Being involved in a truck accident is an overwhelming and often traumatic experience. These crashes tend to be far more severe than typical car accidents due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. In Utah, the risk is particularly high along major routes like I-15 and I-80, where commercial traffic is frequent.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision with a semi-truck or other large vehicle, it’s essential to act quickly but calmly. The steps you take in the hours and days following the crash can significantly impact your recovery, both physically and legally.
Why Truck Accidents Are Different
Truck accident cases are often more complex than standard auto collisions. This is due to:
- The size and weight of trucks, which cause more catastrophic injuries
- Multiple parties may be liable, including the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance contractors, and even the cargo loaders.
- Federal and state regulations that govern the trucking industry
- More aggressive insurance defense teams
Because of these factors, it’s crucial to understand your rights and responsibilities from the very beginning.
Step 1: Prioritize Your Health and Safety
Your health comes first. If you are able, move to a safe location away from traffic. Call 911 and request medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor at first. Some symptoms (like concussions or internal injuries) can take hours or days to appear.
Getting medical care creates a formal record of your injuries, which can later support your claim for compensation. Follow all medical advice and attend every follow-up appointment. Delaying treatment can harm both your health and your legal case.
Step 2: Contact Law Enforcement and Request a Report
In Utah, it is legally required to report any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage over $1,500. When police arrive, give them accurate and honest information about what happened, but do not admit fault or speculate.
Be sure to request a copy of the official crash report, which will include key details such as:
- Names and statements of those involved
- Witness contact information
- Road and weather conditions
- Preliminary assessment of fault
This document will be vital for your attorney as they investigate your case.
Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene
If it’s safe to do so, collect as much evidence as possible while you’re still at the scene:
- Photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries
- Contact information for any witnesses
- The truck’s license plate and USDOT number
- The driver’s name, employer, and insurance information
- Details about the cargo, if known
Trucking companies often send investigators to accident scenes quickly. Acting promptly helps preserve the facts before they’re lost or altered.
Step 4: Avoid Talking to the Trucking Company or Their Insurer Alone
Soon after the accident, you may receive a call from the trucking company’s insurance provider. They may offer a quick settlement or ask you to give a recorded statement. Do not agree to anything or sign any documents without speaking to an experienced truck accident attorney first.
These insurance representatives are trained to minimize payouts. Anything you say could be used to reduce or deny your claim. Let your legal team handle these communications to protect your rights.
Truck Accident Statistics in Utah and the U.S.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), over 5,000 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes nationwide in a recent year. In Utah, data from the Department of Public Safety shows that commercial vehicles accounted for nearly 10% of fatal accidents in the state roads.
Many of these crashes are caused by:
- Driver fatigue
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Improperly secured cargo
- Mechanical failures
- Distracted or impaired driving
Understanding these patterns helps build a strong case based on how and why your accident occurred.
Step 5: Speak With a Utah Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accidents often involve large amounts of evidence, such as black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and safety inspection reports. These details are difficult to obtain without legal support.
An experienced Utah truck accident lawyer will:
- Investigate the cause of the crash
- Identify all liable parties (not just the driver)
- Work with accident reconstruction experts
- Handle all negotiations with insurers
- Help you calculate the full extent of your damages
- Represent you in court if needed
We know you’re dealing with physical pain, emotional distress, and financial uncertainty. You don’t have to handle this on your own.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If your truck accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation)
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Long-term care or disability
- Emotional trauma
A skilled attorney will ensure all current and future losses are factored into your claim. Don’t settle for less than what you truly need to recover.
Utah’s Comparative Fault System
Utah uses a modified comparative fault system. This means if you’re found to be partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are more than 50% responsible, you will not be eligible for compensation.
Because trucking companies often try to shift blame, having an attorney to defend your side of the story is critical.
Let Our Firm Stand By You After a Truck Accident
At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we have handled many of Utah’s toughest truck accident cases. We understand the stakes are high and that your future depends on obtaining the justice and compensation you deserve.
Our team of attorneys has decades of experience fighting back against powerful trucking companies and insurers. We combine in-depth legal knowledge with genuine care for every client we represent.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck accident in Utah, call 801-500-4000 to schedule your free consultation. We’re ready to help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and trusted legal support.
