Utah Injury Lawyers with Trucking Experience

The Reason Our Attorneys are Your Best Choice for Truck Accident Injuries

Nelson Jones personal injury attorneys Bret Rawson & Nate Nelson

Trucking accident cases aren’t like car accident cases; the injuries are more severe and take longer to recover from, the insurance coverage is higher, and pursuing a legal case can be complicated. The truth is, not every personal injury attorney is equipped to handle truck accident claims in the best way possible.

Nelson Jones brings something to the table that sets us apart in a very real and meaningful way: our attorneys, Bret Rawson and Nate Nelson, both hold active Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) and are the owner-operators of a trucking company.

We are Injury Law and Trucking Industry Experts

Recording information to be used later in a truck accident

Most injury lawyers learn about trucking regulations from textbooks and expert witnesses. Our truck accident-specialized lawyers have learned from experience.

Bret and Nate spent years behind the wheel and at the helm of a trucking business. They understand the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, vehicle maintenance logs, driving hour restrictions, and how trucking companies operate from the ground up. They know when a company is cutting corners and how those shortcuts can lead to truck accident injuries.

Unlike most other injury attorneys, their expertise is backed not just by knowledge of, but experience with operating trucks. This combination makes all the difference for building a rock-solid case after a catastrophic trucking accident.

We Know What to Look For and How to Make a Case

With trucking accidents, finding the truth requires digging deep. As CDL holders and former operators, our attorneys know what records matter, what red flags to look for, and how to speak the language of trucking—whether it’s talking to opposing counsel, insurance adjusters, or expert witnesses.

We know the trucking hazards that come out of negligence:

  • Brake Failure: we know the maintenance logs to demand.
  • Driver Fatigue: we know how driving hours are logged—and manipulated.
  • Overloaded Trailer: we know weight limits and enforcement loopholes.

We also know how trucking companies are organized and who to hold liable:

  • Directors & Owners: liable for business practices and the hiring process.
  • Drivers: liable for handling trucks on the road and with respect to regulations.
  • Maintenance Companies: liable for the working conditions of trucks.

We don’t just handle trucking accident cases from a legal background—we attack them with the insider industry knowledge most lawyers don’t have.

Truck on it's side after an accident

What to Do After a Truck Accident

While overwhelming, taking the appropriate steps immediately after an truck-related incident is crucial to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights.

Here's a guide on what to do following a truck accident:

  1. Get to Safety: your first action following any collision should be moving to a safe location and checking for injuries. Call for medical help even if injuries seem minor.
  2. Report the Accident: contact the police to arrive on the scene and report the accident. A police report will be crucial for your insurance claim and taking legal action.
  3. Document the Scene: use your phone, if available, to take photos and videos of scene of the accident. Include all vehicles involved, skid marks, road conditions, and any other details that can be used as evidence later.
  4. Exchange Information: collect contact information from all parties involved and any witnesses. This includes names, addresses, insurance details and company info.
  5. Seek Medical Attention: visit a doctor immediately, even if you don’t think you are seriously injured. In some cases injuries are not apparent at first. Make sure to obtain every relevant medical record possible for future reference.
  6. Contact Your Insurance Company: reach out to your insurance company and report the accident; DO NOT make any statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault.
  7. Consult a Lawyer: contact Nelson Jones for a free consultation with one of our truck accident lawyers. With the information you provide and our expertise in both injury law and the trucking industry, we will fight for a just resolution and fair compensation.

The Process for Truck Accident Cases in Utah

Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident is complicated enough without also recovering from an injury. That's why the lawyers at Nelson Jones will guide you each step of the way, keeping you informed at all times. We take on the hard work of pursuing a case so you can rest and focus on yourself.

The following is how you can expect your trucking accident case to unfold after a consultation:

  1. Investigation: our team will analyze all provided evidence, including police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any available photos or videos of the truck crash scene.
  2. Filing a Claim: we will help you file a comprehensive insurance claim, outlining all damages and citing negligence.
  3. Negotiation: we engage with insurance companies and other relevant parties to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
  4. Filing a Lawsuit: if a satisfactory outcome is not reached, our experienced attorneys can file a lawsuit and fight for your case in court.
  5. Preparation: we meticulously prepare for trials, organizing evidence and strategizing based on our legal and professional trucking knowledge.
  6. Trial: we will aggressively advocate for you in court, to ensure the responsible parties are held accountable and you receive the compensation you deserve.

Fighting for the Injured Across the Intermountain West

Based out of Salt Lake City, Nelson Jones represents injury victims throughout the state of Utah as well as Idaho, Nevada, California, Arizona, and Washington. We’re proud to bring our unique blend of legal expertise and real-world trucking knowledge to the people who need it most.

Whether you were in a collision, suffered injuries due to a trucking company’s negligence, or lost a loved one in a devastating crash, we’re here to fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.

FAQs

What is the statute of limitations on truck accidents in Utah?

Like other personal injury cases, the state of limitations for truck accidents in Utah is 4 years.

How are truck accident claims different from car accident claims?

Truck accident claims are more complex for a number of reasons: the severity of damages, the liable parties involved and higher insurance coverage makes securing compensation more difficult. Federal regulations (FMCSA) also means more information to review and determine negligence with.

What can I claim compensation for after a truck accident?

You can claim compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more depending on the specifics of your case.

What is the expected settlement amount for a truck accident?

There is no guarantee on a definitive amount because, as with all injury claims, the factors for determining an appropriate settlement varies case-by-case. Truck accident compensation is typically high, around the 5- or 6-figure range.

What are the most common causes of truck accidents?

The most common causes are driver error (reckless or distracted driving, etc.), driver fatigue, poor truck maintenance and improperly loaded trucks. These among other conditions are taken into consideration in determining liability and negligence in not following FMCSA regulations.

Can you sue a company after a truck accident in Utah?

Yes, in accordance with the legal doctrine 'respondeat superior', a company can be held liable for the negligence of employed drivers and managers.

Who can be held liable in truck accidents?

It is not only the driver in question, but a number of involved companies that could be held liable for a truck accident, including: the truck's owner, the driver's employer, truck manufacturer, cargo loaders and truck maintenance company.

How is fault determined after a truck accident in Utah?

The state of Utah abides by a 'Comparative Fault' law, meaning someone can receive compensation if less than half at fault for a truck accident. Determining the share of fault among a higher number of entities (driver, company, etc.) can make the process longer and more complicated.

Call Us Today for a Free Consultation

Let us put our unique experience to work for you. If you or a loved one have been injured in a trucking accident, don’t trust your case to just any lawyer. Choose attorneys who knows trucks, know the law, and know how to win.

 Contact Us Now – We’re ready to help you rebuild your future.

The attorneys at Nelson Jones Personal Injury Law Firm
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your needs further. Call 801-981-8779 or fill out our online form below to get started.

Why Choose Nelson Jones?

Personalized Legal Service

We recognize that no two personal injury cases are the same, with a different impact and set of circumstances every time. That's why our attorneys craft a personalized plan for each of our clients.

Willing to Fight For You

We will aggressively pursue fair compensation for you, meaning we're not afraid to go to court if necessary. Our attorneys are seasoned litigators who will fight to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.

Hassle-free & Transparent

We make the legal process of resolving your personal injury case as stress-free as possible. You'll get one-on-one contact with an attorney as your guide, answering your questions and keeping you informed as needed.

Committed to Community & Ethics

As a part of the Utah community, we are committed not just to our clients but to the betterment of our community as a whole. We take pride in our ethical approach to law and our role in ensuring justice is accessible to everyone.

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