Salt Lake City Truck Accident Lawyer

Legal Help After A Serious Truck Crash

Collisions with large commercial trucks change lives in an instant. One moment you are driving along I-15 or I-80, and the next you are dealing with emergency care, a damaged vehicle, and questions from insurance adjusters. If you were hurt in a crash with a semi, 18-wheeler, tractor-trailer, or other commercial truck in or near Salt Lake City, you do not have to figure this out on your own.

At Pearson Butler, we help injured people and families across Utah navigate the legal and financial fallout of serious truck accidents. Our team includes more than 30 attorneys with over 300 years of combined experience, and we work together to address the complex issues that come with commercial vehicle collisions. Our goal is to protect your rights so you can focus on your health.

When you reach out to a truck accident lawyer that Salt Lake City residents can rely on at our firm, your initial consultation is free and confidential. We listen to what happened, answer your questions, and explain how we typically approach these cases. From there, you decide what is right for you.

To speak with our team about a truck, tractor-trailer, or semi-truck accident, call (800) 265-2314 or contact us online today.

Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents

Commercial trucks are significantly larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, which means collisions can be particularly dangerous. Some of the most common types of 18-wheeler accidents include:

• Rear-end collisions: Large trucks require longer stopping distances, making sudden stops especially hazardous.
• Jackknife accidents: When a truck’s trailer swings outward and forms an angle with the cab, it can block multiple lanes and cause multi-vehicle crashes.
• Underride accidents: Smaller vehicles may slide beneath a truck’s trailer, often resulting in severe or fatal injuries.
• Rollover crashes: Improperly loaded cargo, speeding, or sharp turns can cause a truck to tip over.
• Blind spot accidents: Trucks have extensive no-zone areas where drivers cannot see nearby vehicles.
• Wide-turn collisions: Semi-trucks need extra room to turn, and nearby drivers may be caught in their path.

Each of these accidents may involve different liability factors, requiring detailed investigation and legal knowledge.

Common Causes of Big Rig Accidents

Truck accidents in Salt Lake City often occur because of negligence, safety violations, or poor decision-making. Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Driver fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to drowsy driving and slower reaction times.
• Distracted driving: Phone use, GPS devices, and in-cab distractions increase crash risk.
• Speeding or aggressive driving: Pressure to meet deadlines may lead to reckless behavior.
• Improper loading: Unbalanced or unsecured cargo can destabilize a truck.
• Poor maintenance: Brake failures, tire blowouts, and mechanical issues may result from neglect.
• Driving under the influence: Alcohol or drug use significantly impairs a driver’s ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely.
• Inadequate training: Trucking companies that fail to properly train drivers put everyone on the road at risk.

Our Salt Lake City truck accident attorney can analyze records such as driver logs, maintenance reports, and black box data to determine what caused the crash.

Common Commercial Truck Accident Injuries

Because of the size and weight of commercial vehicles, victims often suffer severe injuries that require extensive medical care. Common injuries in truck accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Severe burns and lacerations
• Neck and back injuries
• Amputations
• Psychological trauma, including PTSD

These injuries can lead to long-term disability, lost earning potential, and significant medical expenses. Legal representation can help ensure these damages are properly documented and pursued.

Where Do Truck Crashes Often Happen in Salt Lake City

Truck accidents can occur anywhere, but certain areas in and around Salt Lake City are more prone to collisions involving commercial vehicles. These include:

• Interstate highways: I-15, I-80, and I-215 carry heavy commercial traffic.
• Major distribution routes: Roads near industrial zones and warehouses often see frequent truck activity.
• Busy intersections: Congested areas increase the risk of turning and rear-end accidents.
• Mountain and canyon roads: Steep grades and sharp curves can make driving more dangerous for large trucks.
• Construction zones: Reduced lanes and changing traffic patterns create hazards for both drivers and truck operators.

Understanding where and how your accident occurred can help identify contributing factors and potential liability.

Compensation from a Truck Accident Claim

Truck accident victims may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of losses. Depending on the details of the case, a claim may include damages for:

• Medical expenses and future treatment
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Rehabilitation and long-term care costs
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

Because trucking companies and insurers often attempt to minimize payouts, having a skilled legal advocate is essential when negotiating a settlement or pursuing litigation.

Who May Be Liable for a Truck Accident?

Unlike typical car accidents, truck crashes may involve multiple responsible parties. Potentially liable parties include:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• Cargo loaders or shipping companies
• Maintenance providers
• Truck manufacturers or parts suppliers
• Third-party contractors

An experienced attorney will investigate all potential sources of liability to ensure no responsible party is overlooked.

Truck Accident FAQs

What should I do after a truck accident in Salt Lake City?

Seek medical attention immediately, report the accident to law enforcement, document the scene if possible, and contact a truck accident lawyer before speaking extensively with insurers.

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Utah?

Utah law generally sets a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, meaning you must file within a specific timeframe. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Are truck accident claims different from car accident claims?

Yes. Truck accident cases often involve federal safety regulations, commercial insurance policies, and multiple liable parties, making them more complex.

What if I was partially at fault for the crash?

You may still be eligible for compensation under Utah’s comparative negligence rules, though your recovery may be reduced based on your level of responsibility.

How much is my truck accident case worth?

The value depends on factors such as injury severity, medical costs, lost income, and long-term impact. A lawyer can evaluate your claim and estimate potential compensation.

Why Our Firm Handles Truck Cases

Truck and commercial vehicle accidents are rarely simple. These cases may involve an out-of-state trucking company, a Utah-based shipper, multiple insurance policies, and strict federal and state regulations. Choosing a commercial truck accident attorney Salt Lake City clients can turn to with confidence means finding a team that has the depth and resources to handle these moving parts.

Since 2010, Pearson Butler has grown into a full-service Utah law firm by being selective about who joins our team. We now have more than 30 attorneys and a total staff of about 60 professionals. Together, we bring over 300 years of combined legal experience across Utah trial courts, the Utah Supreme Court, the Utah Court of Appeals, and the 10th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals.

Our attorneys have been consistently recognized for legal skill and client service. Thirteen of our attorneys have been named to Utah Business Magazine's Legal Elite, and several have been selected to Super Lawyers or Rising Stars lists. Members of our team hold top peer ratings from organizations such as Martindale-Hubbell, and others are nationally recognized in their fields.

We are also intentional about how we work with clients. Unlike large firms that treat people as file numbers, we limit our caseloads so we can listen carefully and stay responsive. Our attorneys strive to serve as strategists, problem solvers, and counselors for clients who are going through one of the hardest events of their lives.

To get started, contact our team today.