Utah Truck Accident Lawyer

Why Hire a Lawyer to Handle Your Truck Accident Case?

Given how complex truck accident cases can become, you shouldn’t try to negotiate your injury claim on your own. A Utah truck accident lawyer from Swenson & Shelley can help you through your case by:

• Thoroughly investigating the facts and circumstances of the accident and recovering all available evidence
• Working with accident reconstruction, trucking industry, and engineering experts to review the evidence and identify the party or parties responsible for causing the crash
• Identifying all possible sources of compensation for your injuries and losses
• Documenting your injuries and losses, including future anticipated losses
• Filing your claims for compensation with the trucking companies and their insurers and vigorously negotiating for a fair settlement
• Taking your case to court and advocating on your behalf at trial to fight for the best result possible in your case

How Much Is Your Truck Accident Case Worth?

In a semi-truck accident claim, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation for the full extent of losses that you incurred. Our Utah truck accident law firm will pursue maximum payment for:

• Costs of your medical treatment and physical rehabilitation
• Costs of long-term health or personal care that you need for permanent disabilities
• Loss of income from missed work after the big-rig accident
• Loss of future earning capacity if disabilities affect your ability to return to work
• Physical pain and emotional suffering from your injuries and medical treatment
• Reduced quality of life because of disabilities, scarring, or disfigurement
• Losses related to the wrongful death of a loved one

How Is Fault Determined in a Truck Accident?

To determine the true cause of a truck accident, our firm will review many different pieces of evidence that can show who and what caused the crash. Some examples of evidence we may use to determine fault in a truck accident include:

• The truck driver’s hours-of-service logs, which may help prove if the driver caused the accident due to fatigue
• Results of any drug/alcohol screens performed on the truck driver after the accident
• The truck driver’s driving records and employment history
• The truck’s electronic data recorder (“black box”) logs, which may show if the driver negligently operated the vehicle by speeding or failing to brake properly
• The truck’s inspection and maintenance records, which might help prove that a failure to properly maintain the truck led to a mechanical failure that caused the accident
• The load manifest, which shows what cargo was loaded on the truck and how it was loaded

Other kinds of evidence that we also use in truck accident cases in Salt Lake City include police accident reports, crash scene photos and videos, eyewitness testimony, and expert accident reconstruction reports.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident Claim in Utah?

Unlike other kinds of motor vehicle crashes where one driver will typically be found to be at fault for the wreck, liability for a truck accident in Utah may fall on many different parties. Some of the types of parties that may be held liable in a truck accident claim include:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The truck’s owner (if separate from the driver and trucking company)
• A shipper or cargo loader
• The truck maintenance company
• A truck parts manufacturer
• Other drivers
• Government entities responsible for roadways

Major Highways for Trucking in Utah

Utah is crisscrossed by several major highways that are vital for trucking and transportation within the state and for connecting to neighboring states. Some of the major highways for trucking in Utah include:

• Interstate 15 (I-15): I-15 is a crucial north-south interstate that runs through the western part of Utah, connecting Las Vegas, Nevada, to Salt Lake City and continuing north into Idaho. It is a major corridor for transporting goods in and out of the state.
• Interstate 80 (I-80): I-80 is an east-west interstate that passes through the northern part of Utah. It connects major cities like Salt Lake City and Park City and serves as an important route for cross-country trucking.
• Interstate 70 (I-70): I-70 traverses the southern part of Utah, connecting cities like Green River, Price, and Richfield. It is a significant route for transporting goods between Colorado and points westward.
• U.S. Route 6 (US-6): US-6 runs across central and eastern Utah, connecting several towns and serving as an important east-west route for trucking traffic.
• U.S. Route 89 (US-89): US-89 runs through the northern part of the state, connecting Logan, Ogden, and Salt Lake City. It’s a key route for transporting goods in the northern region.
• U.S. Route 40 (US-40): US-40 runs east-west across the northern part of Utah, connecting Vernal, Heber City, and Park City. It’s an essential route for trucking in this area.
• U.S. Route 50 (US-50): Known as the “Loneliest Road in America,” US-50 passes through the central part of Utah, providing access to remote areas and serving as a cross-country route.
• U.S. Route 191 (US-191): US-191 travels through southeastern Utah and connects towns like Moab and Blanding. It’s a significant route for trucking in the southern part of the state.

These highways are critical for the transportation of goods and commodities within Utah and for connecting the state to the broader national transportation network. They play a vital role in the state’s economy and logistics industry.

Tips for Protecting Your Rights After a Truck Accident in Utah

If you have been involved in a truck accident, there are simple things you can do to protect your right to pursue fair compensation:

Save any photos and videos of details of the crash scene, such as vehicle damage, skid marks or debris, and any visible injuries you may have suffered in the crash.

See a doctor immediately and follow all treatment instructions.

 

Keep copies of any bills or receipts for expenses you incur because of the accident, such as medical treatment or vehicle repair. Also save your pay stubs or income statements if you miss time from work due to your injuries.

Avoid discussing the crash, your injuries, or your legal claim on social media.

Do not give a written or recorded statement to the trucking company or insurers.

Speak to a Utah truck accident lawyer from Swenson & Shelley to learn how we can step in and fight for your best interests after a crash.

Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents in Utah

Some of the most frequent causes of commercial truck crashes in Utah include:

• Wide turns
• Blind spots
• Unsecured loads
• Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
• Drowsy or fatigued driving
• Aggressive driving
• Tailgating
• Drunk or drugged driving
• Distracted driving
• Unfamiliarity with local roads
• Inexperienced drivers
• Defective truck parts
• Poorly designed or maintained roadways