The Salt Lake Tribune reported a tragic turn of events on December 31, 2008. Lidia Tovar, a 36-year-old woman, passed away one week after being hit by a Hummer. The Hummer hit Lidia on December 22 as the driver attempted to make a left hand turn. Lidia was crossing the street near 300 East and South Temple when the accident happened. Lidia passed away Monday morning, December 29th. Our deepest condolences go out to her family. Our thoughts are with them.

The accident is still under investigation and police have yet to decide whether they will be citing the driver of the Hummer. I don't know why the police would report this accident is still under investigation. Clearly, Lidia is not responsible for this accident, even if the dirver of the Hummer is not cited. The Tovar family would greatly benefit from contacting a Utah pedestrian accident attorney to ensure they are fully compensated for their tragic loss.

It seems as if every new technology brings with it a whole new set of dangers. Most people have been aware of the risks involved with cell phone use and driving for quite a while. Now, studies are showing iPods are also posing a similar threat to the road.

According to an article posted on physorg.com, recent studies have determined the effects of using an iPod while driving are similar to that of dialing a cell phone, which has proven to be a large hazard on the road. Studies have also found iPod use on the road is rather prevalent among drivers. In 2006, General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC) conducted a poll which found 20% of drivers between the ages of 18 and 24 have selected songs from their iPod while driving.

Continue reading " Ipods Are the Cause of Numerous Car Accidents " »

According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Salt Lake City resident Gordon Alma Brown was killed in a Utah auto-pedestrian accident on December 27, 2008. The 65-year-old man was attempting to cross a busy street Saturday night and was hit by an oncoming vehicle. The accident happened 1650 S. and State Street. According to police, the man was not using a crosswalk. However, Utah law gives the right-of-way to pedestrians and many areas are considered intersections, even if they do not have the traditional markings.

In Utah, pedestrian fatalities accounted for 31 traffic-related deaths in 2007. Nationwide, a pedestrian is injured in a traffic accident every 8 minutes. Furthermore, every 111 minutes a pedestrian is killed in an accident. On average, there are over 5,000 pedestrian fatalities each year.

Utah Pedestrian accidents are most common in urban areas. Downtown Salt Lake City, Sugarhouse, and Provo/Orem are especially risky cities in Utah as they each have a high level of automobile and pedestrian traffic. If you are behind the wheel, keep a close eye out for pedestrians and remember that they have the right-of-way.

KSL News reported that many Utah car accident victims are refusing to take the ambulance to the hospital after car accidents. Last year alone, about 2,600 people in the Salt Lake Valley declined an ambulance ride, instead driving themselves to medical care facilities. Authorities attribute this to the cost of ambulance trips, ranging between $800 and $1200.

While it seems common sense for someone suffering a few bumps and bruises to decline the ride, some people with traumatic injuries are opting out as well. Regardless of the seriousness of an injury, paramedics have no choice but to leave if a victim refuses an ambulance.

However, in Utah every automobile is required to have PIP Insurance which automatically has atleast $3,000 available for medical expenses resulting from a car accident, no matter who's at fault for the accident. Therefore, if emergency personnel feel you should be transported by ambulance, do not decline for fear of payment. Earlier this year a Utah woman refused life-flight transportation and instead took ground transportation by ambulance, but died on the way to the hospital. If she would have been transported by life-flight, she may still be alive today.

Bountiful was the second settlement in Utah after Salt Lake City. Originally known as North Canyon Ward, Bountiful now hosts a population of over 40,000 residents and is a thriving city in Davis County. Considered a bedroom community to Salt Lake City, Bountiful residents enjoy a successful transportation service. The FrontRunner commuter rail transports 8,700 people along the Wasatch Front, including many from Bountiful. Legacy Parkway freeway also allows Bountiful residents easy access to the state’s capital.

Bountiful is home to many local attractions. Bountiful Ridge Golf Course offers golfers a beautiful, first-class course at an affordable price. The Bountiful Performing Arts Center puts on many types of theatrical productions, including musicals, dramas and line plays. The center also hosts youth and children’s theatre workshops. Every summer, the Bountiful/Davis Art Center sponsors an arts festival. This summer festival lasts several days and includes street dancing, cultural performances, and artist booths.

As with every bustling city, Bountiful suffers its fair share of traffic accidents- especially with so many residents commuting to Salt Lake City for work on a daily basis.

Continue reading " Bountiful, Utah Car and Motorcycle Accident Attorneys " »

We all know the hazards of distracted driving. We’ve been warned of the dangers of talking on the phone while driving, texting, eating, or putting on makeup. But one thing we have never been warned of is surfing the internet while driving. However, driving authorities may have to start a new dialogue of distracted driving that incorporates personal computer use as well.

It almost seems impossible to contemplate using a personal laptop while driving down the freeway, but it is happening more frequently these days. In the fast-paced world we live in, some people are using their laptops to check their personal and business email while driving. In 2006 alone, 510 drivers in California were charged by police for reckless driving while using a computer or video screen.

Continue reading " Computers and Driving are a Rising Problem On The Roads " »

Located in beautiful Utah County, Spanish Fork is a close-knit city and a staple community in the state. Spanish Fork is a wonderful place to raise a family, with a low crime rate, several city parks, and even an outdoor water park. Named after two Franciscan Friars who camped near the present-day city limits, Spanish Fork has grown into a robust city with a population of well over 20,000 residents.

Residents of the city enjoy a plethora of events throughout the year. For the past sixteen years, Spanish Fork has hosted a festival of lights for the holiday season. Each July, the city puts on the Fiesta Days Rodeo, attracting some of the country’s best rodeo riders. Every fall, residents participate in the Harvest Moon Hurrah. This fall arts festival includes musical performances, pony rides, local artists, and a giant straw bale maze.

Although Spanish Fork enjoys a low traffic flow, accidents still occur in this city, especially on Interstate 15. If you have ever been in an accident, then you know first hand how it can be an extremely confusing and frustrating time. Deciding whether to hire a lawyer and even choosing the right lawyer can also be difficult. That is why I wrote the book “7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case.” This book answers numerous questions my clients wished they would have known immediately after an accident. A former Allstate Insurance adjuster said that “no one should talk to an insurance adjustor or hire an attorney until they’ve read this book.” This book is free to Utah residents, just visit www.UtahAccidentBook.com to obtain your free copy.

Continue reading " Spanish Fork Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys " »

Spanish Fork residents are mourning the loss of Jayden Cartright, a six-year-old who was tragically killed in a Utah pedestrian accident on December 20, 2008. Witnesses say they saw Jayden and her older sister attempting to cross the road on 800 North. As they ran across the street, her sister fell and Jayden continued to run ahead when she was hit by an SUV.

Spanish Fork police Lt. Steve Adams said there have been no citations issued toward the driver, who has complied with all blood testing. Although, police do not believe the 35-year-old woman was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, this driver is clearly responsible for this tragic accident. The driver has contacted Jayden’s parents, who harbor no ill feelings toward her.

We join the rest of the community in offering our deepest sympathies for Jayden’s family.

The City of Orem is one of many beautiful cities nestled in the Wasatch Mountains in Utah County. With a population of over 85,000, Orem residents have given the city the title “Family City, USA.” Originally known as “Sharon,” Orem adopted its current name after a railroad line operator Walter C. Orem. Many young college students populate the city, as Orem is the home of both Utah Valley University and Stevens-Henager College. Because of its close proximity to the mountains, many residents enjoy outdoor recreations. Mountain trails to Mount Timpanogos are only a few miles away.

Like every growing city in Utah, Orem has its fair share of traffic and pedestrian accidents. Recovering from an accident can be an extremely confusing and frustrating experience. Orem, Utah Accident victims are faced with many difficult choices. Deciding whether to pursue legal counsel is one of many complicated decisions. That is why I wrote the book “7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case.” This book answers numerous questions my clients wished they would have known immediately after an accident. A former Allstate Insurance adjuster said that “no one should talk to an insurance adjustor or hire an attorney until they’ve read this book.” This book is free to Utah residents, just visit www.UtahAccidentBook.com to obtain your free copy.

Attorney Andrew Cohen recently wrote an article for CBS news analyzing a recent move by corporate America. According to the report, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has asked President-elect Barack Obama to protect corporate interests in the U.S. litigation system, claiming this will help protect jobs in the failing economy. As Cohen noted, however, this economic crisis is largely a result of corporate greed. As Cohen sees it, corporate American is attempting to escape punishment for its mistakes and protecting the interests of Big Business.

Cohen noted that the Chamber has been lobbying for a deregulated industry and lax consumer protection laws for decades. For years, they have been successful. Congress has had little oversight over commerce and the mortgage industry and laws have been pushed that tend to favor employers rather than employees. As the economic crisis worsens, the nation is now seeing the results of these efforts.

Continue reading " American Corporations Ask Obama To Excuse Their Mistakes " »

According to CNN News, a passenger plane slid off the runway and caught fire at Denver International Airport December 20, 2008. Thankfully, all 115 passengers escaped the plane without any fatalities. Several dozen people were taken to the hospital, however, and one person is reported to be in serious condition.

According to firefighters at the scene, the Boeining 737 slid about 200 yards off the runway. The plane’s wheels had been sheared off and its entire right side was in flames. Miraculously, none of the injured passengers were burned, but some suffered bone fractures.

Investigation is now underway as to the cause of this airplane accident. The cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder have been sent to Washington for review. While weather may have played a factor in the accident, investigators will be interviewing passengers and crew members as they evaluate what exactly happened.

One of Utah’s oldest cities, Sugar House offers a sense of both rich history and modern vibrancy. Located just outside of downtown Salt Lake, residents of Sugar House enjoy the amenities of living in an urban area while having the opportunity to escape the hustle-bustle of the big city. Sugar House is a melting pot of diversity -a city teeming with college students, business people, families and retirees- and is considered one of Salt Lake Valley’s most desirable neighborhoods. This city is a hub for local businesses. 2100 South is full of independent clothing stores, music shops, coffee houses, and artist galleries. A few blocks away, people stroll through the beautiful Sugar House Park, home to Salt Lake City’s largest Fourth of July fireworks show. The neighborhoods of the city are dotted with charming, old-style houses and many of the streets are lined with sprawling maple trees.

As this artistic city continues to grow in popularity, it faces the ongoing challenges of traffic accidents. Sugarhouse is filled with pedestrians, whether they are taking a stroll through their picturesque neighborhood or window-shopping along 2100 South. Such a congested mix of pedestrians and automobiles can easily lead to tragic accidents.

Continue reading " Sugarhouse, Utah Motorcycle and Personal Injury Lawyers " »

A serious accident occurred on Interstate 15 and 10600 South December 16th, according to Whit Johnson of KSL news. A 64-year-old woman from Kearns, Utah crashed into a parked truck in the emergency lane. Police reported the woman was driving in the emergency lane and failed to brake before she hit the truck. Sources say she was talking on the cell phone at the time of the accident. She was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

Continue reading " Woman on Cell Phone Seriously Injured In Sandy, Utah Accident " »

Nestled comfortably in the mountains of Utah County is the beautiful city of Provo. Home for well over 100,000 residents, Provo has a strong history dating back to 1849 when it was known as Fort Utah. Since its early days as a small settlement, Provo has grown substantially into a benchmark city in Utah. Brigham Young University is located here, bringing with it 34,000 young adults to enjoy the city. This city is also the home of the elegant Covey Center for the Arts.

Time Magazine Almanac 2008 listed Provo as one of the top five cities in the country with the lowest criminal activity. Such safe conditions make Provo a wonderful place to raise a family. Although the crime rate is extremely low, Provo is not privy to other types of accidents. As the city grows, so does the traffic and subsequent automobile accidents. The tight roads in Provo Canyon are especially dangerous.

Continue reading " Provo Car Accident Lawyers and Wrongful Death Attorneys " »

As gas prices continue to fluctuate in the United States and people are “going green,” many commuters are turning to motorized scooters for their transportation. Scooters, like vespas, have become increasingly popular, especially in urban areas. Although they are much cheaper than cars and provide much better gas mileage, scooters come with their fair share of hazards.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, nearly 10,000 people were checked into the emergency room for injuries resulting from scooter accidents between July 2003 and July 2004. In the past six years, over 50 people were killed in a motorized scooter accident. Statistics show that 25% of scooter accidents result in bone fractures. Utah Scooter crashes are especially prevalent among drivers under the age of 15.

The light weight of a scooter that provides gas mileage efficiency also poses serious threats. While a car or truck can easily drive over small potholes, a scooter can be overturned by rough roads. Severe weather conditions and wet roads can cause problems for scooter drivers as well. Environmental conditions account for 35% of all scooter accidents.

Continue reading " Utah Scooter Accident Lawyers and Motorcycle Attorneys " »

Heather May from the Salt Lake Tribune reported some alarming statistics pertaining to the conditions in which Utah’s emergency care is provided. According to the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), which rated all 50 states, Utah earned a C+ in comparison to the C- national average.

Although Utah is above the national average, there are still many aspects that need to be improved. For example, ACEP gave Utah poor ratings for its access to emergency care and preparation for disaster. These poor marks are the result of a large uninsured population within the state. Also, Utah has one of the nation’s lowest rates of registered nurses and staffed inpatient beds, which can lead to overcrowded emergency rooms. This is also leads to problems in Utah nursing homes.

However, Utah did receive some high ratings. According to ACEP, the state has an exceptional system for tracking and avoiding medical errors. We also have lower rate of health problems such as homicides and traffic fatalities compared to other states.

As the Christmas and New Year’s holidays approach, police officers and medical personnel are preparing for an increase in alcohol-related accidents, according to a report by KSL News. As with every holiday season, the police department will be increasing their DUI patrols this year.

Statstics consistently show an increase in alcohol-related traffic accidents and fatalities during the holidays. Mothers Against Drunk Driving reported that an average of 1,000 people die in drunk driving accidents between Thanksgiving and New Year’s each year. This is a very conservative estimate compared to statistics reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which estimates 4,020 drunk driving fatalities each year during the same time frame.

Continue reading " Drunk Driving Accidents Are Most Prevalent This Time of Year " »

According to an article by Annie Cutler of ABC News, SR 201 at 80th West is still without a traffic light five months after Jennifer Hardwick was nearly killed at the intersection in Magna, Utah. This junction poses a hazardous threat to drivers and has been the location of many accidents. As winter rages on and driving becomes even more dangerous, citizens are pushing for a traffic light at the intersection.

Although UDOT has stated that there is enough traffic at this particular intersection for a four-way stop light, ABC reported that the legal discrepancies allow UDOT to drag its feet. UDOT can only be sued up to a certain monetary sum. Even if a case against the agency is worth several millions, they only have to pay up to $400,000.

Although it would only cost $250,000 to install a traffic light, this intersection is still without one. If you are driving along this route, please contact UDOT and encourage them to put the light in and in the meantime, please take extra precautions as you pass through this intersection.

According to KUTV news, the snow storm of December 13, 2008 resulted in more than 100 car accidents with atleast a dozen injuries reported.

If you or someone you know was involved in a Utah car accident, be sure to request a free copy of our book "7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case." Attorney Kenneth Christensen wrote this book and offers it free to Utah accident victims to help level the playing field between accident victims and insurance companies.

A former Allstate insurance adjustor stated that "No one should talk to an insurance adjustor or hire an attorney until they've read this book. Visit www.UtahAccidentBook.com to obtain your free copy.

KSL reported a car accident the morning of December 11th, 2008. In what could have been an extremely serious crash, a car slammed into a semi-truck making a U-turn near Redwood Road and 3500 South. The driver of the car received minor injuries. Police stated that the truck-driver was making a completely legal U-turn. As of the time of the report, police were also investigating if the driver of the car had been drinking alcohol.

Many traffic accidents are the result of a vehicle making an illegal left-hand turn or U-turn. When you are about to perform a U- turn, always be sure you have plenty of room to do so and that oncoming traffic is at a safe distance. Also, don’t forget to check for perpendicular traffic making a right-hand turn into your desired lane.

Continue reading " Semi Truck Causes Accident in Salt Lake City " »

Since I practice exclusively in Utah Personal Injury Law, I am often asked by people what type of automobile insurance they should purchase and how much coverage they should have. These are great questions. Unfortunately, most people are only concerned about how much their monthly premium will be when shopping for automobile insurance, but a low premium can mean low coverage.

The State of Utah requires every automobile to have 25/50 liability coverage. That is $25,000 per person, but no more than $50,000 per accident. I encourage everyone to have at least $100,000 per person $300,000 per accident. This additional coverage should not cost more than an extra $10 a month.

It is equally important to have 100/300 coverage for Underinsured (UIM) and Uninsured coverage (UM).

Continue reading " Utah Car Insurance: Make Sure You Are Covered " »

The first snowfall of the year always causes problems on the roads, and this year was no different. Today, the early morning rain quickly turned to ice and snow, causing serious problems for Utah drivers. The Utah Highway Patrol responded to 30 weather-related accidents today in Weber, Salt Lake and Utah counties, combined.

The southern part of Weber county saw numerous accidents with Highway 84 having some of the most severe. Big and little Cottonwood Canyons' slick roads caused dozens of cars to slide off the road, with one ending upside down in the river.

With several big storms expected for this weekend, officers are asking people to drive slow and use extra caution to reduce your chances of being involved in a Utah car accident.

KSL reported a fatal accident on Redwood Road and 6200 South on December 5, 2008. One person died and four other victims were hospitalized after a car collided with another vehicle attempting to make a left hand turn. The deceased victim, a 64-year-old husband and father, was a passenger in the vehicle making the left-hand turn. His wife and daughter were also in the car, although they were taken to the hospital in stable condition. The accident is still under investigation.

Our condolences and deepest sympathies to the victims and families of this accident.

Left-hand turns are especially dangerous and often result in serious injury. The implementation of green arrows in traffic signals has helped reduce the amount of left-hand turn accidents. However, not all traffic lights have a green arrow, leaving a great deal of responsibility and awareness on the driver. Unsafe left-hand turns are against the law and the operator of the vehicle will be held responsible for damages.

One of the most frustrating aspects of a traffic accident is dealing with the bills. Insurance will usually cover a large portion of medical and car repair costs, but who pays for the emergency response?

According to an article on MSN Money, you do. Well, if your local police and ambulance departments get their way. Currently in Utah there is no fee for having a police officer called out to the scene of a an accident, but some cities in the United States have started sending bills to the accident victims for their services. This has been referred to as “Crash Tax.” The problem is that most insurance companies refuse to cover these expenses, claiming it is not their responsibility and that the accountability should be placed on local taxpayers.

A handful of states have banned these “crash taxes,” but Utah still has not. Currently, any city in Utah can pass an ordinance allowing their fire and police departments to bill the Utah car accident victims for having to respond to the scene of an accident.

Continue reading " Crash Taxes: Make Sure Your City Doesn't Have Them! " »

As winter rages on, drivers are continually tested with harsh road conditions. Winter driving is always risky, especially for teenagers who are new to the road. Icy highways and limited visibility are difficult challenges for young drivers with little experience, especially in winter conditions.

The Salt Lake Tribune recently reported that Hillcrest High School is instructing teenagers on how to drive in winter weather using a "skid car" simulator. This program, an initiaitive created by the Utah Highway Patrol and Utah's teen Driving Task Force, aims to give new drivers experience in rough conditions before they face them on the road.

Recent statistics testify to the importance of this program. According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, in the year 2006, teenage drivers were involved in 25% of Utah's traffic accidents in the winter months. In December of that year, teenagers were involved in about 1,200 of the nearly 5,500 automobile accidents.

In Florida, long term disability insurance policies are often purchased privately or through an employer. However, the plans that are purchased privately are controlled by Florida state law and plans purchased through employers are controlled by a Federal Statute called ERISA. Before you apply for long term disability benefits or deal with the long term disability carrier you should read a copy of Tampa Bay's Best Long Term Disability Attorney, Nancy Cavey's book, "Robbed of Your Peace of Mind? Important Information on Long Term Disability Insurance Policies, the Claims Procedures and How to Win Your Long Term Disability Benefits".

It is common for people to have numerous questions when making long term disability and social security claims. Attorney Nancy Cavey takes the time to explain the entire process to her clients and provides thoughtful, compassionate service. That is why Nancy Cavey is Florida's best long term disability and social security disability attorney.

According to KSL News, a bicyclist was riding down a hill in Salt Lake City the evening of December 3, 2008 near 1300 East and 800 South when a car failed to keep a proper lookout and made a left-hand turn in front of the bicyclist causing the car and bike to collide. The man on the bicycle was seriously injured when he was thrown into the van's windshield. He was transported by ambulance to the hospital and is in critical condition.

The news report says that the bicyclist may have been traveling fast down the hill, but that requires further investigation and ultimately does not matter. The driver of the van is clearly responsible for failing to yield the right of way and for failing to keep a proper lookout. If the insruance company for the van fails to accept 100% liability, the bicyclist would be well advised to contact an experienced Utah Bicycle and Pedestrian accident attorney.

Motorcycles are an exhilarating means of transportation, but pose serious threats to the rider. The freedom provided by a motorcycle can easily turn into grave injuries or even death. In most motorcycle accidents, the fault lies on the other driver’s negligence. Car or truck drivers often find it difficult to see motorcycles on the road, which can quickly lead to a life-altering accident for the motorcyclist.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported over 4,000 deaths and 76,000 injuries nationwide due to motorcycle accidents in 2004. Compared to other vehicular accidents, motorcyclists are 32 times more likely to die in an accident.

Continue reading " Ohio's Best Motorcycle Accident Attorneys: Charles Boyk and Associates " »

According to KSL news, a car made a left hand turn in front of a motorcycle in South Jordan on December 1, 2008 at 11:30am near the intersection of 11800 South and 4000 West. Sadly, the motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.

I offer my condolences to the victim's family.

The police are still investigating this accident, but clearly the driver of the car is fully responsible for turning left and not keeping a proper lookout. Before this tragic accident, the eseret news reported that the number of people who have died from motorcycle accidents in 2008 was at 32. This was 9 more than all of 2007.

Continue reading " Motorcyclist Killed in South Jordan, Utah Accident " »

According to the Salt Lake Tribune report, "UPS Driver Dies in Crash Near Tooele," on December 1, 2008, 54 year-old Allen Christopherson of West Jordan, Utah was delivering packages for UPS and traveling southbound on State Road 36 in Stansburry Park, Utah when a dump truck made a left-hand turn in front of him, causing the two trucks to collide and killing Mr. Christopherson.

According to his friends and co-workers, Allen Christopherson was a new grandfather and a wonderful man; liked by all. We offer our deepest condolences to Mr. Christopherson's family and friends.

Continue reading " UPS Driver is Killed When a Dump Truck Makes an Improper Left Hand Turn In Tooele, Utah " »