How to File a Truck Accident Claim In Salt Lake City?
The trucking industry is critical in Utah. According to the state legislature, Utah’s supply chain depends on trucks delivering goods and services into and out of the state. Unfortunately, the necessary reliance on large commercial trucks also means that motorists in average family cars weighing around 4,000 pounds share the roadways with loaded commercial trucks that may weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. Trucks also have extended blind spots, make wide turns, and require long braking distances. Motorists in smaller vehicles face a heightened risk of serious or catastrophic injuries in a collision with a commercial truck.
When a truck accident victim finds their injury-related damages quickly escalating, it’s important to know how to recover compensation with the help of a Salt Lake City truck accident attorney.
Call us today to get started with a free case review.
The First Steps May Begin at the Scene of the Truck Accident In Salt Lake City
Many injury victims don’t realize that the truck accident claim process may begin at the accident scene. If severe injuries such as head trauma or broken bones incapacitate the injury victim, their case may rely solely on the police report and later investigation, but if an injury victim can use their phone or ask a companion to use one for them, they can preserve evidence by doing the following:
- After calling 911, use the phone’s camera to take photos of the damaged vehicle and the commercial truck
- Take photos of anything relevant to the accident, like a traffic signal, signs, skid marks, or hazardous road conditions
- Photograph any visible injuries
- Add the contact information of the truck driver
- Add the contact information of any nearby eyewitnesses
Always go directly to a hospital from the scene and request a full medical assessment and detailed medical report. Report the accident to your own insurance company and then contact an experienced Salt Lake City personal injury lawyer before communicating with the trucking company, their attorneys, or their insurance company.
Filing a Truck Accident Claim In Salt Lake City, Utah
Once you’ve hired a Utah truck accident lawyer, your attorney will do the following:
- Investigate all aspects of the accident to determine the cause, identify the negligence that occurred, pinpoint the liable party or parties, and identify the correct insurance policy against which to file a claim
- Document compelling evidence of liability
- Carefully calculate all injury-related damages to seek the maximum compensation available from all parties that caused or contributed to the accident
- Send a demand package with their findings to the insurance company
- Begin negotiations for a settlement, sometimes requiring mediation with all parties present
- Obtain a full and fair settlement for your damages, or move forward with the lawsuit in court
The vast majority of truck accident claims in Utah and elsewhere are resolved through settlements, especially when the injury victim has skilled legal representation. However, a trial-ready attorney always prepares the case as though for court throughout the process, ensuring they are fully prepared for litigation should it be required.
What If My Case Goes to Court?
Although a truck accident case may take longer to resolve if it requires court litigation, juries are typically sympathetic to injury victims, awarding them ample compensation for their damages. If your case requires a trial, your attorney will ensure that you are well-prepared and launch a well-executed legal strategy on your behalf.
How Can a Salt Lake City Personal Injury Attorney Help Me?
Truck accident claims in Utah and elsewhere are more challenging to navigate than typical car accident claims because of the many entities involved in the trucking industry and the complexity of determining liability. Contact the experienced truck accident lawyers at Handy & Handy to maximize your chances of a successful claim and fair compensation for your damages, like medical expenses, lost earnings, and compensation for pain and suffering.