Getting hit by a commercial truck is overwhelming enough. Discovering the driver has no insurance makes everything worse. Unfortunately, this scenario happens more often than you might think. While federal regulations require trucking companies to carry substantial liability insurance, gaps still exist. Independent owner-operators sometimes let policies lapse. Smaller carriers operate without adequate coverage. Some drivers work outside the bounds of their company’s insurance. When you’re injured and facing medical bills, you need to know your options.
Check All Possible Insurance Coverage First
A truck accident isn’t like a typical car crash. Multiple insurance policies might apply to your situation. The trucking company that hired the driver usually carries a commercial policy separate from the driver’s personal coverage. Even if the driver is uninsured, the company’s policy may still cover your damages. This is especially true if the driver was working within the scope of employment when the crash occurred. The cargo owner, leasing company, or maintenance provider might also carry relevant policies. A Salt Lake City truck accident lawyer can investigate all entities involved in the commercial operation to identify every available insurance resource. Don’t assume you’re out of options just because one party lacks coverage.
Your Own Insurance May Provide Protection
Utah law doesn’t require uninsured motorist coverage, but many drivers carry it anyway. Review your auto insurance policy to see if you purchased this protection. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage pays for your injuries when the at-fault driver has no insurance. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage kicks in when the other driver’s policy limits are too low to cover your full damages. Given the severity of truck accident injuries, UIM coverage often becomes relevant even when some insurance exists. A semi-truck might cause hundreds of thousands in medical expenses, but the driver only carries the minimum required coverage. Your own insurance policy can fill the gap. You paid premiums for this protection, so use it when you need it.
Consider The Trucking Company’s Direct Liability
Sometimes you don’t need the driver’s insurance at all. You can pursue the trucking company directly. Common grounds for company liability include:
- Negligent hiring practices (employing drivers with poor safety records)
- Inadequate training or supervision
- Pressure to violate hours-of-service regulations
- Failure to maintain vehicles properly
- Allowing drivers to operate without a valid commercial license
These claims target the company’s actions rather than relying on insurance coverage. If you can prove the company created dangerous conditions that led to your crash, you may recover compensation directly from their assets.
Utah’s Laws On Uninsured Drivers
Utah Code 41-12a-301 establishes minimum insurance requirements for all drivers. Commercial vehicles face higher thresholds under federal law. When a truck driver operates without meeting these requirements, they violate state and federal regulations. This violation doesn’t automatically entitle you to compensation, but it strengthens your position. The lack of insurance also means the at-fault driver personally owes you for damages. While collecting from an individual is harder than collecting from an insurance company, it remains a legal option. Wage garnishment and asset liens can enforce a judgment against an uninsured driver.
Protect Your Right To Compensation
Time matters after any accident. Utah’s statute of limitations gives you four years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but waiting hurts your case. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget details. The trucking company might claim the driver wasn’t working for them at the time of the crash. Electronic logging device data gets overwritten. Document everything immediately. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and vehicle damage. Get contact information from witnesses. Request a copy of the police report. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine. Your medical records create a timeline connecting your injuries to the crash. Insurance companies look for any reason to deny claims, and gaps in treatment give them ammunition. A Salt Lake City truck accident lawyer can discuss your specific situation and explore your legal options.
Moving Forward After An Uninsured Truck Accident
An uninsured truck driver complicates your recovery, but it doesn’t eliminate your path to compensation. Between multiple commercial policies, your own insurance, and direct liability claims, you have more options than you might realize. Rasmussen & Miner handles truck accident cases throughout Utah. Our team investigates every angle to find available coverage and build strong liability claims. We deal with insurance companies while you focus on healing. Contact us today.
