Statewide Utah Representation
Utah Truck Accident LawyerHolding Trucking Companies Accountable
A collision with an 80,000-pound semi isn't a bigger car accident - it's a different kind of case, governed by federal regulations, involving multiple liable companies and insurers who fight hard. We match that.
The Difference
Why Utah Truck Cases Aren't Ordinary Car Accidents
Three forces make commercial-truck claims their own discipline - and each is a reason to have a lawyer who handles them specifically.
Federal Regulation
The FMCSA sets binding rules on driving hours, maintenance, drug testing, and cargo securement. A violation becomes powerful evidence of negligence - and Utah's own commercial rules apply on top.
Multiple Liable Parties
A car wreck involves two drivers. A truck wreck can involve the driver, the carrier, a cargo loader, a maintenance contractor, a parts maker, and a leasing company - each with its own insurer.
Higher Insurance Stakes
Federal law requires $750,000-$5M in coverage versus Utah's $25,000 passenger minimum. More money on the table means insurers fight harder.
How They Happen
Common Causes of Utah Semi-Truck Accidents
Identifying the cause is the first step to establishing liability. Notably, UDOT's Truck Smart program reports that roughly 75% of commercial-vehicle crashes are caused by the passenger vehicle - but the remaining share traces to these driver and carrier failures.
Driver Fatigue
Hours-of-service violations are among the most common breaches and a leading cause of fatigue crashes.
Fatigue claims →Distracted & Aggressive Driving
Texting, dispatch devices, and excessive speed on Utah's steep grades.
Improper Loading
Overloaded or unsecured cargo causing rollovers, jackknifes, and spills.
Poor Maintenance
Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering faults from skipped inspections.
Impaired Driving
Federal law caps commercial drivers at 0.04% BAC - half the 0.08% passenger limit.
Federal & Utah Law
The Trucking Regulations That Can Win Your Case
Commercial trucking is among the most heavily regulated industries in the country. Utah follows the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR Parts 350-399). When a carrier or driver violates one, that breach becomes direct evidence of negligence in your claim.
Drug & alcohol testing. Governs controlled-substance and alcohol use and testing for commercial drivers.
Commercial licensing. Sets CDL standards and the knowledge and skills drivers must demonstrate.
Safety fitness. Assigns safety ratings to motor carriers to keep substandard operators off the road.
Minimum insurance. Requires carriers to maintain financial responsibility - the $750K-$5M coverage tiers.
Driver qualifications. Medical fitness, driving records, and the qualification file every driver must have.
Safe operation & equipment. How a truck must be driven and the equipment it must carry to be roadworthy.
Hours-of-service limits per the FMCSA. See the FMCSA summary →
Accountability
Who Can Be Held Liable
Determining liability is the most complex part of a truck case. Several parties may share responsibility - and we pursue every one with coverage.
The Truck Driver
For negligence, traffic violations, or breaches of federal regulations behind the wheel.
The Trucking Company
Vicariously for the driver, and directly for negligent hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance.
Company vs. driver →Cargo Loaders
When improperly secured or overloaded cargo caused the rollover or spill.
Maintenance Contractors
Third parties whose inadequate service led to a mechanical failure.
Parts & Manufacturers
For defective brakes, tires, or steering components that failed.
For the full breakdown, read who is liable in a Utah truck accident.
The Numbers
Utah Truck & Road Crash Statistics
Utah's roads carry heavy commercial traffic on I-15 and I-80, and the toll is real. The most recent state data underscores why these cases demand serious representation.
Sources: Utah Crash Facts 2023 (Utah Highway Safety Office) and UDOT Truck Smart commercial-vehicle crash analysis. Truck-crash figures reflect a combined 2019-2021 analysis (91 fatal + 232 severe-injury crashes).
The Harm
Common Injuries in Utah Truck Accidents
Because of a truck's size and weight, injuries tend to be far more serious than in a typical car crash - and the medical costs can run into the millions over a lifetime.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Concussions, skull fractures, and lasting cognitive damage from impact.
Spinal Cord Injury
Damage that can cause partial or complete paralysis and lifetime care.
Multiple Fractures
Broken legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis often requiring surgery.
Internal Organ Damage
Blunt-force trauma causing internal bleeding and ruptured organs.
Crushing Injuries & Amputation
Severe crushing trauma that can result in loss of limbs.
Severe Burns
From fuel-tank fires and hazardous-cargo ignition.
Neck & Back Injuries
Whiplash and herniated discs causing chronic pain.
Psychological Trauma
PTSD, anxiety, and depression following a serious crash.
The Proof
Evidence That Wins Truck Claims
Commercial trucks carry data most cars don't - and carriers aren't always diligent about preserving it without legal pressure. We send preservation letters immediately.
- Black box (ECM) data - speed, braking, engine performance
- Hours-of-service logs and electronic logging devices
- Maintenance and inspection records
- Driver qualification and drug-testing files
- Cargo manifests and weight tickets
Economic Damages Measurable
Past and future medical care, lost wages and earning capacity, property damage, and home or vehicle modifications.
Non-Economic Damages Personal
Pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, and loss of consortium. Utah caps non-economic damages at $450,000 in medical-malpractice cases, but most truck cases have no such cap.
Punitive Damages Rare
For egregious conduct like drunk driving. Utah's comparative negligence rule (§ 78B-5-818) lets you recover if you're less than 50% at fault.
After a Crash
What to Do After a Utah Truck Accident
The steps you take in the hours and days after a crash can decide your claim.
Call 911
Report the crash and get a police record of what happened.
Get Care
See a doctor even if you feel fine - some injuries surface later.
Document
Photograph the scene, the truck's DOT number, and your injuries.
Stay Quiet
Don't give a recorded statement to the insurer before calling a lawyer.
Call Us
We preserve evidence and handle the insurers from day one.
Local Representation
Truck Accident Lawyers Near You
We represent truck accident victims across Utah. For local, office-specific help, start with your city.
Let Our Lawyers Fight for Your Recovery
The trucking company already has its team working. Level the field - talk to us before you talk to their insurer.
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Kurt London
This page was written and reviewed by Kurt London of London Harker Injury Law. Kurt represents injured Utahns in truck, auto, and catastrophic-injury cases statewide, holding trucking companies and their insurers accountable under federal and Utah law. Read Kurt's full bio →
Common Questions
Utah Truck Accident FAQ
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Utah?
What if I was partially at fault?
Can I sue the trucking company or just the driver?
What federal regulations apply to my truck accident case?
What is black box data and why does it matter?
How much does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer?
How much is my Utah truck accident case worth?
What if my truck accident was a multi-vehicle or chain-reaction crash?
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