A rollover crash on westbound I-80 in Salt Lake City early Sunday morning killed a 19-year-old driver and left his passenger seriously injured. Single-vehicle crashes like this one raise difficult legal questions for passengers and their families. The answers often depend on facts that take time to surface.
What Happened on I-80
According to the Utah Highway Patrol, the crash occurred shortly after 3 a.m. on Sept. 6 near 6200 West. A BMW left the roadway for reasons that remain unclear and rolled down an embankment. The driver died at the scene. His 21-year-old passenger was hospitalized with multiple broken bones and head injuries.
Troopers are investigating speed and possible impairment as contributing factors.
Why Rollovers Cause Severe Injuries
A rollover is not one impact. It is several, within seconds, and occupants may be thrown against the roof, the doors, or out of the vehicle entirely. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries, from concussions to skull fractures
- Spinal cord damage that can affect movement long-term
- Fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis
- Internal bleeding that may not cause symptoms right away
Legal Options for an Injured Passenger
Claims Involving the Driver
Passengers are rarely at fault. Every driver owes the people in their vehicle a duty of reasonable care, and speeding or impaired driving can violate that duty. When the driver has passed away, an injury claim usually proceeds against the driver’s auto insurance policy or estate.
Some passengers hesitate because the driver was a close friend. That’s understandable. But these claims are generally paid through insurance, and they can cover medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
The attorneys at Rasmussen & Miner help injured passengers weigh these options carefully.
Other Parties Who May Share Responsibility
Investigations sometimes point beyond the driver. A defective roof or restraint system may have worsened injuries, and road design problems can also play a role. Claims involving government agencies follow separate rules and shorter deadlines.
Deadlines Still Apply
Healing from a head injury can take months. The legal clock does not pause during that time. Utah generally allows four years to file a personal injury lawsuit, while wrongful death claims carry a shorter deadline.
Evidence fades, too. Vehicle data and witness accounts are easiest to secure soon after a crash.
Working With a Salt Lake City Personal Injury Lawyer
A Salt Lake City, UT personal injury lawyer can obtain the crash report, handle communication with insurers, and identify every available source of coverage. Early settlement offers often undervalue long-term care needs, especially after brain and spinal injuries.
If you or someone in your family was hurt in a rollover or another serious crash, we’re here to answer your questions. Contact Rasmussen & Miner to speak with a car accident attorney in Salt Lake City, UT, about your options going forward.
