Utah Personal Injury Law Firm Blog

A horrible accident took place in Wyoming that took the life of three Utah residents. A family from Sandy, Utah met snowy and icy roads on their way to Powell, Wyoming to attend the oldest daughter’s basketball game. According to KSL News, 49-year-old Eric Gustafson lost control of the SUV outside of Farson, Wyoming. Police reported that the SUV slid off the road and proceeded to roll four times down an embankment. Jaret Gustafson, 76 and Luanne Gustafson, 48, were ejected from the vehicle. Unfortunately, both family members died at the scene of the accident. Diane Gustafson, 73, died from a heart attack early Friday morning. Authorities do not know if the heart attack was related to the crash. Eric and three children were treated for injuries at the hospital and have been released. Our deepest sympathies are with the Gustafson family and friends as they mourn their tragic losses.

Attorney Kenneth Christensen wrote The UT accident book, “Seven Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case.” For a free copy of this book, visit http://www.utahaccidentbook.com or call 801.506.0800. The book offers great legal advice for Utah accident victims. Read the following excerpt from the free Utah accident book to learn the first mistake that injured people often make:

“Delay or Do Nothing: If you are really hurt in a Utah car accident, waiting to receive treatment for your injuries can make it extremely difficult to prove your injuries were caused by the accident. If you are injured, don’t delay; go to the emergency room or your family doctor immediately. You automatically have $3,000 available under PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage in your automobile policy. Delays or gaps in your treatment can prove damaging at trial.”

Two young boys were involved in two separate Utah bicycle accidents on February 26, 2009. According to KSL News, an 8-year-old boy was riding his bike to school in Salt Lake City and a vehicle suddenly struck him. The crash took place while the boy was crossing 700 East at the crosswalk near 600 South. The driver of the car was turning from 600 South to northbound 700 East and failed to see him. The boy was rushed to the hospital and suffered from ankle and wrist injuries.

A 14-year-old boy in Eagle Mountain was riding his bike near the intersection of Pony Express and Ranch Parkway when he was hit by a car. Fortunately, the young man did not sustain any injuries although the car bumped him off his bike. The police checked him for injuries and then was sent back on his way to school. Please be sure to keep an eye out for bicyclists and pedestrians, especially as the weather is beginning to warm up. Always watch for pedestrians before entering an intersection.

A woman from Kearns is recovering from a Utah dog bite attack after her next-door-neighbor’s dog bit off the tip of her finger. KSL News reports that two Bull Mastiff dogs broke through a wood fence separating their owner’s yard from that of the victims at 6085 South and 5185 West. The victim attempted to put the dogs back when one of them jumped up and bit her. The victim’s grandson told reporters that his grandmother had been having difficulty with the dogs for about two years. The woman was taken to the hospital. Her finger was severed at the last knuckle. Fortunately, Animal Control officers found her finger-tip and sent it to the hospital in hopes doctors would reattach it. The two dogs are in a rabies quarantine as authorities determine if they are still a threat. Authorities should also consider filing criminal charges against the dog owner for wrecklessly endangering the public.

Dog bite attacks are quite frequent in the United States. Dog bite statistics show that dogs bite roughly 4.7 million people each year. 1 out of 6 of these bites is serious enough to warrant hospitalization. Every day, 1,000 Americans are taken to the emergency room on account of dog attacks. For more information on dog bite statistics and how to handle dog bite legal claims, by visiting the library section of our law firm’s website.

Attorney Kenneth Christensen is the author of The premier Utah (UT) accident book, entitled “Seven Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case.” This book was written to answer questions folllowing a car accident and help help avoid the pitfalls and traps many insurance companies lay for people that have never handled an insurance claim before. It is written in an easy-to-read format and communicates complicated legal and insurance jargon into understandable language. The book is free to all Utah residents and addresses common myths associated with personal injury cases, such as:

• If you are in an accident, you always need an attorney.
• If you write the insurance company a nice, reasonable letter, you will receive a reasonable settlement offer.
• You cannot get a rental car unless you give a record statement,
• The insurance adjustor is being nice now; once I ask for a settlement he will continue to be nice.
• The insurance company for the person who hit you is obligated to pay your medical bills as they become due.

Continue reading " Attorney Offers Free Utah Accident Book for Car Accident Victims " »

A recent article in the Salt Lake Tribune outlined some great advice for Utah drivers who have hit wildlife. Utah is home to all sorts of animal wildlife and each year 10,000 deer are killed by vehicles. Car accidents involving large animals can be very serious and most drivers do not know what to do if they are involved in this type of accident. If you crash into an animal, you may consider calling the Division of Wildlife Resources, especially if the animal is injured and suffering. You are not allowed to shoot or kill the animal, so contacting the DWR or police is a good idea. If the animal is critically wounded, an officer from the DWR or police will come out and euthanize the suffering wildlife. Collisions with large animals can do some significant damage to your vehicle, so you will want to contact your insurance provider right away. Usually, a report is not necessary. Simply turn in your claim like any other. If you strike an animal in winter and your car is inoperable, contact the police immediately. Remain in your car where it is warm and do not try venturing out in cold conditions.

Two men have been injured in a Utah drunk driving car accident that took place on February 21, 2009. According to the Salt Lake Tribune, a 19-year-old drove his blue Scion west onto the Interstate 15/Interstate 80 exchange at 600 South ramp Saturday night. However, that bridge is only for eastbound drivers. Furthermore, the driver did not have his headlights on. Driving in the wrong direction, he slammed into a Chrysler Sebring. The 37-year-old driver of the Sebring suffered from cuts on his arm and a broken leg and the 19-year-old was flown to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Emergency personnel indicated his chief complaints were of head and chest injuries. Police arrested the wrong-way driver for drinking and driving.

Drunk driving statistics are frightening. Every year, 17,000 people lose their lives in alcohol-related accidents in the United States. Alcohol is a factor in 39% of all fatal accidents. Furthermore, 3 out of every 10 Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related accident at some point in their lives. Always make sure you are responsible if you have been drinking. Designate a sober driver or call for a taxi. The number for a taxi is easy to remember: 1-800-TAXICAB.

Studies have found most drunk driving car accidents are caused by repeat offenders. At the Christensen Law Firm, we specialize in representing people that have been injured in Utah drunk driving car accidents. We ensure our clients are fully compensated for their injuries and the fact that drunk drivers specifically choose to put other in danger. We help keep these wreckless drivers from ever hurting someone else again.

It has been a rough month for the peanut butter industry. A recent peanut butter-salmonella outbreak has sickened over 600 people and killed 9 others. According to the Wall Street Journal, the overall peanut butter industry has seen sales drop by 25% but the cause of the outbreak has been traced to one culprit: Peanut Corporation of America (PCA). Since the link between the outbreak and PCA was discovered, PCA’s plants have shut down, it is facing several civil lawsuits, and is currently filing for bankruptcy protection. The CEO of the company, Stewart Parnell, was taken for questioning on Capitol Hill, but pleaded the Fifth Amendment so not to incriminate himself. A criminal investigation is likely to follow. As the Journal points out, regulators share some of the blame in this outbreak. According to the Washington Post, food regulators did not even know PCA’s plant in Plainview, Texas existed until after the outbreak!

The Salt Lake Tribune reported on a serious this weekend in Salt Lake City. On Saturday afternoon, a three-year-old boy from Salt Lake City was hit by a truck near 700 East and 500 South. Police say the boy was walking on the sidewalk with his dad when he suddenly ran out in front of the truck. He was taken to the hospital in serious condition and police did not have an update on his condition as of Sunday morning.

Statistics show that each year over 64,000 pedestrians are injured in an automobile-related accident in the United States. Pedestrian injury is one of the leading causes of unintentional injury-related deaths among children ages 5 to 14, according to the University of Utah Health and Science Centers. If you are a driver, please be aware of all your surroundings and keep an eye out for pedestrians. For more information on pedestrian accidents, visit the library section of our law firm’s website.

KSL News reported a severe Utah truck accident that took place on February 21, 2009. The accident happened in Kaysville where a truck was driving southbound on Highway 89 around 2:00 am. The driver of the truck lost control due to icy conditions near Crescent Road and crossed into the northbound lanes. He smashed into another truck, causing it to roll over. Fortunately, everyone in the car wreck was wearing a seatbelt. However, three people were severely injured. Both drivers sustained head and back injuries and a passenger in the first vehicle was flown to University of Utah Hospital with head and internal injuries. We wish everyone involved a quick and full recovery.

Head injuries are relatively prevalent in the United States. Each year, over 1.4 million people suffer from Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) Traffic accidents are responsible for 20% of head injury cases. For more information on head and traumatic brain injuries, visit the library section of our law firm’s website.

Prosecutors in Davis County are having a bit of trouble in a negligent homicide case. According to the Salt Lake Tribune, the prosector’s office recently learned that the victim, who was thought to have died in a Utah motorcycle accident, is alive. Back in August of 2008, Jordan Crewell was driving his motorcycle on Interstate 15 with his friend, Bryan Mavretic, on the back. Police say Crewell was speeding recklessly, weaving in and out of traffic, when he clipped the back of the car. Both Crewell and Mavretic were thrown from the vehicle. At the time, the injuries were considered so life-threatening that police troopers checked in with the hospital to determine if the two men had died. During this time, police began talks with the Davis County Attorney’s Office about criminal charges toward Creswell.

At some point during this, police assumed Mavretic had died. A negligent homicide charge against Crewell was charged on January 28. However, authorities discovered yesterday that Mavretic survived the accident. The Deputy Davis County Attorney and Utah Highway Patrol will be meeting today to determine what happened. While the negligent homicide charges will likely be dropped, 19-year-old Creswell is still being charged with reckless driving and unlawful alcohol possession.

The Utah Legislature is currently debating different proposals to ban text-messaging for drivers. While a text-message ban will certainly reduce the amount of distracted driving, irresponsible drivers will still pose a threat to the roadways. A recent article from MSN News reported on astonishing statistics of distracted driving. GMAC Insurance conducted a survey of 5000 drivers across the United States. Amazingly, 8% of respondents admitted to changing their clothes while driving! In other surveys, respondents admitted to shaving their legs and applying makeup at the same time. Distracted driving is responsible for 25% of all accidents in the United States and it seems as if drivers continually find new ways of distracting themselves. One reported accident in California was caused by a driver doing bicep curls while in heavy traffic. Another accident in Canada was caused by a driver who was attempting to eat a bowl of cereal while behind the wheel. No matter the task involved, distracted driving is dangerous to the roads. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently conducted a study, analyzing 42,300 hours of driving data. Researchers discovered that drivers are two to three times more likely to get in a crash if they are involved in multitasks such as applying makeup, shaving, or studying a map.

When making your daily commute, please consider your own safety and the safety of the drivers around you. Hang up your phone, put the makeup away, and focus on the road. We all have an important role in keeping our roads safe. For more information on distracted and “intexticated” driving, please visit our website’s library.

Earlier we reported an accident in Box Elder, Utah where two cars where involved in a rear-ended accident, but when the drivers got out of their cars and exchanged information a third car, a silver car driven by a 37 year-old Bountiful woman slid into the two pedestrians on the side of the road. Sadly, 22 year-old Joshua Discuillo of Layton, Utah was one of the men standing on the side of the road and died from the injuries he received in this fatal Utah Auto/Pedestrian accident.

I offer my deepest condolences to this amazing young man's family.

Legally, the car that hit Joshua would be primarily responsible for causing this Utah wrongful death accident, but since the first accident caused Joshua to get out of the car, that driver's insurance policy would also be responsible for an additional wrongful death claim.

In an earlier blog post, we mentioned the tragic Utah bicycle crash that ended with the death of 62-year-old bicyclist Leroy Martinez. Initially, police believed Martinez had made a sudden U-turn on his bike in the middle of a crosswalk, leading to the crash with an automobile. However, the Salt Lake Tribune reports that police now believe Martinez had just entered the crosswalk at 1357 West and 830 South when he was struck by a Mazda. Police are still investigating the crash to determine if they will make any charges against the Mazda’s 23-year-old driver.

This is a perfect example why accident victims or their families should never fully rely on the police report or investigating officers opinions when determing fault. Police officers do their best to find the cause of every accident, but the officers are at a disadvantage since they do not witness the accident. If my law firm represented the Martinez family we would request 911 calls, contact witnesses, and even hire an accident reconstructionist.

We have learned that Martinez cracked his head and suffered from internal bleeding. If you are every riding your bicycle, we strongly urge you to wear a helmet. Statistics show that in 2006, 95% of bicyclists who died in an accident were not wearing helmets. Helmets can reduce the chances of severe brain trauma by 85%. For more statistics and information on bicycle safety measures, visit our website’s library.

A Utah bicycle crash took place on February 15, 2009 in Salt Lake City. According to KSL news, a man was riding his bicycle along Holladay Boulevard through the intersection at 6200 South, when a woman turned left in front of the bicyclist, causing him to slam into her car. The bicyclist suffered injuries. Thankfully, he was wearing a helmet and did not sustain a serious brain injury. The driver of the car will be cited for failing to yield to a pedestrian.

The bicyclist would benefit from contacting an experienced Utah bicycle and pedestrian accident attorney to explain what car insurance policies he can make a claim under. Most people do not know they can make a claim under more than one insurance policy.

More and more people are using bicycles for commuting purposes. Drivers must always be attentive to bicyclists and pedestrians when driving and always yield the right-of-way. Left hand turns are especially hazardous as many drivers forget to watch for pedestrians before they turn. Statistics show that 23,000 hospital visits and 580,000 emergency room admissions are due to bicycle-related injuries each year. In 2007, 700 bicyclists were killed in accidents, 90% of which involved an automobile. As this crash demonstrated, helmets are a necessary safety precaution. Studies have found helmets prevent serious brain trauma in up to 88% of all crashes. For more information concerning pedestrian and bicycle injuries and accidents, visit our websites Library section. (http://utahaccidentlawfirm.com/library/)

Three people were sent to the hospital Saturday afternoon, February 14, 2009 after two accidents on I-15 in Box Elder County, Utah. According to KSL.com, a red pick-up truck rear-ended a white Chevy Prism driven by a 22 year-old man from Layton, Utah. When both drivers pulled over and got out of their cars to exchange information, a silver car slid into them, sending them both to the hospital with serious injuries. The woman driving the silver car was also transported to the hospital.

As a personal injury lawyer I can easily say these type of accidents, where two accidents occur within a few minutes or days of each other, are the most difficult and frustrating claims for the parties invovled. This is because the insurance companies involved will always point the blame at the other car accident. That is why I wrote "7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case." I encourage the two pedestrians involved in this accident to obtain a free copy of my book, they'll be grateful they did. In fact, a former Allstate Insurance adjustor said "noone should hire a lawyer or speak with an insurance adjustor until they've read this book." To obtain a free, no obligation copy visit www.UtahAccidentBook.com.

You can also watch a short video explaining common insurance company tactics following a car accident and how to ensure you do not fall victim to their traps:
http://www.utahpersonalinjurylawfirm.com/testimonials.html

Here is an interesting trivia fact for today, Friday the 13th, which is believed by some to be the unluckiest day of the year. Statistics show that on Friday the 13th, traffic accidents increase by 51% in the United Kingdom and over 30% in Germany. Make sure you’re especially careful as you drive today!

Another plane has crashed in New York just a few weeks after the “miracle on the Hudson” of flight 1549. Continental Connection Flight 3407 went down around 10:30 pm on February 12, 2009 in Buffalo, hurling into a residential house. The accident is still under investigation, but initial findings suggest the plane went down due to ice buildup on the wings of the craft. This tragic crash killed all 49 people on board the aircraft and one person in the home. Two residents in the home managed to escape the inferno and were treated at a hospital for minor injuries. Among the victims were Susan Wehle, a cantor at Temple Beth Am just outside buffalo and Alison Des Forges, senior Africa advisor for Human Rights Watch. Beverly Eckert, a widow of a victim from the 9/11 attack, was also among the deceased. The crewmembers of the flight were Capt. Marvin Renslow, first officer Rebecca Shaw, and flight attendants Matilda Quintero and Donna Prisco. Our deepest condolences for the families of the victims involved in this heartbreaking plane crash.

An unusual and yet unfortunate turn of events occurred in a Utah traffic accident on February 11, 2009. According to the Salt Lake Tribune, the crash took place in Holladay and led to a four-car pileup. Three people were taken to the hospital with injuries. What makes this accident unique is that one of the victims was a record holder in The Guinness Book of World Records. 67-year-old Lee Redmond held the record for world’s longest fingernails. She had been growing her nails since 1979. At one point, she even turned down a $10,000 offer to trim her nails on Japanese TV. As of 2007, Redmond’s nails were 33 inches long! During the pile-up, she was ejected from her vehicle and broke her prized fingernails.

A recent article from MSN discussed some of the safety hazards posed by smaller vehicles. As Americans are downsizing from SUVs into compact cars in an effort to improve gas mileage, questions are beginning to arise about the safety of smaller vehicles. While every automobile –whether car, truck, or SUV- undergoes stringent safety tests before being released, certain vehicles are safer than others. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety recently released a report showing that some vehicles have a driver fatality rate of more than twice the average rate. At the same time, other vehicles have fatality rates that are significantly below the average. The study found 15 vehicles with low fatality rates of 25% of the national average. None of these 15 vehicles are small cars. In fact, the vehicle with lowest fatality rate is Chevrolet Astro van. Also on the list of safest vehicles are the Toyota 4Runner, Honda Odyssey, and Toyota Sienna. Of the 16 most dangerous vehicles, 11 were small cars and small trucks. Among the vehicles with the highest death rates were the Pontiac Sunfire, Dodge Neon, Kia Rio, and Acura RSX.

In essence, studies are finding that smaller vehicles, although more fuel-efficient, pose greater safety risks than larger SUVs and trucks. Before you purchase your next vehicle, consider visiting the websites for the National Highway Safety Institute and the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety for full crash-test reports. For more information on vehicle safety, visit the Library section of Christensen Law Firm’s website for additional articles on the subject.

KSL News reported a serious Salt Lake City, Utah bicycle accident that took place on February 9, 2009. 61-year-old, Leroy Martinez was riding his bicycle early in the morning close to downtown Salt Lake City. He was riding north in a crosswalk at 1352 North and 830 South when he was suddenly struck by a Mazda. Police officials say the driver of the car saw the bicyclist but was unable to stop in time. Leroy Martinez was taken to the hospital in critical condition, but later died from his injuries. The accident is still under investigation, but the police allege that Mr. Martinez suddenly cut back into the car's lane of travel.

As more and more people are using bicycles for their commute, the rates of accidents are also increasing. In 2007, over 700 bicyclists died on the road. 90% of these fatalities resulted from accidents involving a motor vehicle. In Utah, an average of 940 bicyclists are injured each year. Additionally, an average of 7 Utah bicyclists die from traffic accidents every year. If you are riding your bike, please be sure to follow standard safety measures, including the use of a helmet. If you are a Utah driver, please keep your eye out for pedestrians and bicyclists and always remember to share the road.

Even though the media and police are quick to place fault with Mr. Martinez instead of the driver of the car, the Martinez family would benefit from talking to an experienced Utah Wrongful Death Lawyer to ensure the accident is properly investigated and all legal options are fully considered.

Located in the heart of Weber County, Ogden city is the home of over 80,000 Utah residentss. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to this city for incredible rock-climbing routes and hiking trails. Kayakers venture down the Ogden and Weber Rivers while skiers enjoy the powder of Snowbasin, Powder Mountain, and Wolf Mountain resorts. Ogden is also a satellite city for the Sundance Film Festival. Weber State University is located in this city, bringing with it a diverse college student population. Ogden has a rich history in Utah and is the closes city to Promontory Point, where the First Transcontinental Railroad was connected in 1869.

Interstates 15 and 84 run along the outlying suburbs of Ogden, connecting the city with the rest of the Wasatch front. Along with these commuting conveniences comes a share of Utah traffic accidents. The Ogden accident and personal injury attorneys at Christensen Law Firm have successfully represented traffic victims in Ogden and other cities throughout Utah. Our attorneys are experts in personal injury laws, dedicating themselves to the client’s they serve.

Continue reading " Ogden Bicycle and Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Offers Free Book To Accident Victims " »

One of the many beautiful suburbs in Utah and fifth-largest city in the state, Sandy is a central hub in the Salt Lake Valley. With many venues for entertainment, Utah residents regularly flock to this city. Sports fans enjoy the excitement of soccer games at the Real Salt Lake Stadium, families stroll around South Towne Mall for a day of shopping, and friends gather at Jordon Commons to catch the latest movies. Sandy is also the home of many sprawling neighborhoods, with gorgeous homes nestled in the shadow of the Wasatch Mountains.

With a population of over 88,000 citizens and a constant flow of visitors, Sandy is also home to a steady flow of traffic. State street and 10600 South sees the most traffic, as commuters venture off of Interstate 15 to head to the mall or movie theater. As such, this city has seen its unfortunate share of car accidents. Located in Draper, Utah, our law firm has represented numerous people from Sandy that have been involved in accidents.

See what our past clients from Sandy have to say about our firm:

http://www.utahpersonalinjurylawfirm.com/testimonials.html

Continue reading " Sandy, Utah Car Accident and Wrongful Death Law Firm Offers Free Book " »

Another serious Utah car accident occurred in Centerville on February 7, 2009. According to KSL news, Kristy L. Bateman was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, but later died from her injuries sustained in this tragic Centerville, Utah fatal car accident. Kristy Bateman was driving on Main Street in Centerville when another car crossed the center line and colliding head-on with Bateman’s car. Police said they had to tear the roof back to rescue Bateman and her two passengers from the vehicle. The police are still investigating what caused the other vehicle to cross over into oncoming traffic.

I offer my deepest condolences to the Bateman family. Fatal car accidents statistics are alarming. About 115 people die each day from an automobile accident in the United States. This equates to one death every 13 minutes. Millions of people are injured each year from traffic accidents. Please drive carefully in your daily commutes.

The ongoing push for a cell phone ban for drivers seems to be coming to resolution. According to the Salt Lake Tribune, a Senate committee unanimously passed a bill that would prohibit emailing and text-messaging on a cell phone while driving. The bill was passed Friday, February 6 and will now move to the full Senate for voting. The bill proposes strict violations analogous to charges for driving under the influence. For the first two offenses, drivers will face a class B misdemeanor and class A misdemeanor for the third offense. If a driver is text-messaging and causes a death, he/she will be charged with third-degree felony.

This bill, sponsored by Sen. Lyle Hillyard, does not ban any other use of electronics while driving. Other Utah legislators worry the bill does not go far enough. Rep. Phil Riesen wants a bill that will completely ban wireless devices for drivers except for two-way radios and emergency situations. Rep. Riesen’s bill has not yet had a hearing. Rep. Carol Moss is sponsoring a bill that bans text messaging while drivng and requires hands free devices at all times.

I think Rep. Moss' bill is best. Although some research indicates its the distraction with the brain, not the hands that causes people talking on cell phones and texting on cell phones to drive like a Drunk Driver. I think we should clearly ban texting and emailing while driving, but also require hands free devices. Then lets wait and see if the amount of accidents caused by distracted drivers decreases. California and Washington have already enacted similar laws. However, I think texting and cell phones is only part of the problem. I have seen just as many accidents caused by drivers distracted by IPODS as cell phones and text messaging.

A recent survey conducted by the Governors Highway Safety Association found the traffic fatality rate has decreased substantially in 2008. 40 states and the District of Colombia indicated a decline in deaths on state roadways. The national average of fatality rates decline 10.7%. The survey also indicated that many states saw the fatality rate decline at a higher percentage rate than their decline in Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT). Transit authorities take this to mean that several factors have led to the decrease in fatalities. Economic factors throughout the year such as high gas prices and the market’s recession have caused people to drive less. However, authorities believe other factors have contributed, including increased seat belt use, stronger state laws, and a reduction in drivers’ speed in attempts to improve gas mileage. Utah saw a 9% decrease in Utah fatal car accidents with 272 traffic deaths in 2008.

Please continue to drive safely. Always wear your seatbelt, properly secure your children, and always drive the speed limit. Let’s continue to decrease our fatality rate in Utah and our nation.

A young Utah pilot calmly avoided another Utah Plane Crash on February 4, 2009. According to KSL News, 21-year-old David Goodwin was flying a rented Cessna airplane when he suddenly ran out of fuel. Warning his passenger to brace himself, Goodwin proceeded to land the plane on Interstate 80 in Tooele County. The two departed from Spanish Fork airport and were planning on refueling in Tooele. Goodwin told reporters that something told him to stay above I-80 and head toward Salt Lake rather than Tooele Airport. His gut instinct proved correct, as the plane ran out of gas and the engine died at 1,500 feet. Had he headed toward Tooele Airport, he would have had to land in the water. Goodwin said he lined-up the headlights and taillights of the cars on I-80 to assess how close to the ground the plane was. After landing safely on the interstate, Goodwin rolled the plane to the side of the road. Fortunately, no vehicles were involved in the accident and both Goodwin and his passenger received no injuries.

ABC News reported a tragic Utah Pedestrian Accident that took place Tuesday morning, February 3, 2009. A 17-year-old student from Taylorsville was crossing the street near Taylorsville High at 1500 West and 5400 South when he was hit by an oncoming car. Eyewitnesses of the accident said the young man was thrown 20 feet back from the impact. A driver who saw the accident stopped and applied first aid to the student. He was later taken to the hospital in critical condition. The driver of the car was treated for minor injuries. Police and witnesses said the student was in a crosswalk when he was hit. However, he ran in front of the vehicle during a red light. While the car had the right-of-way, police say vehicles are responsible for yielding to pedestrians even if the driver has the right-of-way. Police are still investigating this accident, but believe the driver did not have time to react. Currently, no charges have been filed.

I live near Pleasant Grove, Utah and spend alot of time on their busy roads. Pleasant Grove is quickly growing in population. This is especially noticable by the increase in road traffic. Pleasant Grove car accidents have become a daily occurence. 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 " Pleasant Grove, Utah Car Accident Attorney " »

According to KSL News, a white Ford Mustang was traveling south on U-111 near 7000 South in West Jordan, Utah at approximately 5:30pm on Tuesday evening, February 3, 2009 when it suddenly crossed the center line and hit a Jeep Cherokee head-on.

The 19 year-old driver of the Mustang responsble for this tragic West Jordan car accident had to be extricated from the burning car and was transported by ambulance to the hospital. Sadly, a couple in their 30's and their 5 year-old child were in the white Cherokee and were all seriously injured. The husband and wife were life-flighted to the University of Utah hospital and the 5 year-old was flown to Primary Children's hospital.

We offer our deepest sympathies to this family and ask that we keep everyone involved in our prayers. Sadly, this is the second serious West Jordan car accident this week. Earlier this week 5 people were injured and one person died when a van made a left-hand turn in front of another vehicle on New Bingham Highway.

Continue reading " Distracted Driver Critically Injures Three People in a West Jordan, Utah Head-On Collison " »

A man and women were riding on a motorcycle February 3, 2009 in Salt Lake City near 1300 South and 800 East when a van pullled out from an stop sign and failed to yield the right-of-way to the motorcycle. The motorcycle was unable to avoid hitting the van and both the driver and passenger sustained serious brain injuries.

According to the Utah Department of Public Transportion, Utah has seen a increase in motorcycle accidents, specifically fatal Utah Motorcycle accidents. 35 Utah motorcyclists died in 2008, which is the highest rate of motorcycle fatalities since 1985.

Continue reading " Salt Lake City Motorcycle Accident Results in Serious Head Injuries " »

A four-car pileup took place on January 31, 2009 in Sandy, Utah. KSL News reported the accident took place on Interstate 15 near 8500 South. The Utah car accident shut down a few northbound lanes along I-15. According to the Department of Transportation, a woman was driving north along the interstate around noon. She was driving 75 miles per hour when she was forced to swerve to avoid a vehicle that had just changed lanes. Authorities assume the vehicle changing lanes didn’t notice the woman’s car or simply failed to properly assess her speed. After swerving, the woman overcorrected, bounced off the concrete barrier, and careened across the northbound lanes. In the process, she hit a car which subsequently crashed into two other vehicles. Injuries were reported at the scene.

Since dealing with insurance companies after an accident like this can be confusing and frustrating, I offer everyone involved a free copy of my book, "7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case," just visit www.UtahAccidentBook.com to obtain your free, no obligation copy.

A tragic turn of events occurred after an accident in West Jordan on January 30, 2009. Six people were injured after a van attempted to make a left turn and was struck by an SUV. According to KSL News, a woman in the van has died from the injuries she sustained in the accident. A 15-year-old girl remains in serious condition in the hospital. The other four victims, including a 7-year-old boy, have been released from the hospital.

I grew up in Draper, Utah and love the traditions of this beautiful city nestled in the southeast corner of Salt Lake County. It was natural place to locate our personal injury law firm's headquarters. I love the people of Draper and have taken great pride in representing Draper police officers, doctors and other hard working residents that have been involved in an accident. See what our clients have to say about our firm:

http://www.utahpersonalinjurylawfirm.com/testimonials.html

If you have been involved in an accident, be sure to request a free copy of our book "7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case." I wrote this book to help level the playing field between accident victims and insruance companies. I offer it free to ensure insurance companies do not take advantage of the fact that most people have never been in an accident and do not know what they are entitled to. Visit www.UtahAccidentBook.com or call (801506-080 to obtain your free copy.

With the recent salmonella outbreak in peanut butter products injuring many consumers and killing at least eight, Congress is considering tightening regulations in the food industry. According to a press release from the American Association for Justice, Congressman John Dingell (D-MI) is working to update the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). He introduced the FDA Globalization Act on January 28, 2009 in hopes to guarantee the safety of America’s food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices and restore consumer confidence. Rep. Dingell’s bill would increase inspections of manufacturing facilities, raise penalties for not adhering to standards, and would give the FDA more authority to recall any products believed to pose threats to citizens.