Utah Personal Injury Law Firm Blog

As parents, we always put our children first. Their health and safety is our top priority. When it comes to driving, it is important to understand the dangers your vehicle can pose to your children if they are not properly seated.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motor vehicle injuries are the leading cause of death among children. The statistics are disconcerting: 968 children died in the United States in 2008 alone, while another 168,000 suffered form injuries. However, many of these deaths can be avoided if children are placed in car seats and booster seats that match their size. In fact, placing your child in an age/size-appropriate seat reduces the chance of serious or fatal injures by more than half. According to research, child safety seats reduce the risk of death by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers. In light of such statistics, parents should always place their children in safety seats.

When an infant outgrows his/her child seat, place the child in a booster seat. The National highway Traffic Safety Administration has recommended that children be placed in booster seats until they are at least 8-years-old or 4’9” tall. Even after your child has outgrown the booster seat, he/she is still safer riding in the back seat until the age of 12. Research shows that adolescents 16 and younger are 40% less likely to suffer a serious injury if they are riding in the back seat.

Yet, some events are out of our control. Even when you act responsibly and follow every safety precaution, your children may still suffer from injuries in a Utah car accident. Nothing is worse than watching your child struggle through a painful recovery, and you want to make sure he/she receives proper medical attention. Hiring an experienced Utah personal injury lawyer can help ensure you obtain a full settlement from the insurance company. This will allow your child to receive the medical treatment and rehabilitation he/she needs for a full and healthy recovery. In fact, Utah law allows a minor receive a settlement for past and future medical bills and even pain and suffering, even when the car accident and injuries were caused by a parent or other family member. For a free consultation about your legal case, contact the Salt Lake City Utah Children's accident lawyers at the Christensen Law Firm at 801.506.0800.

Date: September 23, 2009
Location: Cottonwood Heights, UT
Type: Utah dog bite, Dog bite lawyer Salt Lake City, Utah

A mail carrier was viciously attacked by a pit bull this past week in a Utah dog bite case. According to ABC 4 News, Norm Frye was on his daily mail route on Wednesday when a pit bull suddenly sprang on him. The dog went for his leg, biting into his thigh and shin. The force of the attack knocked Frye to the ground, causing him to drop his pepper spray. Fortunately, Frye’s supervisor was accompanying him on his route. He picked up the bottle and sprayed it at the dog, causing the animal to retreat. This was the second time the pit bull had attacked someone, and animal services put it to sleep. Frye expressed his gratitude for his supervisor’s quick thinking, noting that he potentially saved his life.

Did you know that 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 800,000 of these attacks necessitate medical treatment. Furthermore, children are victims in nearly half of all dog bites and attacks. Because of their short stature, children’s faces and necks are within easy biting range, resulting in a high rate of facial disfigurement and severe injuries among dog bite accidents involving children. For more information on dog bite statistics, victim resources, and tips on how to avoid bites, visit the Christensen Law Firm’s online dog bite accidents library.

Dog bites and attacks can leave the victim in serious pain and with highly debilitating injuries. Working with the insurance company to recover damages is a difficult process, and can add stress to an already burdensome recovery. This is why Kenneth Christensen, founder of the Christensen Law Firm, wrote “The Utah Dog Bite and Attack Handbook.” This book breaks down complicated legal and insurance jargon into plain English, providing readers with important information that will help them through their Utah dog bite case. In the book, Mr. Christensen discusses common mistakes dog bite victims make that can hurt their claims, analyzes Utah dog bite laws, and provides helpful resources for parents whose children have been attacked. As a public service, Mr. Christensen is offering this book to Utah residents free of charge. To request your free copy, call us at 801.506.0800 or visit the Christensen Law Firm’s website.

A crossing guard in Draper, Utah is calling on commuters to drive more safely in what is considered Utah’s most dangerous school crosswalk. According to KSL News, Kent Woodward has been a crossing guard at 13400 South and 300 East for five years. In 2008, he was struck by a speeding car, suffering two broken ribs. Despite the setback, he has continued work at the crosswalk, helping children safely cross the street. The speeding at this crosswalk has become exceedingly dangerous, and police have begun monitoring it twice a day. Traffic authorities in Draper assert that there are more speeding violators at this crosswalk than any other in Draper City. While police rarely write tickets at other crosswalks in Draper, they average about 10 a day at Woodward’s.

Woodward called KSL News in hopes of bringing the public’s attention to the situation. He warns that kids often have their minds on other things, and are not concerned with traffic. As such, drivers need to be responsible, slow down, and pay attention at any school crosswalk.

Did you know that last year, there were 4,378 pedestrian fatalities nationwide? That accounts for 12% of all motor vehicle accident fatalities. Even more disconcerting is that nearly one quarter of these pedestrian accident deaths were hit-and-run cases. Pedestrian accidents can happen at the blink of an eye. In the time it takes to fiddle with the radio or dig your cell phone out from your purse, a young child could dart in front of your car before you have the time to hit the brakes. Always be aware of your surroundings, and drive with full attention to the road, especially in residential areas and school zones.
When a pedestrian is hit by a car or truck, the injuries can be life-altering. Pedestrians can suffer severe broken bones, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord damage. Such injuries often require follow-up procedures, long-term physical therapy, and other extensive medical bills. Hiring the best Utah pedestrian lawyer can ensure that a Utah accident victim receives the full settlement to cover these expenses. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Utah pedestrian accident, contact the experienced Utah injury lawyers at the Christensen Law Firm. We offer superlative legal counsel, and have successfully represented accident victims all across the Wasatch Front. For a free consultation, call us at 801.506.0800.

Date: September 20, 2009
Location: Interstate 80
Type: Salt Lake City drunk driving accident, Utah wrongful death

A Nevada man has been has been arrested for suspicion of drunk driving after an accident that involved two Utah residents. Anthony D. Rock, 53, was driving his BMW sedan on Interstate 80 in Nevada this past Sunday. He crashed into a minivan, causing it to roll several times. Barbara Faust, of Mapleton, Utah, was driving the van, and her husband Damon Faust was riding passenger. Unfortunately, he did not survive the crash. His wife was transported to the hospital and remains in critical condition. We wish her a quick and healthy recovery, and offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Damon as they mourn such a tragic loss.

Drunk driving is inexcusable, no matter the situation. Despite legislative crackdowns, public education programs, and simple common sense, many drivers still get behind the wheel under the influence. In fact, research conducted by Mothers Against Drunk Drivers has found that first-time DUI offenders drive under the influence an average of 87 times before they are convicted. Before you drink, make sure you have a designated driver, or have arranged for a taxi or bus service to get home. Drunk driving claims the lives of 17,000 innocent drivers every year, and making a responsible decision not to drive under the influence could very well save a life.

If you have lost a loved one at the hands of a drunk driver, you have experienced the deep emotional anxieties and distress that follow such a tragedy. While we understand nothing can replace the loss of a loved one, the best Utah wrongful death lawyers at the Christensen Law Firm work diligently to provide families with a sense of security and comfort through compensation from the parties responsible for a Utah fatal accident. We approach every case with compassion and tact, seeking to bring justice for the loss of your loved one. Our experienced Utah wrongful death attorneys will provide your family with superlative legal guidance, ensuring your family’s needs are taken care of. For a free, no-obligation consultation about your legal rights, contact us at 801.506.0800.

Date: September 19, 2009
Location: US Highway 40 in Summit County
Type: Utah fatal car wreck, Utah car accident

A deadly car accident claimed the lives of a young engaged couple this weekend in Summit County. According to the Salt Lake Tribune, a 19-year-old woman had just dropped off her 2-year-old son at the baby sitter’s, and was driving to work with her 21-year-old fiancé. Near the interchange at Interstate 80, the vehicle swerved off the road, spun out, and crossed the median. The couple smashed into an eastbound Jeep Cherokee. Both the woman, who was seven month pregnant, and her fiancé were killed in the accident. The driver of the jeep, 66, and his son, 29, were taken to University Hospital with serious injuries. Troopers do not know why the vehicle spun out of control, but do not believe drugs or alcohol were factors. We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of those involved in this tragic accident.

Utah accident victims must not only suffer through the difficulties of emotional and physical recovery, but endure the stress of working with insurance companies and dealing with complex legal papers. This can quickly become overwhelming, leaving the victim confused as to what to do next. This is why Kenneth Christensen, founder of the Christensen Law Firm, wrote the Utah accident book, "Seven Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Car Accident.” In this book, Mr. Christensen breaks down complicated legal jargon into plain English, offering Utah accident victims a useful resource to help answer some of the questions they may have. Mr. Christensen discusses how to work with insurance adjustors, debunks common myths about accident cases, and helps explain whether or not you should seek legal counsel for your case. To request your free copy of the Utah accident book, contact an experienced Utah injury lawyer at the Christensen Law Firm at 801.506.0800 or visit www.utahaccidentbook.com

With hunting season around the corner, many Utah residents will be donning their camouflage and orange outfits, and venturing to the great outdoors. In general, hunting is a safe sport enjoyed by responsible people. However, accidents do occur, and when they involve powerful firearms, they can have lethal consequences.

According to the National Sporting Goods Association, there are over 20 million hunters in the United States. With so many people active during hunting season, accidental injuries are bound to occur. One of the most common causes of hunting injuries occurs when a person shoots another hunter, incorrectly assuming he/she was an animal. Deer hunters wear bright orange to help avoid this kind of accident, but mistakes still happen.
While mistaking a person for game is certainly accidental, the responsibility falls on the shoulders of the shooter. When someone is using a firearm, he/she is held accountable to not act in a negligent manner. Statistics show that 700 people died because of accidents involving firearms in 2004. Every hunter has a responsibility of practicing the utmost safety when operating his/her firearm.

Hunting accidents can leave a victim with life-changing injuries, including paralysis and disfigurement. Such severe injuries result in expensive medical bills such as physical rehabilitation costs, pharmaceutical prescriptions, and follow-up procedures. Additionally, a Utah hunting accident victim may face economic losses from time spent in recovery or an inability to work at full capacity. For these reasons, it is important to receive a full settlement from the insurance company. If you have been injured in a Utah hunting accident, contact the best Utah injury lawyer for legal representation. The hunting accident lawyers at the Christensen Law Firm are well-versed in Utah injury laws, and successfully represent hunting accident victims across the Wasatch Front. For a free consultation about your Utah accident case, call us at 801.506.0800. We will diligently work to ensure you receive the settlement you deserve.

Is there a difference between texting and driving, and Twittering and driving? According to some states in the nation, there is a substantial difference. KSL News has reported on the discrepancy between some state legislatures’ words and their actions. Many states have outlawed text-messaging while behind the wheel. Yet more than 22 of these states offer motorists with traffic updates and road conditions through Twitter, which many commuters check on their phones.

There are good intentions behind both the text-messaging ban and the Twitter updates. Transportation officials want to help commuters through difficult traffic situation, while state legislatures are trying to ensure the public safety. Yet many traffic safety advocates believe this practice of state-sponsored twittering negates text-messaging laws. However, transportation officials argue that they are not urging people to check their Twitter accounts while driving, but should do so before they get behind the wheel. Safety experts, including AAA, aren’t convinced, and worry that drivers are more prone to being involved in an accident from checking their Twitter accounts.

Texting and driving is an extremely dangerous distraction for Utah motorists. But the risks do not stop with texting. Using your cell phone to check email, read the news, or update your Facebook account is just as dangerous as texting. Just dialing a cell phone increases your risk of collision by six times, according to a study conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. For your safety, and that of your passengers and fellow motorists, turn off your cell phone before getting behind the wheel. For more information on cell phone statistics and research, visit the Christensen Law Firm’s online library.

Many Utah residents have spent their summer anxiously awaiting the autumn months for one reason: hunting season. With lush wildlife and beautiful landscape, hunters from around the country flock to Utah during hunting season. Most people exercise all safety precautions when hunting, whether it’s wearing bright orange during deer season, standing in a line when hunting for quail, or simply making sure the gun’s safety mechanism is always on. However, Utah hunting accidents do sometimes occur, and can have deadly consequences. In light of the upcoming hunting season, the Christensen Law Firm will post some informational blogs about hunting accidents and hunting safety tips.

One of the most common types of hunting accidents is accidental discharges. Even when the safety mechanism is on, some rifles and shotguns will malfunction and fire. If the gun is pointed in the wrong direction, someone in the party can face serious injuries. Consider the statistics: according to the International Hunter Education Association, 39% of gun-related hunting injuries in 1997 were incurred from accidental discharge. In 2004, 700 hunters nationwide were killed from accidental firearm-related injuries.

Continue reading " Accidental Discharge of Guns | Utah Hunting Accidents, Gun Accident Attorney " »

Not all accidents can be avoided. Even the safest drivers fall victim to the negligence of others. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a Utah truck accident, you understand the difficulties of recovery. The emotional and physical toll of a Utah accident can quickly become overwhelming. Hiring the best personal injury attorney in Utah can help ensure you receive a full compensation for your injuries, providing you with the peace of mind that your medical expenses and damages will be covered. For a free consultation with the expert Utah injury attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm, call 801.506.0800. We provide personal service to all of our clients, and will diligently work for the settlement you deserve. We also offer a free Utah accident book, "7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case." For your free book visit www.UtahAccidentBook.com.

Even if you haven't been in a Utah semi truck accident, it is not uncommon to become a bit tense when you’re driving on the freeway and pass a large commercial truck. Large trucks have wide blind spots, limited room to stop, and can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. These factors only add to the inherent dangers of driving near semi-trucks. Consider the statistics: according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, occupants of passenger vehicles comprise 98% of all fatalities in car vs. large truck accidents. Every sixteen minutes, someone is injured or killed in an accident involving a large truck.

For these reasons, it is important to follow certain safety procedures when driving near semi-trucks. Zero Fatalities offers some important safety tips for drivers:

· Avoid driving in a truck’s blind spot. If you need to pass a truck, do not linger alongside the vehicle, as trucks have especially large blind spots.

· Do not cut close in front of a truck. The sheer size of a semi truck necessitates an increased stopping distance. If you cut in front of a truck too closely and suddenly need to stop, the truck will likely smash into the back of your vehicle with lethal force.

· Keep in mind that trucks have a wide turning radius. When driving in urban areas, do not forget that trucks often need to cross the yellow line when they make a right hand turn. Stay out of the its turning path.

Date: September 9, 2009
Location: 11400 South 1000 East, Salt Lake City
Type: Sandy City pedestrian accident, Salt Lake City pedestrian injury, Wrongful Death Lawyer Salt Lake City, Utah

KSL News has reported a serious Utah pedestrian accident that took place at around 7:00 AM this morning. According to police, 62-year-old, Renee Fleckenstein was out jogging in Sandy, when she tried to cross an intersection. A car attempted to make a left-hand turn, and struck the women. Fleckstein, was thrown thirty feet. When emergency crews arrived, she was unconscious. She was transported via helicopter to University of Utah Medical Center and is in critical condition, but sadly passed away from her injuries.

Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents remain a common occurrence throughout Utah and the United States, especially during the summer and fall months. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4,784 pedestrians were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2006. A pedestrian has no protection against the force of an oncoming car, and face the possibility of debilitating injuries. Spinal cord damage and traumatic brain injury are common in Utah pedestrian accidents.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Utah pedestrian accident, you understand the emotional and physical difficulties of recovery. Dealing with medical bills and insurance papers only adds to the stress. Contacting the best Utah pedestrian accident lawyer can help insure you are properly represented and receive a full settlement. The Utah injury lawyers at the Christensen Law Firm are experts in Utah pedestrian law, and will diligently work to ensure you are compensated for your injuries. With our legal team working on your case, you will be able to focus on your recovery. For a free consultation about your legal rights, contact us at 801.506.0800.

KSL News has reported on an uncommon trend among Utah motorcyclists. Research and statistics in the state of Utah have revealed an increase in fatalities among riders over the age of 45. According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, Utah motorcycle fatality trends tend to show a higher rate of deadly accidents among younger riders. However, this last year has seen an increase among older riders. The average age of bikers killed in Utah motorcycle accidents in 2008 was 36 years. In 2009, the average age increased to 49 years. Of the nine Utah motorcyclists that were killed in August, eight were over the age of 45. While no one can definitively point out a reason for this trend, some say it is because older riders are getting their licenses for the first time, or are simply re-learning the ropes after decades without riding a bike.

Utah motorcycle accidents can easily lead to devastating injuries. A biker has no protection against the open road, and a collision with a car or truck can leave him/her with life-long injuries, such as traumatic brain injury. The Utah motorcycle attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm strongly recommend all motoryclists to wear a helmet when operating their bikes. However, riders can still suffer injuries even when they practice all safety precautions. If you have suffered from a Utah motorcycle injury, you may benefit from calling the best Salt Lake City motorcycle accident attorney. At the Christensen Law Firm, we are dedicated to providing superlative legal representation to accident victims, and will aggressively pursue justice for your case. For a free consultation, call our Utah injury attorneys at 801.506.0800.

An increasing number of women who have taken Yaz and Yasmin birth control pills have suffered from serious, and sometimes fatal, side effects. The two birth control medications are nearly identical, and have been marketed without adequate warning to their potentially deadly side effects. Yaz, a daily contraceptive pill, is sold by Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and was approved by the Federal Drug Administration in March of 2006. Six months later, it was approved to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which is a serious emotional and physical ailment. It was also approved to treat acne for women who wanted birth control.

However, Bayer failed to properly warn the public and patients of the serious side effects of the drug. Yaz and Yasmin both contain drospirenone, a progestin that adds a potentially dangerous outcome for those who take the drug regularly. Drospirenone can cause severe heart problems by increasing blood potassium levels. Patients have also suffered from strokes, cardiac arrhythmias, and gallbladder disease. Some women have even died from health problems resulting from Yaz and Yasmin.

Many women across the country have filed lawsuits against Bayer, and it is becoming apparent that the drug maker misled the public about Yaz. These lawsuits are holding Bayer accountable for failing to test and research Yaz birth control before marketing the product, failing to recall the drug once it became apparent that it was dangerous, and for vehemently marketing the drug without properly warning of potential side effects.

If you or a loved one is suffering from the serious health problems associated with Yaz and Yasmin, you are entitled to receive full compensation for your medical expenses, economic losses, and other damages you have received. The Yaz/Yasmin attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm have the legal expertise and knowledge necessary to properly represent you in the court of law. We will diligently pursue justice in your case, and work to ensure you receive the settlement you deserve. For a free consultation with the best Utah injury attorney, call the Christensen Law Firm at 801.506.0800.

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 when you leave your driveway, and during every part of your commute. Responsible drivers help reduce the amount of accidents on Utah’s roadways. If you have been involved in a Utah car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may benefit from contacting the best 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.

According to KSL News, Cache County is upping the ante for drivers who text-message and drive. Utah State law is currently the strictest in the nation for “texters,” with convicted persons facing up to 15 years in prison. In Cache County, the police department is especially aggressive in stopping texting and driving. The crack down accompanies a tragic story for one of the officers involved. Police Chief Kim Hawkes was killed just one week ago because of a distracted driver. Hawkes is joining other Cache County police agencies to stop distracting driving, especially texters. Authorities are urging parents to teach their children about the inherent dangers of texting and driving. The easiest way to do this is by setting a good example: put down the phone when you’re behind the wheel. We all must do our part to end distracted driving. Be attentive when you are behind the wheel, do not fuss with the radio, talk on the phone, or needlessly take your eyes off the road. Let’s work to keep Utah roads safe.

If you do not think distracted driving is a serious threat, you are incorrect. According to ZeroFatalities , one out of every four auto accident nationwide is the result of a distracted driver. Text messaging is an especially dangerous distraction. Recent studies have found that the reaction time of a driver that is texting is three times slower than that of a drunk driver. Spare yourself the risk of a 3rd degree felony, not to mention a lifetime of guilt, and never text and drive. For more information on Utah accident statistics, visit the Christensen Law Firm’ online library.

Even the most responsible of drivers can suffer serious injuries in a Utah car accident. If you have been injured in a Utah auto accident due to another driver’s negligence, you understand the frustration and struggle that accompanies an accident. The physical and emotional recovery can be overwhelming. The experienced Utah personal injuries at the Christensen Law Firm understand the difficulties following an accident, and are dedicated to providing superlative legal representation to Utah accident victims. For a free consultation about your legal rights, call the best Utah injury lawyer at 801.506.0800.