Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Provo, UT

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Provo, Utah?

  For non-emergencies in Provo, call the dispatch center at (801) 852-6210.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Provo, Utah?

  Visit the Provo Police Station at the City Hall, 445 W Center St Suite 130 to obtain copies of accident reports. Contact the records division at 801-852-6232 on how to request through Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA). Additionally, go to the CrashDocs website to purchase a copy.

• Should a driver involved in a truck accident in Provo move their car after the crash?

  No, it is not advisable. A driver who got into a truck accident in Provo should not move their vehicle because there are specific state laws that prohibit driving the vehicle following a crash. Unless the police officer gives the instruction, the driver can move their car to avoid significant traffic congestion.

• What should a driver do if they sustained minor injuries from a truck accident in Provo?

  Take photographs of the accident scene and injuries, request medical attention, and submit a report to your insurance company after a truck accident in Provo. If possible, submit a report to the DMV and check if police reports are filed. Seek legal advice if you are planning to pursue compensation. Do not talk to the truck company's insurance representative.

• How can evidence of liability in a truck accident in Provo be collected and preserved?

  Interviewing witnesses at the earliest time possible and collecting driver logbooks are some of the ways evidence can be preserved after a truck accident in Provo. Employing expert witnesses to reconstruct the accident scene based on vehicle damage, skid marks, and accident debris is another way of collecting evidence. Investigating the driver's background and inspecting truck maintenance records are also important in establishing liability.

• What is the difference between a settlement and a verdict in a truck accident case in Provo?

  A settlement is an agreement between the claimant and the insurance company, while the verdict is the jury's or judge's decision after the trial of a truck accident lawsuit in Provo. In usual settlement cases, a lawyer sends a demand package to the insurance company, followed by negotiations and settlement if the offer is fair. In some cases, a lawsuit will be filed and the court decision or verdict determines the amount that should be awarded to the claimant.

• On which intersections in Provo can many truck accidents happen?

  The intersection of 2230 N. University Parkway and 900 W. Center Street is one of the areas where truck accidents may happen in Provo. The intersection is the combination of the largest interchanges and sits as the I-15's on-and-off ramp, where drivers usually speed up. Additionally, many intersections of University Avenue are common dangerous areas due to traffic congestion.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.