A tragic Utah wrongful death occurred in Henrieville Tuesday evening. According to the KSL article “Two Killed in Separate Wrecks,” a Honda Accord was heading westbound on State Route 12 around 9 p.m. It turned onto U.S. 89 and cut off a Harley Davidson Super Glide. Police say Robert William Adkins, 48, began to skid in the eastbound lanes when the Accord abruptly turned in front of him. The bike tipped on its side and struck the right side of the Accord. Authorities rushed Adkins to Garfield Memorial Hospital in Panguitch, but he died shortly after arrival. Adkins left behind a wife and six children. If you would like to make a donation, an account has been established to help the Adkins family. You can donate to the Loreli Adkins Fund through any branch of the State Bank of Southern Utah.
]]> KSL also reported on another fatal Utah motorcycle accident that occurred Wednesday evening in Weber County. A woman was driving her SUV and failed to yield on a left hand turn, thinking she was clear to go. William Sabisch was riding his motorcycle approaching the intersection and had to lay down his bike about 120 feet in an attempt to avoid colliding with the SUV. Unfortunately, he struck a rear tire of the SUV and was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.We extend our deepest sympathies to these men’s family and friends as they mourn such tragic losses.
If you are Utah car or truck driver, please remember to take extra caution in your commute and keep a close eye out for motorcyclists. Motorcycles can be difficult to see on the road, especially during the night. Always check your blind spot before changing lanes and remember that you are sharing the road with motorcyclists and bicyclists as well.
Kenneth Christensen, founder of the Christensen Law Firm, has represented many Utah bicyclists, ranging from cyclists injured in triathlons to commuter bicyclists hit by cars making illegal left-hand turns. In this video, Mr. Christensen explains some of the insurance issues bicyclists face following a Utah bicycle accident. For example, did you know that if you are hit by a car while cycling, the motorist’s PIP insurance will cover your initial medical expenses? In addition, the driver’s liability coverage may cover such compensations as your pain and suffering, outstanding medical bills, and future medical bills and then your own car insurance will provide additional coverage. Watch the following video to find out more information on Utah bicycle accident insurance from Utah’s leading bicycle attorney. If you have been injured in a Utah bike accident, contact the Christensen Law Firm for a free consultation on your legal rights at 801.506.0800.
]]>• Keep your friends under control. It’s always fun to have your friends in the car with you, but be sure everyone stays calm. A 17-year-old driver’s risk of a traffic crash increases by 50% when he/she adds just one other teen passenger to the vehicle. Don’t let your friends become too rowdy and distract you from driving safely.
• Turn off your cell phone! Chances are, whatever you need to tell your friend over the phone can wait until your car is parked. Cell phones are a major distraction and greatly increase your chances of an accident. To avoid the temptation of calling a friend, make it a habit of turning off your phone before you get behind the wheel. Text messaging is illegal in the state of Utah and decreases your reaction time by 34%, which is double the reduced reaction time of a drunk driver. Do not attempt to text message and drive.
• Avoid driving at night. Research and statistics show that teenagers are twice as likely to be involved in a Utah car accident between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Do not drive at night until you have more experience operating a vehicle.
Some accidents are impossible to avoid, no matter how cautiously you or your teenager drives. Unfortunately, you can never fully protect yourself or a loved one from the negligence of other motorists. The consequences of a Utah traffic accident can be emotionally and physically devastating. Compounding these burdens with the legal and insurance complications is often overwhelming. This is why Kenneth Christensen, founder of the Christensen Law Firm, wrote the Utah accident book “Seven Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case.” This helpful book guides Utah accident victims through the complicated legal and insurance issues following a traffic accident. It provides detailed information on the legal process of an accident claim, how to deal with insurance adjustors, and common mistakes to avoid in your accident case. To request your FREE copy of the UT accident book, visit www.utahaccidentbook.com or call the expert Utah injury lawyers of the Christensen Law Firm at 801.506.0800.
]]>KSL News has reported another step being made to curb this problem. Davis County officials may establish a DUI offender registry. If the proposal becomes a law, all residents of the county that are convicted two or more times of driving under the influence will be listed on a public-access website. Critics of the proposal assert that the registry would not be useful and would only humiliate the people placed on it. Proponents of plan believe it will be a useful tool for parents to monitor the DUI history of neighbors and friends who may be driving their kids.
Drunk driving is an inexcusable act no matter the situation. Injuries or deaths incurred from drunk driving are unnecessary and permanently damaging to the victim, the families involved, and society as whole. The Utah drunk driving accident lawyers at the Christensen Law Firm are dedicated to bringing justice to those injured or killed by the carelessness of drunk drivers. As specialists in this area of law, we also ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable for their reckless behavior.
]]>According to www.emedicinehealth.com, the best time to seek medical care is immediately after the injury. If you are not sure whether you have whiplash based on the symptoms, contact your doctor and ask for his/her advice. Neck injuries come with severe risks and it is best to seek help from medical experts rather than try to treat it yourself.
If your injury is mild and does not require further medical treatment, there are certain steps you can take from home to alleviate your symptoms. Take ibuprofen to reduce the inflammation of your neck tissue. Make sure you ask your doctor before you take ibuprofen, especially if you have a history of stomach problems. You should also apply ice to your neck for twenty minutes every hour for the first day of your injury. To do this, wrap the ice in a soft towel and gently apply pressure to your neck. Again, ask your doctor for more instructions for ice therapy that are specific to your injury.
If you have suffered whiplash or other injuries in a Utah traffic accident due to the negligence of another driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, or other damages. The Utah accident lawyers at the Christensen Law Firm offer expert legal representation and will diligently work with you to ensure you receive the settlement you deserve. For a free consultation contact us at 801.506.0800.
A tragic accident occurred over the weekend on Interstate 80 near the border of Salt Lake and Tooele counties. According to the article entitled “UHP Locates Driver Wanted for Questioning in I-80 Wreck” from KSL News, a Dodge pickup truck was driving in the eastbound lanes around 11 a.m. Saturday afternoon. Apparently, a white pickup cut it off, causing the driver of the Dodge to lose control of the vehicle. The truck then went through an opening in the road barrier for emergency vehicles only and smashed head-on with a FedEx delivery semi truck. Both vehicles went up in flames. This left an especially dangerous scene, as the FedEx was transporting ammunition that randomly fired from the heat of the flames. The driver of the Dodge, Mark Neilson of Magna, died at the scene and the driver of the FedEx truck was critically injured.
The Utah Highway Patrol found the driver of the white truck that sparked this horrible chain of events. They say he is an elderly man from Salt Lake City. The man came in for questioning with his daughter and admitted to being near the scene of the crash, but claims he was cut off by another vehicle. UHP believes this man was driving the white pickup that cut off the Dodge pickup and did not stop at the scene of the accident. We will update this story when more news is released.
We wish the driver of the FedEx truck a healthy and quick recovery from his injuries and offer our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Mark Nielson.
]]>KSL News has reported a serious Utah truck accident involving a school bus that took place Thursday morning in West Jordan. According to police, 46-year-old Kevin Fullmer suddenly made a left-hand turn in his truck directly in front of a school bus. The bus driver had little time to react and hit the breaks to decrease speed. He slammed into the truck, sending it into a light pole. The bus was carrying 55 children. Thankfully, none of them were seriously injured. Some students suffered bruising and others received cuts from shattered glass. Fullmer suffered from a head injury and was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Police say he was drinking before the crash, but are waiting for a blood alcohol test before they press charges.
While the quick reaction of the bus driver saved the students from serious injuries, this accident could have been a lot worse. Alcohol-related accidents account for 40% of all traffic accident fatalities across the United States. 19% of all Utah traffic accident fatalities are the result of drunk driving. Even worse, many drunk drivers are repeat offenders. To learn about the actions advocacy groups are taking to limit repeat DUI offenders, visit the Christensen Law Firm’s online library. If you have been injured in a Utah drunk driving accident, you deserve just compensation for the physical and monetary damages you received. The expert drunk driving attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm will provide you with superlative legal representation and will diligently work to ensure you receive the settlement you deserve. For a free consultation call 801.506.0800.
Reckless driving is always dangerous and this especially the case in work zones. Traffic is more prone to sudden slow-downs, leaving speeders with less time to brake. Lange shifts and merging also necessitate cautious driving. Furthermore, constructions zones have workers completely exposed to traffic. Speeding dangerously through work zones not only endangers other commuters, but these men and women as well. The I-80 construction will be completed later this year. Until then, please remember to drive cautiously and within the posted 55 mph speed limit.
]]>A serious Utah truck accident took place Saturday morning in North Salt Lake in a construction zone. Around 11:30 a.m., a tow-truck driver was entering the construction zone. According to KSL News, he was momentarily distracted and looking away from the road. When he looked up, he was entering a continuator, where the construction begins shifting lanes. He over-corrected the vehicle and slammed into a construction barrier. The truck also crashed into three other vehicles. The driver of one of the vehicles, 57-year-old Michael Carver, was killed. The tow truck landed on top of a Toyota Camry. The driver of the car was able to climb out the back of the vehicle, but suffered serious injuries.
This accident highlights two important safety precautions. First, avoid any form of distraction while driving, especially on the freeway and on busy roads. This includes cell phone use, text-messaging, eating, or fumbling with the radio. Also, be sure to slow down and drive attentively in construction zones. Lane merges and rapid speed reduction are common occurrences in construction zones and require constant focus. Simple safety measures will help ensure your own protection and that of your fellow commuters.
The family suffering from this Utah wrongful death accident would greatly benefit from legal representation. Professional truck drivers are held to a higher standard of care and caution than average drivers on the road. This driver never should have let himself become distracted and put other drivers in danger. The expert Utah injury and accident attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm are dedicated to providing their clients with superlative legal counsel. For a free consultation, call 801.506.0800. Together, we will work to ensure you receive the settlement you deserve.
A violent Utah dog attack took place last Thursday that left a 4-year-old girl a mother injured. According to the Deseret News, a 90-pound pit bull tore through a wood and chain link fence, leaping into the neighbor’s yard where three young children were playing. The dog attacked the young girl, knocking her down and biting her back near her neck. Tanya Schroeder, the mother of two of the children, heard their screams and rushed to the yard to fight off the dog. The 4-year-old victim ran into the house with the other children. Schroeder, however, was attacked by the dog, which ferouciously bit off part of her ear. The pit bull also bit her in several other places. The dog was put to sleep and its owner was cited with four violations.
Did you know dog bites are a common occurrence across the country? Every year, dogs bite roughly 4.7 million people nationwide. 1 out of 6 of these attacks result in injuries that are serious enough to require medical attention. Statistics also show that dog bites are the second-leading cause of childhood injury. For more information on dog bite statistics and helpful tips on how to avoid dog attacks, visit the Christensen Law Firm’s online library. If you have suffered injuries resulting from a dog bite, you are entitled to receive compensation for your medical bills and pain and suffering. Dog owners are stricly liable for their dogs actions. The expert Utah dog bite attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm offer superlative representation to dog bite victims, bringing their unmatched knowledge of Utah dog bite laws to every case. For a free, no-obligation consultation on your legal rights, call 801.506.0800.
A tragic fatal Utah car accident occurred in Provo late Thursday night June 4, 2009, taking the life of one girl and injuring four others. According to the Salt Lake Tribune, two cars collided near 1000 South University Avenue around 9:45 p.m. One vehicle was carrying two people and the other was carrying three. Police say one car was pulling out of a parking lot onto University Avenue when the other car crashed into it. All five people involved in the wreck were taken to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. Two males and two females were in serious condition. A 14-year-old girl died in the hospital. The accident is under investigation and so far no citations have been issued. We offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the young girl and wish the four other passengers a quick and healthy recovery from their injuries.
]]> Car accidents are not a rare occurrence in the state of Utah. A Utah Department of Public Safety study found that in just one year, there were 54,938 car crashes that resulted in over 29,000 injuries. The Utah Highway Patrol reported that each day Utah sees 150 car crashes. While some Utah traffic accidents are unavoidable due to weather conditions or vehicle malfunctions such as blown tires, many wrecks can be avoided. For example, turning off your cell phone before you get behind the wheel is an easy way to prevent a major distraction that could lead to an accident. Avoid driving if you are drowsy, as this can quickly lead to a severe wreck. Driving the speed limit, checking your blind spot, and using your blinker are other simple ways to help prevent Utah car accidents. Please use every precaution when driving.If you have been involved in a Utah car accident, you may benefit from seeking legal representation. Working with insurance adjustors, filing out claim papers, and paying for medical procedures can be extremely stressful. The Utah accident attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm offer superlative legal support for Utah injury victims as they go through the difficult times following a motor vehicle accident. We offer every client the personal attention their case deserves. For a free Utah Accident Book and a free consultation on your legal rights call 801.506.0800.
A serious Salt Lake City car accident left six people in the hospital yesterday morning. According to the Salt Lake Tribune, a minivan carrying a family of six attempted to make a left-hand turn onto northbound Redwood Road around 9:15 a.m. At the same time, a commercial dump truck was heading southbound and smashed into the minivan. A pickup truck driving behind the dump truck was unable to stop, lost control, and rolled over. A 14-year-old girl from the minivan was taken to Primary Children’s Medical Center via helicopter in critical condition. Three other passengers in the minivan were ambulanced to local hospitals. One person was in critical condition and the other two were in stable condition. The driver of the pickup and a man from the dump truck were also taken to the hospital in stable condition.
If you have been in a Utah traffic accident, you know how confusing and traumatic the event can be. Working through medical bills, insurance adjustment papers, and car repair payments can be extremely stressful. Kenneth Christensen, founder of the Christensen Law Firm, wrote the Utah accident book “Seven Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case” to help alleviate the burdensome confusion following an accident. In his book, Mr. Christensen debunks common myths pertaining to Utah accident cases, provides detailed advice on how to deal with insurance adjustors, and explains what is necessary to win your Utah accident case. He wrote this book to level the playing field between the accident victim and insurance companies. For a free copy of the Utah accident book, visit www.utahaccidentbook.com or contact the expert Utah injury attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm at 801.506.0800.
]]>Whiplash and its symptoms
Whiplash occurs when a sudden impact causes the neck to over extend in either a forward or backward motion. As this happens, bodily reflexes initiate muscles to forcefully contract and “whip” the head quickly in the opposite direction. This often results in tissue strains and tears in the upper spinal area. Whiplash can damage different structures of the body, including intervertebral discs and ligaments, capsule and facet joints, and certain areas of the spine.
In Utah traffic accidents, whiplash injuries often accompany other debilitating injuries such as spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injury. If you have been in a Utah traffic accident resulting from another driver’s negligence, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. For a free consultation of your legal rights, contact the expert Utah injury and accident attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm for a free consultation at 801.506.0800. We will diligently work to ensure you receive the settlement you deserve.
Another person has become a victim to a Utah hit-and-run traffic accident. According to KSL News, a driver fled the scene of an accident early Monday morning after hitting a woman with his car. The accident took place at 2:00 a.m. at the California Night Club, which is located at 900 S. and State Street. Authorities say the driver of the vehicle was kicked out of the nightclub and was leaving the parking lot in a reckless manner. As he was leaving, a woman exited the night club and was hit in the parking lot. The driver left the scene in a silver Ford Mustang. Police believe that the driver did not intentionally hit the woman, but was driving in an angry and reckless manner. The victim was immediately taken to the hospital, but the driver has not yet been found.
Utah hit-and-run accidents are becoming more and more frequent. These types of traffic accidents are especially dangerous as they can leave the victim with severe injuries, including spinal cord damage and traumatic brain injury. Because the at-fault party has fled the scene of the accident, the victim is often stuck footing the medical bills. Working with insurance companies as the victim of a hit-and-run accident can be time-consuming and frustrating. If you have been injured in a Utah hit-and-run accident, you may benefit from contacting a Utah accident attorney for legal representation. The attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm offer unmatched representation to Utah hit-and-run victims and will diligently work to ensure you receive the settlement you deserve. Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation on your legal rights at 801.506.0800.
No one should have to suffer the loss of a child. When a child dies, the emotional toil of a parent can easily be overpowering. Ellen Mitchell wrote the book Beyond Tears, published by St. Martin’s Griffin, to provide insight on such a horrific grieving process. In this book, nine mothers who lost their children offer their guidance and support, sharing their personal stories to help comfort other parents who have recently suffered the loss of a child.
When grieving the death of a loved one, it is important to know that you are not alone. Consider reading these books along with Utah Wrongful Death attorneys free book, 7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case to help you through your emotional and legal recovery.