Step 1: Injury & Medical Treatment
Your Health Comes First-Document It Early
After a Utah semi-truck crash-whether on I-15 through Salt Lake City, I-80 over Parleys, or I-70 across central Utah-get immediate medical care and follow-up treatment. Early records help connect your injuries to the collision and build a stronger claim.
Step 2: Starting the Claim
Notify Insurers and Call a Lawyer Early
Notify Insurance Companies
Report the wreck promptly to your insurer and the trucking company's carrier. Expect a commercial adjuster and possibly a rapid-response team.
Free Consultation with an Attorney
Top Law Utah can start investigating while you recover-preserving electronic logging device (ELD) data, dash-cam footage, and black box records before they disappear.
Step 3: Investigation Phase
Secure the Evidence Trucking Companies Won't Hand Over
Your attorney gathers
police reports, Utah Highway Patrol crash diagrams, witness statements, ECM/ELD data, driver qualification files, maintenance records, and cargo documents. Fault is established with a mix of reports, regulations, and expert analysis.
Step 4: Demand & Negotiation
Build the Damages Story and Press for Full Value
Once your injuries, future care, and wage loss are understood, your attorney sends a detailed demand package citing FMCSA rules, log violations, and safety lapses. Negotiations with the motor carrier's insurer follow; many cases resolve here when liability is clear.
Step 5: Settlement (If Reached)
Sign, Fund, and Move Forward
Most Utah truck accident claims settle outside the courthouse. A settlement means compensation for agreed damages and signing a release of claims. Your lawyer confirms liens, negotiates reductions, and coordinates disbursement so funds arrive promptly.
Step 6: Filing a Lawsuit (If Necessary)
When Insurers Lowball, We Litigate
If the insurer refuses a fair number, we file suit in the proper
Utah court-often Salt Lake County's Third District, Weber County's Second District, Utah County's Fourth District, or Washington County's Fifth District. Expect discovery, depositions, mediation, and, if needed, a jury trial.
Step 7: Verdict & Collection
Winning at Trial and Getting Paid
If your case goes to trial and you win, the judgment must be collected from the trucking carrier, excess insurers, or other liable parties. Your attorney manages post-judgment steps to secure payment.
Timeline of a Truck Case
Why Trucking Claims Take Longer
Investigation and negotiation can run several months due to complex evidence (ELDs, maintenance logs, multiple defendants). Litigation often spans a year or more, especially with expert-heavy discovery.
Utah PIP Basics & Commercial Claims
How No-Fault Interacts with a Big-Rig Case
Utah's PIP benefits can help with immediate medical bills, but serious truck crashes typically exceed the $3,000 threshold and proceed against the at-fault carrier for full damages-including pain and suffering and future care.
How Top Law Utah Guides You
From ELD Preservation to Trial Strategy
Top Law Utah moves fast to send spoliation letters, secure black box data, and retain reconstruction experts. We handle every step-statewide from Ogden to Provo/Orem, St. George, and Cedar City-so you can focus on recovery.