Utah Canyon, Ski Traffic and I-15 Crashes: What Comes Next
Frank Stucki, Esq., MBA
franklinstucki@gmail.com
On a powder morning, Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons fill with skiers, shuttles, delivery trucks and plows. Parleys, Provo Canyon and Logan Canyon add steep grades, tight curves and storms that roll in fast. Down on I-15, from Ogden through the Point of the Mountain to St. George, it's high speed, construction and semis. When a crash happens here, it's rarely simple. I'm Frank Stucki, Esq., MBA, and here's what to know.
Why these crashes get complicated
Canyon and freeway crashes often involve several vehicles and tough questions:
- Did a vehicle have the right tires or chains for traction restrictions?
- Did a shuttle company or commercial driver follow safety rules?
- Did road conditions, signs or snow removal play a part?
- Was a rental car or out-of-state driver involved?
Truck crashes on I-15 can also involve driver logs and electronic data that should be preserved early.
Utah's no-fault rules
Utah requires PIP coverage, which pays certain medical and other costs no matter who caused the crash. To bring a claim against the at-fault driver for things like pain and suffering, you generally have to meet a threshold set by Utah law, based on the type of injury or the medical expenses. People hurt in serious crashes often meet it, but it's a question to answer with your records.
Partly at fault?
Utah uses comparative fault. Your own share of fault doesn't, by itself, end your claim, as long as the other side's fault is greater than yours. Insurers often try to shift blame onto the injured person, which is why early investigation matters.
If a government agency is involved
If road maintenance or a government vehicle played a part, special rules apply, including an early written notice of claim. Those rules can come up fast and are easy to miss.
Protect your claim now
- Get medical care and keep your records.
- Save photos, dashcam video and witness names.
- Talk to a lawyer before giving the other driver's insurer a recorded statement.
- Visiting from out of state? Utah law and your home policy may both matter.
Deadlines apply to every claim. Ask early, while the evidence is still there.
Read the full guide: https://slcsurvivorlaw.com/resources/canyon-roads-ski-traffic-i15-after-serious-crash-utah
Call 385.585.5SLC
Frank Stucki, Esq., MBA
This article provides general legal information, not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
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By Frank Stucki
Frank is a trial attorney licensed in Nevada, Washington, and Utah, handling personal injury, institutional abuse, and catastrophic injury cases. California and other states are handled with local co-counsel.