Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorneys in Salt Lake City, UT
When a commercial vehicle is involved in an accident, it can be catastrophic, especially on busy roadways such as I-80 and I-15. Hiring a Salt Lake City commercial vehicle accident lawyer can help alleviate the physical, property, and mental costs of these types of incidents.
Accidents involving commercial vehicles are handled differently from those involving commuter vehicles. The Garner Law Firm has extensive experience holding large commercial companies responsible when their drivers are negligent. Our bilingual team can help you file an accident claim to help recover any losses you’ve experienced as a result of your accident.
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What Are Commercial Vehicles in Utah?
Commercial vehicles must meet specific standards under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Commercial vehicles are defined by their size, weighing more than 10,001 pounds. These large vehicles are used for transporting goods and passengers across interstate highways.
In addition to federal guidelines, commercial vehicles in Utah are defined as Interstate or Intrastate. Interstate vehicles meet the same requirements as FMCSA vehicles, but intrastate commercial vehicles follow the Utah Motor Vehicles Safety Act and are defined as “a motor vehicle, vehicle, trailer, or semi-trailer used or maintained for business, or profit” used to carry property or passengers, but only if the commercial vehicle:
- Weighs 26,001 pounds or more AND
- Is operated by a driver 18 years or older OR
- Weighs 16,001 pounds or more and is operated by a driver under 18 years of age
- Is designed to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver OR
- Is designed to transport more than 12 passengers, including the driver, but has a gross weight of 13,000 pounds or more OR
- Carries hazardous material and is of any weight
Whether the vehicle is an intrastate or interstate commercial vehicle, drivers must adhere to federal or state requirements. These regulations change often, and it can be difficult to keep up with them, especially after an accident that has caused you significant physical, cognitive, or emotional harm. Hiring a commercial truck accident attorney who knows the latest regulations can help you prove negligence on the part of the commercial truck driver or their company.
Hours of Service Regulations
The number of drowsy-related commercial vehicle crashes fluctuates between 900 and 1100 annually. The FMCSA requires property drivers to:
- Limit their driving to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty
- Take a 30-minute driving break every 8 hours
- Take 34 or more hours off-duty before restarting a 7- or 8-day period
Passenger-carrying vehicles are a little different. These drivers:
- May drive a maximum of 10 hours after 8 consecutive hours of off-duty
- May not drive more than 15 hours maximum after 8 consecutive hours off-duty
49 CFR 395.8 requires each driver to keep a 24-hour log of all hours of service. Failure to keep this log can result in heavy fines.
Hire a Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer
When you hire a commercial truck accident lawyer from The Garner Law Firm, our team thoroughly investigates the driver’s adherence to the current regulations and whether they’ve followed the regulations regarding hours of service. We have handled a variety of cases of this nature and are well-versed in Salt Lake City commercial truck accident laws.
Accidents involving commercial vehicles often result in lost wages and emotional distress. At The Garner Law Firm, our compassionate commercial vehicle accident lawyers understand the toll such a frightening event can take. We can gather police accident reports, medical bills or statements, eyewitness statements, dashcam footage, and vehicle repair or replacement estimates.
FAQs
What Happens If I Hit a Commercial Vehicle in Salt Lake City?
If you hit a commercial vehicle and are partly at fault, your case could be reduced or dismissed, depending on the percentage of fault you are responsible for. Utah is a comparative negligence state, which means you can file a claim if you are less than 50% at fault, but your recovery may be reduced by the percentage you are at fault.
Is Utah a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?
Yes, Utah is a no-fault state for car accidents. Utah requires every driver to purchase personal injury protection, or PIP. Your PIP pays the first $3,000 of your personal injury. Drivers are also required to purchase insurance to cover another person’s injuries if they hit someone.
In the case of a commercial vehicle, however, you may be filing a claim against the driver, the company, or the owner, depending on how the driver is classified as an employee.
Do CDL Drivers Have to Report Accidents in Utah?
Utah has a 10-day reporting deadline for anyone who is in a vehicle crash. With CDL trucks, the entire 10 days may be spent in the hospital recovering from injury. If you were in the hospital, recovering from a severe injury, and missed the deadline, don’t panic. State law allows for an extension under Utah Code 41-6a-402(3)(a). Hiring a commercial truck accident lawyer as promptly as possible allows time for filing your claim.
Does My Insurance Cover Commercial Vehicles in Utah?
While your insurance (PIP) in Utah does cover accidents with commercial vehicles, commercial vehicles must also have a high level of insurance. Because of the complexity of insurance coverage on commercial vehicles, if you are less than 50% at fault for a commercial truck accident, it’s wise to consult with a Salt Lake City commercial truck accident lawyer from The Garner Law Firm.
Why The Garner Law Firm
The Garner Law Firm is a team of dedicated legal professionals who are compassionate and empathetic to your needs as the survivor of a commercial truck accident. We take our time to find out the intricacies of your injury, and we invest in your case with one simple promise: no fee if we don’t succeed.
Our team understands how difficult it can be when a traumatic injury has left you out of work, physically or cognitively injured, or in need of costly medical care. Our Salt Lake City personal injury attorneys are strategic, high-stakes negotiators and litigators, and we have our clients’ backs.
If you have been involved in an accident with a commercial truck and were less than 50% at fault, you shouldn’t have to seek justice alone. Contact us today to see how we can help you.
