Utah Personal Injury Law Firm Blog

Date: August 22, 2009
Location: 5225 South, Redwood Road
Type: Utah rollover, Utah car accident
KSL News has reported on a serious accident that occurred over the weekend. According to authorities, a van carrying a family of six crashed into another vehicle carrying a family of five Saturday afternoon. The vehicle rolled over, trapping the family inside. Pedestrians near the accident rushed to the scene and pulled three children out of the overturned vehicle. Fire crews had to rescue their mother from the vehicle, and have reported that she lost one or two fingers in the accident. No one else was seriously injured.

Did you know that there are 150 motor vehicle crashes on an average day in Utah? Each day, these accidents involve nearly 400 people, and result in 75 injuries and 1 death. The Utah Highway Patrol, who published these statistics, emphasizes that seat belt use is the single most effective way to reduce fatalities in crashes. In fact, unbuckled motorists are 19 times more likely to die in a crash than those wearing seat belts. Please remember to always buckle up, and to make sure your passengers are properly secured. For more information about seat belt and driver safety statistics, read the article “Utah’s Seatbelt Statistics and Enforcement Effort” in the Christensen Law Firm’s online library.

If you have been involved in a Utah car accident, you know how difficult the recovery can be. The emotional and physical ramifications can be overwhelming. Working through insurance papers and adjustors to receive your proper settlement can worsen the burden. Hiring Utah’s best personal injury lawyer can provide you the legal security you need during this trying time. The Utah accident attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm are experienced in personal injury law, and will diligently work to ensure you receive a proper settlement. Knowing your Utah accident case is in good hands will allow you the peace of mind to focus on your important recovery. For a free consultation on your legal rights, contact us at 801.506.0800.

KSL News has reported a second pit bull attack in the past two days. According to police, two unleashed pit bulls came near a man near a gas station at 3900 South and Main Street. As they continued to approach, the man got scared and began kicking at one of the dogs. The dog attacked the man, biting him on the face and arm. This is the fourth pit bull attack this summer. Many Utah cities are looking to regulate the pit bull breed, citing their predisposition to violence and aggression. Ogden has recently proposed such a regulation, and Orem is also contemplating action against the breed. South Jordan has completely banned the breed. The director of the Humane Society of Utah considers these regulations “breedism,” equivalent to racism. Those in favor of the regulations say that pit bulls empirically attack and bite far too much for the small size of the breed.

Did you know that 4.7 million dog bites occur across the nation each year? Roughly 800,000 of these victims suffer injuries that require medical attention. Children are often the victims of dog bites, accounting for 60% of all dog bite accidents. Young children under the age of four are especially susceptible to serious injuries to the head and/or neck. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Utah dog bite, call the best Utah dog bite lawyer, Kenneth Christensen, for a free consultation of your legal rights.

Mr. Christensen, founder of the Christensen Law Firm, has recently written a book entitled “The Utah Dog Bite and Attack Handbook.” In this book, Mr. Christensen analyzes research about violent dog breeds; defines the legal and settlement process of dog bite claims; discusses the legal intricacies of medical bills and economic damages; and describes the eight most common mistakes dog bite victims make that can hurt their case. Mr. Christensen also helps his readers understand the pros and cons of hiring an attorney for legal representation. The Utah Dog Bite Book is being offered for free to consumers in Utah as a public service. To request your free copy, call the Christensen Law Firm at 801.506.0800.

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During these summer months, as children are at home playing in their yards, tragic injuries and accidents in the driveway seem to be on the rise.

According to KSL News, more than fifty Utah children every year are injured when a car runs over them in their own driveway. Primary Children’s Medical Center has reported that a child is run over in a driveway or parking lot every six days in the state of Utah. Children under the age of 5 account for a large number of such victims. Often times, the accident occurs when the vehicle is backing out of the driveway, and the visibility is limited. Large vehicles such as SUVs and vans are especially prone to a driveway accident, as they have larger blind spots than small cars. Even with new technology in cars, such as backup cameras or extended mirrors, drivers should always take the time to walk around the car and make sure there are no children present before pulling out of the driveway.

Primary Children’s Medical Center offers the following tips to help prevent a driveway accident:

• Teach your children not to play around vehicles, even when they are parked in the driveway or garage.
• If you have backup cameras or sensor devices in your vehicle, use them when you back out of your driveway.
• Check your driveway and around your vehicle before starting the ignition.
• When someone is leaving your driveway, make sure your children are supervised.
• Reduce your blind spots by adjusting your side mirrors.

Please be careful not only when you leave your driveway, but also for every part of your commute. Responsible drivers help reduce the amount of accidents on Utah’s roadways. If you have been involved in a Salt Lake City, Utah car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may benefit from contacting a Utah personal injury lawyer. Call the Christensen Law Firm at 801.506.0800 for a free consultation. We offer our clients personal service and superlative legal representation, and will work to ensure your receive justice and compensation for your injuries.

Two weeks after nearly losing his life due to road debris after a Salt Lake City Motorcycle Accident, a Utah motorcyclist is trying to find justice for his injuries and damages. According to KSL News, Spero Fotes of Bountiful was riding his motorcycle on Interstate 15 near 2600 South when he suddenly crashed into an industrial hose. The large hose -20 feet long and 6 inches in diameter- forced Fotes into a fishtail. He slammed into a truck and was thrown over the handlebars. The woman driving the truck was convinced she ran over Fotes, and immediately called 911. Fortunately, Fotes will survive his serious injuries. He was wearing a helmet and biker body armor, which helped save his life in this accident. However, his motorcycle has several thousand dollars' worth of damage, and he only carries liability insurance. He is stuck with the repair bills. Fotes and his father retrieved the hose that caused the accident, and they are searching for the owner who did not strap it down correctly. However, the Utah Highway Patrol says they are rarely able to track down the owners of dangerous fallen debris.

If Mr. Fotes had uninsured motorist coverage on his motorcycle at the time of the collsion, he may be able to make a claim for his injuries and damages under the Phantom Vehicle statute of the Utah Insurance Code. He would be well advised to to contact a Salt Lake City Motorcycle Accident Attorney.

According to the Utah Department of Transportation, each year more than 25,000 traffic accidents nationwide result from road litter. Last year, Utah roads saw two fatal crashes caused by fallen debris. Furthermore, nearly half of all Utah residents have received damage to their vehicles because of fallen debris. Please remember to properly secure your load before hitting the road. Not only will you face a $500 fine for lost debris, but you are also risking the lives of your fellow motorists.

If you have been involved in a Utah car accident due to fallen debris or negligent driving of another motorist, you know the physical and emotional difficulties of recovery. The Salt Lake City injury lawyers at the Christensen Law Firm understand the complexities of the legal system, and can help you settle your Utah accident case. We will diligently work to ensure you receive a full and just settlement for your medical bills and damages, allowing you to focus on your recovery. For a free consultation, call us at 801.506.0800.

There was a serious high speed rear-end automobile collision this morning, August 18, 2009, in front of the Chevron Gas Station in Highland, Utah. A blue Suzuki automobile was stopped for traffic at the intersection of 5300 West and 11000 North on the Alpine Highway when it was rear-ened by a silver vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. The Suzuki sustained a tremendous amount of damage.

If you are the victim of a Highland, Utah car accident, be sure to obtain your free copy of the Utah Accident Book, "7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case" at www.utahaccidentbook.com. After reading this free book, you will quickly see why a former Allstate Insurance adjustor said, "no one should talk to an insurance adjustor or hire an attorney until they've read this book!"

Date: August 14, 2009
Location: 700 East and 550 South, Salt Lake City
Type: Text message accident, Salt Lake City car accident

Utah’s new texting and driving ban could be put to the test after a Utah car accident that occurred in downtown Salt Lake City this weekend. According to KSL News, a 49-year woman was driving her car erratically for blocks. Witnesses say she was text-messaging behind the wheel and was obviously distracted. Around 600 South, she suddenly changed lanes and crashed into a parked car. The crash caused her car to flip upside down. She was able to escape the car on her own with injuries. Thankfully, no one else was hurt in this accident, although there was significant property damage. Authorities are currently investigating the accident, and believe alcohol and text-messaging played a role in the accident. If text-messaging was a factor, this will be one of the first cases under the new texting and driving ban that came into effect in May.

Texting and driving is becoming a serious problem around the country. A recent texting and driving study conducted by Virginia Tech found that drivers who text are 23 times more likely to be involved in a car accident than drivers who do not. Consider the facts: studies have found that drivers who text-message face a reduced reaction time of 35%, which is almost double the 12% reduced reaction time of drunk drivers. Text-messaging is becoming the nation’s deadliest driving distraction. Please consider your own safety and that of your passengers and fellow commuters. Do not text and drive under any circumstances. For more information on texting and driving statistics, read the article “Texting and Driving is More Dangerous Than Drinking and Driving” in the Christensen Law Firm’s personal injury online library.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to another driver’s negligent driving, you are entitled to compensation for your damages. The Utah personal injury lawyers at the Christensen Law Firm are experts Utah accident and injury law, and successfully represent injured persons across the Wasatch Front. For a free consultation, contact us at 801.506.0800. Together, we will ensure you receive the settlement you deserve.

KSL News reports that the Humane Society is proposing a new leash regulation for dog owners in Salt Lake County. The new law would mandate the length of time a dog could be chained up outside. Utah currently has no law against tethering pet dogs, and the Humane Society hopes to change that. The ordinance would make it illegal for owners to tie up their dogs during harsh weather conditions and for more than eight hours per day. Exceptions would be made if the dog is attached to a running line or is being used in a farming operation. The director of the Humane Society of Utah says that dogs living in isolation from being chained for extended periods of time or more prone to violent behavior. Councilman Randy Horiuchi and Council Chairman Joe Hatch have backed the proposed ordinance in a press conference, saying that tethering dogs for long periods is inhumane. If passed, the ordinance would affect unincorporated areas of Salt Lake County, and would impose a fine of up to $1,000 for repeat offenders.

Pent-up dogs can easily become antisocial and aggressive, lashing out by attacking and biting humans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs every year in the United States – that is about 2% of the entire population. Every day 1,000 people nationwide are treated in the emergency room from injuries resulting from a dog bite. Ordinances like this one would help keep dogs from exerting violent behavior. Yet even the most well behaved dog can act out aggressively, biting and injuring a human victim. These injuries can be extremely debilitating, especially when inflicted on a child. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries resulting from a dog bite, consider contacting the Salt Lake City dog bite attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm. We are experts in Utah dog bite laws, and will diligently work to ensure you receive a proper settlement to pay for your medical expenses and other damages you received in your accident. For a free consultation, call us at 801.506.0800.

Date: August 8, 2009
Location: Greensprings Drive, Washington City, UT
Type: Utah motorcycle accident, Utah wrongful death

A tragic motorcycle accident occurred on August 8, 2009, claiming the life of a California resident. According to the Salt Lake Tribune, 53-year-old Leland Lloyd was riding his motorcycle in Washington City, UT around 9:15 a.m. Saturday morning. A Ford Explorer made a left-hand turn in front of Lloyd, and the two vehicles crashed head-on. Although Lloyd was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, he was killed by the impact of the collision. John Hanson, the driver of the Explorer, was arrested on suspicion of several crimes, including automobile homicide, driving under the influence, an improper left turn, and an open container in a vehicle. Police report that Lloyd was in town visiting family members. We offer his friends and family our deepest condolences as they mourn his loss.

Did you know a drunk driving accident occurs every 32 minutes? This leads to 17,000 wrongful deaths every year. In Utah, 19% of all auto accidents were the result of drunk drivers. In 2006, drunk drivers caused 63 Utah wrongful deaths. Furthermore, it estimated that Americans take over 159 million alcohol-impaired driving trips each year. State governments and activist groups are working on methods and legislation that will reduce the number of drunk drivers. A recent law in Utah allows courts to seize the vehicle of any repeat DUI offender. To learn more about how Utah is cracking down on drunk drivers, read the article “What Can Be Done About Repeat DUI Offenders in Utah?” in the Christensen Law Firm’s online personal injury library.

If you have been injured in a Utah drunk driving accident, or lost a loved one in a Utah wrongful death accident, you are entitled to compensation and justice. The expert Utah wrongful death attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm can help you through the complicated legal process. Our attorneys are well-versed in Utah’s accident and personal injury laws, and aggressively pursue every case with superlative legal knowledge and arbitration skills. For a free consultation, contact us at 801.506.0800.

The American Bar Association Journal has reported on an interesting litigation case taking place in California between two law firms. Brayton Purcell, a large personal injury law firm located in Northern California with fifty lawyers in employment, has filed a lawsuit against a two-lawyer firm for using its copyrighted website content. The defendant law firm, Recordon & Recordon, is located in San Diego, and tried to get the lawsuit dropped by claiming the Northern District of California was an improper venue for the suit, since the law firm’s practice is limited to Southern California. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, based in San Francisco, disagreed with the defendant, asserting that the venue is proper since Recorden targeted a Northern California law firm.

Stephen Recordon, a partner of the defendant firm, says that his firm hired a vendor to create its website. This vendor stole Brayton Purcell’s content without Recordon’s knowledge. The law firms “agreed to binding arbitration in the suit,” which found the defendant firm one-third responsible for violation of copyright. Recordon & Recordon must pay over $24,000 in statutory damages, as well as an additional $37,000 in court fees and costs

Texting and driving has become an epidemic around the country, and it is one of the most dangerous distractions on the road. Recent studies have found that the reaction time of someone who is texting while driving is reduced by 35%, which is double the 12% reduced reaction time of drunk drivers. Yet despite the inherent risks involved, many people continue to text and drive. A study conducted by AAA found that 50% of drivers between the ages of 18 and 24 text and drive on a regular basis. A handful of states, including Utah, have taken action by enacting laws that prohibit texting while behind the wheel. But now the gravity of the situation has trickled its way up to the White House.

According to KSL News, the White House will hold a summit to address the growing problem of texting and driving, also known as “intexticated” driving. Ray LaHood, the Transportation Secretary, plans to hold a meeting with safety officials, traffic authorities, and law enforcement in September to discuss the growing number of fatalities and crashes due to intexticated driving. Officials of the Utah Highway Patrol are encouraged by the summit, saying it would be a welcome meeting to promote safe driving.

Continue reading " US Government Takes a Closer Look at Texting and Driving " »

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued new braking standards for tractor-trailers on July 24, 2009. These new standards will improve the stopping distance for large trucks by 30%, requiring large trucks traveling at 60 mph to come to a complete stop in 250 feed. The old braking standard demanded trucks stop within 355 feet. The NHTSA estimates that the new requirement will save roughly 230 lives and prevent 300 serious injuries annually. In addition, the new braking standard should reduce property damage costs by $169 million each year. The new standard will begin with 2012 models and only applies to truck tractors. Single-unit trucks, trailers, and buses are not included in the new regulation.

Did you know that a commercial truck weighing 80,000 pounds can do as much damage as 9,600 cars? Even scarier is the frequency of semi-truck accidents. In the United States, large truck crashes kill or injures someone every 16 minutes. Hopefully, this new braking standard will help reduce the frequency of Utah semi-truck accidents. For more information on large truck accident statistics, read the article “Commercial Motor Vehicle Facts” in the Christensen Law Firm’s online library. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Utah semi truck accident, contact the experienced Salt Lake City, Utah injury lawyers of the Christensen Law Firm for a free consultation at 801.506.0800.

Date: July 31, 2009
Location: Interstate 84 in Weber County
Type: Fatal Utah accident, Utah semi-truck accident

A tragic Utah car accident took place in Weber County this past weekend. According to KSL News, 29-year-old Caleb Nelson was driving his SUV west on I-84 near Riverdale on Friday. The driver of a flatbed tractor-trailer had pulled his vehicle to the side of the road to make adjustments to his load. Nelson drifted off the side of the road onto the shoulder and crashed his Lincoln SUV into the semi. Nelson died instantly at the scene of the accident. A one-year-old girl was in the SUV at the time of the accident and was transported to the hospital in critical condition. The driver of the semi truck was not injured. Authorities are still determining why Nelson veered off the road.

The baby girl was strapped into a car seat at the time of the accident. Research shows that proper car seats greatly reduce injury and fatalities among infant accident victims. When an infant is placed in a car seat, his/her fatality rate is reduced by 75%. Booster seats have a similar effect for toddlers, reducing their fatality rate by 60%. It is also important to place children in the back seat of the vehicle, as they are 38% less likely to be injured in a traffic accident in the back seat. For more information on child and booster seats, read the article “Child Car Restraint Statistics” in the Christensen Law Firm’s online library.

If you have suffered injuries from a Utah car or truck accident, visit our website to see how the Christensen Law Firm can help you! You can also request a free copy of the Utah accident book. This book was written by the founder of our law firm, Kenneth Christensen, and answers many of the common questions you may have after your Utah car accident. For a FREE copy of the UT accident book, visit www.utahaccidentbook.com. For a free, no-obligation consultation about your Utah accident case, contact us at 801.506.0800.