Date: April 28, 2009
Location: Kamas, UT
Type: Utah bicycle accident, Utah pedestrian accident

A Utah bicycle accident that took place in August 2008 was not much of an “accident” after all. According to KSL News, Alexander Jason Barto hit a bicyclist with his vehicle, saying he was trying to make a point about bicyclists blocking the road. Barto claims he attempted to ask a group of bicyclists to ride in a single file line last August and accidentally hit one of them. The bicyclist suffered injuries and his bike was ruined. Barto pleaded guilty to third-degree felony aggravated assault for the crash. By pleading guilty, he was able to have two misdemeanor charges dropped. The judge sentenced Barto to 30 days in jail. He must also take an anger management class and pay $13,000 in damages to the bicyclist.

Whether intentional or unintentional, if you have been injured in a Utah bicyclist or pedestrian accident, you are entitled to receive just compensation. Bicyclists have all the rights to be on the road with cars and are fully protected by the laws of Utah. When a bicyclist is in a traffic accident with a vehicle, the injuries can be extremely severe. Every year, over 580,000 bicyclists visit the emergency room due to traffic accidents. The expert bicycle accident attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm are well-versed in personal injury and bicycle accident laws. We know what it takes to win your case and we will work with you to ensure you receive the highest settlement possible. We recover damages for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical expenses and emotional distress. For a free consultation, please contact the Christensen Law Firm at 801-506-0800.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a Salt Lake City, Utah pedestrian accident, request a free copy of Utah personal injury attorney, Kenneth L. Christensen's Utah accident book, 7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case. This book will help pedestrian accident victims understand how to deal with the insurance companies and learn what insurance policies the injured party can make a claim under. Get your free no obligation book at Utahaccidentbook.com.

As pedestrian accidents continue to plague the streets of Utah, West Valley City (WVC) police officers are cracking down to make the roads safer. According to KSL News, authorities in WVC conducted a sting they called “Operation Crosswalk Enforcement” in hopes of teaching drivers and pedestrians how to be safer. Drivers are often in a hurry to get to their destination or are distracted by the radio or cell phones and can easily overlook a pedestrian. Likewise, pedestrians often cross the streets in high-risk areas without crosswalks. This sting was meant to help alleviate these problems. An officer in regular clothes walked on a crosswalk and another officer looked to see if oncoming vehicles stopped. If a driver did not stop, officers would pull the vehicle over. On Thursday alone, officers pulled over 50 drivers who failed to yield to pedestrians. Most of the drivers were simply warned, but a few received tickets. Similar stings will begin around the state.

This recent crackdown comes in light of alarming research and statistics concerning bicycle and pedestrian accidents. According to the health department, 95% of pedestrians involved in traffic accidents suffer injuries. In Utah alone, an average of 860 pedestrians are injured every year and an additional 30 are killed. Please remember to always use caution when driving and keep a close eye out for pedestrians, especially in residential and urban areas.

Date: April 21, 2009
Location: 1400 East and 900 South
Type: Utah hit-and-run accident, Utah pedestrian accident, Salt Lake City bicycle accident

KSL News reported a serious Utah hit-and-run accident involving a bicyclist on Tuesday morning. According to police, the cyclist was crossing the street in downtown Salt Lake City and a car suddenly turned into him. The impact was severe enough to cause the rear tire of the bike to land 20 feet away from the rest of the bicycle. The woman driving the car exited the vehicle, looked at the cyclist, and proceeded to reenter the car and drive away. The cyclist suffered injuries, including facial injuries, and was taken to the hospital. Investigators believe the woman is between 20 and 40 years of age with brown hair. She was driving a green Saturn. If you have any information on this accident, please contact your local authorities.

Did you know that hit-and-run accidents are on the rise nationwide? And as more and more people take up bicycling and walking as modes of transportation, pedestrian accidents are increasing. Statistics show that 11% of all automobile accidents nationwide are hit-and-runs, which equates to almost 700,000 victims each year. Studies also show that hit-and-run accidents have increased by 20% since the year 2000.

Hit-and-run accidents can be especially harmful to a victim’s finances, as the responsible party is absent from insurance responsibilities. For more information on hit-and-run accidents, visit the Christensen Law Firm’s website.

Kenneth Christensen, founder of the Christensen Law Firm, has written the original Utah accident book entitled “7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case.” This book offers advice and important insight Mr. Christensen has gained from years of experience as Utah’s premier personal injury attorney. The Utah accident book has provided countless Utahns with important information they need after suffering from a car or truck accident. The state is buzzing about Mr. Christensen’s book! The Utah accident book was featured on Studio 5, KSL’s morning show, and “Speaking on Business with Fred Ball” on KSL Radio. If you or a loved one have been injured in a Utah accident, you cannot afford to be without this book. Best of all – “7 Biggest Mistakes” is completely free for Utah residents. Simply visit www.UtahAccidentBook.com to request your free copy today. See why former Allstate insurance adjustor Chad Despain said, "No one should talk to an insurance adjustor or hire an attorney until they've read this book!"

I've had the opportunity to meet with several amazing attorneys from across the country while I attended a conference in Washington, D.C.. During this weekend meeting I became more closely acquainted with Louisville, Kentucky personal injury attorney Mike Schafer.

I immediately recognized that Mike was a Louisville accident lawyer with a keen mind and genuine attitude. Mike is as comfortable in a room full of super-star attorneys as he is in a room with everyday people. Mike cares about all people and is aggressive when it comes to his clients and their needs.

Mike is what you would classify as a personal injury attorney. He represents victims of car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, pedestrian and fatal accidents. He fights for their rights against the insurance companies and in court. Anyone who has been injured in an accident in Kentucky would be very lucky to have Mike on their side.

I found out that Mike went to high school, college and law school at home in Louisville, Kentucky. He told me that he spent his entire career in his hometown representing friends, neighbors and Louisvillians as well as people in adjoining counties. He has been fighting for victims in Louisville as a prosecutor and now in his own law practice.

Not only is Mike running a very successful law office, The Schafer Law Office, he has also published one book, “What You Don”t Know About Buying Car Insurance Can Hurt You”, and has another one “7 Potholes that Can Destroy Your Kentucky Accident Case," that was just sent to the publisher and is on advance order.

Date: April 17, 2009
Location: Weber County
Type: Weber, Utah fatal car accident

A Weber County resident was killed on Friday night after a tragic Utah car accident, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. Police say 51-year-old Scott Slater was driving a Chevrolet Cobalt east on Pioneer Road and ran a red light at 2000 West around 9:00 pm. He struck a southbound Lincoln Navigator carrying four young-adult passengers. The impact caused the Navigator to roll, ejecting a young woman from the SUV. Two of the four passengers in the Navigator were wearing seatbelts and they were all treated at an area hospital and released on Saturday. Slater was stuck inside the car and died at the scene of the accident. Investigators are unsure whether he was wearing a seatbelt. Police say alcohol or drugs were not a factor in the accident.

Intersections are a dangerous place for car wrecks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 9,000 people died and another one million were injured in intersection-related crashes in 2005. Furthermore, 40-45% of all crashes occur at intersections. In 2005, 805 people were killed nationwide from commuters running red lights. Please be careful as you approach every intersection and help keep Utah’s roads safe. For more information on fatal accident statistics and safety tips, visit the library section of Christensen Law Firm’s website by clicking here.

Date: April 17, 2009
Location: 6600 West and 10400 North
Type: Highland, Utah pedestrian accident, Traumatic brain injuries

KSL News has reported a horrible Utah pedestrian accident that took place Friday morning. According to authorities, a 6-year-old boy from Highland was walking home after dropping mail in the mailbox for his parents. As he was returning, a car struck him. Police say the driver of the vehicle was a 65-year-old man and authorities are investigating how fast he was driving at the time of crash. The young boy was flown by helicopter to the hospital. He is in critical condition and suffers from a head injury. We will continue to update this story as we learn more. Our thoughts and sympathies are with this young boy and his family as he recovers from his injuries.

Unfortunately, traffic wrecks involving pedestrians are a frequent occurrence on our nation’s roads. Children are especially at risk of pedestrian accidents, as they are often playing outside with their friends. In fact, 30% of all fatal accidents involving children are pedestrian accidents. Please keep a close eye out for pedestrians when you are driving, especially when commuting through residential areas. Christensen Law Firm, Utah’s premiere pedestrian accident law firm, has a website with many safety articles. For more information on pedestrian statistics and safety measures, visit our website’s library section.

Date: 04/13/09
Location: 2100 South and 1180 East
Type: Utah drunk driving accident, Utah pedestrian accident, Utah hit-and-run accident, Free Utah Accident Book

The Salt Lake Tribune reported a serious Utah traffic accident that took place last Friday. A Utah woman was walking her dog in south Salt Lake around 8:00 p.m. and attempted to cross the street using a crosswalk. According to police, one car stopped to let her and the dog cross. However, a white Subaru continued driving and struck both the woman and her pet. The Subaru left the scene of the accident but police were able to find the driver at the address where the car was registered and arrested the 36-year-old for a DUI hit-and-run. Meanwhile, the woman was rushed to a local hospital in serious condition. She is continuing to recover in the hospital and her condition has been upgraded. Unfortunately, her dog did not survive the wreck.

31 pedestrians were killed in Utah in 2007 from injuries incurred from a traffic accident. In 2006, over 4500 pedestrians were killed from traffic accidents nationwide. If you are a pedestrian, be sure to keep a close eye on traffic and wear brightly colored clothing when walking at night. If you are a motorist, please remember to share the road with bicyclists and to always be aware of pedestrians, whether or not a crosswalk is present. For more information on Utah pedestrian accidents and statistics, visit the Christensen Law Firm’s Pedestrian accident online library.

According to KSL News, Utah saw an increased number of Utah Highway Patrol troopers on the roads this weekend. Authorities initiated a DUI blitz to keep the streets safer for the holiday weekend. 174 troopers patrolled the streets and stopped 1,565 vehicles across the state. 76 of those drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or prescription or illegal drugs. It seems as if the message of safe driving is getting out, as many Utah counties reported zero crashes and zero alcohol related crashes this weekend. State police hope to conduct this type of blitz each month, focusing on drunk driving, aggressive drivers and speeders.

Continue reading " 76 Utah Drunk Drivers Arrested Over Easter Weekend " »

Date: April 11, 2009
Location: Big Cottonwood Canyon
Type: Fatal Utah car accident, Salt Lake City Wrongful Death Attorneys

KSL News has reported a fatal Utah car accident that occurred on Saturday evening. According to police, the driver of a blue truck was driving recklessly through the southbound lanes of Big Cottonwood Canyon. The truck crossed into the oncoming lanes and smashed into a delivery van in a head-on collision. The drivers of both vehicles were rushed to a nearby hospital in extremely critical condition. The van’s driver died shortly after arriving at the hospital. The mouth of the canyon was closed as police investigated the accident. Police do not yet know if drugs or alcohol were a factor. We will continue to update this story as more information is released.

Like most other enterprises in the United States, the insurance company is suffering during the current economic recession. Unfortunately, the pains of the insurance giants may have a nasty affect on your wallet. According to Bloomberg News, the insurance industry reported a net income drop of 96%, slipping from $61.9 billion profits in 2007 to $2.4 billion in 2008. The sharp decline resulted from companies being forced to lower their prices in order to gain business from manufacturers, builders, and banks that began cutting back on their coverage plans. Drivers have also reduced their insurance purchases during these tough economic times. Also, a record number of tornadoes and a catastrophic hurricane season increased the insurance company’s claim payments.

What does this mean for the consumer?

Continue reading " Insurance Companies Will Likely Pass their $61 Billion Loss Onto Consumers " »

Every year, tens of thousands of Utahns and visitors rush to the Little Sahara recreation area for Easter Weekend. This desert area draws outdoor enthusiasts from around the country. KSL News reports that Utah police are preparing for the influx of people by increasing DUI checkpoints in and out of the area. In the past, this weekend has produced an amplified amount of Utah drunk driver accidents and the Utah County police department is hoping to abate the problem through increased security. The police department wants outdoor lovers to enjoy their weekend of fun and relaxation, but to be responsible at the same time. Checkpoints are likely to be manned near Elberta, Utah. Utah County sheriff’s Lt. Dennis Harris has stated that anyone caught driving under the influence will be taken to jail.

Did you know that many drunk drivers are repeat offenders?

Continue reading " DUI Checkpoints are Planned For Easter Weekend Around Utah Recreation Areas " »

As more and more Utah residents turn to bicycles for their daily commutes, safety advocates are encouraging cycling awareness. On April 7, 2009, Gov. Jon Hunstman Jr. joined the safety advocates by signing a ceremonial copy of a bill that will establish a new “Share the Road” license plate. According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Utah motorists can obtain this license plate for a $25 extra registration fee. Proceeds for the license plate will go to the Utah Bicycle Coalition to help promote bicycle safety education. The new plates have a white background with blue numbers under a red “Utah.” Just below the numbers the plate says “SHARE THE ROAD.” Bicycle advocates hope that these plates will promote driver awareness and act as a visible reminder to share Utah roads with bicyclists.

Pedestrian and bicycle accidents are on the rise nationwide. Every eight minutes, a pedestrian is injured in a traffic accident. Even worse, a fatal pedestrian accident happens every two hours. Please remember to be aware of your surroundings and to “share the road” with bicyclists.
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If you would like more information on Utah bicycling, including bicycle laws, helmet laws, and injury statistics, just click on the following links:

Bicycle Safety Tips
Utah Bicycle Laws

If the accident was your own fault and not caused by the negligence of another party, then the answer is “no.”

However, if the accident was caused by someone else and they did not have insurance or the insurance they had was insufficient to fully compensate you for all your injuries and damages, then “yes,” you can make a claim under your own insurance policy for pain and suffering and other damages directly caused by the accident.

When someone is involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, then the injured party is able to make a claim under their Uninsured Motorist Coverage of their own automobile insurance policy. For Uninsured Motorist claims, that the injured party’s insurance company actually steps in the shoes of the at-fault driver and defends the claim against you as if they were actually the negligent driver.

Continue reading " Can I Receive a Pain and Suffering Settlement From My Own Insurance Company? " »

Date: April 4, 2009
Location: Interstate 70
Type: Fatal Utah car accident

A 16-year-old boy died in a fatal Utah car accident on Saturday. According to KSL News, an SUV was driving on I-70 near Green River through snowy conditions around 9:30 pm. Police say the driver was traveling too fast in the weather conditions and lost control of the vehicle, which slid into the median and flipped several times. Four passengers and the driver were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the accident and one of them was taken to the hospital with a leg injury. However, Octavio Garcia Rivas was not wearing his seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. Unfortunately, Octavio passed away from injuries sustained in the accident.

It is unclear whether this accident was caused by a family member. But in Utah family members are able to make a personal injury claim against each other to ensure all injured parties are compensated for their injuries and can cover their medical expenses. The Octavio family would be well advised to contact an experienced Utah wrongful death attorney to learn all their legal options following this tragic accident.

Winter weather conditions are challenging form even the most experienced drivers. A simple slip of the wheel can lead to deadly accidents. Please remember to use extreme caution when driving in snowy and wet conditions. To learn some important winter driving tips, you can read an informative article on the Christensen Law Firm’s website by clicking on the following link: http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=utah+bike+accident+lawyers&fb=1&gl=us&hq=bike+accident+lawyers&hnear=Utah&cid=4034713900881034114&ei=VBJjTPX-NNSH4AbgoeTgCg&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CDgQnQIwBg

The Salt Lake Tribune has reported more details concerning the fatal hit-and-run accident that took place on April 1, 2009 in Parleys Canyon. John F. Bishop was driving while intoxicated on eastbound Interstate 80 when he crashed into the back of a Mercedes and rolled his BMW near 2400 East. Five other men were in the BMW. Jason L. Palmer, 26, was thrown from the vehicle and died on the scene. Two others in the vehicle were taken to the hospital with serious injuries. A husband and wife were in the Mercedes. The wife was not injured, but the husband was taken to Intermountain Medical Center in serious condition. Bishop, 34, fled the scene of the accident and later checked himself into a hospital. He could face charges of automobile homicide, leaving the scene of an injury accident and driving under the influence of alcohol.

The New York Times recently ran a series of articles examining the struggling system of worker’s compensation. Worker’s compensation cases (and general personal injury claims for that matter) are often decided on the opinions of independent medical examiners. However, these examiners have come under scrutiny as many lawyers and doctors say they understate workers’ injuries in order to win business for the large insurance companies who pay them. Furthermore, the legal system harbors delays that force the injured worker to wait months or even years for monetary compensation or medical care. A recent study found that when an insurance company rejects a medical procedure such as an operation, it takes an average of four months to properly settle the claim. Meanwhile, the injured worker is left without proper care and his/her injuries do not properly heal.

Many workers have become so disenfranchised with this system that they simply do not file for worker’s compensation. Rather, they simply rely on their own medical coverage or apply for Social Security disability or welfare. So, costs that should be paid by the employer fall into the hands of the public. The decline of worker compensation claims is also the result of the battles between the company and the workers. Companies go to astonishing lengths to reduce the compensation they have to pay by bitterly contesting the injuries, checking on the workers at home, and even firing workers who file for benefits. This type of retaliation has led many injured workers to avoid filing claims out of fear of retribution.

KSL News has reported an interesting story pertaining to Utah dog owners. The Ogden city council had been entertaining the possibility of imposing stricter laws for pit bull owners in the city. The council planned to work out details for the proposed amendments on April 21. However, council members say they have received over 20 emails from around the country asking them to refrain from enacting stricter requirements. Due to the recent feedback from dog lovers and animal advocates, the council has decided to postpone the discussion of the amendments until a later date as they consider and weigh these opinions. The issue is a bit contentious, as one councilman worries that these proposals would single out a particular breed of dog. However, others say the amendment would target irresponsible owners and not pit bulls. According to the director of the Carol Conroy Browning Ogden Animal Shelter, pit bulls and pit bull mixes are responsible for 40% of all Utah dog bites reported in Ogden City.

There are 4.7 million people bitten by dogs each year in the United States and although it would be helpful to limit the public's interaction with vicious dogs, it would be better for everyone, if state and local government focused on ensuring every dog owner carries liability insurance. Unfortunately, we are often contacted by dog bite victims who have no way to recover for medical bills and permanent scarring because the dog owner did not have renters or homeowners insurance.

Every year, 800,000 people across the United States, half of them being children, seek medical attention for dog bites. Children are commonly dog bite victims and approximately two thirds of these injuries involve the head or neck area. If you have been injured by a dog bite, please call the Christensen Law Firm’s experienced dog bite attorneys at 801.506.0800.

Date: April 2, 2009
Location: Interstate 80 in Parley’s Canyon
Type: Utah fatal drunk-driving accident

A deadly Utah hit-and-run accident occurred on Wednesday night and police believe the suspect who fled the scene of the accident may have shown up at a hospital Thursday morning. Late Wednesday night a BMW was driving more than 100 mph on I-80 through Parley’s Canyon when it slammed into the back end of a Mercedes, according to KSL News. The BMW, which was carrying 4 passengers along with the driver, rolled and 26-year-old Jason Palmer was ejected from the vehicle. He died at the scene of the crash. Troopers say three other people were injured and at least one of them was critically injured. Police believe alcohol was involved in the accident. Investigators learned that the group in the BMW had been at a bar celebrating the driver’s birthday before the accident.

The driver of the vehicle fled the scene and is looking at charges involving drinking and driving as well as leaving the scene of an accident. A representative from the Utah Highway Patrol said they are looking into filing charges for automobile homicide. A man entered Intermountain Medical Center in Murray around 1 a.m. this morning seeking medical attention. Authorities believe he may be the driver of the vehicle. He was released from the hospital, but not taken into custody because police could not confirm whether he was the driver. This tragic accident is still under investigation.
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To learn more about Drunk Driving and Hit-and-Run accidents and their legal consequences visit the Christensen Law Firm's Drunk Driving practice page.

A famous athlete will be charged with manslaughter on Wednesday, April 1 after killing a pedestrian while driving drunk. According to the Associated Press, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth was driving a Bentley luxury car in Miami on March 14 when he struck and killed pedestrian Mario Reyes. The accident occurred around 7:15 a.m. as Reyes, 59, was attempting to catch a bus at the end of his work shift. The Miami Beach police report indicated that Stallworth said he flashed his lights at Reyes to warn him. The report also stated that Stallworth was driving 50 mph in a 40 mph speed zone. The football player’s blood-alcohol level at the time of the crash was .12, exceeding Florida’s legal limit of .08. According to people familiar with the case, an arrest warrant will be filed on Wednesday that charges Stallwroth, 28, with DUI manslaughter. The charge has a potential 15-year prison sentence. Stallworth, who signed a 7-year, $35 million dollar contract with the Browns before this past season, is expected to surrender in court on Thursday.

Drunk driving accidents claim the lives of 17,000 people every year. An additional one million people are injured in alcohol-related accidents. Last year in the state of Utah, 19% of all auto fatalities were the result of a drunk driver. If you are drinking, please be responsible and have a designated driver or call for a taxi cab. If you or loved one have been injured in a Utah drunk driving accident, call the expert attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm for a free consultation on your legal rights.