Commercial trucking accidents are widely recognized as being some of the most serious types of motor vehicle wrecks. Injuries are often catastrophic, permanently disabling, or fatal. If someone you loved was killed in a devastating collision, your family may be able to hold the liable party accountable to the full extent of the law with help from a compassionate Salt Lake City fatal truck accident lawyer with Siegfried & Jensen.
Over the last 30+ years, our team has represented over 35,000 clients. Thousands of families have turned to our team for the legal insight, resources, and support they need when they need it most.
Schedule your 100% free consultation with a reputable Salt Lake City truck accident lawyer when you contact our office to further discuss your family’s legal options.
Parties Who May Be Sued for Wrongful Death
Your Salt Lake City personal injury lawyer will be responsible for uncovering the identity of the at-fault party after completing our investigation.
For instance, if our investigation determines your loved one’s fatal truck accident was caused by a drowsy truck driver, we would begin building our case against not only the truck driver but potentially the trucking company as well.
Oftentimes, drowsy driving accidents are a result of trucking companies compelling truck drivers to violate Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) hours of service regulations as described under 49 CFR 395.
However, it is not only the truck driver and trucking company who may be at fault for your family member’s passing. If hazardous road conditions caused the fatal wreck, we may be filing a claim against the government.
Salt Lake City government officials and the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) have an obligation to ensure the maintenance and integrity of the roads. When they fail to uphold this obligation, they can be left open to liability for injury victims’ damages.
Additionally, your Salt Lake City fatal truck accident lawyer will need to consider whether auto parts malfunctions might have contributed to the wreck.
If this is the case, we may file a claim against the truck owner, maintenance workers, or other parties who were responsible for the safety and operation of the vehicle. That is one of the unique things about defective product claims: nearly anyone involved in the chain of distribution of these items can share responsibility.
For a free legal consultation with a fatal accident lawyer serving Salt Lake City, call (801) 266-0999
We Must Identify the Cause of the Fatal Truck Accident
One of the most important responsibilities your Salt Lake City fatal truck accident attorney has is identifying the liable party. Commercial trucking accidents can be notoriously complex and often involve multiple at-fault parties.
Fortunately, our team at Siegfried & Jensen has extensive experience handling wrongful death cases of this caliber, including a recent $2.4 million settlement.
In many cases, we will be looking at the truck driver and the trucking company for liability, but our team will need to thoroughly investigate the cause of the wreck. Typically, we call in accident reconstructionists, forensic specialists, and other professional experts to obtain and analyze the evidence and establish culpability. The type of truck accident your loved one was involved in will give us insight into who could be responsible.
The burden of proof in truck accident claims is based on a preponderance of the evidence according to Utah Code § 78B-9-105. This means for the jury to return a verdict in your favor, we must be able to introduce evidence that convinces them no other reasonable person would find someone else liable for your family member’s death.
In doing so, we can also establish that the elements of negligence have been met, including duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages.
Salt Lake City Fatal Accident Lawyer Near Me (801) 266-0999
Utah Fatal Injury Laws that May Be Relevant to Your Case
Your wrongful death truck accident lawyer will need to prepare you for what is to come once we have identified the liable party. Multiple wrongful death laws could influence your ability to pursue your case and how much compensation your family recovers. The most notable fatal injury laws you need to take note of include:
- The statute of limitations
- The authority to file the claim
- The types of damages recoverable in wrongful death actions
Statute of Limitations
You do not have an unlimited amount of time to move forward with your wrongful death claim. As described under Utah Code § 78B-2-304, the statute of limitations for most wrongful death claims is two years from the date the decedent passed away.
However, according to Utah Code § 63G-7-402, if the liable party is a government agency or entity, the statute of limitations will expire one year from the date of the decedent’s death.
Authority to File the Claim
Only the decedent’s personal representative or heirs have the right to file a wrongful death action. The heirs can include the decedent’s surviving spouse, children, parents, or other blood relatives per Utah Code § 78B-3-105. However, it should be noted that damages will be awarded to the decedent’s surviving family members, no matter who initiates the claim.
Recoverable Damages in Wrongful Death Claims
If your wrongful death case is successful, your family will be awarded a variety of compensatory damages. These will ensure you have compensation to cover the decedent’s medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, financial contributions, and other economic losses.
Your family may also be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering and loss of the decedent’s love, support, companionship, guidance, and affection.
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Consult an Acclaimed Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT, for Help Today
The loss of your loved one is something your family will continue to cope with. You should be able to mourn your loss and grieve with your family instead of being burdened by the complexities of litigation and negotiations.
Fortunately, when you trust your fatal truck accident attorney in Salt Lake City, UT, from Siegfried & Jensen with your case, our team can handle the legalities on your behalf.
Our detailed investigation into the collision will ensure all parties who may have contributed to your family member’s death are held accountable for their negligent actions.
We are prepared to demand truck drivers, trucking companies, and other liable parties be brought to justice. Learn more about what is next for your wrongful death claim when you contact us by phone or through our convenient contact form to request a free, no-obligation consultation today.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
