The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported over 4,000 deaths and 76,000 injuries nationwide due to motorcycle accidents in 2004. Compared to other vehicular accidents, motorcyclists are 32 times more likely to die in an accident.
]]> As frightening as these statistics are, they do encourage proper safety precautions. A very common type of injury in a motorcycle crash is brain injury. Head wounds can be avoided or lessened by the use of a helmet. The NHSTSA reported in 2003 that helmets saved over 1,100 lives in motorcycle accidents. The NHSTSA has also found that helmets reduce the risk of death by 29% and reduce the potential of brain injury by 67%.Motorcyclists do not have control over other drivers on the road. However, every rider has that ability to put on a helmet and help control the risk of serious or fatal injury in a motorcycle accident. Although the law may not require a helmet, it could be a matter of life and death. When driving a motorcycle, please take the extra safety measures.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident in the state of Ohio, please contact my friends at Charles Boyk and Associates. They are the best motorcycle accident attorneys in the state and will provide you with the expertise and knowledge you deserve.
I offer my condolences to the victim's family.
The police are still investigating this accident, but clearly the driver of the car is fully responsible for turning left and not keeping a proper lookout. Before this tragic accident, the eseret news reported that the number of people who have died from motorcycle accidents in 2008 was at 32. This was 9 more than all of 2007.
]]> Motorcycle versus automobile accidents are always serious, and often deadly. Utah Department of Public Safety has made extensive efforts to educate the public about motorcycles on the roads. They wrote a brochure, “Share the Road, Start Seeing Motorcycles” and note that approximately 75% of all motorcycle crashes involve a motor vehicle, and 67% of these crashes were caused by the motorist failing to yield the right-of-way to the motorcyclist.Everyone should read this brochure and follow their SEE program while traveling on Utah roads. S- Search for factors in the area, search for oncoming traffic, motorcycles, pedestrians, etc. E- Evaluate the potential risk and options. Think about your time and space requirements to maintain a margin of safety. E- Execute with control and precision. Don’t make a maneuver unless it can be done safely.
According to his friends and co-workers, Allen Christopherson was a new grandfather and a wonderful man; liked by all. We offer our deepest condolences to Mr. Christopherson's family and friends.
]]> This tragic accident never should have happened and although nothing can replace the loss of this wonderful man, fortunately the dump truck was owned by Western Excavating and should have a commercial insurance policy. Mr. Christopherson's family would greatly benefit from contacing an experienced Utah Wrongful Death attorney to ensure they are fully compensated and taken care of for the rest of their lives. ]]>According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving an estimated 1,000 people die during the period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve in drinking-related crashes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that most deaths involving alcohol-related car accidents occur on December 23rd and January 1st. Fatal car accidents are devastating no matter what the surrounding circumstances are. But when a drunk driver gets behind the wheel of a car and causes a preventable injury or death to someone else, the situation is even more tragic.
]]> We must use extra caution when traveling this holiday season. Students should only travel home after they have had a full nights sleep. People that consume alcohol at holiday parties must designate a driver before they arrive at an event or party, and if you are hosting a party, make sure to set rules on drinking and driving. Offer to provide a ride home or a place to sleep for guests who drink. Avoid driving during the early and late evening hours on holidays like Christmas and New Year’s, and always wear your seatbelt.
This tragic accident comes just two months after a 4 month old North Las Vegas baby girl was mauled and killed by their family's pit-bull.
]]>If you have been in an accident and are trying to handle the property damage portion of your claim, be sure to follow these tips:
1) If you were injured in the car accident, contact a Utah personal injury lawyer and discuss your case before signing insurance papers regarding the property damage. A personal injury lawyer can ensure your bodily injury claim is not limited by the papers you have been asked to sign.
2) The insurance company is obligated to put you in a rental car that is the same size as the car you were driving at the time of the accident. Do not let them put you in a small car that saves them money. Also, if you do not use a rental car for a period of time after the accident, you can ask the insurance company to compensate you $20-$25 for every day you went without a car.
3) You do not have to accept the property damage adjustor's first settlement offer for you car. Most insurance companies determine the value of your car by finding comparable vehicles as close to your home as possible. They are not interested in the Kelly Blue Book value of your car. So be prepared for their settlement offer by finding a similar car, with similar features and milage on autotrader.com or your local classifieds. If the adjustor's offer is less than the comps you have found, send the adjustor a counter-offer with copies of your comps.
4) Be sure not to keep the rental car longer than permitted or you will be responsible for the additonal charges. The insurance company is only responsible for providing a rental car from the date of the accident until they make a "reasonable offer" for the replacement of your car. If the adjustor makes an offer and tells you to return the car, be sure to return the car, even if its before your settlement check has arrived.
I am also asked this same question by people who were in an accident and the at-fault driver does not have insurance. In Utah, Hit-and-Run accidents and Uninsured Motorist Accidents are treated the same. They fall under the Uninsured Motorist Coverage of most car insurance policies.
]]> Most people do not know that under their personal automobile policy they likely have Uninsured Motorist Coveage (UM Coverage). Uninsured Motorist Coverage is available when someone is involved in an accident with another vehicle that does not have insurance or an accident with an unidentified hit-and-run driver. The UM policy allows for property damage, lost wage and even pain and suffering compensation. You will have pay your deductible since this is a claim under your own insurance policy, but if you are injured in the accident a Utah Accident Attorney specializing in Uninsured Motorist claims can ensure you receive the full value of your claim and are not left paying out of pocket for an accident you did not cause. ]]>The investigation found examples of residents being punched, kicked and even choked by staff members. However, this statistic only considers abuse and doesn't address an ever greater problem of general neglect and putting residents in danger.
Nursing home abuse and neglect is a serious problem. If you or a loved one have been a victim of Maryland Nursing Home Negligence or Abuse, I strongly urge you to contact my friend and attorney, Sharon Christie. Sharon is a former nurse and specializes in nursing home negligence and abuse cases. Sharon provides diligence and compassion to the vicitms involved in these tragic cases.
]]>A large amount serious Utah car accidents are caused by someone making an unsafe left-hand turn. Utah law, however, states that left hand turns are improperly made when an oncoming vehicle is so close as to present an immediate hazard.
If you are injured in a Utah car accident due to a driver's failure to keep a proper lookout before making a left-hand turn, you would be well advised to contact a Utah Personal Injury Lawyer in order to know your rights before speaking with the negligent driver's insurance company.
]]>The woman was transported to Ogden Regional Medical Center in critical condition. Please keep her in your prayers. US 89 (Sardine Canyon) is one of the most dangerous roads in the state. In 2007 there were 23 fatal car accidents. We ask that as winter quickly approaches, we remember to lower our speed and be careful when driving in wet weather.
If you have been involved in a Utah car accident and are having to deal with insurance adjustors, be sure to request a free copy of my book "7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case." This book will prepare and protect you against common tactics insurance companies use to limit the amount of accident victims recoveries.
]]>American Fork, Utah car and motorcycle accidents have become a common occurance as I-15 runs through American Fork near Hearts Gas Station and 500 East. If you have ever been in an accident, then you know first hand how it can be an extremely confusing and frustrating time. Deciding whether to hire a lawyer and even choosing the right lawyer can also be difficult. That is why I wrote the book “7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case.” This book answers numerous questions my clients wished they would have known immediately after an accident. A former Allstate Insurance adjuster said that “no one should talk to an insurance adjustor or hire an attorney until they’ve read this book.” This book is free to Utah residents, just visit www.UtahAccidentBook.com to obtain your free copy.
]]> The American Fork City accident attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm represent injured persons and their families. This is all we do. We do not divide our loyalties by representing insurance companies or corporations. We represent people. We go the extra mile for our clients, which in turn leads to better results for our clients. We truly provide service with integrity and compassion when you’ve been injured.Whether you were hurt in a American Fork, Utah car accident, suffered a brain injury, or even were the victim of a dog bite, Kenneth L. Christensen and the top personal injury lawyers in Utah are ready to represent the interests of you and your family.
We do NOT charge a fee until there has been a monetary recovery in our client’s case and we advance all costs and expenses. Unlike most law firms, we do not take every case that comes through the door. We limit the amount of cases we take to ensure all our clients receive the personal attention they need and deserve during a difficult and confusing time.
All consultations, whether at our offices, your home or in a hospital room, are free. Call the experienced American Fork accident attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm today at (801) 224-2999.
]]>A man driving a Ford Taurus made a U-turn and collided with the school bus, causing the bus to lose control, enter oncomming traffic and hit a semi truck traveling the opposite direction.
Five children were in the bus at the time of the accident and were transported to the local hospital. Fortunately, the bus had seat belts for the children, so their injuries were not fatal. The bus driver sustained the most serious injuries and was taken by ambulance to Gunnison Valley Hospital.
We wish the children and this bus driver a full recovery. It appears the bus driver will have extensive medical bills and even lost wages following this accident. Although, the driver was working and qualifies for workers compensation coverage, additional claims are available.
What most people do not know is that although Workers Compensation will likely cover the medical bills and lost wages, the bus driver can make a personal injury claim since this accident was caused by the negligent driver of the Ford Taurus. Personal injury claims are typically better than workers compensation claims as they allow for full recovery of damages compared to a small percentage under workers compensation. Since this accident was the result of another party’s negligence, this victim would be well served to consult a Utah Personal Injury Attorney or obtain a free copy of my book "7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case."
]]>Police are still investigating this accident, the cause is still unknown.
]]>A Midvale man died Thursday morning when his car crossed the center line in Sandy and hit another car head-on, police said. The truck driver was taken to Intermountain Medical Center suffering from chest injuries,
William Phillips died in the accident and his wife was severely injured. It appears this plane crash never should have happened and the manufacturer could possibly be responsible.
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