Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Salt Lake City

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number of the Salt Lake City Police Department is (801) 799-3000.

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

  Call the Salt Lake City Police Department at (801) 799-3000 to request a copy of your accident report, or visit the station in person at 475 S 300 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84111. A police report in Utah normally costs between $6 and $20, depending on how you obtain it. You will be required to provide information such as your name; your driver's license number; vehicle plate number; your email, phone number, and mailing address; and the time, date, and location of the accident.

• What should you do after getting involved in a truck accident in Salt Lake City?

  Seek medical attention for you and your companions as soon as possible after being involved in a truck collision. Take photos and videos of the accident site, the vehicles involved, and your injuries, and speak with any witnesses. Trade contact and insurance details with the parties involved, and consult with an experienced Salt Lake City car accident lawyer. A legal team can help you file an insurance claim and assist you in negotiating with the responsible parties' insurance companies.

• What are the causes of truck accidents in Salt Lake City?

  Driver fatigue is one of the top reasons for truck accidents in Salt Lake City, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Long shifts cause drivers to become so exhausted that they lose focus and react slowly, which can lead to truck crashes. Other factors that contribute to truck collisions include speeding, vehicle malfunction, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Additionally, truckers may drive carelessly as a result of being pressured by their employers to deliver shipments on schedule.

• What kinds of evidence should you collect to establish liability in a Salt Lake City truck accident?

  It is advisable to seek the advice of an experienced Salt Lake City accident lawyer who can help you compile vital evidence that can reveal who and what caused the incident. Examples of evidence include the results of any drug or alcohol tests administered to the truck driver after the accident, the driver's driving and employment history, the truck's black box logs, and the inspection and maintenance records of the truck. These may help establish that improper truck maintenance caused a mechanical failure that resulted in the crash.

• Who can be held accountable for a truck accident claim in Salt Lake City?

  If the driver works for a specific trucking or shipping firm, you can include the company as a party to your Salt Lake City truck accident lawsuit. The only exception is if the trucker is an independent contractor, in which case you can only file a claim against them. You can hold the vehicle manufacturer accountable if a crash was brought on by faulty equipment. If a mechanical error caused the collision, the individual or company responsible for maintaining the truck might be liable.

• How long would it take to resolve your truck accident case in Salt Lake City?

  It depends. Truck accident cases in Salt Lake City vary from one another. The extent of your injuries is one of the variables that can have an impact on the timetable of your lawsuit. Your attorney may suggest that you delay determining the value of your claim until you have fully healed after sustaining fatal injuries. Another factor to consider is questions about liability. If you have strong evidence, the faster it should be for your case to be resolved. However, if multiple parties are involved, the process could take longer.

• 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.