Utah Personal Injury Law Firm Blog

Utah Drowsy Driving Car Accident Lawyers | Fatigued Driving Accidents

2010-08-16T22:40:59Z

A 25-year-old man from Salt Lake County died after his car smashed into the median on an Interstate 215 off-ramp August 15, 2010. What’s more surprising is that the victim is a member of the Utah Highway Patrol. Bryon Rokus was going to his aunt’s house in West Jordan after working a graveyard shift when he turned sharply across three lanes and then crashed with the center line. Troopers told investigators that the victim fell asleep behind the wheel.

Driver drowsiness does not choose its prey. Whether you have the highest of education or not, there is no excuse for driving tired. According to data provided by the National Sleep Foundation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there have been an estimated 100,000 car collisions in the United States because of driver drowsiness.

Sleep apnea and driver fatigue is a serious problem among professional truck drivers. In fact, a recent study of 1,391 commercial truck drivers found that 28% had obstructive sleep apnea, with more than one-third of the drivers’ symptoms categorized as moderate to severe. This is extremely serious, since professional truck drivers operate their trucks for longer distances than the average driver and operate heavy trucks that can more easily cause fatal accidents.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Utah caused by drowsy driving, do not hesitate to contact the Christensen Law Firm for a free consultation. You can also obtain a free copy of our Utah Accident Report, 7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case by visiting www.UtahAccidentBooks.com.

Many Semi Truck Accidents In Utah Are Caused By Fatigued Drivers

2010-08-05T22:19:31Z

The Department of Transportation reports that in the United States more than half-a-million truck accidents occur annually. Of this number, 5,000 people die. Many of these accidents happen because truck drivers experience fatigue caused by lack of sleep and rest. Since monetary incentives entice them to work longer hours, some drivers forget the fact that their sleep deprivation leads to fatigue, which in turn may result in a collision with another vehicle.

Technology is being developed to avoid truck crashes. One particular innovation that appears to be promising is a device that can help alert truck drivers when they sense fatigue. Dashboard-mounted cameras measure driver's eyelid movement in order to detect fatigue. This technology seems promising, but is still in the development and research stage. Ample support from the government is needed to fully develop this system.

Like alcohol intoxication, fatigue can be a serious threat to a driver’s life. But what’s different is that there is no standard to measure the level of one’s fatigue. People need an average of 8 hours of sleep in order to produce enough energy for the day ahead. It is better to get some rest and be safe than earn a little more money and put other drivers in danger.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a semi-truck or trailer-tractor accident having an experienced attorney can make all the difference. Trucking companies and their drivers are only required to keep crucial evidence like log books for as a little as 30 days after an accident. An experienced Salt Lake City semi truck accident lawyer can help preserve this information. Get a free copy of our Utah Accident Book today or call 801-506-0800 for a free consultation.

Talking To Your Teen About Drunk Driving Makes a Difference

2010-08-04T20:33:03Z

Statistics indicate that in the United States more than half of teen deaths result from liquor consumption. That equates to the death of eight teen drivers every day because of alcohol intoxication. In some states, Having blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 is considered legally drunk, and increases the risk of getting in an accident by 18 times compared to driving sober.

The consequences of drinking and driving are serious. Every time a drunk driver is on the road he not only puts his or her own life in jeopardy, he puts everyone around him in jeopardy.

High schools, alarmed by the said scenario, are now acting on ways to address the matter. One way that has been found effective is stirring the consciences of teen drivers by inviting victims of drunk-driving accidents and their families to share their stories. This method generally puts emotions high. Some students even walk out because they’re unable to bear the impact these stories have on them.

Aside from programs like these organized by schools, family’s can confront the drunk driving problem and contribute to shaping teens’ perspective on alcoholism and responsible driving. EHow.com recommends parent's should start conversations in a casual tone. Letting your teenager know driving drunk is something worth discussing will create a serious mood. Then educate your teen on underage drinking. Share facts with them like, "Drunk driving is a worse killer than drugs," or "that 100,000 emergency room cases are caused by teenage drinking yearly," and hopefully these facts and your concern will put the seriousness of this problem into perspective. However, don’t forget to assure your teen that you trust his or her judgment and knowledge.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a drunk-driving accident you know how difficult it can be to cope, heal, and deal with adjusters and medical bills. You may need an attorney to help guide you through the process and remove the pressure so that you can focus on healing. Attorney Kenneth L. Christensen focuses his practice on representing people that are injured in car accidents caused by a drunk driver. To schedule a free consultation contact us today at 801-506-0800.

Utah Car Accidents Caused By Prescription Drugs

2010-07-27T20:00:20Z

Accidents caused by drunk drivers happen at an alarming rate in the United States. But, a recent study by McGill University in Montreal, Canada has discovered that many DUI accidents are the result of prescription drugs. But what is most interesting, is that the most common aged drivers under the influence of prescription drugs are age 60 and above.

]]> Five prescription drugs are the most common contributors to adult road mishaps. These drugs are often prescribed to remedy psychophysiological conditions such as panic disorder, insomnia or anxiety. The following were the top five drugs that contribute to the highest percentage of adult drug DUI accidents (according to the McGill university study):

• Clonazepam (Klonopin)
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Clorazepate (Tranxene)
• Chlordiazepoxide (Libratabs)
• Flurazepam (Dalmane)

Similar to alcohol, the driver who takes prescription drugs might be unaware that taking such can cause driving impairment in the form of drowsiness and inattentiveness.

Many prescription drugs have labels that warn motorists to refrain from driving right after taking the medicine. Nonetheless, numerous people ignore these warning and get behind the wheel. This puts other safe, responsible drivers in harms way. If you or a loved one has been involved in a Utah car accident caused by a drunk driver, you should contact an experienced Utah car accident lawyer at the Christensen Law Firm or get a free copy of our book, “7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case…and How To Avoid Them.” Because, understanding how insurance claims work and how to deal with the insurance adjustor can save you from making very expensive mistakes after an accident.

The Age of Texting and Driving Could Be Over!

2010-07-22T22:11:09Z

Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis has been flooding the market with terrifying texting and driving statistics. Studies point to problems like: 1 in 5 drivers text while driving, 80% of accidents are caused by distracted drivers, and ½ million people are injured annually because of distracted driving. These shocking statistics have swept the nation causing 33 states and the District of Colombia to place bans on texting while driving.

Ground breaking research recently published by the professors at the University Of Utah through measurable data extracted from a test simulation solidified the truth of these statistics. University Research says, “In the text-messaging [experiment] participants displayed no impairment during the times when not interacting with their cell phone, but later demonstrated clear impairments in driving performance when interacting with their cell phone.” The numbers show that the risk of getting into an accident while texting and driving increases to 45% as opposed to 9% while driving and talking on a phone.

This alarming research has not fallen on deaf ears. Today a Georgia company announced a partnership with an Irving, Texas, firm to provide software to government agencies and businesses that disables the texting, e-mailing, and web-browsing functions of a wireless phone in moving vehicles. CEO Rowland Day says, “We believe that employers are becoming fully aware of the extension of liability for crashes caused by employees texting while driving.” The software uses the GPS system in cell phone to determine if the vehicle is moving more than 5-10mph and then disables the phones text function. Ford recently announced that some of its 2011 vehicles will be equipped with a “Do Not Disturb” button to block incoming calls and text messages. With this kind of new technology the age of texting and driving may end as we know it.

Utah Woman Injured in Idaho Rollover Car Accident

2010-07-22T16:50:41Z

KSL News reports a rollover in southeastern Idaho that resulted in a wounded Utah passenger. The Idaho State Police indicate that eight passengers from Honeyville, Utah were hurt after a 16-year-old driver curved swiftly and then overcorrected. The car rolled, landing on its top in the middle of the eastbound lane. While most of the passengers only incurred minor injuries, one 74-year-old woman was not so lucky; she suffered a serious neck injury and was rushed to McKay-Dee Hospital. Investigators said that the incident was NOT a DUI and that the woman was the only one not wearing a seat belt.

About 75% (or three out of four) of rollover fatalities are not wearing seat belts, and alcohol consumption is also a prime factor. Turning too sharply and driving over the speed limit are the most frequent causes for rollover accidents. NHSTA's study identifies males under 25 as the most susceptible to experience rollovers. Sadly 600 to 800 people are killed annually because of rollovers.

Based on the alarming rate of rollovers, measures have been taken by car manufacturers to curtail incidents. Car developers unified the special characteristics of a car and a sports utility vehicle, in view of the fact that as an SUV becomes closer to the ground it is considerably safer. This development agreement made by car companies in 2009 hopes to save thousands of lives by producing vehicles that don't include some of the physical factors that contribute to this kind of accident.

Grief After Losing a Parent in a Car Accident

2010-07-21T18:26:43Z

When a parent is killed in a car accident, the family members suffer enormous emotional turmoil. This turmoil is known by many as grief. Grief can be defined as "the response you experience as a result of loss. This could be emotional - sadness, anger, disbelief, despair and even guilt and relief are responses that may come with grief."

It can be difficult dealing with grief from the weakened health or death of a parent. If a parent is lost during childhood or teenage years, pain's scar can be felt until the moment of forgetting and moving on is reached. Even when death is expected, grief can seriously impact those left behind. Death is still death, and a parent or loved one has been lost.

In Washington County, just this July 18th, Russell and Emelda Welsh, a couple from Pennsylvania were killed in a crash on Interstate 15. Based on the news provided by KSL.com, a Kia SUV approached an area where traffic was backed up due to construction and a lane closure. Because of the victim's fast driving, he lost control making a semitrailer heading north near Pintura turn sharply into the southbound lanes and hit them head on.

Untimely accidents like these happen and children suffer the most because they grow up dealing with the grief and memory of their parents' death. However, focusing on the grief may only make things worse. The person-at-grief needs to find healthy outlets to deal with stress and emotional attachments. Talking about the problem, learning how to identify and explain your feelings, changing situations or events that activate feelings of depression and stress, proper exercise and diet are all significant actions you can take to deal with these feeling in a healthy way.

When a loved one is lost relatives need to support orphaned children for them to be able cope with the difficulties created by losing a parent. Family members should be on the lookout for depression or trauma symptoms created by the sudden loss of loved ones. A trained grief therapist can help a family with their new responsibilities and relationships after a parent has died.

4th of July and Car Accidents

2010-06-30T18:56:30Z

According to American Automobile Association (AAA) “more residents in mountain states will hit the road this Independence Day weekend than last year”.

Before hitting the road on holidays, it is important to plan ahead to avoid road congestion. According to the Washington University in Saint Louis (WUStL), holiday weekends are considered the heaviest times for driving so it is important to prepare for bad traffic. The holiday season also makes people apprehensive and preoccupied so drivers should be more vigilant by giving people more distance and be forgiving when someone does something irritating or absent-minded. Internal uneasiness of a driver is proven to cause serious accidents on the road.

Also, be sure to have your vehicle checked so you won’t be upset by unplanned repairs on the road. Check your engine performance, windshield wipers, oil, brakes, air filter, belts, battery, lights, fluids, tires. Examine tires for remaining tread life. Replace old windshield wipers.

Once you get on the road, drive safely. Since you have your teens or toddlers in the car, it is very obvious that they are the most vulnerable in case of an accident. So avoid risks by shunning drinking before driving. Enjoy your weekend by driving safely and carefully.

Adults Are More Likely to Text and Drive Than Teenagers

2010-06-25T20:57:05Z

The implicit dangers of texting and driving have become common knowledge in American households. Many parents warn their teenagers not to send text-messages while behind the wheel. As teenagers tend to use text-messaging features more often than parents, safety advocates often focus on the dangers of teenagers texting and driving. However, a recent study conducted by the Pew Internet & American Life Project reveals that adults are more likely to text and drive than teenagers. According to Informationweek.com, the study found that almost half of all adults who text-message admit to texting while driving. Conversely, only one in three teens texts while behind the wheel of a car.

Texting motorists aren’t the only problem
The same study found that pedestrians may also find themselves in dangerous situations when they are texting. The study revealed that one in six adults who own cell phones have physically run into another person or object while texting. While an accidental bump might not lead to serious injuries, consider the dangers of focusing on text message while walking in a busy urban environment. Pedestrians engrossed in a text are far less aware of their surroundings, which can prove fatal in cities with heavy auto traffic. A recent article in Time Magazine reports on the hazards of pedestrians texting in urban areas.

Texting is one of the most dangerous distractions to motorists
Several studies in recent years have reinforced the fact that texting is one of the most dangerous hazards on the road. A 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 refrain from texting. In some ways, texting is just as dangerous as drunk driving. Studies have found that drivers have a reduced reaction time of 35% while text-messaging. This is more than double the 12% reduced reaction time of drunk drivers. Texting and driving is always a dangerous mix, no matter the street, time of day, or speed of the vehicle. If you are behind the wheel, texting is never safe.

]]> Texting and driving is illegal in Utah
In light of the growing dangers of texting and driving, the Utah state legislature recently passed a law effectively banning texting and driving. Texting and driving in Utah is now a Class C Misdemeanor, which can result in a $70 ticket. If a motorist causes an accident because he/she was texting, it is then considered a Class B Misdemeanor and could lead to jail time or license suspension.

Justice for accident victims
Texting and driving is a gross negligence and can lead to accidents resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a Utah auto accident because another driving was texting, you may benefit from hiring the best Utah personal injury attorney. The lawyers at the Christensen Law Firm have successfully represented accident victims throughout the state of Utah (including people injured by texting drivers) and will diligently work on your case so that you receive the settlement you deserve. For a free consultation on your legal rights, contact us at 801.506.0800. For more information about Utah accident claims, including detailed advice on how to work with insurance adjustors, log onto www.utahaccidentbooks.com to request a FREE copy of the Utah accident book “Seven Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case.” Kenneth Christensen, founder of the Christensen Law Firm, authored this book as a public safety effort to help accident victims better understand the intricacies of their accident claims. Call or logon today to request your free copy of this book!

Construction On I-15 Can Lead To More Utah Car Accidents If We're Not Careful

2010-06-18T22:59:41Z

KSL News has reported some major construction changes along Interstate 15 in Utah County. This construction is accompanied by lane shifts and lower speed limits in the stretch from Lehi to Spanish Fork. The speed limit is now 55 miles per hour for most of this 24-mile stretch along I-15. However, Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) troopers are worried about the amount of drivers who are not slowing down. One officer said he stopped three different drivers within less than hour who were all driving over 85 mph in the construction zone. Speeding in construction zones is dangerous to both workers and other commuters.

Remember that this construction can lead to delays, especially during peak driving hours. If you are going to be driving through the construction zone, give yourself extra time to arrive at your destination so you do not feel the need to drive over the speed limit and endanger those around you.

Speeding is a major factor in traffic accidents.
As any seasoned driver knows, it becomes more difficult to control a vehicle the faster it is going. Furthermore, victims in high-speed accidents are much more likely to suffer serious injuries than victims in accidents at lower speeds. Over the years, state and federal officials have placed speed limits in accordance with research and data to help protect the safety of commuters.

]]> According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speed is a factor in nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities, second only to alcohol-related accidents (39%). That statistic is not surprising when one looks at the physics of traffic accidents. According to the NHTSA, the force of an impact doubles with every 10 miles per hour increase in speeds above 50 mph. Therefore, there is a direct positive correlation between increasing speeds and the increased chances of serious injury or death in a traffic accident.

How responsible is your teenager?
Generally speaking, research has found that teenagers tend to be more reckless behind the wheel. A recent poll conducted by the Allstate Foundation found that 17% of teen drivers said speeding is fun. Over half of the teenagers surveyed admitted to driving 10 mph over the speed limit. Furthermore, 26% of the teenagers that self-identified as “aggressive” drivers admitted to driving in excess of 20 mph over the speed limit. If you are the parent of a teen driver, continually inform your teenager of the dangers of speeding and demand that they always drive the speed limit.

Not all accidents can be avoided.
Unfortunately, we cannot control the actions of our fellow commuters. While you may be a cautious and defensive driver --always obeying the speed limit and other traffic laws-- you may still find yourself the victim of a Utah traffic accident due to another driver’s negligence. Such accidents can result in serious and debilitating injuries, requiring extensive medical procedures and follow ups, economic loss from time spent away from your job, and other damages. The experienced personal injury lawyers at the Christensen Law Firm have dedicated their careers to helping Utah accident victims receive fair and proper settlements from the insurance companies. We offer superlative legal representation to accident victims along the Wasatch Front, diligently working to help ensure every client receives justice in his/her case. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a Utah traffic accident, you may benefit from seeking legal representation. For a free consultation of your legal rights, contact us at 801.506.0800.

Early Morning Classes Can Result in More Car Accidents For Teenagers

2010-06-16T21:21:49Z

A recent article in US News and World Report brought to light some interesting research concerning traffic safety. A study presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Sleep Societies found a correlation between early classes and auto accidents with teenage drivers. The data suggests that the lack of sleep hinders teenage drivers' alertness and driving precision on their commute to morning classes. The study’s author, Dr. Robert Vorona, an associate professor at Eastern Virginia Medical School, said that the amount of sleep teenagers receive often depends on the time they wake up in the morning. In light of the study’s findings, he suggests that high schools consider starting the day later.

Teenagers’ biological clocks work differently than adults’
Dr. Barbara Phillips, of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, agrees with Dr. Vorona’s recommendations. Dr. Phillips asserts that teenagers tend to go to bed later than adults no matter how early they woke up. She stated that teenagers are biologically programmed to wake up and become sleepy later than adults. This makes waking up at 7:30 AM to get to class on time extremely difficult. Consequently, their alertness and reaction speed while behind the wheel is severely hampered.

]]> Drowsy driving can hinder every driver’s ability
Although teenagers are more prone to drowsy driving in the early morning, adults are certainly not exempt from sleep deprivation. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, police report over 100,000 car accidents every year that are the result of drowsy driving. These accidents lead to over 1,400 deaths and an additional 68,000 injuries.

Drowsy driving can have severe consequences, potentially leading to a fatal accident. Adults who sleep between six and seven hours per night are twice as likely to fall asleep at the wheel and crash their vehicles than adults who sleep at least eight hours each night. If you become drowsy while driving, pull over at a safe location and take a quick nap in your car before continuing your commute.

Sleep deprivation is no excuse for negligent driving
Drowsy drivers are a dangerous threat to Utah’s roads. If you have suffered injuries in a Salt Lake City Utah car accident caused by drowsy driving, you are entitled to a full and just settlement. You may benefit from hiring the best Utah personally injury lawyer to represent you in the legal arena. The expert attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm offer superlative legal representation to accident victims along the Wasatch Front and will diligently work on your case. Together, we can ensure you receive justice for your accident. For a free consultation on your legal rights, contact us at 801.506.0800. You can also request a FREE copy of the Utah accident book, authored by attorney Kenneth Christensen, founder of the Christensen Law Firm, for detailed information on how to handle your accident case. To request your copy, visit www.utahaccidentbooks.com

Rollover Car Accident Attorney in Salt Lake City Utah

2010-06-09T21:16:42Z

Joshua Yazzie, a federal law enforcement officer, was killed in a single-vehicle Utah auto accident on June 7, 2010. According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Yazzie was driving his car on the Ute Indian Reservation in Uintah County while on duty. He lost control of his vehicle a mile south of U.S. Highway 40. He overcorrected in an attempt to stabilize the vehicle, causing the car the roll off a 200-foot embankment. He was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. The force of the accident ejected him from the vehicle and he died at the scene. We offer our deepest condolences to his wife and two children as they mourn this tragic loss.

The rate of rollover accidents is increasing
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from 1991 to 2001, the rate of rollover fatalities increased by 10%. Although rollover accidents are generally rare, accounting for 3% of passenger vehicle accidents, they account for almost one-third of all accident fatalities every year. In 2001, over 10,000 people died in rollover vehicles, accounting for 32% of all traffic accident fatalities.

A thorough analysis of traffic safety statistics reveals that SUVs are more prone to rollovers. According to the NHTSA “fatalities in rollover crashes accounted for 82% of the total fatality increase in 2002.” Furthermore, 61% of all SUV fatalities in 2002 involved a rollover.

]]> How can you prevent a rollover accident?
If you follow safe driving standards and precautions, you can reduce your risk of a single-vehicle rollover accident. Here are a few driving tips to remember:

• Avoid overcorrecting your vehicle. If you temporarily lose control of your car and begin veering in a certain direction, your initial reaction might be to jerk the steering wheel the opposite direction as you are swerving. This type of overcorrecting can easily roll your vehicle over.

• Slow down in wet and slippery conditions. Rain and snow create slick roadways, increasing the chance of losing control of your vehicle. Slow down in difficult weather conditions to maintain better control.

• Check the tires. According to the NHTSA, a common trend among rollover accidents is improperly inflated tires. Keep your tires properly inflated and regularly check for signs of wear and tear.

Don’t forget to wear your seatbelt
Utah is the home of many rural roads and highways. It is easy to fall into the mindset that you don’t need to wear your seatbelt on rural roads that are unpopulated with other vehicles. As this tragic accident demonstrates, auto accidents can occur even without other vehicles. Always wear your seatbelt no matter where you are driving.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a Utah car accident, you may be entitled to certain legal rights. Please request a free copy of your Utah Accident Book "7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case" or contact the expert attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm in Utah for a free consultation at 801.506.0800.

West Valley City Teenager Macala Holloway Dies From a Traumatic Brain Injury

2010-06-06T23:32:12Z

Fifteen-year-old Macala Holloway passed away June 6, 2010 after a difficult battle with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). In early February, Macala was struck by a car on the crosswalk at 2700 West in Magna on her way to school. The force of the impact threw her nearly 100 feet, and she suffered serious injuries to her head. She was flown by helicopter to the University of Utah Medical Center in critical condition. Four months later, she passed away from her injuries.

“The sorrow and pain we are feeling right now, we cannot find words to describe it,” said Terry and Rebecca Ewell, Macala’s parents. “Our hearts are breaking – it hurts something fierce. We look at all the things she is going to miss out on. It is not fair; parents should not have to bury their children.”

Utah wrongful death attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm are helping Macala's family through the legal steps of a wrongful death claim, but the medical bills and other expenses associated with this case far exceed the driver's car insurance limits. To help with these expenses, Zions Bank set up a charitable fund to assist in paying for Macala’s funeral expenses. Donations can be made at any Zions Bank branch in the name of Macala Holloway.

Our thoughts and condolences are with Terry and Rebecca Ewell as they mourn Macala’s passing. They are amazing parents and have been perfect examples on how to handle such difficult circumstances.

]]> Implications of Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI is a serious and potentially deadly injury, leaving victims with long-term symptoms. According to the Brain Injury Association of America, over 1.4 million people sustain a TBI every year nationwide. Fifty thousand (50,000) of these victims lose their lives to TBI and another 235,000 are hospitalized.

Victims of severe TBI will suffer from a range of debilitating symptoms, including subdural hematomas, brain hemorrhaging, seizures, and severe amnesia. Even minor cases of TBI can have life-altering consequences. Minor symptoms include dizziness, short-term memory loss, depression, and personality changes. These physical symptoms are often accompanied with mental and emotional stress.

Pedestrians are at great risk for head injuries

A pedestrian has little protection against the size and force of a moving vehicle in a car accident. While bicyclists wear helmets to protect themselves from head injuries in case of an accident, pedestrians do not wear protective headgear. As such, even a low-speed collision can leave a pedestrian with deadly brain injuries.

Data gathered at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals that over 61,000 pedestrians were injured in auto accidents in 2006. In Utah, pedestrian accident rates increase in the summer months, as warmer weather and school breaks leads to more pedestrian traffic along the Wasatch Front. Drivers failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians is among the leading cause of pedestrian fatalities in the United States. Always be alert when you are crossing the street and walking near busy intersections.

Utah Seat Belt Laws - Click It or Ticket

2010-05-28T18:46:32Z

“We're dedicating this weekend in Lindy's honor to say she was a good mother, she was doing everything right, she made one small mistake. In honor of her, we're asking everybody else, don't make the same mistake." –Highway Patrol Trooper Lee Perry

A tragic accident claims a mother’s life
Last week, Lindy Ross was driving through Tremonton in northern Utah with her three children safely secured in their car seats. Ross had always been faithful about wearing a seat belt, but had briefly taken it off to reach for something for the children. In this short timeframe, she lost control of the car and crashed. She did not survive the accident.

Ross’s nearest relative was out of state and was not be able to arrive at the scene of the crash for several hours. Lee Perry, a Utah Highway Patrol trooper, responded to the accident and was devastated at the scene. He felt an obligation as a husband and a father to make sure the children were in good care. He brought them dinner and took them to his home until their relatives arrived.

]]> The Highway Patrol is dedicating their safety efforts this Memorial Day weekend in honor of Lindy. They do not want her death to be in vain, and will be keeping a close eye out for commuters not wearing their seat belts. Remember to never unbuckle your seat belt while driving. If you have to unbuckle your belt for any reason, pull over and do so.
Seat belts save lives.

According to saferoads.org, a traffic safety advocacy group, “lap-shoulder belt reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat occupants by 45%.” In 2004, an estimated 15,434 lives were saved on account of occupants wearing safety belts. Furthermore, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 21,273 lives could have been saved in 2004 had the victims been wearing their seat belts.

Before you turn your ignition on, buckle your seat belt. Make it a habit that you never break.

Booster seats
The tragic accident that claimed the life of Lindy Ross offers an important case study about the safety benefits of booster seats. Utah state law requires all parents to place their children in age-appropriate seats up to the age of eight, or if the child grows taller than 57 inches. This law was passed on the heels of important research and statistics. In 2004, 495 children under the age of five died in an auto accident. Thirty-five percent (35%) of these children were not proper restrained in booster seats. In the same year, 451 lives were saved as a result of proper booster seats.

As a parent, it is your responsibility to place your child in an age-appropriate booster seat. The fatality rate of infants drops 75% if they are a placed in a car seat, while a toddler’s fatality rate drops 60% when placed in a booster seat. Furthermore, it is important to have your children in the back seat of the car, as they are 38% less likely to be injured in a traffic accident in the back seat.

Experts suggest infants should be placed in rear-facing infant seats until they are one year old. For toddlers, parents should use convertible seats until age three. Booster seats should be used for children between the ages of four and eight.

Are you the victim of a car accident?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to the negligence of another driver, you may benefit from hiring a skilled Utah personal injury attorney to handle your legal case. The Salt Lake City car accident lawyers at the Christensen Law Firm are experts in Utah injury law and offer superlative legal representation. For a free consultation about your legal rights, call us at 801.506.0800.

Utah Couple Hit by a "Drugged Driver"

2010-04-29T17:36:00Z

“Prescription drug misuse and abuse is now competing with street drugs. It is the fourth highest rate of use behind alcohol, methamphetamine, and marijuana use,” Salt Lake Police Chief Chris Burbank told Deseret News reporters on April 28, 2010.

"Drugged Driving" Causing Car Accidents

On April 24, 2010, my clients, Marcy and her husband, Steve, were driving home on Interstate-15 near Sandy when they were involved in a rear-end car accident caused by a woman traveling at speeds over 80 mph! The at-fault driver was obviously impaired as she attempted to flee the scene. Fortunately, several other motorists who had witnessed the accident were successful in detaining her until the Utah Highway Patrol officers arrived. The 23-year-old woman admitted to taking prescription drugs that she was not prescribed as well as excessively drinking at a party she had just left. This woman was arrested for a DUI, DWI and she was cited for following to close.

Marcy and Steve were taken via ambulance to a local hospital. Marcy sustained serious neck and spinal injuries. She is currently treating for this pain and for continued tingling and numbness in her fingers tips. In addition to his spinal injury, Steve, who was the front seat passenger, sustained several facial lacerations from the glass of the broken windshield. With therapy and continued treatment, I am happy to report that this young couple will recover fully from the injuries they sustained in this drunk and drugged driving accident. This accident could have been much worse—especially with the excessive speeding factor.

Drugged Driving on the Rise in Utah

In a 2006 study conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services showed that Utah has the highest rate in the country for nonmedical use of prescription pain relievers.

Prescription drug deaths are the leading cause of injury deaths in the state of Utah. When someone who has abused this medication or consumed a prescribed dosage that is too much for their body to handle, gets behind the wheel of a vehicle, this individual suddenly becomes a serious hazard to other commuters and themselves. The level of impairment varies with the drug amount and type, but a “drugged driver” commonly displays the following symptoms:

• Reduced reaction time and brain control
• Delayed body movement
• Limited control of balance, coordination, memory, judgment and sensation
• Reduced attentiveness, perception of time and speed

Driving under the influence of drugs is an unspoken danger on Utah roads. Until their tragic accident, my clients had no idea that “drugged driving” is a substantial problem. Another common misconception is that DUIs are limited to illegal drug use. However, it is prescription drug abuse and problems with the actual amounts prescribed by medical doctors are on the rise in Utah. 10.2 million Americans admitted to driving when impaired by drugs in a survey conducted by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. This number includes both those who abuse prescription drugs, those take the prescribed dosages correctly but find that they are impaired while driving and those who use illicit drugs. This number also reflects individuals who consciously choose to get behind the wheel when they know they are impaired and unfit for the responsibility of driving. The risk of causing a car accident with injuries or even fatalities is increased substantially. This is a preventable crisis that clearly needs to be eliminated; unfortunately, it currently is a rising problem in Utah.

Utah Statistics on Prescription Drug Abuse

• Since 2000, Utah had a 400% increase in prescription drug deaths.
• In 2008, 277 Utahns died of non illicit drug overdoses.
• In 2009, 310 Utahns died of non-illicit drug overdoses.

How to Hire the Best Auto Accident Attorney for Your Needs

If you have been seriously injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver or by a drugged driver, you will need the experience and skill of the best Utah personal injury and auto accident attorneys. The personal injury lawyers of the Christensen Law Firm, PLLC, will work aggressively to ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you receive the best possible settlement for your specific case. By taking legal action you also ensure that the wrongdoer is punished so that future DUI accidents may be avoided.

To schedule a FREE no obligation consultation with one of our highly skilled Utah persona injury and auto accident attorneys, contact Cara by calling 801.0800.