Utah Personal Injury Law Firm Blog

Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) is a controversial but increasingly popular type of legislation that is currently being introduced into several U.S. cities and abroad. BSL laws implements regulations or bans specific to dog breeds. For example, in cities such as San Francisco, Chicago, Denver, Miami and Boston, owners of Pit Bull Terriers are required to have these dogs neutered, on a leash, and wearing a muzzle whenever they are outside. Several countries even ban Pit Bull Terriers as pets completely. After a jogger was killed by two Pit Bull dogs in Colorado in 2003, Denver has attempted to join in banning Pit Bulls and enforcing dog owners to get rid of these dogs.

However, there are many dog owners that feel their Pit Bull Terriers are non-violent family pets. They argue that Pit Bulls are undeserving of their bad reputation and that the dog owners of the violent dogs are to blame. The American Veterinarian Medical Associate agrees that any dog, regardless of breed, will become dangerous and even violent if they are poorly trained, neglected or abused.

Pit Bull Attack Case Studies

The reasoning behind passing legislation that regulates or bans pit bull terriers is due to the statistics and scientific evidence that this breed of dog is inclined to be more aggressive and violent. Dr. Beck of Purdue University confirms that Pit Bulls are genetically more dangerous—they are bred to be fighting dogs; they have more muscle and a more powerful and destructive jaw.

• April 2010- 5-year-old Saleena Wickward of Hurricane, Utah, mauled by neighbors Pit Bull. It took over 900 stitches, a metal plate and 6 ½ hours of surgery to put her face back together.
• 2005- 12-year-old, Ebony Stanely of Colorado, attacked by a Pit Bull. It took 5 bullets fired by police officers to get the dog off the child. She almost lost her arm.
• 2003-48-year-old, Anna Cieslewicz, a marathon runner who was jogging in Dan Ryan Woods, was killed by 2 Pit Bull Terriers.

Sobering Statistics

In Chicago for example, pit bull terriers account for only 10% of the total registered dogs yet they are responsible for over 30% of the reported dog bites. In a study conducted by Merrit Clifton, dog bite occurrences from 1982 through 2006 demonstrated that Pit Bull dogs, Presa Canarios, and Rottweilers were responsible for 74% of dog attacks and 68% of dog attacks on children. In the twenty-four year period, Pit Bull Terriers were responsible for twice as many dog bite attacks than any other dog breed. To read further about this study, dog bite statistics and how Utah Law relates to dog bites, order a FREE copy of The Utah Dog Bite & Attack Handbook today.

Are You a Victim of Dog Bite Attack?

If you have been injured in a Utah dog bite accident, you probably have many questions regarding how to proceed. You may be wondering who is responsible for your medical bills. How do you make sure the dog owners are held responsible? What legal options do you have? Attorney Ken Christensen’s book, The Utah Dog Bite & Attack Handbook answers these questions and provides more information that will help you through this difficult process. Mr. Christensen, of the Christensen Law Firm, is an experienced dog bite and Utah accident lawyer. To schedule a FREE no obligation consultation with him to discuss your dog bite accident, you may contact us at 801.506.0800.

Around 1:30 am this Tuesday morning of March 23, 2010, the life of 25-year-old Michael A. Peterson of Salt Lake City was claimed in a tragic car accident at the intersection of South Temple and E Street. Michael Peterson was killed on impact in the head-on-collision with a Honda SUV. His passenger and the driver and one of the passengers in the SUV were transported to a local hospital in critical condition. The second passenger of the SUV was listed in fair condition.

I offer my deepest sympathies to friends and families of the victims of this tragic car accident. I hope they each recover fully and quickly from the injuries they sustained in this fatal Utah car crash. My thoughts and prayers are with the family members and those who knew and loved the late Michael Peterson.

The Cause of the Fatal Salt Lake Car Accident

Salt Lake City Police Lieutenant Gary Layton reported in KSL news interview that Mr. Peterson was driving a silver Volkswagen Jetta Southbound on E Street and was struck by a Honda Passport SUV in the intersection when he attempted to turn East. The impact of this fatal Utah car accident was so severe that police were surprised the occupants of the mangled vehicles were not extricated by the Jaws of Life. Nor could officers tell initially which directions the vehicles were headed due to the violent impact. One passenger of the SUV was in fair condition and has been cooperating in the investigation. Thus far, police officers have not ruled out the possible involvement of drugs or alcohol as contributing factors in this catastrophic Salt Lake City Car accident. The investigation is ongoing and the names of the injured victims have not been released.

Salt Lake City Fatal Car Accident Statistics

In 2008, there were 30 car accident fatalities and 8 pedestrians killed in Salt Lake City alone. Each year over the past ten years, the number of Salt Lake City car accident fatalities more than doubles the average number of persons killed in Utah car accidents statewide.

Wrongful Death Claims in the State of Utah

The family members of the injured victims and the deceased are well advised to speak to an experienced Salt Lake City wrongful death and personal injury attorney. As the investigation is ongoing, there are several key pieces of evidence and liability issues that need to be accounted for. Attorney Kenneth L. Christensen has written the Utah Accident Book to educate Utah residents of the time sensitive manner of personal injury claims and steps on how victims and their families can protect themselves. By calling the Christensen Law Firm, PLLC, at (801) 506-0800, you can order a Free copy of this invaluable resource and even schedule a consultation to speak to a skilled attorney without any obligations. We can assist you to navigate the complex insurance issues and the Utah legal process during this most difficult time.

Three Quick Tips

• Drivers and passengers that sustain injury in a car accident will each have a separate claim against the responsible party.
• Victims of Utah car accidents can file a personal injury claim against the driver of the vehicle they were a passenger when that motorist was the at-fault party.
• It’s common myth that if the driver of the vehicle was uninsured, there are no options or protections for the injured passengers.

Who Pays My Medical Bills?

According to Utah No-Fault Law, the primary insurance company for passengers who sustain personal injuries in a car accident is the insurance company of the driver/owner of the vehicle involved in the accident. This insurance company will provide the initial medical pay through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits purchased by the driver. In Utah, the minimum amount of PIP coverage motorists must buy is $3,000 per person. While this amount is rarely adequate to pay all medical bills associated with treatment for victims of auto accidents, it does help. Unless the driver of the vehicle you were a passenger of did not purchase insurance, you and that individual should each have at least $3,000 for treatment costs.

Multiple Insurance Benefits May Be Available to You

What most Utah residents are unaware of is that there are several types of insurance policies and benefits that can be applied simultaneously for specific types of motor vehicle accidents that involve injured passengers. However, with all insurance policies, there is fine print that can be difficult to understand. Filing paperwork incorrectly or providing certain types of information in recorded statements can negate your right to access these benefits. We highly recommend speaking to an attorney before signing or agreeing to anything.

Also, depending on the type of accident, the passenger who was a victim of a car collision may be entitled to multiple insurance claims and settlements. Again, the legalities and issues surrounding these areas are complex and best navigated by an personal injury attorney who has significant experiences with working with numerous insurance claims at one time and extensive knowledge of Utah law.

Case Study

Mary M., one of our clients, was involved a passenger in a vehicle that was t-boned during a snowstorm a few years ago. Unfortunately, Mary sustained serious injury that required intensive surgery that required her to miss months of work. In his immediate investigation, Attorney Ken Christensen discovered that Mary qualified for benefits under four different auto insurance policies, including her own insurance coverage. By acting quickly and efficiently, Mr. Christensen successfully constructed a clear plan of how each policy would provide maximum benefits without “stacking” or breaking any state law.

With mounting medical bills and not being able to work, Mary faced debt; however, due to the ability Mr. Christensen demonstrated in collaborating insurances’ med pay, loss of services etc. the potential financial damage was thwarted. In the end, Mary received substantial settlements from each insurance company and has been able to fully recover from her injuries.

Seven Biggest Mistakes that Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case

Attorney Ken Christensen wrote the book on how to handle the Utah Accident Case. His expertise and knowledge of Utah accident cases makes this book a valuable resource. This book corrects the many of the myths associated with insurance claims. Most importantly this book translates the complicated legal and insurance jargon into plain English, providing readers with the opportunity to better understand their case and make informed decisions. Visit us online at www.utahaccidentbooks.com or call us at 801.506.0800 to obtain your FREE copy of 7 Biggest Mistakes that Can Wreck Your Accident Case today.

Importance of Hiring an Experienced Utah Personal Injury Attorney

At The Christensen Law Firm, PLLC, we have extensive experience in representing victims of Utah auto accidents involving uninsured motorists. Being involved in a Salt Lake City car accident can result in serious injury and trauma and the financial burdens involved are very real. Our attorneys can help you in negotiations with insurance companies concerning compensation for medical and auto repair costs that you have paid. If you or a loved one has suffered such an injury, you may 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.

Case Summary

Tragedy struck when twenty-six year-old Kody was driving home from work in Orem, Utah, on January 20, 2010. A man driving a Nissan Pathfinder ran a stop sign and struck Kody’s vehicle on the driver’s side. The force of the impact caused the airbags to deploy and totaled the small sedan. Kody sustained several neck and back injuries from the car crash. The Orem City police responded to the scene of the car accident and issued a citation to the driver of the Nissan Pathfinder for failing to stop at a stop sign and failure to yield to oncoming traffic.

Insurance Company Lets At-Fault Party off the Hook

According to the facts of this Utah car accident, it is clear who is at-fault and who should be held responsible for the car accident. However, in less than 48 hours, Progressive Insurance Company had an adjuster physically knock on Kody’s door. The Progressive Insurance adjuster was quite devious. He was “checking on their insured,” but he brought paperwork for Kody to release personal medical and employment information. The insurance adjusters told Kody that in order to cooperate with the investigation, Kody had to give a recorded statement.

When the Progressive adjuster offered to settle Kody’s claim for $500.00 by telling the young man that the car crash was non-reportable and a claim wouldn’t be worth pursuing, Kody knew he was being backed into a corner. The Progressive adjuster stated the insurance company was going above and beyond their services by offering money at all for this car accident. Kody was confused. He had been speaking to adjuster because his own automobile insurance company was Progressive Insurance Company. The Insurance adjuster was working both sides—the at-fault driver’s automobile insurance was also Progressive Insurance Company.

Would An Insurance Company Victimize their Own Insured?

Kody asked the Progressive Insurance adjuster whose side he was on—the gentleman that hit him or his. The adjuster didn’t lie but he was clearly conflicted when he stated he worked for Progressive and work for their insured’s best interests. The adjuster told Kody the money would go directly into his pocket. That PIP would take care of medical expenses (but PIP only covers $3,000 in medical bills and Kody's treatment will exceed that amount). Kody could feel the manipulation and fortunately asked the adjuster to leave. After seeing the television ad for the informative guidebook 7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case, Kody called the Christensen Law Firm. In just a week, Ken Christensen has been able to straighten this matter out which allows Kody to focus on healing and recovery.

Unfortunately, Insurance companies are not looking out for the best interests of their insured. They are a for-profit company. Insurance Companies don’t maximize their profits if their adjusters explain all the benefits their insured has purchased in their automobile insurance policy. In this case, Progressive Insurance made it painfully obvious that their main priority was profit—not Kody’s medical treatment, property damage, and further damages and losses he incurred as a result of the car crash.

Number One Misconception in Utah Car Accident Cases:

My insurance company will ensure that my best interests are met including receiving a fair settlement and payment for lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering and property damage.

Remember: Insurance Companies have no obligation to inform you of your rights.

Salt Lake personal injury lawyer Kenneth Christensen authored the book 7 Biggest Mistakes that Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case in his endeavors to level the playing the field between accident victims and the insurance company. This book provides Utah residents with valuable information and corrects many of the myths associated with insurance claims and provides detailed information on the tactics insurance adjusters use to maximize their profits. If you would like to request your free copy of this book please call 1.801.506.0800 or visit us online at www.utahaccidentbook.com.

If you have additional questions or if you have been injured in a Utah accident, we can help you. At the Christensen Law Firm, we offer a FREE no obligation consultation with one of our Salt Lake City, Utah personal injury attorneys. We believe that knowledge gives victims power and protection. We invite you take control of your accident claim.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a Salt Lake City, Utah pedestrian accident, request a free copy of Utah personal injury attorney, Kenneth L. Christensen's Utah accident book, 7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case. This book will help pedestrian accident victims understand how to deal with the insurance companies and learn what insurance policies the injured party can make a claim under. Get your free no obligation book at Utahaccidentbook.com.