University Ave. Plaza
470 N University Ave #202
Provo, UT 84601
Phone: 385-224-3765
When a person is involved in an accident with a large truck, the consequences can be tragic for the victim and his or her family. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 8.2% of all traffic fatalities in 2013 involved large trucks. That totals to nearly 300,000 large truck accidents. If you have been involved in a crash caused by the negligence of a truck driver, trucking company, or truck manufacturer, you may be entitled to compensation.
Truck accident cases often involve severe injuries, income disruption, and long-term recovery. Unlike standard car accidents, liability may extend beyond the driver to include the trucking company, maintenance provider, or manufacturer. This multi-party involvement adds complexity that can overwhelm injured individuals and their families.
Legal support is essential for gathering evidence, identifying regulatory violations, and holding the right parties accountable. These cases demand quick action to preserve records and understand what went wrong.
With over 40 years of combined experience, our team at Alta Legal is well-versed in the challenges these cases present. We’ve helped clients recover compensation for serious injuries, including those sustained while working, and provide individualized guidance throughout the legal process.
T-bone accidents typically happen when one driver goes straight and another driver runs through a red light or stop sign. The other vehicle and the truck collide, forming a t-shape.
Rollover accidents occur when a car or truck rolls over. It is most commonly caused by taking a corner or curve too quickly. Rollovers have the highest fatality type of any accident.
If truck driver does not secure their load, they can lose their load. It can cause drivers behind them to be injured by the lost load, or it can contribute to other accidents.
A trucker has blindspots. When they are making a wide turn, they may not see your car, causing a wide turn, also sometimes called a blind turn, accident.
A jackknife accident happens when the big rig’s cab turns at a different angle at 90 degrees than the box of the big rig, often hitting the box or causing the box to tilt or tip.
If a driver is driving above the posted speed limits or too fast for driving conditions, they are speeding.
Unsecured loads occur when a driver does not properly secure their load, causing it to fall off or out of the truck.
Drowsy driving happens when a driver is sleepy or tired. They may fall asleep at the wheel.
Aggressive driving happens if the driver tries to change lanes or speed ahead aggressively. Truck drivers should always drive defensively.
Drunk or drugged driving occurs if a driver is under the effects of alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription drugs. These drugs can impact their ability to function and respond quickly.
Wide turns happen when a truck driver tries to make a tight turn. They often have to take the turn wide to enter.
All truck drivers have blind spots. These are spots of the truck that a driver cannot see. If your car is in its blind spot, it cannot see you.
Neck Injuries
Spinal Injuries
Head Trauma
Internal Bleeding
Tissue/Muscle Damage
Lacerations
At Alta Legal, our truck accident attorneys represent clients injured in many large vehicle incidents. Our services include, but are not limited to:
Our team can coordinate personal injury and workers’ compensation strategies to pursue every available path to recovery.
Unlike standard car accident claims, truck accident cases involve different legal rules, parties, and procedures. Here’s what makes these cases more involved—and what you should know if you’ve been injured:
Commercial truck drivers are held to heightened safety obligations under both federal and state regulations. These rules cover hours-of-service limits, vehicle inspections, and load balancing requirements. Violating any of these can establish a foundation for liability. In Utah, carriers must comply with FMCSA regulations, which include drug testing protocols and weight restrictions. Failing to monitor driver logs or enforce safety standards can create civil liability. Documentation like maintenance records, safety audits, and previous citations may be used to show a company failed to uphold its legal duties, increasing exposure for negligence-based claims.
Liability in truck accidents isn’t always straightforward. In some situations, multiple parties may be responsible, including the driver, the trucking company, a subcontracted maintenance provider, or a manufacturer if mechanical failure played a role. Evidence collection is often more complex and includes black box data, driver logs, cargo records, and internal communication between dispatch and the driver. Attorneys may also consult reconstruction experts and DOT compliance specialists to evaluate braking distances, road conditions, or vehicle malfunctions. Establishing who failed to act reasonably is central to determining legal responsibility and recovering damages.
If you’re physically able, gather contact information for witnesses, take photos of the vehicles and road conditions, and request a police report. Seek immediate medical attention—even if your injuries seem minor. Early records help connect the injuries directly to the crash, which is crucial in legal claims. You should also document pain levels, work absences, and required care. If your vehicle or belongings were damaged, retain receipts for repairs or replacements. Avoid speaking to the trucking company’s insurer until you consult an attorney. Even a brief phone call can be used to undermine your claim later.
Avoid accepting an early settlement offer. These offers often undervalue long-term losses, particularly in cases involving traumatic brain injuries or spinal damage. Never post about the accident publicly on social media, as insurers may use your posts against you. Declining follow-up medical care, delaying treatment, or failing to keep appointments may also weaken your claim. Additionally, signing documents from the trucking company or their insurer without legal advice could inadvertently waive your right to full compensation. Early legal guidance helps avoid procedural missteps and protects your ability to recover damages that reflect your losses.
Most truck accident cases in Utah are resolved within one to two years. This includes time for investigation, treatment, negotiation, and—if needed—litigation. Some cases may proceed more quickly if liability is clear and damages are well-documented, while others involving disputed facts or multiple parties may take longer. The legal process usually starts with gathering and preserving evidence, followed by filing a claim and negotiating a possible settlement. If those talks fail, the case proceeds to trial. It’s important to understand that insurance companies often stall, hoping claimants will accept less than what they deserve.
If you were involved in an accident involving a large or commercial truck and sustained injuries, contact Alta Legal today. We can help you get compensation for your injuries and damages. Let us do the work for you so you can focus on your recovery.
Alta Legal proudly supports injured clients and their families in Utah County and the greater Salt Lake area. Whether you’re recovering from a recent crash or helping a loved one explore legal options, our team is here to guide you through each step.
