Utah Truck Accident Attorneys

Utah Truck Accident Attorneys

Working with Clients Who Have Been Hurt in  Utah Commercial Truck Accidents

Utah Trucking Laws

In Utah, laws and regulations relating to the operation of a tractor trailer, 18 wheeler, or any other large commercial truck are governed by the Utah Code (Criminal and Traffic) and other Administrative Rules. In addition, there are Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that apply to any motor carriers operating in interstate commerce. These regulations are published in the Federal Register and were issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Some of the laws and regulations cover things like required maintenance, work hours of truck drivers, any training required, and vehicle weight restrictions.

The Motor Carrier Division in the Utah Department of Transportation published a Trucking Guide that seeks to summarize the complex motor carrier regulations. Independent operators as well as companies who employ truck operators must adhere to these regulations or they may be subject to heavy fines and penalties.

Common Truck Accidents in Utah

Truck accidents are not uncommon in Utah; many trucks pass through the state as they transport cargo to various parts of the nation. Trucks can cause accidents in blind spot situations (when the truck driver doesn’t see a driver in his blind spot and proceeds to change lanes), brake failure, tire blowouts, jackknifes, and rollovers. In addition, the load/cargo of a truck must be checked regularly so as to prevent it from suddenly detaching or otherwise falling off of the truck, damaging surrounding cars. The width of tractor-trailers may cause the trucks to collide with other obstructions on highways or roads, causing accidents.

Causes for Utah Truck Accidents

Accidents involving large commercial trucks or tractor-trailers can happen for several reasons:

• Driver Negligence – Drivers can fall asleep at the wheel, they can run into another vehicle that they did not see in their blind spot, or they can hit something else on the road that ultimately leads to an accident. The “negligence” of the driver is perhaps the most common reason for a truck accident.
• Company Negligence – If the driver is employed by a trucking company, then the company could be at fault if it failed to properly conduct a background check and allowed someone behind the wheel who should not have been.
• Manufacturer Error – Not all trucks are built equal. Like all products, trucks can come with factory defects that result in a truck malfunctioning.
• Repairer Error – Big rigs are required by law to be properly maintained. In the event a truck is taken to a repair shop for maintenance, and the repairman fails to properly perform that maintenance, then the repairman’s negligent behavior can be viewed as a cause for the accident.
• Mother Nature – Mother Nature will always play a role in truck accidents. Rainy and snowy conditions can alter road conditions. Truck drivers still have deadlines to meet, disregard the weather conditions, and continue to operate trucks as if the roads were bone dry. An Act of God, however, may not be a legitimate excuse for a truck driver who may have caused an accident and they will still likely be found to have acted negligently.
• Other Drivers – Roads and highways are filled with all kinds of vehicles and drivers. Reckless drivers who cut off a semi on the highway may cause serious danger to the driver of the truck as well as other drivers on the road. The identification of who is at fault will require a solid investigation of the facts and circumstances of each case.

Utah Truck Accident Checklist

Here is a list of items to keep in mind if you have been involved in a wreck with a semi:

• Stay Calm. It is easy to blame others and lose one’s cool after being involved in a traumatizing event. It is important to remain calm and be thankful you are alive, even if you are injured.
• Ensure Safety of Others. If you are physically mobile, you should ensure that those who were involved in the accident are safe and not in immediate life-threatening danger. Call 911 if someone’s life is in danger.
• Don’t Discuss Fault. Even if you are 100% sure the truck driver was at fault, you should not discuss fault whatsoever. Only say what is necessary to get the necessary information (see below).
• Gather Necessary Information. You will need to get all information possible relating to the accident.
  • Driver’s license (CDL), registration, and insurance information.
  • Contact information of truck driver (personal or lawyer)
  • Make, model, and VIN of the truck
  • If the trucker works for a company, get the company’s information
  • Any witnesses who may be willing to give a statement
  • A police report (all accidents should be reported to the police)
  • Take high-resolution pictures and videos of the accident scene, including any injuries you may have sustained. Be as detailed as possible.
• Seek Medical Attention. If you are injured, visit a doctor or the hospital immediately. Take pictures of any bruises, bumps, or cuts. Obtain copies of x-rays or any other medical procedures you may have done to you. Keep copies of every medical expense you incur as a result of the accident.
• Call Insurance. Many are unsure if they should immediately contact their insurance company. Generally, it is best to fully evaluate the accident (ideally with an attorney) before you want to speak with your insurance company. Speaking with an attorney before talking to your insurance company will ultimately help your insurance claim.

Contacting the right Utah Truck Accident Attorney

If you have been involved in an auto accident with a big rig or other large commercial truck, it is critical that you seek out an attorney with experience in dealing with truck accidents. Truck accidents involve subtle complexities that an ordinary personal injury attorney may not be familiar with. For instance, these types of accidents can involve a number of parties and require a thorough investigation as to all the relevant facts. There are a number of different laws that can be implicated and multijurisdictional issues can arise. An experienced truck accident attorney is best suited to tackle these issues and get the maximum recovery for their clients.