Rear-End Truck Accident Attorney in Utah

Rear-end collisions are among the most common auto accidents nationwide. While some rear-end accidents result in minor damage, they can have devastating consequences if they involve large trucks. Truck rear-end accidents often inflict severe harm on the occupants of cars they strike, leaving victims with expensive medical bills and other losses.

You could be entitled to compensation if you were injured in a rear-end collision involving a semi-truck in Utah. Truck accident victims deserve the relentless pursuit of justice, and at Swenson & Shelley, we are committed to that. Our attorneys provide straightforward legal advice and personalized representation to every client. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Utah truck accident attorney.

Visit our Salt Lake City office and talk to one of our Utah truck accident attorneys today!

Causes of Rear-End Truck Collisions

Many rear-end accidents result from driver error. In some cases, multiple factors contribute to the crash. Some of the most common causes of rear-end truck accidents include:

• Drowsy driving – Federal law limits how many hours truck drivers can work, but long-haul drivers still spend long shifts behind the wheel. Some might feel pressure to meet strict deadlines and drive in violation of their hours-of-service (HOS) regulations.
• Distracted driving – Truck drivers are prone to distraction, just like other motorists. A truck driver texting, talking on the phone, programming a navigation device, or otherwise distracted is less likely to notice when traffic ahead slows or stops.
• Speeding – Truckers who drive too fast for road conditions have less time to brake and avoid rear-end collisions. Disaster can strike when a fully loaded tractor-trailer slams into a passenger car.
• Tailgating – Commercial trucks require more space than passenger cars to stop. A semi-truck that is following too closely can easily cause a rear-end collision.

What Makes a Truck Rear-End Accident So Dangerous?

A rear-end accident involving a truck is dangerous due to the size difference between the vehicles. A standard passenger vehicle weighs about 4,000 pounds, but the average 18-wheeler weighs about 35,000 pounds when empty and up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded.

A truck’s massive weight affects its ability to stop quickly. In some situations, truckers may find it impossible to stop in time to avoid a rear-end collision. For this reason, truck drivers should always maintain enough space from cars ahead to slow down and stop safely. They should distance themselves farther from passenger cars when driving in poor weather conditions. For example, icy or slick roads increase how long it takes to stop a semi-truck.

The Statute of Limitations and Rear-End Truck Accident Claims

If you sustain injuries in a rear-end truck accident in Utah, the statute of limitations is four years from the date of the injury, meaning you have just four years to file a truck accident claim. Failure to file on time could result in your case’s dismissal, giving you no way to collect the money you need, no matter how valid the claim is.

Building a solid case takes time, so it’s best to contact a semi-truck accident lawyer immediately to get started. While there are some exceptions to the statute of limitations, they are limited. For example, In the case of wrongful death resulting from a truck accident, the statute of limitations is shortened to two years.

Common Injuries from a Rear-End Accident

We handle rear-end collision claims involving injuries like:

• Neck injury – The violent force of a rear-end crash can injure the delicate tissues in the neck, causing whiplash, nerve damage, and other soft-tissue trauma. The worst neck injuries can leave victims with chronic pain, stiffness, severe headaches, and limited mobility.
• Spinal cord injury – The impact of a rear-end collision can cause damage to the spinal column, causing fractured vertebrae, herniated disks, and spinal cord trauma. These injuries can cause permanent disabilities, including total paralysis.
• Traumatic brain injury – The force of a rear-end collision can cause the brain to move rapidly back and forth within the skull, leading to a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Depending on the severity of the injury, a victim may be left with physical and mental impairments.
• Back injury – Back injuries are common for victims of rear-end collisions and can result in long-term, debilitating pain. Common back injuries include strains and sprains due to back muscles twisting, pulling, or getting torn.
• Internal bleeding or organ damage – The force and trauma of a rear-end collision can cause occupants to sustain internal bleeding or organ damage. These injuries can be hard to detect because symptoms may not appear immediately. Internal bleeding can occur when a passenger’s body strikes the steering wheel, airbag, or seat belt, causing blood vessels to rupture.

Utah Truck Accident Statistics

According to truck accident statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large trucks made up nine percent of all vehicles involved in fatal Utah crashes in a recent year. There were 37 fatalities, and nearly 67 percent were occupants of other vehicles, not the truck driver or passengers in the rigs.

How an Experienced Salt Lake City Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You

If you were injured in a rear-end truck accident, an experienced Salt Lake City semi-truck accident lawyer could help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and other crash-related losses. The legal team at Swenson & Shelley includes a board-certified truck accident lawyer and accomplished personal injury attorneys who know what it takes to win against stubborn trucking companies and their insurers. We will investigate the truck accident, determine who is liable for your injuries, and seek all possible sources of compensation for you.

Let Swenson & Shelley handle every detail of your case so you can focus on healing and moving forward with your life. Contact us today for a free consultation.