Roadside accidents are more common in Utah than you might think. One person sustains an injury in a motor vehicle crash every 20 minutes in the state.
Among these accidents, collisions with commercial trucks inflict the most damage. In 2022, large truck accidents caused 161,000 injuries and 5,837 fatalities in the US. In the same year, 10.6% of all vehicles involved in Utah fatal traffic crashes were large trucks.
Due to their sheer size and weight, a collision with a semi-truck or 18-wheeler often results in serious injury to the people involved and may even be fatal. Truck drivers and the companies that employ them are responsible for operating their vehicles safely and protecting others on the road from harm. If an accident occurred because the driver was not adequately trained, was drowsy or distracted behind the wheel, or was speeding or otherwise behaving recklessly or negligently, the injured party may be owed compensation for their pain, suffering, and other damages.
If you have been injured in an accident with an 18-wheeler or lost a loved one in a fatal crash, you do not have to suffer the consequences alone. An experienced semi-truck accident lawyer can help you hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue the financial recovery you deserve.
Whether you are searching for a truck accident lawyer in Utah or a Salt Lake City truck accident lawyer, the right legal team can make a major difference in the outcome of your case.
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Ipson Law Firm–Utah’s Premier Truck Accident Lawyers
For years, we have been the trusted name in legal counsel for injured people in Salt Lake City and across the state of Utah. When you are injured, and especially if you are hurt in a crash with an 18-wheeler or another large commercial vehicle, you need the help of a Utah truck accident lawyer you can trust. With our extensive experience and personalized approach to each case, you know your personal injury claim is in good hands from start to finish.
If you’re recovering from a traumatic truck accident, you deserve a team that treats your case with urgency, compassion, and thoroughness. At Ipson Law, we pride ourselves on not just fighting for your financial recovery but also making sure your rights and dignity are respected every step of the way.
How We Can Help with Your Utah Truck Accident Case
In the wake of an accident, you deal with stress, injuries, and even hefty medical bills. Given how complex truck accident claims can become, negotiating on your own behalf can put you at a tremendous disadvantage.
An experienced lawyer levels the playing field when you’re attempting to get compensation. Ipson Law’s experienced Utah truck accident lawyers will help you navigate the legal process and assist you with the following:
- Investigation: Our lawyers will investigate thoroughly and gather supporting evidence to build your case, including video footage, testimonies, and records that support your claims.
- Negotiation: Our expert Utah truck accident lawyers will help determine fair compensation for injuries and damages and negotiate on your behalf to ensure you get the best possible offer.
- Litigation: Filing a lawsuit may be necessary if the parties at fault do not take responsibility for their negligence. Our semi truck accident lawyers will represent you in court and help you get compensation.
Types of Truck Accident Cases We Handle
When you are hurt in an accident with a commercial vehicle, you may find yourself dealing not only with your recovery and expenses but also with insurance adjusters, trucking company representatives, and attorneys for the company at fault.
You should not have to deal with these things while you are trying to focus on your recovery. That’s why we have made it our mission to help those who have been hurt in a truck accident in Salt Lake City, UT. We have the knowledge and resources to handle cases including:
- Speeding or Reckless Driving: Trucks traveling over the speed limit or weaving through traffic increase the chance of deadly collisions.
- Driving While Intoxicated: Substance abuse can impair judgment and reaction time, leading to catastrophic accidents.
- Tire Blowouts: Poorly maintained tires can cause drivers to lose control, endangering everyone nearby.
- Brake Issues: Defective or poorly maintained brakes may prevent drivers from stopping in time to avoid a crash.
- Mechanical Failure and Defects: Parts that fail unexpectedly can be traced back to manufacturers or negligent maintenance.
- Improper Training: Truck drivers require extensive training to operate large vehicles safely. Lack of training often leads to mistakes on the road.
- Negligent Hiring: Trucking companies must screen drivers for experience, criminal history, and driving records.
- Improper Loading and Balancing: Unsecured or imbalanced cargo can cause trucks to tip or become uncontrollable.
Common Injuries in Semi-Truck Accidents
Truck accidents often result in devastating injuries due to the size and momentum of the vehicles involved. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Severe burns and disfigurement
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Amputations
- Emotional trauma and PTSD
The financial, emotional, and physical toll of these injuries can last a lifetime, making it crucial to seek proper legal guidance immediately.
What Should You Do If You Are Involved in a Utah Truck Accident?
Taking the right steps after a truck accident is critical in creating a good foundation for your case and keeping you safe. Here is what you should do in the aftermath of a truck accident.
- Get to Safety: If your vehicle is blocking the roadway and your injuries do not prevent you from moving, get your car off the road to a safer location.
- Seek Medical Help: Assess your injuries and seek immediate medical help. Not all injuries are immediately apparent, so get an extensive medical evaluation right away and keep a record of all medical documents.
- Contact Law Enforcement: Utah law requires drivers to inform law enforcement if a road accident results in an injury, fatality, or property damage of $2,500 or more. If you are unsure, it is still better to notify the police, as a report can serve as valuable evidence for your case and support your claims.
- Document and Exchange Information: Obtain the truck driver’s full name, contact number, policy information, driver’s license number, and plate number. Get the contact information of any witnesses and take photos of the accident scene to serve as supporting evidence.
- Contact a Utah Truck Accident Lawyer: Reach out to Ipson Law to talk to a semi-truck accident lawyer. We can evaluate your case, determine the best course of action, and help you get compensation.
Frequently Asked Truck Accident Questions
A collision with a truck or 18-wheeler can be especially devastating, and the cases are often more complicated than those related to passenger-vehicle accidents. There are usually other parties who may be at least partially at fault for the crash, so these cases require extensive investigation and research to resolve.
We have provided a few frequently asked questions below to help you understand your rights. Our team is ready to answer any specific questions you may have, so call us at 801-332-9655 today.
How do I prove fault in a truck accident case?
Proving fault requires gathering extensive evidence, including accident scene photos, black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and witness statements. Our legal team can help you build a strong, evidence-backed claim.
What should I do if the truck driver was uninsured or underinsured?
If the driver lacks adequate coverage, you may still pursue compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or by filing a lawsuit against other responsible parties.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Utah?
Utah’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically four years from the date of the accident. However, certain circumstances could shorten or extend this deadline, so it’s essential to act quickly.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Truck Accident Victims?
Victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)
Can I claim compensation for both medical bills and lost wages after a truck accident?
Yes, a full truck accident claim typically includes current and future medical expenses, lost income during recovery, and even projected loss of earning capacity if you cannot return to your prior work.
Why do 18-wheeler crashes happen?
Any number of factors could have caused the accident that caused you harm. Often, trucking companies prioritize profits over proper training, safety precautions, and effective driver scheduling, thereby putting the lives of others at risk.
Should I give the trucking company a recorded statement if they request one?
You do not have to consent to give the trucking company a recorded statement, even if they request one. Contact an experienced Utah truck accident lawyer to help advise you of your legal options and handle the communication with the trucking company, its insurance representatives, and legal counsel on your behalf. You should be able to focus on your recovery and should let your Utah truck accident lawyer handle all of the communication with outside parties.
Do I need a lawyer?
Yes. Insurance adjusters and trucking companies are not looking out for your best interests. An experienced attorney ensures your rights are protected and that you pursue the full value of your claim.
What are the common causes of truck accidents?
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Driver fatigue
- Improper turning
- Poor road conditions
- Vehicular failure
Some causes exclusive to truck accidents include truck driver inexperience, hours-of-service violations, overloaded cargo, lack of maintenance, and defective truck parts.
Why are truck accidents so complicated?
Multiple liable parties, complex insurance policies, and severe injuries make truck accident cases much more difficult than ordinary car crashes.
How much is a truck accident case worth?
It depends on the severity of your injuries, financial losses, and emotional suffering. An experienced attorney can help calculate and pursue maximum compensation for the following:
- Medical care
- Physical rehabilitation
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Loss of income and future earning capacity
- Losses related to the wrongful death of a loved one
- Reduced quality of life due to injuries
How long does a personal injury claim take to settle?
The specifics of your case and the behavior of the liable parties and the opposing insurance company will determine how long it takes to close your case. These cases typically take longer than other types of motor vehicle crashes because it is difficult to determine who is at fault and the injury severity, and the parties involved cannot agree on a settlement. While these factors can delay the outcome, a competent Utah truck accident lawyer can make the process much easier for you.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
The total cost will depend on the severity of your case and other involved parties. Ipson Law offers a free consultation to evaluate your case and determine the best course of action.
Your initial consultation is also the perfect opportunity to ask about your lawyer’s fee schedule. Common arrangements include fixed fees, hourly rates, and contingency fees.
Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer in Utah
Get the compensation for your injury that you deserve, and hire an experienced truck accident lawyer in Utah today. If you or any of your loved ones have been involved in an accident with a semi-truck or any other commercial vehicle, call Ipson Law today at 801-332-9655 or fill out our online contact form to request a free consultation.
