Utah’s highways are busy corridors for commercial trucks. From I-15 running through Salt Lake City to I-80 stretching across the state, tractor-trailers and semis carry goods that keep our economy moving. But when one of these massive vehicles collides with a passenger car, the results can be catastrophic.
At Steele Adams Hosman, we often hear from people who assume truck accidents are just “big car accidents.” The truth is, they are very different – legally, medically, and emotionally. Understanding these differences can help you protect your rights and recover the compensation you need after a crash.
The Size and Weight Factor
The most obvious difference between car and truck accidents is the size and weight of the vehicles involved.
- A standard passenger car typically weighs around 3,000–4,000 pounds.
- A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds.
That disparity means that even a low-speed collision with a truck can cause devastating injuries. Victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or multiple fractures, injuries that often require long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
Different Causes of Truck Accidents
Car accidents are often caused by driver distraction, speeding, or failure to yield. While those factors can also play a role in truck crashes, commercial trucking adds unique risks, including:
- Driver fatigue: Federal regulations limit truck drivers’ hours, but long hauls and pressure to meet delivery deadlines can lead to exhausted drivers.
- Improper loading: Shifting or overloaded cargo can cause rollovers or jackknife accidents.
- Mechanical failures: Worn brakes, defective tires, or inadequate maintenance can turn a truck into a deadly hazard.
- Blind spots: Trucks have large “no-zones” where passenger cars disappear from view.
- Hazardous materials: Some trucks carry chemicals or flammable goods that increase the danger of a crash.
Each of these causes requires a thorough investigation to determine exactly what went wrong.
Hurt in a truck accident? Let Steele Adams Hosman fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Complex Liability Issues
In a typical car accident, liability often comes down to one or two drivers. In truck accidents, multiple parties may share responsibility, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The company responsible for loading the cargo
- The manufacturer of a defective truck part
- Maintenance contractors who failed to repair or inspect the vehicle
This makes truck accident cases significantly more complex. Insurance companies for these parties often work aggressively to shift blame and minimize payouts.
Federal and State Regulations
Another major difference is the legal framework governing truck drivers and trucking companies.
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations set strict rules on driver hours, vehicle inspections, and safety standards.
- Utah also enforces state-specific trucking laws that apply to vehicles traveling on highways like I-215, I-84, and U.S. Route 89.
Violations of these regulations, such as exceeding maximum driving hours or failing to perform mandatory inspections, can strengthen an injury claim. However, proving these violations requires legal knowledge and access to detailed records like driver logs, GPS data, and maintenance reports.
Severity of Injuries and Damages
Truck accidents almost always result in more severe injuries than car accidents. Victims may face:
- Long hospital stays and multiple surgeries
- Permanent disabilities
- Loss of earning capacity
- Emotional trauma, including PTSD
Because of these serious injuries, the financial stakes are higher in truck accident cases. Compensation often includes not only medical bills and lost wages but also long-term care costs, pain and suffering, and diminished quality of life.
Insurance Coverage Differences
Car accidents typically involve individual auto insurance policies. Trucking companies, on the other hand, often carry multi-million-dollar commercial insurance policies. While this means more coverage is available, it also means insurers will fight harder to avoid large payouts.
Their adjusters and lawyers may:
- Blame the victim for the crash
- Downplay the severity of injuries
- Offer quick settlements far below the case’s true value
This is why victims of truck accidents need attorneys who understand both the medical realities and the aggressive strategies of commercial insurers.
Call Steele Adams Hosman today to schedule a free consultation.
Local Perspective: Truck Accidents in Utah
Utah’s geography and climate add unique challenges to trucking safety. Icy conditions on Parley’s Canyon, steep grades on Spanish Fork Canyon, and winter storms along I-80 create conditions where even small errors can lead to massive pileups.
In recent years, crashes involving semi-trucks on Utah’s major highways have underscored the importance of holding negligent drivers and companies accountable. Local families affected by these tragedies know firsthand that recovery requires both medical and legal support.
Proving Negligence in Truck Accident Cases
To recover compensation, victims must prove that negligence caused the crash. This can include showing that:
- The driver was fatigued, distracted, or under the influence
- The trucking company failed to follow safety regulations
- The vehicle was not properly maintained
- Cargo was improperly loaded or secured
Evidence is critical. At Steele Adams Hosman, we obtain black box data, review driver logs, and work with accident reconstruction experts to uncover the truth.
What Compensation Can Victims Recover?
In a Utah truck accident case, victims may recover damages for:
- Emergency medical care and future treatment needs
- Lost wages and loss of earning potential
- Rehabilitation and long-term care costs
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Wrongful death damages for families who lost a loved one
How Steele Adams Hosman Can Help
At Steele Adams Hosman, we bring both legal expertise and compassion to every case. Our personal injury team:
- Investigates thoroughly, from maintenance records to black box data
- Identifies all liable parties, not just the driver
- Negotiates firmly with insurers to maximize recovery
- Takes cases to trial when necessary to secure justice
We understand that a truck accident isn’t just another legal case, it’s a turning point in your life. Our job is to help you move forward with strength and security.
Conclusion
Truck accidents in Utah are not the same as car accidents. They involve bigger vehicles, bigger risks, and bigger challenges when it comes to seeking justice. Victims deserve advocates who understand these complexities and know how to fight back against powerful trucking companies and insurers.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, Steele Adams Hosman is ready to help. We proudly serve Salt Lake City and communities across Utah with dedicated, results-driven representation. Let us handle the legal battle so you can focus on healing. Contact us now for a free consultation!
