Trucks are a vital part of the United States economy and a strong industry for workers across the country. However, they are also large, dangerous vehicles that can cause serious damage to any driver who is involved in an accident with one. If you end up in a truck accident, you may just be thankful that you survived. Beyond that, it’s understandable to want to pursue legal action. Before doing that, understanding Utah trucking laws and regulations may be vital for your case.
If you end up in a legal battle with a trucking company or its insurance carrier, it may be important for you to have an experienced truck accident lawyer by your side who can help you keep your case focused. You will want someone who has handled Utah truck accident cases before, as well as someone with a vast knowledge of the state’s truck accident laws. Having someone handle your truck accident case while you focus on recovering from injuries can be helpful.
Why Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?
There are many important reasons why you should hire a truck accident lawyer. It’s important to understand what may be at stake for you, including a substantial settlement and payment for your medical expenses, which could be significant. A good lawyer can make sure you don’t get taken advantage of. Daniel Garner has spent his career caring about his community and helping people deal with personal injury cases. He speaks fluent Spanish and belongs to multiple legal associations.
It may be important to know that trucking accidents are not rare in the United States or even in Utah. According to recent data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 940 crashes involving large trucks throughout the state of Utah in 2024 alone. The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) reported 281 fatalities in vehicular crashes throughout the state that same year, with many of them involving trucks. Your case may not be unique.
If you have survived a truck accident, you may be overwhelmed with new feelings of guilt, fear, and confusion. There’s nothing wrong with seeking help when you really need it. You may want to consider reaching out to a local mental health support group like NAMI Utah or Heal from Within. There are many different outreach programs across the state that could help you start to heal from everything you’ve been through. Having a safe space just to talk can be enough.
Understanding Utah Trucking Laws and Regulations
The trucking industry is highly regulated across the entire country, with every state having its own additional regulations on top of federal regulations. Utah is no different. The state’s trucking laws and regulations make sure the industry follows the right kind of safety protocols in an effort to protect people from potential accidents. Here are some of the specific elements of the trucking industry that are regulated throughout the state of Utah:
- Weight and Size Requirements: Utah’s trucking laws enforce a maximum weight of 10,500 pounds on an individual wheel and 20,000 pounds on an axle. The gross vehicle weight for most commercial trucks cannot legally exceed 80,000 pounds. There is an exception for some heavy-duty tow and recovery trucks, but any truck exceeding 80,000 pounds must secure an overweight permit before it can drive through Utah.
- Speed Limits: It’s very important to other drivers on the road that trucks do not exceed a certain speed while driving. While on interstates and certain limited-access roads, trucks have to follow a strict speed limit of 75 miles per hour. While driving through cities and towns, the speed limit is reduced to 65 miles per hour to account for increased traffic density.
- License Requirements: It takes a great deal of skill and knowledge to operate a commercial vehicle without causing an accident. Every truck driver in Utah is required to have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL).
To meet the requirements necessary to receive a CDL, the driver in question must have at least a year of experience with a Class D driver’s license, must be at least 18 years old, and must obtain a medical certificate from the Department of Transportation that confirms they are medically sound for the job.
FAQs About Utah Trucking Laws and Regulations
What Are the Truck Laws in Utah?
The truck laws in Utah are highly regulated and specific in an effort to ensure trucks are much less dangerous while on the road. They can’t account for everything, but they try. Truck laws include specific weight limits on commercial vehicles, regulated speed limits on highways and city roads alike, and strict license requirements for truck drivers. Drivers must also follow strict break times.
What Rules Do Truck Drivers Have to Follow in Utah?
There are many specific rules that truck drivers have to follow in Utah. If they are caught not following these rules, they could end up losing their job or even face legal penalties. Some examples of truck driving rules include maximum driving time and mandatory break times. Truck drivers cannot drive for more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They also have to take at least one 30-minute break per eight hours of driving.
Should I Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?
Yes, you should hire a truck accident lawyer. If you are involved in an accident with a truck, you may be dealing with serious physical injuries or psychological pain. You may not be in any state to handle a personal injury claim on your own, especially if the trucking company is trying to discredit you. A good lawyer can help you keep yourself together and protect your interests.
What Is a Common Cause of Truck Accidents in Utah?
There are many different things that can cause a truck accident. One of the most common causes is simple driver error. At the end of the day, truck drivers are human and they make mistakes. Unfortunately, those mistakes can have serious consequences. Things like fatigued driving, drunk driving, speeding, or improper turning are all driver errors that can lead to accidents.
Contact a Lawyer
At The Garner Law Firm, we can help you handle your case against a truck driver or trucking company. Contact us to speak to someone about what we can do for you.
