How to Prove Liability in a Utah Semi-Truck Accident Case

According to the Utah Department of Public Safety crash data, there were just over 1,000 large truck crashes last year that caused over 50 deaths and nearly 500 severe injuries. These crashes have a life-changing impact on individuals, families, and communities throughout Utah due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles, which can lead to catastrophic damage.

For individuals involved, the physical injuries are often severe or life-threatening, resulting in long-term disability, chronic pain, or loss of life. This not only impacts the victim’s quality of life but also imposes emotional and financial burdens on families, who may lose a primary wage earner or need to provide lifelong care.

For families, the trauma of losing a loved one or adjusting to their new limitations can strain relationships, finances, and emotional well-being. Medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and funeral expenses can further exacerbate financial stress.

Communities are also profoundly affected, as these accidents often cause traffic disruptions, economic losses, and a heightened sense of vulnerability on the road.

At Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys, our Salt Lake City truck accident attorneys focus on helping our clients regain control of their lives after they have been changed during these catastrophic collisions. It begins with proving liability so our Salt Lake County personal injury lawyers can pursue damages on their behalf. Here’s how.

How Can I Determine Who Is Liable for My Utah Truck Accident & Injuries?

Proving liability in a Utah semi-truck accident case requires demonstrating that the truck driver, trucking company, or another party acted negligently and caused the accident.

To identify all potential negligently parties, we must:

• Gather Evidence: The first step is collecting all available evidence, including police reports, witness statements, photos of the accident scene, and any available video footage. Trucking companies must maintain detailed records, such as driver logs, maintenance reports, and black box data, which can be critical in proving liability.
• Establish Negligence: We must prove that the truck driver or another responsible party acted negligently. Typical forms of negligence include driver fatigue, distracted driving, speeding, or violations of federal trucking regulations, such as exceeding hours of service limits.
• In some semi-truck accident cases, multiple parties, including the trucking company and the truck manufacturer, may be liable if a defect contributed to the accident or a third-party contractor.
• Prove Causation: It’s essential to link the negligent actions directly to the cause of the accident. For example, if the truck driver was speeding or driving under the influence, we’ll need to show how this behavior caused the crash and the following injuries or damages.
• Demonstrate Harm: To recover compensation, we must show that the accident resulted in measurable harm, such as physical injuries, property damage, lost wages, or medical expenses. Medical records, repair bills, and expert testimony can help substantiate these damages.

Working with our experienced Salt Lake City commercial vehicle accident attorneys can help you gather the proper evidence, meet legal deadlines, and build a compelling case for liability.

Contact Our Experienced Semi-Truck Accident, Injury & Fatality Attorneys in Salt Lake City, Utah

Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys has represented thousands of Utah clients, successfully obtaining settlements during negotiations and fighting for their rights and optimal outcomes in jury trials for more than 90 combined years.

If you have been hurt or lost a loved one in an auto accident caused by negligence anywhere in Utah, contact our Salt Lake City personal injury attorneys today to discuss your claim during a free consultation.