The snow storm that hit the Salt Lake Valley early Thursday morning made for bad driving conditions and directly affected commuters during rush hour traffic. Car accidents, unplowed roads and low visibility slowed traffic by up to a reported 45 minutes on I-15 southbound near Provo. Unfortunately, on 5400 South and State Road 111, in West Valley City, a car accident involving three cars left five people in critical condition.

What Caused this Utah Car Accident?

Around 7 am on February 11, 2010, three men in a pickup truck attempted to make a left hand turn when they crashed into an oncoming car. The pickup truck was then hit by another oncoming car. All three men in the pickup truck and woman in the car that were involved in the initial head on collision sustained critical injuries. The specifics of their injuries and the names of the victims have not been released to the public at this time. The driver of the third car also sustained injuries but has been released. Witnesses state that the low visibility may have contributed to the truck not seeing the oncoming small sedan. The Salt Lake tribune reports that citations have not yet been issued as West Valley Police Department are still conducting their investigation of what caused this Utah motor vehicle accident.

My concern and sympathy go out these car accident victims and their families as they go through this difficult time. I pray that they each make a speedy and full recovery from the injuries they sustained in this tragic Utah car accident.

How Weather Conditions Can Affect Rescue

Utah is known for its heavy snow storms that blanket the mountains and neighborhoods in the surrounding Salt Lake Valley. Last Thursday’s snow storm was no exception. Due to the severity of the storm, the life flight medical helicopters dispatched to the scene of this West Valley City car accident were unable to land. Consequently, all five seriously injured victims were had to be transported via ambulance to the emergency room at the Intermountain Medical Center. Fortunately, all victims were able to receive medical treatment in time.

Snow and Ice Car Crashes in Utah

On December 28, 2009, there were an astounding 208 motor vehicle accidents on Utah Roads alone. Roads that are covered with ice and snow often cause a loss of control and skidding of a motor vehicle. Car tires have reduced traction during these conditions. Utah residents should take the initiative to have all terrain and weather tires put on their car especially if they do not drive cars with four-wheel drive. Here are some safety tips for driving in inclement weather conditions:

• Drive with your lights on to promote visibility
• Scrape off all the snow off your vehicle. This included all windows and the top of your car. Sudden stopping with cause the snow on the top of your car to fall onto the windshield of the car behind you.
• Check your tire pressure. Low tire pressure significantly reduced the traction ability on your tires.

An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You

The time to file a car accident claim is limited, which makes contacting an experienced Salt Lake personal injury 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. If 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 (Main number), 801-224-2999 (Utah County) or 801-294-9500 (Davis County) to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal rights.