Can I Sue a Trucking Company That Caused My Injuries in Utah?

Federal laws dictate that trucking companies follow strict rules to prevent commercial vehicle accidents. But sometimes, companies fail to live up to these standards. When a trucking company breaches its duty to protect the public and a crash occurs, anyone injured in the wreck could be entitled to sue for compensation.

It seems like a no-brainer — truck companies need to hire qualified drivers, maintain their fleets, and comply with safety rules. But many cases have shown that companies sometimes fall short, pushing employees to drive without resting, falsifying driving logs, or making lazy hiring decisions. If you suffered injuries in a semi-truck crash and suspect the truck company is to blame, it’s time to get help from an experienced truck accident lawyer.

Suing a truck company is more complex than the standard auto accident case. An attorney can help determine whether the trucking company can be held liable for a negligent driver’s actions and investigate whether the company’s internal practices could have contributed to the wreck. Getting that information is difficult for a private individual to do alone, especially while recovering from painful injuries.

At Swenson & Shelley, we believe you deserve full and fair compensation if someone else’s negligence caused you harm. Put our award-winning team of truck accident lawyers to work for you. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.

Visit a Truck Accident Lawyer in Utah

Get Prompt Legal Help after a Truck Accident

Seeking legal help as soon as possible after a truck accident can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. A skilled truck accident attorney will:

• Conduct an independent investigation into the crash and gather valuable evidence to support your case.
• Determine who is liable for your injuries and seek compensation from them.
• Communicate with insurers, trucking companies, and other parties on your behalf.
• Ensure you get the medical treatment you need for your injuries.
• File all documents accurately and on time.
• Place a fair value on your truck accident claim.
• Represent you during settlement negotiations with the truck company and its insurers.
• Take the case to trial if settlement talks break down.

Trucking companies have an advantage after a crash because they can immediately dispatch insurance adjusters to the accident scene. Getting your private investigation underway may be delayed while you receive medical treatment. Hiring a truck accident attorney as soon as possible levels the playing field. A lawyer can get started on your case while you heal so no more time is lost.

When Are Trucking Companies Liable?

There are many cases where a truck company could be liable for an accident. For example, it could be responsible when an employee’s negligent driving leads to an accident. However, that may not be the case if the at-fault driver is an independent contractor. Having a lawyer determine the driver’s relationship to the company is crucial before placing an appropriate value on your case.

A trucking company can also be liable if the crash resulted from poor hiring practices, inadequate training, negligent supervision, or if it encouraged the at-fault driver to violate hours-of-service regulations to meet unreasonable delivery deadlines.

Damages for Serious Injuries

The force of impact in a tractor-trailer accident can lead to severe injuries, such as:

• Fractured bones
• Dislocated joints
• Soft tissue damage
• Whiplash and other neck injuries
• Back injuries, such as ruptured discs
• Internal organ trauma
• Facial injuries
• Torso injuries
• Burn
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Amputation

In Utah, truck accident victims can sue a trucking company if they sustain serious injuries, such as disfigurement, dismemberment, broken bones, and permanent disabilities. Filing a truck accident lawsuit is also possible when medical expenses exceed $3,000 in Utah.

What We Can Do for Your Truck Accident Case

When you hire a truck accident attorney from Swenson & Shelley, you can expect our firm to pursue the accountability and compensation you deserve. Our attorneys will guide you through the legal process by:

• Identifying the liable party(s) and every potential source of compensation for you
• Gathering evidence from the crash scene to craft a solid claim that stands up to the toughest challenges from the truck company and its corporate lawyers
• Collaborating with expert witnesses to provide persuasive testimony about the crash and its long-term effects on your life
• Preparing and filing an insurance claim on your behalf
• Aggressively pursuing a settlement that provides you with the money you need as soon as possible
• Taking your case to trial, if litigation is the best option for seeking the justice and compensation you deserve

Compensation after a Trucking Accident

Victims can recover compensation for a variety of losses after a truck wreck, including:

• Medical care
• Rehabilitation
• Costs for long-term nursing, assistive medical equipment, and home renovations to accommodate a new disability
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Physical pain
• Emotional distress
• Reduced enjoyment and quality of life
• Punitive damages

A truck accident lawyer can place a fair value on your claim after reviewing the facts of the case and identifying every way the negligent trucking company failed you.

Proving Truck Company Liability

A trucking company might be liable for an accident if it was caused by an employee operating within the scope of their job or if the company’s actions directly led to the crash. A skilled truck accident attorney will gather compelling evidence to support your case, such as:

• The truck driver’s employment and driving records
• The truck driver’s hours-of-service logs
• Results of any drug or alcohol testing performed on the driver
• Information from the truck’s electronic data recorder
• The cargo or freight manifest
• The truck driver’s cell phone records
• Trucking company dispatch logs
• Truck inspection and maintenance reports
• Surveillance and traffic camera footage
• Dashcam or in-cab footage
• Post-accident vehicle inspection reports
• Accident reconstruction reports
• Police accident reports and arrest or citation records
• Witness and co-worker statements

In a Truck Accident Recently? Call our Attorneys to Get Started on Your Case

The personal injury attorneys at Swenson & Shelley are committed to relentlessly pursuing justice for truck accident victims. We have successfully recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients. Put our talent and experience to work for you. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review.

Do you have questions about suing the trucking company for your injuries in Utah? After watching this video, call our lawyers to get started.