Truck accidents often lead to serious injuries and complex legal questions. If you or a loved one were hurt in a crash involving a large commercial vehicle, don’t wait; schedule your free consultation today at 801-500-4000.
Why Truck Accidents Are Different From Car Accidents
Collisions involving semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, or other commercial vehicles tend to be more devastating than standard passenger car accidents. Trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds fully loaded, and the force of impact is often life-changing or even fatal.
Beyond the physical devastation, these cases are legally more complicated. Multiple parties may be involved, including the driver, their employer, contractors, and insurance companies. Determining who is liable (and holding them accountable) requires a thorough understanding of Utah law and federal trucking regulations.
Truck Accidents in Utah: The Numbers
Utah sees a steady number of large truck accidents each year. According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, there were over 5,000 truck-involved crashes in 2022. Many of these accidents resulted in serious injuries, and fatalities were more likely in truck collisions than in other vehicle accidents.
The most common causes of truck accidents in Utah include:
- Driver fatigue
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Improper cargo loading
- Inadequate truck maintenance
- Distracted or impaired driving
- Brake failure or tire blowouts
Because of the size and weight of trucks, even a momentary mistake can lead to catastrophic outcomes for other drivers on the road.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Utah Truck Accident?
Unlike typical car accidents, liability in truck crashes can be spread across several parties. Here’s a breakdown of who may be held responsible:
- The truck driver, if they were negligent, fatigued, distracted, or impaired.
- The trucking company, for poor hiring practices, lack of training, or failure to enforce safety regulations.
- The cargo company, if the truck was overloaded or improperly loaded.
- The vehicle manufacturer, if a mechanical defect played a role in the crash.
- Maintenance contractors, if faulty repairs or inspections contributed to the accident.
Determining liability often requires a detailed investigation and access to trucking logs, maintenance records, and black box data.
Understanding Federal and State Trucking Regulations
Commercial trucks are governed by both state laws and federal regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules cover everything from:
- Hours of Service limits to prevent driver fatigue
- Weight limits and cargo securement
- Mandatory rest breaks and sleep schedules
- Licensing and training requirements
- Regular vehicle inspections and maintenance
Violating any of these rules can make a trucking company or driver liable for an accident. That’s why experienced attorneys always investigate whether federal laws were broken before the crash occurred.
Comparative Fault in Utah Truck Accident Claims
Utah follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means that your compensation may be reduced if you’re found partially at fault. If you are 50% or more responsible, you can’t recover any damages.
This makes proper investigation and representation especially critical in truck accident cases. Insurance companies often try to shift blame to avoid large payouts, and without strong legal support, victims can lose the compensation they deserve.
Damages You May Be Able to Recover
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to a wide range of damages depending on the severity of your injuries and the long-term impact. Common recoverable damages include:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost income and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Vehicle and property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In some cases involving gross negligence, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar conduct.
Why You Need a Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accident cases are rarely straightforward. The trucking industry has teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters who begin working immediately after a crash to limit their liability.
Hiring an experienced Utah truck accident lawyer can help you:
- Preserve critical evidence, including driver logs and maintenance records
- Work with accident reconstruction experts
- Access black box data from the truck’s onboard computer
- Negotiate with powerful insurers
- Take your case to trial, if needed, to secure full compensation
Don’t try to go up against large trucking companies alone. Legal representation can mean the difference between a dismissed claim and a life-changing settlement.
How to Strengthen Your Case After a Truck Accident
Here are a few steps you can take to help protect your rights and your potential claim:
- Seek immediate medical attention and follow your treatment plan
- Get a copy of the police report and keep all accident-related documents
- Do not speak to the trucking company’s insurer without your attorney
- Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries if possible
- Keep a journal of your symptoms, pain levels, and how the accident has affected your life
Truck accident cases are built on evidence. The more you can document, the stronger your case will be.
We’re Here to Help During This Difficult Time
Recovering from a truck accident can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Many victims face long hospital stays, months of rehabilitation, and financial stress. We understand how overwhelming this process can be, and we’re here to take the legal burden off your shoulders, so you can focus on healing.
Call Today for a Free Consultation With a Utah Truck Accident Attorney
At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, our attorneys have decades of experience helping Utah truck accident victims pursue justice and fair compensation. We know the laws, understand how trucking companies operate, and have the resources to take on tough cases.
Call 801-500-4000 today to schedule your free consultation. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and help you take the next step toward recovery.
