Salt Lake City, UT (May 20, 2026) – Ten vehicles were involved in a chain-reaction crash on westbound I-80 near the State Street exit in Salt Lake City on Wednesday morning, May 20. Five separate collisions broke out in the same stretch of highway just before 9 a.m. after traffic began to slow.
Emergency units arrived to treat those with non-life-threatening injuries. No one was taken to the hospital.
Westbound lanes were shut down for about 15 minutes while damaged vehicles were moved to the right lane and shoulder. No names or ages were included in the initial report on the wreck.
The Utah Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash.
We hope everyone injured makes a full and steady recovery.
How Do Insurance Claims Work After a Multi-Car Crash in Salt Lake City, UT?
After a multi-car collision in Salt Lake City, insurance claims usually involve reporting the crash, assigning an adjuster, reviewing damage, and deciding how fault should be divided. Chain-reaction pileups on highways like I-80 can involve several vehicles and insurance companies, so each step may take longer.
Once the crash happens, you should report it to your insurance company as soon as possible. Give them only the basic facts, including where it happened, how many vehicles were involved, and whether anyone reported injuries. This helps open the claim without adding details you do not yet know.
From there, the insurance company will usually review the available records. This may include the crash report, vehicle damage, scene photos, and driver statements. In a pileup, this review can take longer because each insurer may look closely at when each impact happened.
After that, insurers may compare damage patterns and driver statements to decide how fault should be divided. In a chain-reaction crash, several insurance companies may dispute who caused each collision. These disputes can slow the claim and delay payment.
Because Utah follows a modified comparative fault rule, your share of fault can affect your claim. You may still recover compensation if you are less than 50% responsible, but your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault. This makes the fault review especially important after a multi-car wreck.
When fault is disputed between several drivers, having a car accident lawyer on your side can make a real difference. An attorney can collect traffic camera footage, pull together repair estimates, and present a clear timeline to the insurance companies.
At Cutt, Kendell & Olson Attorneys at Law, we have handled many multi-car accident cases across Utah and understand how these claims work. Our team is ready to answer your questions and help you understand what to expect.
If you were involved in a crash in Salt Lake City and want to know your options, you can call Cutt, Kendell & Olson Attorneys at Law at (801) 901-3470.
Note: This post is based on information obtained from publicly available secondary sources. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, Cutt, Kendell & Olson Attorneys At Law has not independently verified all details of the incident reported. If you notice any inaccuracies or missing information, please contact Cutt, Kendell & Olson Attorneys At Law so we can promptly review and update the content.
Disclaimer: The content of this post is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal or medical advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship with Cutt, Kendell & Olson Attorneys At Law. If you have been injured in an accident, seek appropriate medical care and consult a qualified attorney regarding your legal options. Any images included are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual accident scene or individuals involved.