Insurance Challenges After a Semi-Truck Accident in Utah

Semi-truck accidents are among the most devastating and complex types of traffic collisions, often resulting in severe injuries, extensive property damage, and even fatalities. In Utah, where highways and rural roads see significant semi-truck traffic, accidents involving these large vehicles present unique challenges for victims, especially when dealing with insurance claims.

Navigating the insurance process after a semi-truck accident can be overwhelming, as multiple parties, extensive damages, and complex policies are involved. As personal injury lawyers in Salt Lake City, we understand the intricacies of these cases and help victims secure the compensation they deserve.

In this blog, we’ll explore the common insurance challenges faced after a semi-truck accident and provide insight into how we can help victims overcome these hurdles.

Multiple Insurance Policies May Be Involved in Utah Truck Accidents

One of the most significant challenges in semi-truck accident cases is that multiple insurance policies may be involved. Unlike a typical car accident, where only two parties’ insurance companies handle the claim, semi-truck accidents can involve several entities with separate policies.

That may include:

• The Truck Driver: The individual driver of the semi-truck may have an insurance policy, depending on their employment status. If the driver is an independent contractor, they may carry their own liability coverage.
• The Trucking Company: If a trucking company employs the driver, it will likely have a commercial insurance policy covering its fleet of vehicles and drivers.
• The Cargo Company: Sometimes, the company that owns or transports the cargo on the truck may also carry insurance. Occasionally, issues related to improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can complicate the claim and involve additional insurance policies.
• Third-Party Maintenance Providers: If the accident was caused by poor vehicle maintenance or mechanical failure, the company responsible for maintaining the semi-truck may have an insurance policy that comes into play.

Dealing with multiple insurance policies and determining which parties are liable can complicate the process for accident victims, requiring help from experienced legal professionals.

Addressing Disputes Over Liability After a Truck Accident in Utah

Establishing liability in a semi-truck accident is often more challenging than in a typical car accident. Determining fault requires a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident, which may involve multiple factors.

Including:

• Driver Negligence: This can include speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or failing to adhere to federal regulations regarding hours of service, which limit how long a driver can operate without taking a break.
• Truck Maintenance Failures: Poorly maintained brakes, tires, or other critical systems can lead to severe accidents. In such cases, the company responsible for maintaining the truck could share liability.
• Improperly Loaded Cargo: If the cargo on the truck was improperly loaded or secured, it could shift during transport, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The cargo loading company may be held partially responsible for the accident.

With multiple potential causes, insurance companies often dispute liability, each attempting to shift the blame to other parties. As personal injury attorneys, we work to gather evidence—such as driver logs, maintenance records, and accident reports—to build a strong case and establish liability.

Dealing with Commercial Insurance Companies After a Utah Semi-Truck Accident

Commercial insurance policies carried by trucking companies vastly differ from standard auto insurance policies. These policies typically have higher coverage limits, which means the insurance company has more at stake. As a result, commercial insurance providers often employ aggressive tactics to minimize or deny claims.

Some of the common tactics used by commercial insurance companies include:

• Delaying Claims: Insurance companies may intentionally delay processing the claim in the hope that the victim will become frustrated and accept a lower settlement.
• Offering Low Settlements: In many cases, insurance companies will provide a quick, low-ball settlement in hopes that the victim will accept it before realizing the full extent of their injuries and future medical needs.
• Disputing Injuries: Insurance adjusters may argue that the victim’s injuries were pre-existing or not as severe as claimed. They may also request extensive medical documentation to try to prove their case.
• Blaming the Victim: In some cases, the insurance company may attempt to place some or all of the blame for the accident on the victim, which could reduce or eliminate their liability.

Given the tactics commercial insurers often use, accident victims benefit from having an experienced attorney who can negotiate and ensure they are not taken advantage of.

Challenges in Proving the Full Extent of Damages After a Utah Truck Accident

In a semi-truck accident, the injuries and damages sustained can be catastrophic. Victims may suffer from life-altering injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and more. Proving the full extent of these injuries, future medical expenses, and lost earning potential are critical to securing fair compensation.

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize the value of a claim by arguing that the victim’s injuries are not as severe as claimed or that their recovery will be quicker than expected. As attorneys, we work with medical professionals, economists, and other experts to accurately assess the long-term impact of the injuries and present a strong case for maximum compensation.

How We Help Utah Semi-Truck Accident Victims Overcome Insurance Challenges

At Waddoups Law, we have extensive experience handling semi-truck accident cases in Utah. We understand the unique challenges of dealing with commercial insurance companies and the complex web of liability in these cases.

Here’s how we help:

• Comprehensive Investigation: We thoroughly investigate the accident, gather critical evidence, and work with experts to determine the cause and establish liability.
• Aggressive Negotiation: We handle all communication with the insurance companies and fight aggressively to secure a fair settlement that covers our client’s medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
• Litigation if Necessary: If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, we are fully prepared to take the case to court to ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
• Personalized Support: We understand how overwhelming and stressful dealing with a semi-truck accident can be. Our team provides personalized attention to each client, guiding them through the legal process and fighting for their best interests every step of the way.

Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyer in Salt Lake City  Today

Contact our personal injury law firm in Salt Lake City for a free consultation if you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck accident in Utah. We’ll help you navigate the insurance process, fight for your rights, and secure the compensation you need to move forward with your life.

Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys has represented thousands of Utah clients, successfully obtaining settlements during negotiations and fighting for their rights and optimal outcomes in jury trials for more than 90 combined years.