Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney in South Jordan, UT
A car vs. commercial vehicle accident can be catastrophic. If you’ve experienced this devastation, you need an experienced South Jordan commercial vehicle accident lawyer to guide you through financial recovery.
At Garner Law Firm, our South Jordan personal injury lawyers can guide you through the process of seeking compensation to support your recovery efforts. Our bilingual team can help you navigate the process of filing an accident claim and get back to finding their normal after a serious accident.
Commercial Vehicle Accidents
When you’re involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle, multiple factors can play a role in your accident claim. You may be dealing with a driver, a corporation, or complex insurance policies. Federal and state commercial vehicle accident laws can also factor into your claim.
Some major points that impact commercial vehicle accidents can include:
- Multiple parties. The claim could involve the driver, their employer, maintenance contractors, or the manufacturer of the vehicle.
- Complex insurance coverage. Commercial vehicles carry large insurance policies that have strict rules for liability.
- Regulatory oversight. Commercial drivers are required to follow Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations. These apply to rest, training, and how vehicles are to be maintained.
- Serious injuries. Because of the size of commercial vehicles, a small vehicle colliding with one can result in devastating injuries.
Common Types of Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Commercial vehicles present unique dangers on the roadway. Some common types of these accidents Garner Law Firm handles include:
- Semi-truck or tractor-trailer crashers. Often caused by driver fatigue, brake failure, or improper loading
- Construction or utility vehicle accidents. Caused by poor visibility, unsafe job sites, or spills on roads
- Company car collisions. When employees are driving for work-related purposes
- Delivery truck accidents from services such as Amazon, FedEx, or UPS
- Commercial transportation. Any paid transportation services
In 2022, 6,050 buses and trucks were involved in fatal accidents. That same year, over 120,000 large trucks were involved in accidents overall. This number is up to 111,000, as of November 2024. No matter the type of commercial vehicle that caused your injury, Garner Law Firm is ready to pursue justice on your behalf.
Understanding Commercial Vehicle Accident Laws in Utah
Utah law handles commercial vehicle accidents differently from standard car crashes. That’s because state and federal accident laws have strict standards for these vehicles.
Commercial drivers must have a valid commercial driver’s license. This requires them to undergo background checks and regular drug screenings. Drivers must also rest for specific periods between shifts to reduce fatigue that can impact their reaction times.
Commercial vehicles must be inspected regularly and kept in safe operating condition. If a company fails to do this or has negligent hiring or supervision practices, it may be held legally responsible.
Proving Negligence in a Commercial Vehicle Accident Claim
For a commercial vehicle accident claim to be successful, it’s important to prove certain elements of negligence. To do this, you’ll need to gather records, interview witnesses, and consult accident reconstruction experts. Garner Law Firm takes care of all of this, including negotiations with insurance companies.
What to Do After a Commercial Vehicle Accident
If you’ve been involved in an accident, you can immediately begin preparing your case. Some steps to take right after a collision include:
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel okay.
- Call the police to file a report.
- Take photos and collect contact information from drivers involved and witnesses.
- Avoid speaking with insurance companies until you’ve consulted with an attorney.
- Contact a South Jordan commercial vehicle accident lawyer, such as Garner Law Firm. We handle calls, paperwork, and negotiations so you can put your focus toward recovery.
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Why You Should Choose Garner Law Firm
Garner Law Firm holds recognition as a Super Lawyer, Utah Legal Elite, and National Trial Lawyer. These accolades reflect our commitment to our clients and results-driven strategies. We aggressively advocate for accident victims, walking them through the path to recovery, both physically and financially.
Our team remains active in our community, including hosting events, such as a Car Accident Survivor Event in South Jordan. We prioritize communication and give each case the personalized attention it deserves.
FAQs
What Happens if You Hit a Commercial Vehicle?
If you hit a commercial vehicle, stop and call the South Jordan Police Department at 801-446-4357 or 911. Exchange insurance information. Commercial vehicles are generally insured by corporate policies with high coverage limits. It’s important to determine fault. If the commercial driver contributed to the accident, their employer could hold responsibility. Document the scene, get witness information, and talk with an experienced South Jordan personal injury lawyer.
Is Utah a No-Fault State for Accidents?
Utah is a no-fault state when it comes to car accidents. No-fault rules are specific to bodily injury claims. They don’t include property damages. This means vehicle repairs can still be pursued by the at-fault driver’s insurance. However, each driver’s personal insurance covers their own medical bills, no matter where the fault lies. For catastrophic injuries, a personal injury claim may still be applicable.
What Happens if You Get in an Accident in a Company Truck?
If you’re driving a company truck and have an accident, the liability will depend on whether you were acting within the scope of employment. If you were adequately performing job duties, your employer’s commercial insurance would cover the accident. However, if you were using the truck for personal use or violating company policies in any way, you may be personally liable.
What Is the Dead Red Law in Utah?
Utah’s Dead Red Law lets motorcycles, bicyclists, and certain vehicle operators proceed through a red light under specific conditions. This could include if a red light doesn’t detect them and fails to activate after a certain length of time if there’s no cross-traffic. Traffic sensors aren’t always able to detect smaller vehicles, so this law can help keep smaller vehicles on their way. Drivers are still required to yield to oncoming traffic.
Hire a Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer
The South Jordan commercial vehicle accident attorneys of Garner Law Firm are ready to review your case, explain your rights, and help you take the next right step. Call us today to schedule a consultation.
