Truck vs. Car Accidents: Understanding Utah’s Unique Legal Landscape

Navigating the aftermath of a vehicle collision is always stressful—but when a commercial truck is involved, the legal and logistical complexities multiply. At LondonHarker, we help Utah residents understand what makes truck accident claims vastly different from regular car accident cases, and how to protect their legal rights in the process.

What Makes Truck Accident Claims Different from Car Accidents?

Truck crashes differ from typical car accidents in several ways—from the force of impact to the number of potentially liable parties and overlapping legal jurisdictions.

1. Size and Weight = Greater Harm

Semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, compared to the average 3,000-pound passenger vehicle.

• Massive Force of Impact: When a large truck collides with a smaller vehicle, the damage can be devastating, often causing the car to be crushed or thrown off the road.
• Severe or Fatal Injuries: Over 80% of fatalities in large truck crashes involve people outside the truck—passenger car occupants, pedestrians, or cyclists. In Utah, data shows that truck accidents more often result in fatalities in multi-vehicle crashes, highlighting their high risk to others.

For legal support after such injuries, consult our experienced Utah truck accident lawyers.

2. Unique Risk Factors in Trucking

Truck crashes often involve factors that are rare in standard car collisions:

• Longer Stopping Distances: A fully loaded truck needs the length of two football fields to stop safely.
• Large Blind Spots: Trucks have significant no-zones that pose a danger to surrounding vehicles.
• Driver Fatigue: Despite FMCSA’s Hours of Service rules, truck drivers often work long hours that increase fatigue-related crashes.
• Improper Cargo Loading: Poorly balanced loads can cause rollovers or hazardous spills.
• Mechanical Failures: Tire blowouts, brake failures, or uninspected components can all cause serious accidents.
• Driver Histories: Some commercial drivers involved in fatal crashes have prior safety incidents.

All of these variables create a more complicated investigative process—something our legal team at LondonHarker handles with care.

3. Legal Complexity and Liability in Utah

Truck accident claims are rarely straightforward. In many cases, multiple parties may be legally responsible:

• Truck driver (fatigue, distraction, speeding)
• Trucking company (negligent hiring, poor maintenance)
• Cargo loaders
• Truck manufacturers
• Maintenance contractors
• Government entities (if poor road design or maintenance contributed)

Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations, including black box data retrieval, driver log analysis, and vehicle maintenance record reviews, to uncover all sources of liability.

4. Federal Regulations Add Complexity

Truck accidents in Utah fall under both state traffic laws and federal regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These cover:

• Driver qualifications
• Hours of service
• Cargo weight limits
• Equipment safety standards

This federal layer adds legal complexity that isn’t typically present in standard car crash claims.

5. Higher Insurance Requirements

Commercial trucking companies carry much higher insurance minimums than individual drivers, which can mean larger potential settlements—but also greater resistance from insurers. You’ll need skilled legal representation to fight for full and fair compensation.

LondonHarker works directly with medical experts, economists, and accident reconstruction teams to strengthen your claim and estimate true lifetime damages.

6. Comparative Fault in Utah

Utah follows a modified comparative fault rule under Utah Code § 78B-5-818. If you are found 50% or more at fault, you may be barred from recovering compensation entirely. Even if you’re only partially at fault, your recovery will be reduced proportionally.

Because trucking companies often try to shift blame to minimize their liability, working with an experienced attorney is essential. Schedule a consultation with LondonHarker to protect your claim.

7. Recoverable Damages in a Truck Accident

Victims of truck crashes in Utah may be eligible to recover:

• Medical expenses (present and future)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Emotional distress
• Disability or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence

Learn more about how LondonHarker can fight for your compensation.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Utah

Taking the right steps after a crash can make or break your case:

1. Seek Medical Care: Get checked, even if you feel fine.
2. Report the Accident: Call the police and obtain a report.
3. Gather Evidence: Take photos, collect witness statements, and document the scene.
4. Avoid Statements: Do not speak with trucking company insurers before legal consultation.
5. Contact a Truck Accident Attorney: The sooner you get legal support, the better your chances of protecting your rights.

Visit our Utah truck accident attorney page for immediate help.

---

Why Work With LondonHarker on Your Utah Truck Accident Case?

Truck accident cases require deep legal knowledge, investigative resources, and aggressive negotiation tactics. At LondonHarker, we provide:

• Access to vehicle telematics and onboard black box data
• Expert witnesses and crash reconstruction teams
• Legal experience with state and federal trucking regulations
• Calculated damage models to assess long-term costs
• Relentless negotiation with powerful insurance companies

When you need results, not red tape—LondonHarker is here to help.

---

Don’t Fight the Trucking Industry Alone

Trucking companies and their insurers move quickly after a crash—so should you. If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident in Utah, reach out to LondonHarker today for a confidential consultation. We’re here to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.