When you get behind the wheel of a car, you should put safety at the top of your priority list. Unfortunately, not everyone else follows the same safety measures, so there’s still a possibility of being involved in a serious motor vehicle collision, even if you take all the necessary precautions.
In some cases, you might even be involved in a truck collision. We are Good Guys Injury Law, and a Utah truck accident lawyer from our team would happily represent you. Truck accidents in Utah may be more common than you realize.
Please look at some of the most important Utah truck accident statistics below, and rely on a Utah truck accident attorney from our office.
Table of Contents
Utah Truck Accident Statistics Overview
According to information published by the NSC on trucking accidents, Utah had 63 fatal truck accidents in 2021. Approximately 13% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents in Utah and about 1% of all fatal truck accidents in the United States were accounted for by this statistic. Look at some other Utah car accident statistics related to fatal crashes.
Utah Car Accidents in Numbers
It is also helpful to take a closer look at Utah car accidents and break them down into certain categories. Some of the most common ways to divide Utah car accidents include:
By Car Accident Fatalities: Injury vs. Fatal Car Accidents
In 2021, there were a total of 297 motor vehicle accidents that resulted in at least one fatality. In Utah, 332 people died in motor vehicle accidents in 2021, and more than 26,000 injuries were recorded.
By Age Group
It can also be helpful to divide the accident by age group. Some of the most pertinent numbers from 2021 include:
- More than 16,000 accidents were recorded involving people between the ages of 13 and 20.
- More than 12,000 accidents were recorded involving people between the ages of 21 and 24.
- More than 11,000 accidents were recorded involving people between the ages of 25 and 29.
- More than 10,000 accidents were recorded involving people between the ages of 30 and 34.
- More than 9,000 accidents were recorded involving people between the ages of 35 and 39.
- More than 8,000 accidents were recorded involving people between the ages of 40 and 44.
- More than 6,000 accidents were recorded involving people between the ages of 45 and 49.
- More than 5,000 accidents were recorded involving people between the ages of 50 and 54.
By Gender
Even though statistics related to car accidents and truck accidents in Utah by gender are relatively difficult to find, statistics indicate that men are killed in motor vehicle accidents in Utah at approximately twice the rate of women.
By Time of the Day
Utah has also recorded accident-related information depending on the time of day. For example, a significant percentage of accidents occur during rush hour in the morning and evening. There is a noticeable decrease in accidents during the middle of the night.
For example, in 2021, more than 3,000 accidents occurred around 8:00 a.m., but fewer than a thousand accidents occurred at midnight.
By Year
Accident numbers have remained relatively consistent during the past few years, but the total number of car accidents for the past several years includes:
- 2022: 61,927
- 2021: 61,406
- 2020: 52,629
- 2019: 64,594
- 2018: 62,074
- 2017: 62,855
- 2016: 62,363
Factors Contributing to Utah Truck Accidents
A truck accident can happen in Utah at just about any time. Therefore, taking a closer look at some factors that may contribute to a truck accident in Utah is important. Several key factors that can potentially contribute to a truck accident in Utah include:
Driver-Related Factors
There are a variety of driver-related factors that could contribute to a truck accident. They include:
- Training: Many people think driving a truck is like driving a large car, but that is not true. A tremendous amount of training must get someone ready to operate a large truck.
- Impairment: It is also possible for someone to be involved in a truck accident because they are driving while impaired. For example, a driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol when operating a large truck.
- Fatigue: Fatigue may also play a role in developing a motor vehicle accident. Truck drivers usually drive a significant number of miles at once because they are often paid by the mile. They could end up driving a truck while tired.
- Distracted Driving: Some truck drivers, just like other drivers, could get distracted when they are behind the wheel of a big rig truck. They might experience distractions from their cell phone, something they see outside, or something playing on the radio.
These are a few of the top examples of driver-related factors that could play a role in a truck accident in Utah.
Vehicle-Related Factors
Factors related to the vehicle could play a role in the development of a truck or a car crash. They include:
- Weight: The truck can carry too much weight, making it more challenging for the driver to maintain control. This excess weight can significantly impact the handling of the truck.
- Maintenance: Perhaps improper maintenance played a role in the cause of a truck accident. Something may have been wrong with the engine, the brakes, or the transmission.
- Manufacturing: There could be something wrong with how the truck was designed. There are situations where the manufacturing company could be held responsible.
Every trucking company needs to ensure that all their vehicles undergo proper maintenance.
Environmental Factors
Weather conditions can also contribute to the development of a truck accident in Utah. Utah gets a tremendous amount of snow every year, and this snow could make it difficult for truck drivers to maintain control of their vehicles, particularly if they are not from the local area.
Even rain could make it hard for truck drivers to control their vehicles. Rain can reduce the traction between the tires and the road, making it hard for truck drivers to remain in control.
Visibility at night can also be an issue. Even with headlights, it might be difficult for drivers to see where they are going, increasing the risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident.
Roadway Design and Maintenance Factors
The design of the road and how well it is maintained could play a role in a motor vehicle accident. Anyone who has driven in Utah understands that the condition of the roads can vary significantly depending on where you are located.
There are some situations where the road might need to be taken care of appropriately, and it could make it difficult for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles. This is particularly challenging for someone operating a heavy vehicle like a truck.
Legal Implications of Utah Truck Accidents
Several legal implications could play a role in a Utah truck accident. The initial question to be answered is who is at fault for the truck accident. If you are involved in a truck accident that is not your fault, it is important to understand that you should not be held responsible for the financial consequences of that incident.
At Good Guys Injury Law, we represent your rights and defend your interests. We can conduct a full investigation of the accident and see if there is a claim we can file on your behalf. We can pursue compensation on your behalf after the accident. We could recover compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Protect Yourself From Fatal Accidents by Speaking With Our Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer at Good Guys Injury Law
At Good Guys Injury Law, we have already represented countless people involved in truck accidents in the local area, and it would be our honor to represent you as well. We are intimately familiar with all laws related to motor vehicle accidents in Utah. We can use all the resources to help you build a strong case and recover all the compensation you are entitled to.
Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation. A member of our staff is always ready to assist you.
