Utah Personal Injury Law Firm Blog

In a KSL News Report, Troopers Warn Against Unsecured Loads, the Utah Highway Patrol warns drivers of the dangers of failing to properly secure their loads, causing debris to enter the roadways and ultimately putting other drivers in danger.

State statistics show 30 lost loads a day across Utah that cause 500 crashes a year.
These accidents can result in serious injures.

Earlier this year we reported that a woman was injured while driving on Interstate 215 near California Avenue when she hit a BBQ Grill was left in the road.

This type of auto accident is not at all uncommon, especially in Salt Lake City and other cities along interstate 15 and Interstate 80 where big rigs transport materials on a daily basis. Our firm has handled similar cases where someone negligently stored large objects in the back of their truck, causing them to enter the roadway and put other vehicles in danger.

In many automobile accidents, it is not uncommon to have a “phantom vehicle” – a vehicle that causes the accident, but leaves the scene and/or can not be identified. Under Utah statute, such phantom vehicles are defined as uninsured vehicles for purposes of making whole those who fall victim to such circumstances. A person that has been injured by a phantom vehicle is protected by their Uninsured Motorist Coverage. Since these accidents are not the victims fault, their insurance should not and cannot be increased for making a claim. To properly ensure this doesn’t happen, you may want to consult with a lawyer. To learn more about phantom vehicles and uninsured motorist coverage, visit our Utah Uninsured Motorist page.

These types of incidents are a warning call to all of us to exercise more care and caution when transporting things; even if it is as simple as moving a mattress or other furniture in the back of a truck. It is important to make sure the loads are properly secured. Not doing so can result in legal action and more importantly, could cause someone their life.

A tow truck T-boned a Taurus August 29, 2008 at 3500 South and 4000 West in West Valley City when the Taurus made a left hand turn in front the tow truck. Sadly, the passengers in the Taurus sustained life threatening injuries and the innocent tow truck driver was taken to Intermountain Medical Center in critical condition.

Our deepest sympathies go out to all parties involved in this sad accident.

UtahPersonalInjuryLawFirm.com.

Two children, ages 8 and 9, were hit by a car as they crossed the street to go to school on August 28, 2008, near 2700 South and 800 East, not far from Nibley Park Elementary. The driver claims she could not see the children since the sun was in her eyes.

I offer my deepest condolence to these children and their families. This accident never should have happend. There is no doubt in my mind this careless driver is responsible for this accident, even if the sun was in her eyes.

Insurance companies are quick to settle claims with young children, but the parents of the two children would be well advised to contact a Utah Pedestrian Accident Attorney to learn their rights since the long term effects of these injuries are likely unknown at this point.

Midvale police located and arrested Neil Delynn Lewis for hitting Jaime Arbon and his pregnant fiance, Kari Bushnell and leaving the scene. The couple was walking on the sidewalk on State Street in Midvale when Lewis' vehicle hit them and fled away. Both Jaime and Kari were seriously injured and sadly Kari had a miscarriage due to injuries associated with this tragic accident.

I offer my deepest condolence to Jaime, Kari and their families. This accident never should have happend.

Both Jaime and Kari would be well advised to contact a Utah Pedestrian Accident Attorney to learn their rights. What most people do not understand is that in addition to making a claim against this reckless driver and his insurance company, Jaime and Kari can make claims under their own insurance policies for their injuries and the loss of their child.

Cedar City mourns the loss of ten members of its community who died Friday evening, August 22, 2008 when their twin-engine plane, owned by Leavitt Group, crashed near Moab. It is still unclear what caused the accident and it will prove difficult to investigate as much of the plane was badly burned. The victims worked for the Southwest Skin and Cancer/Red Canyon Aesthetics & Medical Spa, a medical group that provides cancer screenings and dermatological services for people who live in rural Southern Utah. Linda Snow, the company's office manager in Cedar City, said, "We are just deeply saddened. These are individuals that were highly skilled and very professional in what they do, and they will be missed."

We too are saddened by this tragic accident and offer our deepest condolences to the families of these victims.

Utah Aviation Legal Team, Utah Plane Crash Attorneys, Cedar City Plane Crash.

Ogden City, recently ranked as #3 of the top 20 revitalized towns in the United States by Outside magazine. Ogden has become recognized as a recreational Mecca with relatively low cost living, well-educated residents, and a unique geographical ability to provide easy access to air, truck, and rail transportation. Combining Ogden’s world class recreation with a restored Historic Business District featuring distinctive shopping and dining, some of the best museums in the country, and outstanding cultural events, you have a city not to be missed. Situated on the east face of Wasatch Mountains, Ogden’s rich history extends from her roots as a mountain man trading center, to rapid growth after becoming “The Depot” at the junction of the intercontinental railroad, and more recently, to international recognition as a major venue city for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.

The Ogden, Utah personal injury attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm, PLLC represent injured persons and their families. This is all we do! We do not divide our loyalties by representing insurance companies or corporations. We represent people. Whether you were hurt in an Ogden Car Accident, suffered a brain injury, experienced the wrongful death of a loved one, or was involved in an Ogden dog bite incident, Attorney Kenneth L. Christensen and the top personal injury lawyers in Utah are ready to represent the interests of you and your family.

As your interests are the priority at our law firm, we do not rely on a high volume of cases, and we don't handle every type of case. We are not a “TV advertising personal injury mill.” We give personal attention to the few cases we do accept. Kenneth Christensen personally handles your case including the negotiation with the insurance company. He does not allow paralegals and assistants negotiate with the insurances company. He will personally try the cases that go to court. Our personal attention to fewer cases means more time for you and we believe, better results overall.

Continue reading " Ogden Personal Injury Lawyers and Car Accident Attorneys " »

Incorporated in 1980, West Valley City has become Utah's second-largest city. It is nestled in the Salt Lake Valley between the Wasatch and Oquirrh mountain ranges. The city's scenic beauty is enhanced by its sense of community, and its commitment to provide high-quality public services for residents and businesses.

The West Valley, Utah Personal Injury Attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm represent injured persons and their families. This is all we do. We do not divide our loyalties by representing insurance companies or corporations. We represent people. Whether you were hurt in a West Valley City auto accident, suffered a brain injury, or even were the victim of a West Valley City dog bite incident, Kenneth L. Christensen and the top personal injury lawyers in Utah are ready to represent the interests of you and your family.

We do NOT charge a fee until there has been a monetary recovery in our client’s case and we advance all costs and expenses. Unlike most law firms, we do not take every case that comes through the door. We limit the amount of cases we take to ensure all our clients receive the personal attention they need and deserve during a difficult and confusing time.

All consultations, whether at our offices, your home or in a hospital room, are free. Call the experienced West Valley City accident attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm today at (801) 506-0800.

jA Utah family was seriously injured after an Cadillac Escalade with Idaho license plates negligently drove into the family’s lane of travel near Willard, causing their vehicle to veer off the road and roll. According to KSL News report, “Reckless Driver Causes Rollover Accident,” the Escalade fled the scene and Utah Highway Patrol is hoping the public can help track down the driver responsible for this serious accident.

I deeply sympathize with the injured family and am saddened by their unnecessary suffering. I wish them a speedy recovery.

What legal recourse is there against a driver that does not make actual contact with another vehicle, but clearly causes an accident to occur?

Under Utah law, a vehicle that leaves the scene and is not identified, but was the proximate cause of the accident is defined, by statute as an uninsured motorist. The existence of such a vehicle, however, must be established by clear and convincing evidence. In this case there is sufficient evidence as independent witnesses saw the Escalade force the car off the road. Almost every automobile insurance policy has a portion of coverage called Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM). UM coverage allows accident victims who were injured by an unidentified or uninsured driver to make a claim under their own insurance policy for the full extent of their damages.

The family involved in this accident would be well served by consulting with a Utah uninsured motorist attorney to ensure that all medical bills and other damages, including pain and suffering, are completely covered for an accident that was clearly not their fault.

Two planes collided near Rock Springs, Wyoming killing three men according to a report by KSL News. One plane was being flown by an air traffic controller from Salt Lake City, Utah while the other plane was operated by a student pilot practicing near the Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport. Several witnesses reported seeing an explosion in mid-air with tons of debris falling to the ground.

This is truly a horrible tragedy and I offer my deepest condolences to the families of these victims.

Aviation accidents are devastating and extremely complex to investigate. It will be a long wait before the results of the Federal Aviation Administration’s investigation are known. These types of accidents are clearly the result of someone’s negligence. Whether it is pilot inattentiveness, engine maintenance failure or misdirection by the air traffic controllers, the families of these victims would be well advised to retain the services of an aviation legal team. Since airplane crashes can involve several states, defendants and legal venues and to ensure each claim receives the necessary time and resources, we have hand selected the top attorneys and aerospace engineers in the United States who have secured some of the largest aviation injury settlements and jury verdicts in the world. Instead of waiting for FAA reports, our legal team performs a thorough investigation of the crash site and surrounding evidence to uncover every form of liability for these tragic accidents.

A Provo Canyon Motorcycle Accident near Bridal Veil Falls seriously injured two riders according to a KSL.com news report, "Motorcycle Riders Injured in Provo Canyon Wreck." According to the news report, an SUV didn't see the two motorcycles approaching and hit them.

My deepest sympathies are with the two motorcyclists who were injured in this Provo Canyon morotorcycle wreck. There is no doubt in my mind that the driver of the SUV will be held fully responsible for this accident. The news report is vague, but it appears the SUV made an improper lane change or failed to yield the right-of-way to the motorcycles. Either way, the motorcycles were in their lane of travel and unfortunately, the SUV didn't keep a proper look-out and see them coming.

According to a study reported by the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety , five types of crashes account for 86 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents: motorcycle runs off road (41 percent), motorcycle or other vehicle runs traffic control (18 percent), head on (11 percent), car turns in front of motorcycle (8 percent), and motorcycle goes down in roadway (7 percent). All five of these types of accidents can be caused by drivers failing to look out for motorcycles on our Utah roadways.

Since the injuries associated with motorcycle accidents can be catastrophic, these motorcycle accident victims would benefit from contacting a Utah motorcycle accident lawyer to ensure their current and future medical bills and lost wages are covered by this driver's insurance company, as well as compensation for pain and suffering. Handling these claims alone can be extremely confusing and even damaging to a case. I would encourage these victims to order a free copy of my book "7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case," at our 24 hour pre-recorded phone number (800) 851-3731.

According to KSL News Report, "2 Die in Plane Crash at Bear Lake," a single engine plane crashed this morning on the shoreline of Bear Lake near Garden City. Both the man and woman inside were from Washington State and died in this tragic accident.

I’m deeply sorry for the loss of life in this fatal accident. Aviation accidents are devastating and incredibly complex to investigate. It will be a long wait before the results of the investigation are known. The families of these victims would be well advised to retain the services of a Washington Personal Injury Lawyer. When our firm has an opportuntiy to refer someone to a lawyer in Washington, our first choice is Christopher Davis and the Davis Law Group. The Davis Law Group in Seattle, Washington is one of the most successful and reputable personal injury law firms in Washington. I know attorney Christopher Davis and am thoroughly impressed by his dedication to his clients and their causes.

KSL News reports that West Jordan police are searching for a man who hit a bicyclist and did not stop on August 5, 2008 near Jordan Landing in West Jordan, Utah. According to West Jordan police Sgt. Greg Butler a Dodge pickup made a left turn and ran into the bicyclist who was traveling in the other direction. The Dodge made no attempt to stop, but witnesses followed the truck and were able to get a description and a possible license plate number. The bicyclist was critically injured and is now in stable condition.

I wish a fast and full recover to this victim and hope this irresponsible driver decides to come forward.

What most people do not know is that Hit and Run Accident Victims can still make an insurance claim for medical bills, lost wages and even pain and suffering, even if the driver that caused this tragic accident is not found. Almost every automobile insurance policy has a portion of coverage called Uninsured Motorist Coverage. This allows accident victims who were injured by an unidentified or uninsured driver to make a claim, and since the victim did not cause the accident, their insurance rates should not increase. In Utah, a statute that has been referred to as the “phantom vehicle statute” allows hit-and-run accident victims to qualify under this coverage.

A vehicle that leaves the scene and is not identified, but was the proximate cause of the accident is defined, by statute as uninsured. The existence of such a vehicle, however, must be established by clear and convincing evidence. In this case there is sufficient evidence as several independent witnesses saw the car hit the bicycle and leave the scene.

The bicyclist would be well served by consulting with a Utah Uninsured Motorist Accident Attorney to ensure that all medical bills and other damages, including pain and suffering are completely covered for an accident that was clearly not his/her fault.

According to a recent KSL News article, “Man injured when elevator falls,” two men were injured when an elevator fell two stories. The two men were riding an elevator to the top of the Boston building, which is being renovated, when some rods poking out of the escape hatch hit the roof and knocked the elevator off track. After dropping very quickly, the safety latches kicked in, bringing the elevator to a violent stop. One of the men was knocked out and may have suffered a broken jaw.

What most people do not know is that although Workers Compensation will likely cover this man’s medical bills and lost wages; if the rods that were exposed from the escape hatch were the fault of some other company, besides this victim’s employer, then he may be able to make a personal injury claim as well. Personal injury claims are typically better than workers compensation claims as they allow for full recover of damages compared to a small percentage under workers compensation. If he thinks this accident was the result of another party’s negligence, this victim would be well served to consult a Utah Personal Injury Attorney.

According to a KUTV News article, “School Bus Driver Jailed After DUI Crash At The Gateway,” a school bus driver was transporting several children from Salt Lake City’s Jewish Community Center to the Discovery Museum at the Gateway when he crashed into a light pole. The driver, 51-year-old Jon Wallace Hoffman, then ran away from the scene before authorities arrived. Hoffman later returned and took a field sobriety test, which he failed. Mr. Hoffman was arrested for driving under the influence of a controlled substance.

Considering Hoffman’s history, the bus company never should have allowed him to be in such a position of trust. In 1994 Hoffman was charged with public intoxication. In 1996 he caused a serious traffic accident. In 2005 he was involved in another traffic accident and in 2006 he plead guilty to charges of disorderly conduct and speeding. Despite this, the bus company that employed Hoffman – Serv-a-Bus – insists that it conducts background checks on all of its drivers.

Both Hoffman and Serv-a-Bus could be held liable. Buses – school buses, city buses, and charter buses - are considered “common carriers” and have an “utmost duty of care.” This is much higher than that of a friend who gives you a ride to school. If any of these young children were injured in this accident, their families would be well served to contact a Utah Personal Injury Lawyer to ensure bus drivers and transportation companies do not let this happen again and that all medical bills and future damages are covered.

A Utah motorcycle rider was critically injured in an accident up Big Cottonwood Canyon, according to a recent article by KSL News. A vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road when the driver decided to make a U-turn. Unfortunately, the driver did not see the motorcyclist, causing him to slam into the back of the car. The motorcyclist received serious head injuries and was flown to the hospital.

I wish the victim well and express my condolences to the family.

Each year in the United States more than three thousand people are killed and another 50,000 or so are injured in motorcycle accidents. Head trauma in motorcycle accidents are the primary cause of injury and death in these tragedies. Motorcyclists are much more vulnerable to suffering head injuries in motorcycle accidents because they are less stable, visible, and protected on the road. It is estimated that about eighty percent of all motorcycle accidents involve injury or death.

Head injuries in motorcycle accidents occur when a victims head makes sudden and violent contact with an unyielding object. This can result in a concussion or more serious head injuries when significant brain, spinal cord, and central nervous system damage is sustained.

Head injuries from motorcycle accidents are irreversible and can result in partial or permanent disability, serious neurological damage, and even death. If you, or a loved one, have suffered serious or fatal head injuries in motorcycle accidents, you may wish to contact a Utah motorcycle attorney who can help determine your rights and legal options. When another party is at fault for head injuries in motorcycle accidents, victims can seek restitution for medical expenses, loss of income or earning potential, permanent disability or death, and damages for pain and suffering.

On Wednesday afternoon South Salt Lake Police conducted a sting to catch car drivers who don’t stop for pedestrians. An undercover police officer would walk in a crosswalk while other police officers watched nearby. KSL News reported that most of the motorists stopped but not all of them. A total of 16 drivers failed to stop, 15 of them receiving tickets.

Police said the reason for the sting was to raise awareness about crosswalk safety, and for good reason. On average, automobiles kill 40 pedestrians a year in Utah and injure another 1,080. We recently reported that a 65-year-old woman, Patricia Dawn Jordan, of Oxford, Maryland, died after she was hit by a vehicle while walking in a crosswalk at Salt Lake City International Airport. KSL News reported that Jordan was walking in a 10 mph zone, but it appears the driver was going much faster than the posted speed limit and clearly wasn’t paying attention.

According to the Department of Health, studies have shown that if a car strikes a person at 40 mph, there is an 80 percent chance that individual will die. At 30 mph the individual has a 50 percent chance of survival, and if the car is traveling 20 mph the chance of survival increases to 95 percent. For more information on pedestrian awareness in Utah visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

A man was riding his motorcycle at 2170 E. Dimple Dell Road in Sandy when an SUV pulled out in front of him, reports KSL News (“Motorcyclist injured in collision with SUV”). The biker, who was wearing a helmet, slammed into the side of the SUV, and suffered serious head injuries. According to Lt. Jason Johnson of the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office, the woman driver of the SUV just didn’t see the motorcycle when she made her turn.

I express my condolences to the victim and wish him a recovery to the fullest extent possible.

It seems that the driver of the SUV is at fault here, and her auto insurance is responsible to cover the cost of her actions. Head injury victims are commonly diagnosed with mild Traumatic Brain Injuries and the symptoms associated with this injury can be very costly. Insurance companies often downplay the long-term effects by quickly trying to settle for a minimal amount. This motorcycle accident victim would be well served to contact a Utah personal injury lawyer that will make sure that the insurance company gives him just and adequate compensation for this serious injury.