Salt Lake City Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer

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This page was written, edited, reviewed & approved by Dustin Lance following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. Dustin Lance, the Founding Partner, has handled many types of personal injury cases and is licensed in Utah and Idaho.

If you have lost a loved one in a commercial vehicle collision, a Salt Lake City fatal truck accident lawyer at Lance Bingham Law can help you pursue a wrongful death claim to secure your family's future. Under Utah Code § 78B-3-106, specific heirs or personal representatives have the legal right to seek damages when a death results from the neglect or wrongful act of another. 

Our firm provides compassionate and aggressive representation for families in Salt Lake City who are forced to manage the aftermath of fatal truck accidents on Interstate 15 or Interstate 80. We focus on uncovering critical evidence from the black box and electronic logging devices to hold negligent trucking companies accountable. Call our office today at (801) 869-6800 to discuss your injury claims during a free, private consultation with a dedicated personal injury lawyer.

How Lance Bingham Law Can Help After a Fatal Truck Accident in Salt Lake City

Lance Bingham Law provides expert legal help to families who have lost a loved one in a commercial truck crash. Our team understands that fatal truck accidents are complex and require deep investigation. As a non-advertising law firm, we focus our energy on building strong cases rather than on billboards. We travel to our clients anywhere in Salt Lake City to offer support during their most difficult moments.

Our firm has a long history of winning large results for our clients. We have recovered millions of dollars for victims of motor vehicle accidents, including a $2,000,000 wrongful death settlement. Our trial lawyers are not afraid to take a trucking company to court if they refuse to offer a fair settlement agreement. We handle every step of the legal process so your family can focus on healing.

How Common Are Fatal Truck Accidents in Salt Lake City, Utah?

Fatal truck accidents are a serious danger on Utah roads, especially on high-traffic routes like Interstate 15 and Interstate 80. Large commercial trucks carry massive loads, making any collision much more likely to be deadly. Recent data shows that while overall traffic deaths have changed, the risk from big rigs remains high in urban areas.

In Salt Lake City, the high number of delivery truck trips and regional shipping creates more chances for truck crashes. Many of these incidents are caused by driver fatigue or distracted driving on busy city streets. Our personal injury lawyer team monitors these trends to better assist families who are experiencing a sudden loss. We are dedicated to making our roads safer by holding negligent drivers and companies accountable.

Victims of Fatal Truck Accident deserve justice and accountability
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What is My Salt Lake City Fatal Truck Accident Case Worth?

The value of a wrongful death claim depends on many factors, such as the victim's age and income. A truck accident lawyer will look at the financial support the loved one would have provided over their lifetime. We also factor in the injury severity if the victim survived for a time before passing away. Every case is unique, and we work to ensure no financial loss is overlooked.

Type of LossDescriptionWhy It Matters
Medical BillsCosts for care before the victim passed.These are direct debts left to the estate.
Funeral CostsExpenses for burial or memorial services.Families should not pay for a death they didn't cause.
Lost SupportFuture wages the victim would have earned.This protects the family’s long-term housing and needs.
Property DamageCosts to replace the vehicle or items lost.High-speed truck crashes often destroy private cars.

Insurance companies often try to offer a low settlement agreement shortly after the accident. They may hope you are too overwhelmed to realize the true value of your claim. Our firm calculates the full cost of medical records, funeral bills, and lost personal injury protection benefits. We fight for the maximum amount to provide for your family’s future.

What Types of Damages Are Available to Fatal Truck Accident Victims?

Utah law allows families to seek two main types of damages after a fatal crash. Economic damages cover clear costs, such as medical bills and the money a victim would have earned at work. Non-economic damages provide payment for the emotional pain of losing a parent, child, or spouse. Our personal injury lawyer team ensures both are part of your truck accident lawsuit.

  • Medical Attention: Costs for the medical professional who treated the victim.
  • Missed Work: Payment for the wages lost between the crash and the death.
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries: Damages for the pain of a specific brain injury or spinal cord injury.
  • Punitive Damages: Extra money meant to punish a company for extreme driver negligence.

Survival actions under Utah Code § 78B-3-107 can also recover for the victim's own pain before they passed. This is different from a wrongful death claim, which focuses on the family’s loss. We review medical records and injury claims to find every legal path for recovery. Our goal is to bring your family peace of mind through financial justice.

Can I Recover Damages If I’m Being Blamed for a Fatal Truck Accident in Utah?

Trucking companies and their insurance carriers often try to blame the other driver for the crash. They might say weather conditions or a small error by your loved one caused the collision. Even if the victim was partly at fault, you may still be able to recover some compensation. Utah uses a modified comparative fault rule to handle these cases.

According to Utah Code § 78B-5-818, you can recover money as long as the victim was less than 50% responsible. If the victim was 20% at fault, the court will reduce your total award by 20%. For example, a $1,000,000 award would be reduced to $800,000. If the victim was 50% or more at fault, the law bars you from getting any money.

Our firm uses collision reconstruction to fight back against unfair blame. We examine black-box data and surveillance footage to show what really happened at the accident scene. We work to prove that the trucking service or driver was the main cause of the tragedy. Protecting your loved one's reputation is an important part of our work.

We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Fatal Truck Accident Injuries

Losing a family member to a truck accident is a life-altering tragedy. Our firm is dedicated to providing the legal counsel you need to navigate the complicated truck accident claims process. We focus on recovering the full value of your loss, ensuring that the trucking company pays for the harm they caused.

While the victim's life was cut short, the legal claim addresses the total impact on the survivors. We pursue compensation for the loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support that the victim provided. Our personal injury lawyer team also fights to recover funeral costs and the loss of future financial stability.

We understand the high injury severity that can occur in a semi-truck accident. Our goal is to ensure that no part of your family’s suffering is ignored by insurance carriers. We are committed to securing a settlement agreement that honors your loved one’s memory and protects your future.

What Causes Most Fatal Truck Accidents in Salt Lake City, Utah?

Most fatal truck accidents in Salt Lake City result from preventable errors by a truck driver or their employer. High speeds on Interstate 15 and Interstate 80 often lead to underride accidents and jackknife accidents when a driver loses control. We investigate these causes to prove driver negligence was the root of the collision.

  • Brake or Tire Failure: Lack of maintenance leads to a sudden mechanical failure on the road.
  • Driver Fatigue: Violating hours-of-service rules leads to dangerous truck-driver fatigue crashes.
  • Cargo Loading Errors: Improper loading of vehicles can cause a rollover truck accident.
  • Blind Spot Errors: Large trucks have massive blind spots that lead to underride crashes.

Beyond the driver, employer negligence often plays a role in these tragedies. If a trucking service ignores federal regulations to save time, they put everyone on the road at risk. Our firm reviews driver logs and electronic logging data to uncover these hidden safety violations.

Serious injuries demand serious representation
call Our Personal Injury Lawyer today.
call us today 801-869-6800

How Do I Prove Negligence After a Fatal Truck Accident in Utah?

Proving fault in a personal injury case involving a large truck requires a detailed scientific investigation. You must show that the trucking company or driver breached their duty of care to the public. We use several types of advanced evidence to build a winning truck accident lawsuit.

  1. Black Box Data: We download the electronic data recorder to check the speed and braking before the crash.
  2. Police Report: We obtain the official file from the police department to see the initial findings.
  3. Electronic Logging Devices: We review driver logs to check for hours-of-service violations.
  4. Dashcam Footage: We secure any available video to see exactly how the truck crashes occurred.
  5. Load Manifest: We examine cargo load records to determine whether the weight limits were exceeded.

We also look into the history of the fleet vehicle and the commercial driver's licenses of those involved. In some cases, part manufacturers or vehicle manufacturers may be liable for a tire blowout or brake failure. Our firm coordinates with experts in collision reconstruction to present a clear picture of the truth to the jury.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Fatal Truck Accident in Utah?

In Utah, there are strict timelines you must follow to preserve your right to sue. If you miss the statute of limitations, you will be barred from getting any compensation. It is vital to understand that different types of injury claims have different deadlines.

Under Utah Code § 78B-2-307, most cases for vehicle damage or general negligence have a four-year limit. However, a wrongful death claim must typically be filed within two years of the person's passing. This shorter window makes it very important to seek a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

  • Wrongful Death: 2 Years from the date of death.
  • Property Damage: 4 Years from the date of the accident.
  • Survival Action: 4 Years from the date of the injury.

Waiting to act can result in the loss of surveillance footage or black-box data. Trucking companies are only required to keep certain records, like electronic logging data, for a limited time. We recommend starting the legal process early to ensure all evidence is preserved.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fatal Truck Accident Claims in Salt Lake City

What is the black box in a truck?

The black box, or electronic data recorder, records technical data such as speed and braking. This black-box data is vital for proving how a crash occurred.

Can I sue the trucking company directly?

Yes, you can sue the trucking company for employer negligence or poor maintenance. This is often the best way to recover full damages for fatal truck accidents.

What are hours-of-service violations?

These occur when a truck driver works longer than allowed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Fatigue from these violations often leads to serious truck crashes.

What if a tire blowout caused the accident?

If a tire blowout caused the crash, we may sue the parts manufacturers. This falls under Utah product liability law.

Do I need an expert for my truck accident claim?

Yes, most cases require experts in collision reconstruction and medical fields. We use these professionals to prove the causal link between the crash and the loss.

How does Utah's dram shop law apply?

Utah dram shop liability laws apply if a driver was overserved alcohol at a bar. This allows you to hold the business responsible for the resulting crash.

Your recovery matters
let us fight for maximum compensation now.

Contact a Salt Lake City Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If you have lost a family member in a commercial vehicle crash, contact a Salt Lake City fatal truck accident lawyer at Lance Bingham Law today. Our dedicated legal team is ready to help you pursue justice for your loss and secure the financial future of your family. We have the resources and experience needed to take on large insurance companies and win. You do not have to face this difficult legal process alone.

Call our office at (801) 869-6800 to schedule your free consultation in Salt Lake City. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover a settlement for you. Let us use our trial skills and knowledge of federal motor carrier safety regulations to protect your rights. We are here to provide the compassionate support and aggressive representation your family deserves.

Dustin Lance
Personal Injury Lawyer

Dustin specializes in serious accident and injury cases in Utah and Idaho, practicing in State and Federal Courts. He's recognized as "Utah's Legal Elite," a "Mountain States Rising Star," and a member of The National Trial Lawyers Top 100. He holds an Avvo Superb Rating and is actively involved in legal associations, serving as a judge pro tempore for the Utah Supreme Court. A Utah native, Dustin earned his degrees from the University of Utah. He lives in Farmington with his wife and three children, enjoying family time, flying, and various outdoor activities.

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