Fatal Provo Car Accident Leaves One in Critical Condition
Improper Lane Change Kills Provo Man
KSL News reports that on Thursday, February 18, 2010, a motorist made an improper lane change and hit a Chevy Cavalier on I-15 near the University Avenue exit in Provo. Due to the force of impact, the Cavalier spun out of control and the driver-side door opened, throwing both the driver and his passenger out and onto the asphalt of the highway. Neither of the victims was wearing their safety belts. Both victims were transported to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center where the driver died for the injuries he sustained in the car accident. The passenger is reported to be in critical condition. The motorist of the Buick did not suffer from any injuries or receive any citations at this time. The Utah Highway Patrol is still conducting their investigation of the important factors in why this fatal car accident occurred. The names of those involved in this horrific fatal Utah car accident have not been released yet.
My deepest condolences go to the family and friends of the deceased victim. I understand that difficult times are ahead as they must cope with the sudden loss of a loved one in this tragic car accident. Our thoughts and prayers go to the victim who was a passenger in the Cavalier. We hope for a full and speedy recovery from the serious injuries sustained in this unfortunate accident.
Four Important Factors to Address
• Did the driver of the Buick signal properly before changing lanes?
• Why did the doors of the Cavalier open? There might be malfunction on the part the manufacturer of the Chevy Cavalier doors. Upon impact or collision, the doors of an automobile should not open.
• Do the driver and passenger of the Chevy Cavalier bear comparative responsibility? They were breaking the Utah Law when decided not to wear their seat belts.
• The Utah Statute to file a Wrongful Death Claim is reduced to two years from the Date of the Accident.
How to Signal Properly
Signaling when turning or changing lanes is not only a courteous action to other drivers but it substantially reduces the risk of car accident occurrences on Utah Roads. Consequently, it is the law to know how to signal properly on Utah roads.
For most of us, it’s been a long time since high school Driver’s Education classes. Do you remember how long a motorist is required to have his or her turning signal on before actually changing lanes? A healthy habit to adopt is to annually review the Utah Driver’s Handbook. You can order one from the Utah Department of Safety (UDPS) or follow the link provided to download a PDF version for free. Following is a short summary of how to signal properly from the Utah Driver Division of the UDPS:
• Turn signals must be given two seconds
-before turning
-before changing lanes
-before you pull over or pull away from a curb
• When you intend on slowing down or stopping, your brake lights must be functioning properly to signal to other drivers
• It’s the law to have emergency lights flashing when your car is disabled on the highway
Questions? An Experienced Attorney Can Help
The time to file a car accident claim is limited, which makes contacting an experienced Utah County Auto Accident attorney as soon as possible of vital importance. Attorney Kenneth L. Christensen and The Christensen Law Firm, PLLC know the laws relating to personal injury, particularly auto accident injuries. f you or someone you love has suffered through an auto accident injury in Utah and you feel it is the result of the negligence of another we urge you to contact us online or call us at 801-506-0800 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal rights.
