control, parked cars and trucks can become deadly obstacles. Proper placement and reflective markings on parked commercial vehicles can help reduce this risk.
- Teen Drivers: Inexperience, combined with reactive driving in stressful situations, makes teen drivers especially vulnerable. Educational programs and supervised driving hours are key in helping them develop safer habits.
- Distraction and Overcorrection: Swerving to avoid hazards or reacting too quickly without control often leads to more serious consequences. This is particularly true when mixed with high speeds or poor road conditions.
- Urban Area Traffic Density: High traffic areas, like Midvale, are especially prone to crashes involving multiple vehicles or fixed objects due to congestion, narrow lanes, and sudden stops.
If someone you love has been hurt or even killed in a crash, call our Midvale car accident attorneys at Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks. Reaching out to an attorney as soon as possible ensures that evidence is preserved and your rights are protected. Whether you’re recovering from physical trauma or dealing with insurance adjusters, having someone advocate for your best interests from the start can make all the difference. Our lawyers will take over the intricate claims process and help you pursue the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing.
At Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks, we offer free consultations and are here to help. If you’ve been affected by this or any other car accident, call our team at (801) 500-4000 to get started. Our attorneys have been focused exclusively on personal injury cases since 1993 and have over 150 years of combined experience. We work directly with our clients and never pass you off to a case manager or assistant. Our firm charges no upfront fees, and we don’t increase our fees if your case goes to trial. You’ll always have direct access to your attorney, and we’ll do everything we can to help you get your life back on track. Let us stand by your side and fight for the justice you deserve.
