Posted By Ron Kramer on November 24, 2009

A flatbed semitrailer fell 400 feet off the side of state Route 14 on Monday, November 24, 2009 at around 2 pm in Cedar City, Utah. This Utah trucking accident killed the driver.

Officials continue to investigate and are still unclear as to the cause of the accident. At this point, officers believe the accident could be speed related. “It looks like speed was a factor, but we’re not sure if equipment failure and anything like that or other factors are related to the crash,” said Cameron Rodden of the Utah Highway Patrol. “The driver was ejected and sustained fatal injuries and died on scene.” According to thespectrum.com, the driver’s identity has not yet been identified.

Utah Highway Patrol responded to the accident when a driver called saying they had smelled brake fluid and burning rubber. Emergency crews came and were able to recover the body. They say the truck has Florida plates but they could not determine the name of the trucking company. Crews will attempt to recover the truck today.

UHP officers says the driving conditions on the highway area, known as Hanging Rock turn are difficult for trucks to maneuver so it is recommended that the trucks travel an alternative route. Trooper Brian Barritt said there are usually about one or two accidents involving semi-trucks on SR-14 each year.

I offer my condolences to the family of the driver as they are notified of this tragic loss. If the crash is determined to be equipment related, I recommend that the family contact an experienced Utah trucking accident attorney who can help investigate what remedies might be available, including the possibility of filing a wrongful death claim.

Categories: Utah Trucking Accident, Utah vehicle accident, Wrongful Death
Tags: