Utah Personal Injury Law Firm Blog

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=9984734The driver of the Chevy sedan, Alex Amundson, 21, and his passenger Donald Callison, 18, were killed in an car accident with a southbound TRAX train on Thursday evening of March 11, 2010. The two surviving passengers, believed to be in their early twenties or late teens, remain at Intermountain Medical Center in critical condition.

The car verses TRAX collision occurred around 7pm near Central Avenue in South Salt Lake, about 150 West and 4100 South. Unified Police Department Capt. Clinton Smith confirmed that the crossing arms were down when the late Mr. Amundson, the driver of the Chevy sedan, decided to go around those safety arms in the attempt to beat the train. The TRAX train was going full speed of 55mph when it struck the Chevy sedan, dragging the car 300 feet before it stopped. Fortunately, the force of the impact did not cause the train to derail. The sixty-plus passengers on the southbound TRAX train were not injured.

My heart goes out to the families of these young men who were killed in such a sudden and unexpected Utah car accident. I pray that the two victims, who remain in grave medical condition, may recover fully from their injuries. This is such a tragic accident; please keep the grieving family in your prayers.

Three Ways to Prevent a Car Accident with TRAX Trains

The U.T.A. TRAX transit has been a remarkable addition to the commuting system of the state of Utah. However, in order to maintain commuter rail safety Utah motorists, pedestrian, TRAX riders and others need to be alert and take steps to share the road. The Utah Transit Authority reminds motorists to abide by the following rules:

• Rule #1: Turn left across the tracks only at designated intersection.
• Rule #2: Never stop on the tracks or go around crossing gates when they are down.
• Rule #3: Don’t race the train or try to beat it through a crossing.

Your Options when You are in a Utah Car Accident

The victims’ families in such cases, would be well-advised to seek the counsel of a skilled Utah personal injury lawyer that has extensive experienced in wrongful death claims and working with the insurance companies of government agencies. In fact, there are two statutes of limitations, according to Utah law, that are applicable to this particular accident. These laws significantly reduce the amount of time a claim can be filed; therefore, experienced Salt Lake City wrongful death attorneys can ensure that your legal rights are protected within the stipulated deadlines.

Where negligence or reckless behavior is involved injured victims and families of deceased car accident victims can file personal injury claims and wrongful death claims to seek compensation for their damages. The attorneys of the Christensen Law Firm, PLLC, specialize in assisting victims of Utah Car accidents. Don’t hesitate to call us today at 801.506.0800 to set up a FREE no obligation consultation with one of our experienced Salt Lake City personal injury lawyers.

Kristen Kay Taylor, 25, of Salt Lake City was tragically killed in a multi-vehicle accident on Wednesday afternoon of March 10, 2010. Utah Highway Patrol reports that the heavy snow storm over I-15 near Cedar City created such limited visibility that a serious of catastrophic car accidents took place within minutes.

Facts of What Caused the Fatal Car Crash

13 vehicles were involved in 3 separate car collisions that tragic afternoon alone. Ms. Taylor was a victim of the second accident. The first crash involved two vehicles and two tractor-trailers. Five cars stopped for the initial car accident. Ms Taylor, driving a Kia Spectra, stopped behind a tractor-trailer but the semi truck driving behind her did not stop in time. The semi truck struck Ms. Taylor’s Kia with enough force to smash it against the semi in front of her. A third car then hit the semi, causing further damage.

Ms. Taylor was killed at the scene of the car accident. Utah Highway Patrol Trooper Cameron Roden stated in a Salt Lake Tribune report that the male passenger in the Kia, believed to be Ms. Taylor’s fiancée, was seriously injured and his arm amputated may have to be amputated. He was taken to Dixie Regional Medical Center in critical condition. Several passengers and drivers of the multi-car crash were also taken to the hospital for medical treatment.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friend who loved and knew Kristen Kay Taylor. I will keep them in my prayers as they go through the difficult grieving process of losing a loved one so suddenly. I also pray for Ms. Taylor's finance that he may recover. I hope that the other injured victims heal from their injuries quickly and completely.

Fault and Liability

It appears that the driver of the semi truck is liable for the wrongful death of Ms. Taylor and the injuries to her passenger. The at-fault driver could be held liable for the accident, injuries and damages caused by his negligent driving behavior. The personal injury and wrongful death claims may be complex as the trucking agency is probably from out-of-state. A skilled wrongful death attorney has expertise dealing with national insurance companies and Utah Law. The experienced Salt Lake City personal injury attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm help Utah victims and their families better understand their legal rights and options so they can focus on healing from their tragic loss.

If you or a loved one has become a victim of a Utah accident or a wrongful death accident, feel free to contact the Christensen Law Firm for a FREE consultation at 801.506.0800.

A sixteen-year-old girl was ejected from the side window of a suburban that was involved in a multi-car crash in Riverton on Tuesday morning of March 9, 2010. Utah. ABC News reports that after being thrown through the glass window, the young woman immediately picked herself off the ground and got back into the car. Fortunately, emergency crews from Unified Fire arrived and assessed that the victim was in shock and in serious condition with possible internal injuries and severe pelvic trauma. Life flight quickly responded and transported the young girl to Intermountain Medical Center where she received medical treatment. The driver and passengers of the Jeep and the second passenger of the suburban all sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital via ambulance.

What Caused this Near Fatal Utah Car Collision

The multi-car accident occurred at 12600 South and 2700 West near Riverton High School. A suburban attempted to complete a left hand turn and instead T-boned a Jeep traveling with oncoming traffic. The force of the impact propelled the Suburban into another collision with a vehicle that was stopped at the intersection.

Citations have not yet been issued, as police are still investigating the cause of the car accident. All passengers have PIP insurance under the insurance policies of the vehicle they were riding in. In such cases, victims can seek compensation from the at-fault party for medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy and other related expenses.

Riverton Accident Statistics

There were four deaths involving road traffic accident in Riverton, in 2008, according to the Utah Highway Patrol’s traffic accident statistics. Two of these fatal Riverton Car accidents were caused by drunk drivers

If you or a loved one have been seriously injured, you need an experienced Salt Lake Valley personal injury lawyer. The Christensen Law Firm, PLLC, has the legal expertise in the areas of car accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death and related law practices. We have helped accident victims recover from tragic Utah accidents and we would like to do the same for you.

Summary of Elevator Injury Accident Near 40 East and 100 South

On Monday, March 8, 2010, a brick mason fell 40 feet from scaffolding inside an unfinished elevator shaft at the City Creek project located in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. According to a Salt Lake Tribune news report, the nearest access point to the construction worker was about 20 feet above from where he had landed from his fall. It took emergency crews 45 minutes to hoist the injured victim through a rope-and-pulley system to ground level for medical treatment. The victim was taken to a local hospital with massive trauma over his entire body. He is currently listed in critical condition with possible brain trauma he sustained in this Utah accident. Investigators are still looking into what caused this man to fall from his work site and whether or not the City Creek project supervisors had implemented proper safety protocols.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the victim and his family of this tragic Utah accident. The extent of the victim’s internal injuries has not yet been released. I hope that the injuries he sustained are not catastrophic and that he will heal fully and quickly.

Fault and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, officials are still investigating the responsibility and possible fault of the company that the City Creak development project is under or whether the victim is responsible for this tragic accident. Since the project is state funded, the State of Utah can also be held responsible. As Salt Lake City personal injury attorneys, we remind the victim and his family that this accident case is an intricate one with many questions and many insurance companies to coordinate and work with. We remind the victim that even the time frame to file a claim can be reduced to a year due to the Utah statute of limitation when a government entity is considered a liable party. We highly recommend that the victim speak to an attorney as soon as possible to investigate whether City Creek safety managers are responsible, if OSHA safety standards were met and whether there were proper safeguards put in place at the spot where the victim fell like safety harnesses or restraints.

How to Protect Yourself

In such complex cases such as this one, an experienced Salt Lake City personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims about their legal rights and options. A knowledgeable accident attorney will have experience working with Worker’s Compensation Fund, the State of Utah and understands how health insurance policies applies to cases involving private companies, government entities and personal injury.

The Christensen Law Firm, PLLC, will provide a free consultation to the injured victims and their family members. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and legal options please feel free to give our experienced attorneys a call at 801.506.0800.

Fatal Head on Collision with Semi Truck Kills One and Critically Injures Another

Immense tragedy struck two families on Saturday afternoon of March 6, 2010. 24-year-old Trent Walker of Utah County was driving home from a funeral service near Birdseye, Utah, when he was involved in a fatal car crash with a semi truck. Utah Highway Patrol Trooper Todd Johnson confirmed that Mr. Walker crossed the center line and caused a head on collision with a semi truck. Mr. Trent Walker died at the scene of this horrific accident and Mr. Slobodan Spanovic, the 45-year-old driver of the semi truck was flown to University of Utah Hospital in Critical condition. The Salt Lake Tribune reported this morning that Mr. Spanovic has now been released from the hospital.

My heart goes out to both victims of this terrible car verses semitrailer accident. I pray that Mr. Walker’s family and friends have support as they go through the difficult process of grieving the sudden loss of a loved one. I hope that Mr. Spanovic fully recovers from the serious injuries he sustained in this tragic accident.

What Caused this Fatal Utah County Car Accident?

Aggressive driving behavior may have been a factor in this accident. Utah Highway Patrol confirmed in a KSL news report that the driver of the pickup truck was trying to pass another car at the time of the head on collision with the semi truck. U.S. Highway 89 in Spanish Fork Canyon is a curvy mountainous road that offers limited visibility of oncoming traffic. As personal injury attorneys that serve victims of Utah County automobile accidents, we highly advise waiting until a designated passing lane is available before attempting to pass slower traffic. Crossing the center line in order to pass traffic is an example of aggressive driving according to the Federal National Safety Council and it is against Utah State traffic laws. The fatal consequences of such driving behavior occur much too frequently.

Finding an the Best Utah County Personal Injury Attorney

In such cases, victims’ families would be well-advised to seek the counsel of a reputed Utah County car accident lawyer who is also experienced in wrongful death and big rig/ trucking accidents. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, victims can file a personal injury claim to receive compensation for medical treatment, property damage, loss of income and more. Also, the families of the deceased victim may be able to file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover funeral expenses, lost of future earning, loss of love and companionship and other related damages. Please contact attorneys Ken Christensen or Russ Hymas, two of the leading experts of trucking and car accident claim, at the Christensen Law Firm, PLLC, if you have been injured or have any questions about your legal rights. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case.

Salt Lake County: (801) 506-0800
Utah County: (801) 224-2999
Davis County: (801) 294-9500

U.S. Coast Guard Helicopter Crashes in Utah's Uinta Mountain Range

Rescue crews report that the crew members of the U.S. Coast Guard helicopter are fortunate to have survived the Utah helicopter crash that occurred Wednesday, March 3, 2010 near Silver Meadows Lake in Wasatch County. Deseret News reports that this MH-60T Jay Hawk helicopter and another Coast Guard helicopter were returning to North Carolina from the state of Washington where they had been deployed as part of a joint U.S.-Canadian operation for recent 2010 Winter Olympic Games held in Canada.

Utah’s Mountainside make for a Difficult Rescue

The helicopter accident victims were able to get cell phone coverage to call and text for help. It still took the Wasatch and Summit rescues teams more than an hour to reach the Utah helicopter accident site by snowmobile after they had been notified about the accident. Rescue was difficult due to the steep slopes, dense pine forest and deep snow of the Uinta Mountain range. In fact, authorities report that helicopter debris was stuck in the branches of pines trees 100 feet in the air. It is a miracle that the pilot was able maneuver such a crash landing in Utah’s treacherous mountain terrain.

The second Coast Guard helicopter returned and was able to take part in the rescue. The entire crew of the helicopter involved in the crash, which includes four men and one woman, were flown to the University of Utah Hospital for treatment. Three crew members suffered critical injuries including two with serious internal trauma. All three are expected to recover fully from their injuries. The other two crew members appear to be uninjured but have been hospitalized for precautionary observations. An investigation is still being conducted into what caused this tragic helicopter crash.

It truly is amazing that the five crew members of this aviation accident were not killed or sustain life-threatening injuries. As Wasatch county sheriff stated, “They’re very lucky people. He must’ve been one heckuva pilot.” We continue to pray for their speedy and complete recovery.

Aviation Accident Statistics

The most recent statistics on aviation accidents and fatalities are compiled by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), an independent U. S. Federal agency that investigates all civilian aviation accidents that occur within the Unites States.

• In 2008, 1,649 civilian aviation accidents which resulted 564 fatalities nationwide
• 1,559 general aviation accidents which resulted in 495 deaths nationwide in 2008

Finding an Expert Aviation Lawyer in Utah

The search to finding an expert Utah aviation accident attorney can be quite difficult. Most firms do not have experience with this intricate area of law. With the increased popularity of Utah residents owning personal aircrafts, the skilled Salt Lake City personal injury lawyers at the Christensen Law Firm, PLLC, have witnessed more occurrences of general aviation accidents than before.

Whether your tragic aviation accident happened in a small private plane, commercial airliner or helicopter, your personal injury claim is of great concern to us. Aviation law is complex and liability claims can quickly become convoluted. An expert lawyer in plane crashes is essential to ensure your rights are respected and your interests protected.

If you have been seriously injured or lost a loved one in an aviation accident we urge you to contact one of our experienced aviation lawyers at 801.506.0800 to set up a FREE, no obligation, consultation to discuss your legal rights and options.

Fatal Rollover Accident Details

On the morning of Monday March 1, 2010, 17-year-old Eaity Emich of Utah died after being involved in a fatal rollover accident on I-84 in Idaho. The driver, 20-year-old Rex Sanasan of Clinton, Utah, had fallen asleep at the wheel, which caused the vehicle to veer off the road. Mr. Sanasan awoke and overcorrected, which caused the vehicle to roll several times. The three passengers, Eaity, Bennett Barry, 22, and 9 –year-old Keio Takky, who were not wearing their seatbelts, were ejected and sustained critical injuries. Bennett and Keio remain in serious condition at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise. Mr. Sanasan and his front-seat Passenger Kevin Elimo were wearing their seat-belts on this fatal car accident and have been treated at Twin Falls Hospital for non-critical injuries. The Deseret News reports that alcohol was not a factor in this tragic rollover accident that killed one Utah teenager.

I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Eaity Emich for their tragic and devastating loss. My heart goes how to the driver Mr. Sanasan and his injured passengers for the difficult times that lie ahead. I hope they all will heal emotionally and physically from this catastrophic event. Please keep them in your prayers.

Drowsy Driving Kills

Fatigued or drowsy driving is just as dangerous as being an intoxicated or impaired driver. If you are tired and in danger of falling asleep, your reaction time to avoiding collisions or potential road hazards is significantly reduced. If you fall asleep, you lose that ability to react completely and will most likely overcorrect your vehicle while in panic mode when you are awakened. If you are tired its best to pull over—it’s impossible to predict when you may accidentally doze off. The lives and safety of yourself, your passengers and other motorists are threatened when you engage in drowsy driving.

How do you know if You are a Drowsy Driver?

• You can’t stop yawning.
• You drift out of the lane or hit a rumble strip.
• You don’t keep a constant speed—you slow down or speed up frequently.
• You don’t remember the last few miles you have driven.
• You have “monkey mind” or wondering thoughts.
• You can focus or keep your eyes open.

National Statistics

The National Security Council predicts that these figures are a far below the actual numbers of accident caused by drowsy drivers each year due to the difficulty to prove that the motorist fell asleep or was falling asleep at the wheel when the accident occurred.

• Each year 100,000 reported car crashes are directly caused by drowsy drivers
• 72% of adult American men surveyed admitted to drowsy driving in the last year
• 54% of adult American women surveyed admitted to drowsy driving in the last year
• 37% of adults have report to having “dozed off” for a short time last year

The Importance of Contacting an Experienced Utah Auto Accident Lawyer

The time to file a car accident claim is limited, which makes contacting a skilled Utah Car Accident Lawyer as soon as possible of vital importance. Attorney Kenneth L. Christensen and the Christensen Law Firm, PLLC, know the Utah laws relating to personal injury and wrongful death as they deal with particularly auto accident claims. We see far too many victims who are forced to bear the financial burdens of an automobile accident or wrongful death claim because the time has lapsed for them to receive benefits that are available now. Protect yourself by speaking to a qualified Utah personal injury lawyer.

If you or someone you love has suffered through an auto accident injury and you feel it is the result of the negligence of another we urge you to contact us online or call us at 801.506.0800 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal options.

On Monday, March 1, 2010, a 52-year-old man was killed when the car he was driving was T-boned by a pickup truck. As family members are still being informed of this tragic loss, the name of the deceased victim of this fatal Salt Lake accident has not been released. The driver of the truck failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of Main Street and 3530 South and caused the three-car-accident. According to Deseret News, the driver of the truck was upgraded from critical condition to stable condition. The driver of the third vehicle suffered minor injuries and has already been released from the hospital.

My deepest condolences go out to the friends and family members of the victim. This sudden and tragic loss will be difficult. I encourage these family members to speak to an experienced wrongful death attorney before making any decisions. I also pray for the speedy recovery of the drivers of the pickup and the SUV who were also injured.

Have You Run a Red Light while Driving?

Distracted driving was a major factor in this fatal Utah accident. The driver of the pickup truck ran through a stop sign because he or she either did not notice the sign or he or she ignored the traffic sign. As an experienced personal injury attorney of Salt Lake County, I have noticed a terrifying trend among Utah motorists. Many motorists try to take advantage of their commute by completing other tasks while they are driving. Multitasking is not a safe or legal option when operating a motor vehicle. I highly urge motorists to focus on driving in order to prevent Utah car collisions like this catastrophic fatal accident that took place yesterday. Take the following survey to see if you are a distracted driver.

Distracted Driving Questionnaire:

• Have you missed a stop sign or ran a red light because you were not focused on
driving?
• Have been forced to come to a screeching halt because you had not noticed traffic
slowing?
• Have your passengers complained or have been startled by your driving?
• Have you inadvertently made a wrong turn or ended up at the wrong destination
because you were not thinking where you were going?

Utah Car Accident Attorneys

There are several Utah accident attorneys out there but only a few are specifically trained in wrongful death claims and plaintiff’s rights. The skilled personal injury lawyers at the Christensen Law Firm have devoted their entire practice to these areas of law; quickly becoming the experts to contact if you or a loved one find themselves a victim of a Utah accident. Attorney Kenneth Christensen has written several books including 7 Biggest Mistakes that Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case to educate Utah residents about their rights. Contact us today at 801.506.0800 to set up a FREE no obligation consultation or to order a FREE copy of one of Attorney Christensen's legal guidebooks.

What is Defensive Driving?

The National Safety Council (NSC) has implemented an in-depth defensive driving course for motorists who have accrued enough points on their driving records that they are at risk of getting their licenses revoked. Most of these motorists have received multiple speeding tickets and have opted to take traffic school provided by the Utah Department of Motor Vehicles.

Defensive Driving is a serious skill that many motorists fail to take advantage of. More specifically, defensive driving protects motorists and their passengers from the potential dangers around them which include other vehicles, road conditions, and inclement weather conditions. Most of the hazards on the road are easily foreseen and thus these types of collisions are preventable. The fatal four driving behaviors according to the National Safety Council are:

• Speeding
• Right of Way
• Driving Left of Center
• Tailgating

Speeding Car Causes Fatal Car Accident for Utah Residents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that speeding is a contributing factor in fatal car crashes that kill around 13,500 people every year and costs $41 billion dollars annually. In fact, exceeding the posted speed limit by 10 miles doubles your risk of death in a Utah traffic accident.

Why do People Speed?

• Failure to monitor speed
• Not allocating enough time to reach your destination
• Ignoring speed limits

Understanding Who has the Right of Way

NHTSA attributes more car accident injuries to right-of-way violations than any other improper driving behavior. Some examples of the common causes of car accidents include:

• Failure to Yield
• Not paying attention to traffic signals and signs
— For example: Is that a green turning arrow or a “yield on green” sign at the intersection?
• Rolling through a Stop Sign or Red Light instead of coming to a complete stop

Driving Left of the Center is Never Necessary

Driving left of the center means crossing the center line. Crossing the center line has a potentially fatal risk of causing a head-on collision. Remember, crossing the center line isn’t necessary. It is much wiser to avoid the practice of doing this altogether.

Tailgating Kills

Following too closely is an unsafe driving habit that contributes to road rage, speeding and motor-vehicle collisions. Rear-end accidents result in severe spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries and even death. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicles around you, so that you can stop efficiently and safely.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury you believe to be the result of the negligence of another, we urge you to contact us, the Christensen Law Firm, online or call us at 801-506-0800 (Main), (801) 224-2999 (Utah County) or 801 (801) 294-9500 (Davis County) to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal rights.

Canadian Woman Killed in Utah Pedestrian verses Auto Accident On February 25, 2010, Patricia Prokopetz of Alberta, Canada, died after being hit by a car on I-15 near Willard Bay. The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Patricia Prokopetz and her husband had traveled to Utah so that Mr. Prokopetz could receive medical treatments for he aggravated diabetes. On this tragic Thursday, Patricia decided to take a photograph of Willard bay. The couple pulled over so Patricia attempted to run across the free way for a better shot. She was struck by a minivan traveling in the far left fast lane. Although Patricia was airlifted to the hospital, the injuries she sustained in this tragic Utah pedestrian verses auto accident were too great. She died from her traumatic injuries at the hospital. Fortunately, no one was hurt in the minivan. My heart goes out to the family and friends of Patricia Prokopetz. This was a tragic and preventable accident that will no doubt have lasting effects on the loved ones of the victim as well as the occupants of the minivan, who were not responsible for causing this fatal Utah Car accident. Utah Pedestrian Accident Statistics The Utah Department of Health has created a special task force called Violence & Injury Prevention Program (VIPP) to research what kind of injuries and accidents Utah resident are more susceptible to become involved in and why these types of accidents occur. By analyzing thier data and findings, VIPP creates and implements safety programs that aim to promote education, awareness and safety for the inhabitants and visitors of our lovely state of Utah. In 2004, the Salt Lake City/Ogden area was ranked as the 31st most dangerous metro area nationwide for pedestrian safety by the Surface Transportation Policy Project (STPP). This report generated great public concern and compelled Utah government officials to create safety committees specifically designated to the safety of pedestrians, children, bicyclists, motorcyclists and other groups prone to auto accidents. According to the most recent data provided by VIPP, pedestrians in Utah are just not that safe: • In Utah, on average, 40 pedestrian are killed each year • Each year, 1,055 pedestrians are struck by a car • 50% of these pedestrian verse car accidents involve persons under the age of 19 • 60% of pedestrians hit by cars are male Informative Resources • Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center • Zero Fatalities • Heads Up Utah Campaign An Experienced Attorney Can Help You The Salt Lake City pedestrian injury attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm closely work with their clients affected by Utah accidents to help insure that they receive fair compensation for their injuries. We know the true value of your case and we understand that you should not have to bear the cost of someone’s negligence. If you or someone you love has suffered through a Salt Lake City Utah pedestrian injury and you feel it is the result of the negligence of another, we urge you to contact the Christensen Law Firm at 801-506-0800 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal rights.

Early this Thursday morning of February 25, 2010, two teenage kids, allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, crashed through the home of a 7 month pregnant woman and her one year old son. KLS news reports that Sgt. Ross Huff of the Murray Police Department confirmed that the car landed on the bed next to the sleeping woman. She was able to immediately exit the destroyed room to get her son and run to outside to safety.

Fortunately, the woman sustained minor injuries and her toddler were unharmed in this Utah car accident. The teenage drunk drivers also suffered minor injuries and were treated at a local hospital. Although one of the teens fled from the scene of the accident both were quickly caught by police officers. The teens are reportedly not cooperating with Murray police authorities on answering who was driving. The charges that are pending include: for driving under the influence of alcohol, hit and run with injuries, running a red light and lying to police officers.

I hope that this brave woman fully recovers from her physical injuries and her psychological trauma and that there are no long lasting injuries to the unborn child. I also pray that the toddler was not traumatized by having a car crash through his home.

How Did this Car Crash through a Murray Home?

Witnesses stated that the vehicle driven by the allegedly drunk teen sped through a red light at the intersection of 4500 South and 500 East in Murray, Utah, hit the curb which launched the vehicle into the air. The vehicle then flew 45 feet, onto a parked car and then through the house of the Murray woman. While it seems clear that alcohol was the main factor in causing this Utah hit and run motor vehicle accident, the snowy road conditions could have also played a role.

Complex Insurance Issues Apply in this Bizarre Utah Auto Accident

• Medical treatment to all injured parties
• Property damage to house and fence
• Compensation for all the personal belongings destroyed in the motor vehicle accident
• Property damage to both vehicles involved in this car accident (the car the teen was driving and the parked car that was hit)

There are several factors that influence who will be paying for the medical injuries sustained by the woman, her child and the two at-fault teen drivers. Assuming the teen has auto insurance coverage; his personal injury protection portion (PIP) will cover the initial medical bills for all those injured.

Who Pays my Property Damage?

However, the insurance complexities deepen when we discuss who will pay the property damage portion of this Utah drunk driving accident. As described above, there are clearly thousands of dollars in property damage. More than likely, this teen driver will have only purchased the bare minimum requirements for collision coverage in Utah. The insurance company will only pay up to those limits which usually leaves the victims responsible for any further damages associated with this accident.

Do I have Home Owner’s Insurance?

To receive further compensation for property damage and other costs, the victim may be able to file claims under the at-fault party and their own home insurance policies. We highly advice that the victim and her family contact an experienced Salt Lake personal injury attorney right away to discuss her legal rights and options as well as the intricacies of the insurance world that she is about to face.

Resources Available to Victims of Utah Accidents

The Christensen Law Firm, PLLC, is a premier law firm that specializes in handling these types of accident cases. Whether you have been in a Utah car accident, pedestrian accident, drunk-driving accident, motorcycle accident, bicycle accident or hit and run accident; our experienced and compassionate attorneys will make sure you are informed about your case during the entire legal process. We will ensure you receive the settlement you deserve. Call us today at 801.506.0800 for a FREE consultation with an attorney or to order a FREE copy of Ken Christensen’s guidebook “7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case.”

Dangers of Texting While Driving on Utah Roads

On August 2, 2009, Hailey and Shawn were driving northbound on I-15 near the 2-15 Belt Route when traffic slowed down to a stop due to the construction on the freeway. A young man, who was texting while driving, failed to notice and rear-ended Hailey and Shawn. The at-fault motorist was driving 65mph on impact and totaled Hailey’s Honda Civic. Although the vehicle was equipped with air bags and our clients were wearing their seatbelts, they both hit the windshield with their heads and sustained serious injuries to their heads and faces.

Hailey was transported to the hospital for immediate treatment for her head trauma, hip contusions and neck injury. Shawn received treatment for his spinal injuries and back injuries as well as for his multiple facial lacerations from the broken glass. To this day, he still suffers from memory loss and headaches. However, Shawn considers himself lucky. There were construction workers on the road near where the accident occurred. If the at-fault driver had hit these workers while he was distractedly driving, someone could have been killed in this Utah texting and driving car accident.

Texting while driving has increasingly become a safety problem for Utah motorists and their passengers. Despite it being against Utah State Law to text and drive, reckless motorists continue to send or read texts and emails while driving which puts everyone at risk of being involved in a fatal car accident. Join with Zero Fatalities, Oprah’s No Phone Zone, and Utah Bike Coalition to put an end to texting while driving in Utah.

When Insurance Adjusters Win, Accident Victims Lose

Despite the fact that the at-fault driver was breaking the law by texting and driving, when he caused the Utah car accident, Allstate Insurance Company only offered Hailey and Shawn $2,000.00 more than their medical bills. Understandably, Hailey and Shawn were disappointed and distraught at Allstate’s settlement. The at-fault driver’s blatant negligence caused several damages to this young Utah couple including:

• over $10,000 in medical bills,
• total loss of their vehicle,
• months of treatment, and
• Shawn was laid off from his job. Due to his injuries, Shawn was not physically able to keep with his workload.

Insurance companies, like Allstate, will not offer a reasonable settlement when they realize that the accident victims are not being represented by an experienced personal injury attorney. Too often insurance adjusters are successful in manipulating innocent accident victims. Insurance adjusters are rewarded through raises and bonuses for every dollar they don’t pay out in your personal injury claim.

Statistics demonstrate that by hiring a good personal injury attorney, victims receive an average of 3x larger settlement offers from Insurance Companies than if they filed a personal injury claim on their own.

Three things NOT to do When You are Involved in a Utah Accident

• Don’t speak to the at-fault party’s insurance company adjuster before speaking with an experienced Utah car accident attorney
• Don’t give recorded statements to anyone. Despite what the insurance adjuster says, you are not required to give a recorded statement to your own insurance company or the at-fault insurance company.
• Don’t sign any documents until you have spoken to a skilled personal injury attorney.

How Do I NOT Wreck my Car Accident Case

The best way to protect yourself when you have become a victim of an automobile accident is to educate yourself.

• Educate Yourself.
Read 7 Biggest Mistakes that Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case. This informative resource was written my founding partner of the Christensen Law Firm. Ken Christensen’s book will guide you through complex legal and insurance jargon to help you prepare for the battle ahead.
• Ask an Attorney.
Take advantage of the FREE consultation with the Christensen Law Firm, PLLC, and meet with a real attorney in a setting where you can ask all of your questions and get answers.