Man Who Left the Scene of Crash Charged

A Salt Lake man has been charged with causing a crash that seriously injured two people — one of whom now faces long-term treatment — and then running away.

A man who caused a serious injury accident on Christmas Day has been charged with leaving the scene of the crash. According to KSL News, Fernando Sam Salgado, 27, was driving on 5400 South in Taylorsville at nearly 70 mph when he rear-ended another vehicle near 3400 West, slamming it into a power pole. After the crash, Salgado fled the scene on foot. He was later apprehended and is now charged in 3rd District Court with failing to stop at a serious injury accident, obstructing justice, driving on a denied license, and other driving violations.

When Salgado fled, he left behind two critically injured individuals. It remains unclear how long it took for emergency responders to arrive, potentially worsening the outcome. One victim now resides in a long-term care facility with a traumatic brain injury, while the other has recently been readmitted to the hospital.

Authorities later discovered Salgado had stolen the truck from a friend. After the crash, he called this friend and asked him to lie to police—claiming someone else had taken the truck. Fortunately, the friend told the truth.

Legally, it’s a crime to leave the scene of an accident without providing identifying and insurance information. Failure to do so is a misdemeanor in Utah. While you might expect this type of evidence to be admissible in court to demonstrate the defendant’s guilty conscience, Utah judges often exclude it—unless it can be shown that leaving the scene contributed to the severity of injuries. For instance, if fleeing the scene caused delays in treatment or led to increased emotional distress, the evidence may be allowed.

If you’re injured in a hit-and-run accident, don’t give up. Witnesses or traffic cameras may help identify the at-fault driver. Additionally, your own uninsured motorist coverage may provide compensation if the responsible party cannot be found.

Ron Kramer is an automotive negligence attorney practicing law in West Jordan and throughout Utah.