Murray, UT (April 26, 2025) – A devastating crash occurred early Friday morning, April 25, on 5900 South in Murray, resulting in severe injuries to two Utah Transit Authority workers. The incident, which took place around 1:30 a.m., has led to the arrest of 29-year-old Brandon Palma, who is suspected of fleeing the scene after the collision.
Authorities say Palma struck a UTA maintenance truck and two workers who were outside the vehicle at the time. Both workers sustained major injuries and were transported to area hospitals. According to reports, one worker suffered a leg amputation, along with a broken arm and internal injuries. The other worker sustained a fractured finger, tibia, fibula, and sternum, as well as a head injury.
Palma allegedly exited his vehicle after the crash, checked on the injured individuals, and then fled eastbound on 5900 South. Later in the afternoon, he contacted authorities and surrendered. He was subsequently booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on charges including fleeing the scene of an accident, operating a vehicle without insurance, driving on a denied license, and driving with expired registration.
Police noted that Palma expressed concern for the victims’ conditions when turning himself in. He told officers that his work as a road laborer made him understand the dangers roadside workers face, influencing his decision to surrender. Authorities also mentioned Palma’s admission to a history of fleeing from police during previous incidents.
We hope those injured in this accident recover quickly.
Car Accidents in Utah
Utah sees thousands of car accidents each year, many resulting in serious injury or worse. In 2023 alone, over 61,000 crashes were reported across the state. Incidents involving road workers, emergency responders, and maintenance crews highlight the extreme dangers present on both major highways and smaller city streets.
Understanding major contributors to accidents can help improve safety for all. Common factors include:
- Distracted Driving: Failing to pay full attention, even briefly, often results in accidents with devastating consequences.
- Speeding: Exceeding speed limits dramatically reduces a driver’s reaction time and can turn minor accidents into major catastrophes.
- Weather Conditions: Utah’s winter snow and ice, along with rain and fog, can create treacherous driving situations year-round.
- Fatigue: Exhausted drivers make more mistakes, often resulting in preventable accidents on both highways and residential streets.
- Failure to Yield: Ignoring right-of-way rules, particularly around intersections and construction zones, frequently leads to injury-causing crashes.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drug use continues to be a leading cause of fatal and serious accidents throughout Utah.
When serious accidents occur, taking immediate legal action is crucial. Getting in touch with a dedicated Murray car accident attorney ensures that victims and their families have strong legal support from the beginning, helping them secure compensation and justice.
After an accident, you need a team that stands by your side every step of the way. At Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks, we offer free consultations to those hurt in accidents across Utah. Our attorneys have more than 150 years of combined experience working exclusively on personal injury cases. Clients work directly with our lawyers — not case managers — from start to finish. With no upfront fees and lower contingency rates than many firms, we provide strong, personalized representation. Call our team today at (801) 500-4000 to schedule your free consultation and start your recovery journey.
