Utah Personal Injury Law Firm Blog

On Monday, March 1, 2010, a 52-year-old man was killed when the car he was driving was T-boned by a pickup truck. As family members are still being informed of this tragic loss, the name of the deceased victim of this fatal Salt Lake accident has not been released. The driver of the truck failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of Main Street and 3530 South and caused the three-car-accident. According to Deseret News, the driver of the truck was upgraded from critical condition to stable condition. The driver of the third vehicle suffered minor injuries and has already been released from the hospital.

My deepest condolences go out to the friends and family members of the victim. This sudden and tragic loss will be difficult. I encourage these family members to speak to an experienced wrongful death attorney before making any decisions. I also pray for the speedy recovery of the drivers of the pickup and the SUV who were also injured.

Have You Run a Red Light while Driving?

Distracted driving was a major factor in this fatal Utah accident. The driver of the pickup truck ran through a stop sign because he or she either did not notice the sign or he or she ignored the traffic sign. As an experienced personal injury attorney of Salt Lake County, I have noticed a terrifying trend among Utah motorists. Many motorists try to take advantage of their commute by completing other tasks while they are driving. Multitasking is not a safe or legal option when operating a motor vehicle. I highly urge motorists to focus on driving in order to prevent Utah car collisions like this catastrophic fatal accident that took place yesterday. Take the following survey to see if you are a distracted driver.

Distracted Driving Questionnaire:

• Have you missed a stop sign or ran a red light because you were not focused on
driving?
• Have been forced to come to a screeching halt because you had not noticed traffic
slowing?
• Have your passengers complained or have been startled by your driving?
• Have you inadvertently made a wrong turn or ended up at the wrong destination
because you were not thinking where you were going?

Utah Car Accident Attorneys

There are several Utah accident attorneys out there but only a few are specifically trained in wrongful death claims and plaintiff’s rights. The skilled personal injury lawyers at the Christensen Law Firm have devoted their entire practice to these areas of law; quickly becoming the experts to contact if you or a loved one find themselves a victim of a Utah accident. Attorney Kenneth Christensen has written several books including 7 Biggest Mistakes that Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case to educate Utah residents about their rights. Contact us today at 801.506.0800 to set up a FREE no obligation consultation or to order a FREE copy of one of Attorney Christensen's legal guidebooks.

According to a recent report released by the Salt Lake Tribune, car accidents caused by West Valley City employees, while driving city vehicles, have increased by an astounding 54% in the last year. West Valley City employees cost the city over $107,000.00 in damages so far for 2009. This amount is likely to rise as there are still pending personal injury claims that have yet to be settled. Utah residents are angry that instead of spending public monies in areas like health care or education, these funds are being funneled into paying for reckless and preventable accidents caused by city employees.

West Valley Police Officers Overwhelmingly At-Fault in Car Accidents

West Valley City Attorney, Richard Catten, explained to the public that WVC employees have increasingly been cited for causing minor accidents like backing into other vehicles, mail boxes, trees or rear ending other motor vehicles. Distracted driving is a key characteristic of these types of accidents and the damages are not cheap. For example a city employee, driving a WVC water truck scraped his truck against two parked cars when making a right turn. The city employee was not observant that he was driving an extra wide load and his mistake cost the city $11,000 in property damages.

Interestingly, the report demonstrates that West Valley City police officers caused 37 of the 60 at-fault car accidents in 2009. In fact, for the past three years, police officers have consistently caused 60% of at-fault traffic accidents.

• One officer attempted to make a U-Turn over a median and got stuck. This accident cost the city $6,000.

• Another police officer rear ended a vehicle causing $14,000 in property damages and injuring the driver of the other motor vehicle.

Warning:
Your Ability to File a Utah Personal Injury Claim is Affected if a Government Entity is Involved

Utah statute of limitations is an important timeline that designates your window of opportunity to file a claim against the responsible party. If the statute of limitations expires, you may no longer bring a case to court. In standard Utah motor vehicle accidents, the statute of limitations is four years. However, In the State of Utah, the statute of limitations on filing a personal injury claim is decreased to one year if the at-fault party is a government agency.

Attorney Ken Christensen’s book Seven Biggest Mistakes that can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case contains additional information on Utah Traffic Laws and guidelines on how to file an insurance claim for bodily injury. It is an invaluable resource that offers real life education and advice on how to protect yourself if you have been in a Utah personal injury accident. Give the Christensen Law Firm a call to request a FREE copy of this book at 1.801.506.0800 or visit us online at www.utahaccidentbook.com.

WVC Fire Department Takes Action to Curb Accidents

Several years ago, the West Valley Fire Department also experiences a substantial increase in accidents. Most of the accidents were from hitting objects when backing out. WVC instated a policy that a “spotter” is designated whenever the fire truck backs out of any premise. The results have been significantly positive: the department has seen a 50% reduction in their at-fault truck accidents. If West Valley City were to implement basic changes on employee driver protocol, training and safety then the West Valley City won’t lose so much public money on preventable car accidents. Increased driver’s education on how to on how to maneuver government vehicles properly and how to avoid distracted driving will be quite beneficial to all.

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.

Draper has the Highest Rate of Car Accident Fatalities

National traffic statistics routinely report that Utah is one of the relatively safest states in the country. In fact, Utah has the lowest rank of fatalities due to alcohol related car crashes nationwide. It is surprising then to discover that Draper, a beautiful suburb located near the Point of the Mountain, statistically is the most dangerous city in Utah.

Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) released an in-depth report of the accident trends of each city in the State of Utah for the past twenty years. The report demonstrated that the State of Utah has pretty much consistently remained at 1.6-3.2 car accident fatalities per 100,000 persons. Draper on the other hand has seen a much higher increase in car accidents that resulted in deaths over the past decade. Draper had a record high rate of 9 deaths due to motor vehicle accidents per 100,000 persons in 2002. In 2003, Draper authorities reported 8 car accident fatalities per 100,000 persons while the nearby city of Sandy had only 2 fatalities that same year. During 2000-2003, Sandy City, a much larger and heavily populated city, did not have any fatalities caused by drunk drivers. National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) reports that the number one cause of death between the ages of 2-30 are traffic accidents. The main causes of these tragic car accidents include:

• Distracted Driving
• Speeding
• Drunk Driving
• Driver Fatigue
• Inclement weather conditions
• Aggressive Driving

Why Draper Residents are Prone to be involved in a Utah Car Accident

Mounting concern for the safety of Draper residents is justified. Most car crashes involving personal injury occur 3-5 miles from your home. The number of deaths resulting from motor vehicle accidents undoubtedly has had a great affect on the tight knit communities of Draper City.

According to their research results, the National Highway Traffic Administration ( NHTSA) has provided a list of the main causes of motor vehicle accidents. Driving around Draper City one afternoon, it was plan to see that Draper residents are prone committing several of these mistakes that cause fatal car crashes in Utah.

Distracting Passengers Cause Fatal Accidents

9% of motorists who have been involved in a fatal car accident admit that their passengers had distracted them. In Draper, where 65% of the population is under 18, parents have the added responsibility of taking their children with them as they go about their daily lives. Children innocently cause the majority of these distractions. When one has multiple kids, the number of distractions and driving mishaps increases substantially! The common stereotype of the suburban housewife driving minivan filled with children while weaving in and out of traffic; tragically, has become an all too real phenomenon. A social phenomenon that has knowingly caused catastrophic accidents and personal injury. According to traffic authorities, when a driver is distracted he or she will increasingly drive erratically, speed, fail to yield and fail to properly use turning signals. Driving faster or slower than the flow of traffic has strongly been demonstrated to increase the likelihood and severity of crashes.

As a parent and a Utah personal injury attorney, I have been in the position of counseling families whose children have been victims of preventable car accidents. I know of almost nothing as tragic as having to deal with the challenge of losing a child due to a parent’s own distracted driving. Please remember these helpful guidelines when driving with passengers:

• Focus on the Road. Always. While your child may be frustrating, he or she is safer when
your attention remains on driving.
• Pull over in a calm and safe manner to address the issue at hand.
• Implement a reward system for kids who get fussy when driving.
• Don’t talk on your cell phone while driving. Increasingly, children compete for attention
when parents are talking on cell phones. This usually results in a child throwing a tantrum.
• Distract your child not yourself! Children love listening to music and reading while driving.

Kenneth Christensen, founder of the Christensen Law Firm, has written the original Utah accident book entitled “7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case.” This book offers advice and important insight Mr. Christensen has gained from years of experience as Utah’s premier personal injury attorney. The Utah accident book has provided countless Utahns with important information they need after suffering from a car or truck accident. The state is buzzing about Mr. Christensen’s book! The Utah accident book was featured on Studio 5, KSL’s morning show, and “Speaking on Business with Fred Ball” on KSL Radio. If you or a loved one have been injured in a Utah accident, you cannot afford to be without this book. Best of all – “7 Biggest Mistakes” is completely free for Utah residents. Simply visit www.UtahAccidentBook.com to request your free copy today. See why former Allstate insurance adjustor Chad Despain said, "No one should talk to an insurance adjustor or hire an attorney until they've read this book!"

Attorney and Author Kenneth L. Christensen was featured on KSL TV's Studio 5 program on March 18, 2009. Mr. Chrisensen explained why he wrote the Utah Accident Book, 7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case and how to avoid common mistakes that can be fatal to your acident claim.

To see the KSL TV interview with Mr. Christensen, click on the video below.

Utah accident victims now have a valuable resource to help them through the complicated insurance and legal jargon of their Utah accident case. The Utah accident book “Seven Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Car Accident” addresses many of the key issues involved in Utah accident cases, including an analysis on how insurance companies and adjustors operate and a description of what must be proven to win your accident case. Kenneth L. Christensen, founder of Christensen Law Firm, wrote the UT accident book as a service to all Utah residents. In his book, Mr. Christensen debunks many myths concerning accident cases and reveals the 7 common mistakes that accident victims make. He does all this in an easy-to-read format that translates confusing legal and insurance jargon into plain English. Best of all, the Utah accident book is FREE for Utah residents. Just visit www.utahaccidentbook.com to request your free copy. See why a former Allstate insurance adjustor said, “No one should talk to an insurance adjustor or hire an attorney until they've read this book!”

Kenneth Christensen, founder of Christensen Law Firm, has authored the Utah accident book “Seven Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Car Accident.” This book has been hailed as a must-have by a former Allstate insurance adjustor. Written in easy-to-read format, the UT accident book provides important information concerning common myths about Utah accident cases and useful tips on dealing with the insurance companies. This book answers common questions accident victims face, such as how to deal with insurance adjustors, what needs to be proven to win an accident case, and whether or not you would benefit from hiring an attorney. The Utah accident book not only provides its readers with crucial advice, but it does so free of charge. Any Utah resident can request a free copy by visiting www.utahaccidentbook.com. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Utah accident, make sure you request your free copy of the UT accident book as it can help you overcome the many complications of an accident case.

Many people that contact our office are involved in Utah car accidents and don't know what to do about their medical bills and the insurance adjustors calling to ask them questions. They are afraid if they say the wrong thing or sign the wrong paper they could jeopardize their case. This is a legitimate concern and the insurance companies do take advantage of people's inexperience with insurance claims.

That is why I wrote The Utah Accident Book, "7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case...And How To Avoid Them." I offer this book free to Utah residents. It reveals common insurance company tactics and helps level the playing field between accident victims and insurance companies. If you have been involved in a Utah car, motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian accident be sure to obtain your free, no obligation copy of this valuable Utah Accident Book at www.utahaccidentbook.com.

Attorney Kenneth Christensen wrote The UT accident book, “Seven Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case.” For a free copy of this book, visit http://www.utahaccidentbook.com or call 801.506.0800. The book offers great legal advice for Utah accident victims. Read the following excerpt from the free Utah accident book to learn the first mistake that injured people often make:

“Delay or Do Nothing: If you are really hurt in a Utah car accident, waiting to receive treatment for your injuries can make it extremely difficult to prove your injuries were caused by the accident. If you are injured, don’t delay; go to the emergency room or your family doctor immediately. You automatically have $3,000 available under PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage in your automobile policy. Delays or gaps in your treatment can prove damaging at trial.”

Attorney Kenneth Christensen is the author of The premier Utah (UT) accident book, entitled “Seven Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case.” This book was written to answer questions folllowing a car accident and help help avoid the pitfalls and traps many insurance companies lay for people that have never handled an insurance claim before. It is written in an easy-to-read format and communicates complicated legal and insurance jargon into understandable language. The book is free to all Utah residents and addresses common myths associated with personal injury cases, such as:

• If you are in an accident, you always need an attorney.
• If you write the insurance company a nice, reasonable letter, you will receive a reasonable settlement offer.
• You cannot get a rental car unless you give a record statement,
• The insurance adjustor is being nice now; once I ask for a settlement he will continue to be nice.
• The insurance company for the person who hit you is obligated to pay your medical bills as they become due.

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