Truck Accident Attorneys in Salt Lake City

Why Choose Cutt, Kendell & Olson for Your Truck Accident Case

At Cutt, Kendell & Olson, we are dedicated to offering personalized legal representation for truck accident victims in Salt Lake City. Our team is committed to maintaining a manageable caseload, which allows us to devote tailored strategies and in-depth preparation to each client's case. With over $700 million recovered, our track record speaks to our commitment and ability to secure substantial settlements.

Fighting For Truck Accident Victims in Utah

Truckers spend long days (and some nights) on the road. As anyone who has driven for hours on end knows, your concentration is liable to wander when you stay on the road without taking breaks. This is one of the reasons there are so many semi-truck crashes in America each year.

Whether the fault rests with the truck driver, maintenance company, or manufacturer, our team can help you find justice if you were seriously injured in a wreck with a big rig. Our attorneys are skilled investigators, and we have connections with a wide network of industry experts, medical professionals, and accident reconstruction specialists who can offer valuable testimony to support your claim. If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a collision with a heavy truck, reach out to us today to learn how we can help.

Understanding the complexities of truck accident cases is crucial for victims seeking compensation. Unlike typical car accidents, truck accidents often involve multiple parties and layers of regulatory compliance, which can complicate liability claims. We offer detailed evaluations to pinpoint the precise causes of your accident and identify all liable parties. Our dedicated approach ensures no stone is left unturned, helping you secure the best possible outcome.

Schedule your free consultation by calling our Salt Lake City office at (801) 901-3470. Our truck accident lawyers have the experience and skill to help you prevail.

Understanding Car-Truck Accident Claims in Utah

Anyone who drives the streets and highways of Utah has likely had a close call with a large commercial truck or felt uneasy when sharing the road with a massive 18-wheel tractor-trailer. What’s even worse than the danger posed by these vehicles is the challenges that may prevent an accident victim from recovering the compensation they need.

The opponent in a lawsuit arising from a commercial semi-truck accident is likely to be a major insurer or a large, well-funded trucking company. Neither business wants to pay a truck accident claim, as they know how expensive the serious injuries caused by a car-truck collision may be. Often, they dispatch an accident investigator to the scene of the collision as soon as they hear about it, so they can start looking for evidence to use against you.

It’s wise to work with a collaborative team of attorneys and a sound, successful law firm that is up to the challenge of nailing down truck accident causes and proving negligence to a jury. You can be sure the other side will fight hard—so your lawyers must be ready to fight even harder.

Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident requires a strategic legal approach, tailored to the specifics of Utah's legal landscape. Our firm brings a nuanced understanding of local traffic laws and regulations that can make or break a case. We meticulously gather evidence, from traffic cam footage to black box data, to construct an airtight case that proves liability and maximizes your compensation.

Truck Accident Statistics

In 2018, the last year for which the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has released detailed truck accident data, 4,682 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes; an additional 59,933 were involved in injury crashes. Of those killed, 82% were not occupants of the truck.

More than 1 out of 4 accidents occurred on interstates and a notable number of crashes involved curves in the road, left or right turns, head-on collisions, or rear-end accidents.

Other common truck accidents include:

• Jackknifes
• Rollovers
• Tire blowouts
• Improper lane changes (blind spots)
• Underride accidents (from the side and the rear)
• Lost load events
• T-bone accidents

The high frequency of truck accidents necessitates a proactive approach to driver education and vehicle maintenance. It’s crucial for trucking companies to regularly inspect and service their fleets to prevent mechanical failures that frequently lead to accidents. Furthermore, drivers must undergo rigorous training to handle these large vehicles safely, especially in Utah's varied terrain and weather conditions.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Like any other collisions, truck accidents are frequently caused by driver error. However, there are other factors that can influence or contribute to these crashes.

• Commercial trucks are ill-equipped to handle severe weather and poor road conditions
• Drivers may be given access to a big rig without a CDL, adequate training, and/or experience
• Trucks may be improperly maintained or malfunction
• The truck may be improperly loaded or overloaded

Any driver on the road can behave negligently or make a mistake, but truck drivers face a unique set of challenges due to the potential for their vehicle itself to be the risk. It’s important to correctly determine what caused your accident so you can file compensation with all liable parties.

Other common contributors to truck accidents include fatigue from long driving hours, distractions such as mobile devices, and the pressure to meet strict delivery schedules, which can lead to speeding or reckless driving. Proper regulation and adherence to federal safety standards can mitigate these risks significantly. Our team is well-versed in identifying such factors to build a comprehensive case.

Legal Procedures for Truck Accidents in Salt Lake City

Truck accident claims in Salt Lake City involve a complex web of procedures due to the multiple statutes and local regulations that may affect the case. Utah requires a thorough documentation process, including police reports and accident reconstructions, to establish the circumstances of the crash. Our team at Cutt, Kendell & Olson will guide you through each step, significantly enhancing your chances of a favorable outcome by ensuring compliance with all procedural requirements. Additionally, we strategically handle communications with local insurance adjusters to protect your claims from being undervalued or unjustly dismissed.

Courts in Salt Lake City are familiar with the complexities of truck accident litigation, often requiring detailed presentations of evidence to prove liability. Our legal team is skillful at crafting compelling arguments and utilizing our extensive network of experts, including accident reconstruction specialists, who can attest to the mechanics of the crash, providing clarity to your case. This comprehensive support empowers us to effectively represent your interests within the local legal framework.

Determining Liability in Semi-Truck Collisions

One of the reasons truck accident claims are so complex is because many have more than one liable party. This means your claim can request compensation from multiple people—but also that those involved may dispute blame among themselves.

If the truck driver is at fault for the crash, liability depends on their employment status. Utah state law holds employers responsible for any negligence their employees exhibit within the course of their employment. Therefore, if the driver works for a certain trucking or shipping company, you can name that business as party to your suit. However, if the trucker is an independent contractor, you may only be able to bring a claim against them.

If a defect with the truck causes or contributes to your accident, the truck manufacturer may also face liability. The same goes for the individual or company responsible for maintaining the truck if a maintenance error caused or contributed to your accident. Similarly, the company that loaded the truck could be held liable in the event the truck was too heavy or improperly loaded.

Because many of these services are performed by third parties, you may find multiple companies to hold at fault for your accident. Liability must be determined on a case-by-case basis due to the variation.

The intricacies of determining liability necessitate a detailed investigation and a strategic litigation approach. By leveraging our legal team's skills in gathering and analyzing evidence, we ensure all liable parties are held accountable. Through thorough examination of driver logs, maintenance records, and accident scene reports, we construct a robust argument to support your claim and strive for fair compensation on your behalf.

Proven Results in Truck Accident Claims

Our attorneys have recovered compensation in several other truck accident claims over the years. 

Our results include:

• A $16.4 million verdict for a victim who's family was killed in a truck accident with an out-of-control semitrailer.
• A settlement exceeding $4 million for a trucking accident victim left with quadriplegia (paralysis due to spinal cord injuries)

You can view other significant successes on our case results page. While car-car accidents are more likely to allow both parties to walk away unharmed, the likelihood of catastrophic injuries or a wrongful death increases dramatically when a tractor-trailer is involved. Our truck accident lawyers in Salt Lake City are committed to fully investigating your case and pursuing every angle possible to help you find justice if you were harmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do Immediately After a Truck Accident?

In the immediate aftermath of a truck accident, it's crucial to ensure your safety and well-being. Start by checking yourself and others for injuries, calling 911 for medical assistance if necessary. After ensuring everyone's safety, it's important to document the scene as much as possible. Take photographs of the accident site, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Exchange contact information with other parties involved, but avoid discussing fault. It's vital to contact a truck accident attorney before speaking to insurance companies, as they might attempt to minimize your claim. At Cutt, Kendell & Olson, our professionals provide guidance on preserving evidence and protecting your rights at this crucial stage.

How Are Truck Accident Cases Different from Car Accidents?

Truck accident cases differ significantly from standard car accidents due to the size and nature of commercial vehicles, which can lead to more severe injuries and damages. Moreover, they often involve multiple entities, such as trucking companies, vehicle manufacturers, and contractors, complicating liability. Additionally, commercial trucking is subject to federal regulations, such as hours of service rules, which can impact the case. Legal strategies in truck accident cases involve rigorous investigations, including reviewing driver logs and maintenance records. Our team at Cutt, Kendell & Olson is skilled in navigating these complexities and advocating effectively on your behalf.

Can I Be Compensated for Non-Physical Injuries?

Yes, you may be entitled to compensation for non-physical injuries arising from a truck accident. These can include emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life, all of which can have a profound impact on your daily life. Establishing claims for these damages requires comprehensive documentation and often the testimony of medical and psychological experts. At Cutt, Kendell & Olson, we understand the nuances of these types of claims and are prepared to present a compelling case to recover the full spectrum of damages you're owed. Our commitment is to ensure a thorough pursuit of both tangible and intangible losses in your claim.

Our tough trial lawyers have what it takes to fight a truck accident claim. Call us at (801) 901-3470 to schedule a free consultation if you live in the Salt Lake City area.