On March 29, 2010, Oklahoma senators introduced legislation to improve traffic safety on Oklahoma highways by decreasing the maximum speed allowed by semi truckers to 65 mph. Currently, operators of big rigs are allowed to drive the up to the maximum posted speeds of 75 mph.

The impetus to tackle unsafe driving practices of truckers was a catastrophic multiple car accident that occurred on June 26, 2009. Truck driver, Donald Creed, 76, failed to brake in time when traffic was slowing on Will Rogers Turnpike causing a several car pileup that resulted in the deaths of 10 people. Donald Creed has been charged with 10 counts of negligent homicide for each of the victims of this tragic semi truck accident.

Sleep Apnea Prevalent Among Truckers

It is important to understand that speed wasn’t the only contributing factor in this horrific truck accident that resulted in multiple fatalities. Donald Creed had been driving for ten consecutive hours. He had not taken any breaks long enough to yield sleep or rest time. As experienced Utah personal injury attorneys, we have witnessed firsthand how drowsy driving is a severely under-investigated problem with truckers.

In fact, driver fatigue and drowsy driving is a major cause of semi truck accidents that injure and kill thousands of motorists, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians each year. According to a study authored by Dr. Stefanos Kales, Medical Director of the Employee and Industrial Medicine at Cambridge Health Alliance, truck drivers with sleep apnea are much more likely to fall asleep at the wheel and the condition is increasing as Americans become more obese. The study confirmed that commercial truck drivers have a high chance of having obstructive sleep apnea syndrome characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep attacks. The following statistics are quite sobering:

• Sleep Apnea increases the risk of a motor accident by nearly 7-fold
• 2.4-3.9 million licensed commercial drivers in the U.S. have sleep apnea

How Do We Let This Happen?

It is standard practice nationwide that truckers are paid based on the expected miles travelled in a specific amount of time. Trucker drivers are then rewarded for accruing additional miles in a shortened amount of time. Consequently, under the currently system, semi truck drivers are rewarded to sleep less, speed more and travel increased distances. Consider this a call to action to improve the traffic Safety on our Utah roads by urging Utah legislative representatives to implement laws that mandate trucking companies to curb driving hours down to a safe amount that is both healthier for the driver and safer for our Utah residents.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed as the result of a Utah trucking accident, the skilled Utah Truck accident attorneys of the Christensen Law Firm can help you. Trucking accidents are unique because the parties involved are usually from out of state and their insurance companies are usually large national firms. Attorney Ken Christensen is the leading truck accident attorney in Utah as he has experience working with several major trucking firms. You can contact us at (801) 506-0800 to set up a FREE no obligation consultation with Mr. Christensen.

New information has become available on the Utah fuel tanker crash that occurred in the early morning hours of March 17, 2010 on Interstate 15 near Roy. According Deseret News reporters, the Utah Highway Patrol will be filing charges, with the Weber County Attorney’s office, against the semi truck driver that include possession of drug paraphernalia and lane travel violation. The UHP confirms that drowsy driving is the cause of this Utah semi truck accident. Authorities are waiting on the toxicology report to confirm whether the semi truck driver was high on drugs at the time of the accident. If positive, the truck driver will face criminal charges as the state of Utah aggressively pursues drug and alcohol laws especially when they deal with motorist safety.

According to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration, driver drowsiness is the major contributing cause of 80% motor vehicle collisions nationwide.

Public Costs of Drowsy Driving

Drowsy driving substantially increases the risk of causing a catastrophic car accident. The damages that result are many. Most often the injuries that result from drowsy driving are catastrophic and even fatal. It is a miracle nobody else was hurt in yesterday’s semi truck accident in Utah. Also, road blocks and investigations are intensive for these kinds of Utah car accidents which cause traffic congestion or standstills for hours. Thirdly, Drowsy driving accidents usually involve one vehicle striking a median, guard rail, building or another vehicle which results in thousands of dollars in property damage. When large trucks are involved the damage can result in millions of dollars. UDOT spokesman Vic Saunders confirmed that in yesterday’s semi truck accident, a 25 feet long section of the freeway had to be replaced. “The asphalt tends to be eaten up by the diesel spill and now the road is unstable,” Saunders reported. This is not good news to Utah tax payers who are a main contributor to Utah’s road maintenance.

Fiery Utah Tanker Crash Spills Thousands of Oil on I-15

St. Patrick’s Day did not begin well for Interstate 15 commuters near Roy who are in a traffic standstill this morning. Around 5 am on March 17, 2010, the 55-year-old driver of a semi pulling two fuel-filled tankers crashed into the median on the 5600 South overpass on I-15. The Salt Lake tanker accident spilled over 5 thousand gallons of oil and caught fire. Emergency crews quickly responded and put out the fire before any explosions. Fortunately, there were no other vehicles involved in this potentially catastrophic Salt Lake semi truck accident. The driver of the semi has been treated minor injuries.

Drowsy Driving Caused this Utah Semi Truck Accident

Although the Utah Highway Patrol has administered a blood test to the driver of the semi in order to find out if this Salt Lake City semi truck accident case is alcohol related, ABC news reports that the driver of the semi has admitted to falling asleep behind the wheel when the Utah Tanker accident occurred.

Utah Statistics on Drowsy Driving Fatalities

Data from the Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) demonstrates that Utah has averaged 1,200 crashes and 32 deaths per year that are caused by drowsy driving. Nationally, each year 100,000 motor vehicle crashes are caused by fatigued drivers—killing more than 1,500 Americans and injury another 71,000 Americans.

UHP officer Lee Perry stated in a recent KSL interview, “Being a drowsy driver, being a tired driver, is a dangerous driver. You’re just as dangerous as any drunk driver we’re ever going to see out there and we’ve got to stop people from driving that way.”

Sleep Smart Drive Smart Campaign provides an interesting fact: Being awake for 20 hours strait is equal to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% which is legally drunk and leaves you at risk for a crash.

If you or a loved one has become a victim of a semi truck or big rig accident, it is well advised to contact a skilled Salt Lake City trucking accident attorney that can advise you of your legal rights and benefits. Feel free to contact The Christensen Law Firm, PLLC, at (801) 506-0800.

Kristen Kay Taylor, 25, of Salt Lake City was tragically killed in a multi-vehicle accident on Wednesday afternoon of March 10, 2010. Utah Highway Patrol reports that the heavy snow storm over I-15 near Cedar City created such limited visibility that a serious of catastrophic car accidents took place within minutes.

Facts of What Caused the Fatal Car Crash

13 vehicles were involved in 3 separate car collisions that tragic afternoon alone. Ms. Taylor was a victim of the second accident. The first crash involved two vehicles and two tractor-trailers. Five cars stopped for the initial car accident. Ms Taylor, driving a Kia Spectra, stopped behind a tractor-trailer but the semi truck driving behind her did not stop in time. The semi truck struck Ms. Taylor’s Kia with enough force to smash it against the semi in front of her. A third car then hit the semi, causing further damage.

Ms. Taylor was killed at the scene of the car accident. Utah Highway Patrol Trooper Cameron Roden stated in a Salt Lake Tribune report that the male passenger in the Kia, believed to be Ms. Taylor’s fiancée, was seriously injured and his arm amputated may have to be amputated. He was taken to Dixie Regional Medical Center in critical condition. Several passengers and drivers of the multi-car crash were also taken to the hospital for medical treatment.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friend who loved and knew Kristen Kay Taylor. I will keep them in my prayers as they go through the difficult grieving process of losing a loved one so suddenly. I also pray for Ms. Taylor's finance that he may recover. I hope that the other injured victims heal from their injuries quickly and completely.

Fault and Liability

It appears that the driver of the semi truck is liable for the wrongful death of Ms. Taylor and the injuries to her passenger. The at-fault driver could be held liable for the accident, injuries and damages caused by his negligent driving behavior. The personal injury and wrongful death claims may be complex as the trucking agency is probably from out-of-state. A skilled wrongful death attorney has expertise dealing with national insurance companies and Utah Law. The experienced Salt Lake City personal injury attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm help Utah victims and their families better understand their legal rights and options so they can focus on healing from their tragic loss.

If you or a loved one has become a victim of a Utah accident or a wrongful death accident, feel free to contact the Christensen Law Firm for a FREE consultation at 801.506.0800.

Fatal Head on Collision with Semi Truck Kills One and Critically Injures Another

Immense tragedy struck two families on Saturday afternoon of March 6, 2010. 24-year-old Trent Walker of Utah County was driving home from a funeral service near Birdseye, Utah, when he was involved in a fatal car crash with a semi truck. Utah Highway Patrol Trooper Todd Johnson confirmed that Mr. Walker crossed the center line and caused a head on collision with a semi truck. Mr. Trent Walker died at the scene of this horrific accident and Mr. Slobodan Spanovic, the 45-year-old driver of the semi truck was flown to University of Utah Hospital in Critical condition. The Salt Lake Tribune reported this morning that Mr. Spanovic has now been released from the hospital.

My heart goes out to both victims of this terrible car verses semitrailer accident. I pray that Mr. Walker’s family and friends have support as they go through the difficult process of grieving the sudden loss of a loved one. I hope that Mr. Spanovic fully recovers from the serious injuries he sustained in this tragic accident.

What Caused this Fatal Utah County Car Accident?

Aggressive driving behavior may have been a factor in this accident. Utah Highway Patrol confirmed in a KSL news report that the driver of the pickup truck was trying to pass another car at the time of the head on collision with the semi truck. U.S. Highway 89 in Spanish Fork Canyon is a curvy mountainous road that offers limited visibility of oncoming traffic. As personal injury attorneys that serve victims of Utah County automobile accidents, we highly advise waiting until a designated passing lane is available before attempting to pass slower traffic. Crossing the center line in order to pass traffic is an example of aggressive driving according to the Federal National Safety Council and it is against Utah State traffic laws. The fatal consequences of such driving behavior occur much too frequently.

Finding an the Best Utah County Personal Injury Attorney

In such cases, victims’ families would be well-advised to seek the counsel of a reputed Utah County car accident lawyer who is also experienced in wrongful death and big rig/ trucking accidents. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, victims can file a personal injury claim to receive compensation for medical treatment, property damage, loss of income and more. Also, the families of the deceased victim may be able to file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover funeral expenses, lost of future earning, loss of love and companionship and other related damages. Please contact attorneys Ken Christensen or Russ Hymas, two of the leading experts of trucking and car accident claim, at the Christensen Law Firm, PLLC, if you have been injured or have any questions about your legal rights. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case.

Salt Lake County: (801) 506-0800
Utah County: (801) 224-2999
Davis County: (801) 294-9500

Around three am on January 7, 2010, a semi-truck hauling 50,000 gallons of crude oil was involved in a single vehicle rollover right outside of Heber City on U.S. 40. The truck accident resulted in an oil spill that required the Utah High Patrol to stop westbound traffic until the Utah Health Department could send the hazardous material cleanup crew. Fortunately, nobody was injured in the trucking accident and the cleanup was completed in a couple of hours.

The second large truck accident this morning occurred on eastbound Interstate 80 when the driver of a dump truck lost control and rolled. The Deseret News reports that the driver sustained multiple injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Luckily, no other vehicles were involved and there were no other reported injuries. However, traffic was affected—during rush hour. Authorities are not sure why these truck drivers lost control of their vehicles and caused significant accidents on Utah roads. Investigators are looking into the possibility that the drivers were driving impaired by driver fatigue or inattentiveness. They have not ruled out whether the trucks mechanically malfunctioned.

Most people agree that they would rather have semi-truck operatives travel at night or early morning to avoid driving with the average commuters. However, some people are beginning to question whether the odd driving hours present a safety hazard. They wonder how successful long haul drivers are with coping with drowsy driving especially when traveling in the dark. Others question whether semi-truck operatives follow the speed limit during their long hauls.

National Statistics on Big Rig Accidents in Utah

Authorities report that large truck operators have several unique obstacles when driving across the country these include:

• Unfamiliarity with the roadway
• Driving too fast for conditions
• Maneuvering truck in a manner not designed for the weight or load
(which can off balance the entire truck and its load)
• Inattention
• Fatigue
• Illness
• Distraction by passengers
• Low visibility of smaller vehicles

Statistics from Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) report that an average of 5,000 large trucks are involved in fatal traffic accidents each year. Tractors pulling one semitrailer are the most common truck involved in a fatal trucking accident. MCMIS also reports that around 136,438 large trucks were involved in non-fatal crashes. From these statistics, it is obvious that motorists must be extra cautious when driving near semi-trucks and other large trucks. Even if a truck does not hit another vehicle, it can still be a lethal instrument. For instance, a trailer could jackknife across a highway, obscure other drivers’ sightlines, or push cars out of lanes.

The laws for dealing with the aftermath of truck accidents can get quite complex. Fortunately, if you’ve been injured in a truck accident around Salt Lake City, Orem, Bountiful, or Draper Utah, you can rely on the time-tested attorneys at Christensen Law Firm, PLLC. Dial us at (801) 506-0800 or contact us at UtahPersonalInjuryLawFirm.com to find out more about our unique practice and to explore setting up a free consultation with our team.

Not all accidents can be avoided. Even the safest drivers fall victim to the negligence of others. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a Utah truck accident, you understand the difficulties of recovery. The emotional and physical toll of a Utah accident can quickly become overwhelming. Hiring the best personal injury attorney in Utah can help ensure you receive a full compensation for your injuries, providing you with the peace of mind that your medical expenses and damages will be covered. For a free consultation with the expert Utah injury attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm, call 801.506.0800. We provide personal service to all of our clients, and will diligently work for the settlement you deserve. We also offer a free Utah accident book, "7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case." For your free book visit www.UtahAccidentBook.com.

Even if you haven't been in a Utah semi truck accident, it is not uncommon to become a bit tense when you’re driving on the freeway and pass a large commercial truck. Large trucks have wide blind spots, limited room to stop, and can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. These factors only add to the inherent dangers of driving near semi-trucks. Consider the statistics: according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, occupants of passenger vehicles comprise 98% of all fatalities in car vs. large truck accidents. Every sixteen minutes, someone is injured or killed in an accident involving a large truck.

For these reasons, it is important to follow certain safety procedures when driving near semi-trucks. Zero Fatalities offers some important safety tips for drivers:

· Avoid driving in a truck’s blind spot. If you need to pass a truck, do not linger alongside the vehicle, as trucks have especially large blind spots.

· Do not cut close in front of a truck. The sheer size of a semi truck necessitates an increased stopping distance. If you cut in front of a truck too closely and suddenly need to stop, the truck will likely smash into the back of your vehicle with lethal force.

· Keep in mind that trucks have a wide turning radius. When driving in urban areas, do not forget that trucks often need to cross the yellow line when they make a right hand turn. Stay out of the its turning path.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued new braking standards for tractor-trailers on July 24, 2009. These new standards will improve the stopping distance for large trucks by 30%, requiring large trucks traveling at 60 mph to come to a complete stop in 250 feed. The old braking standard demanded trucks stop within 355 feet. The NHTSA estimates that the new requirement will save roughly 230 lives and prevent 300 serious injuries annually. In addition, the new braking standard should reduce property damage costs by $169 million each year. The new standard will begin with 2012 models and only applies to truck tractors. Single-unit trucks, trailers, and buses are not included in the new regulation.

Did you know that a commercial truck weighing 80,000 pounds can do as much damage as 9,600 cars? Even scarier is the frequency of semi-truck accidents. In the United States, large truck crashes kill or injures someone every 16 minutes. Hopefully, this new braking standard will help reduce the frequency of Utah semi-truck accidents. For more information on large truck accident statistics, read the article “Commercial Motor Vehicle Facts” in the Christensen Law Firm’s online library. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Utah semi truck accident, contact the experienced Salt Lake City, Utah injury lawyers of the Christensen Law Firm for a free consultation at 801.506.0800.

Date: July 31, 2009
Location: Interstate 84 in Weber County
Type: Fatal Utah accident, Utah semi-truck accident

A tragic Utah car accident took place in Weber County this past weekend. According to KSL News, 29-year-old Caleb Nelson was driving his SUV west on I-84 near Riverdale on Friday. The driver of a flatbed tractor-trailer had pulled his vehicle to the side of the road to make adjustments to his load. Nelson drifted off the side of the road onto the shoulder and crashed his Lincoln SUV into the semi. Nelson died instantly at the scene of the accident. A one-year-old girl was in the SUV at the time of the accident and was transported to the hospital in critical condition. The driver of the semi truck was not injured. Authorities are still determining why Nelson veered off the road.

The baby girl was strapped into a car seat at the time of the accident. Research shows that proper car seats greatly reduce injury and fatalities among infant accident victims. When an infant is placed in a car seat, his/her fatality rate is reduced by 75%. Booster seats have a similar effect for toddlers, reducing their fatality rate by 60%. It is also important to place children in the back seat of the vehicle, as they are 38% less likely to be injured in a traffic accident in the back seat. For more information on child and booster seats, read the article “Child Car Restraint Statistics” in the Christensen Law Firm’s online library.

If you have suffered injuries from a Utah car or truck accident, visit our website to see how the Christensen Law Firm can help you! You can also request a free copy of the Utah accident book. This book was written by the founder of our law firm, Kenneth Christensen, and answers many of the common questions you may have after your Utah car accident. For a FREE copy of the UT accident book, visit www.utahaccidentbook.com. For a free, no-obligation consultation about your Utah accident case, contact us at 801.506.0800.

Large trucks such as 18 wheelers and tractor trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, posing a serious threat to other vehicles on the road. Truck drivers have enormous responsibility of driving cautiously with such a powerful, and potentially lethal, vehicle under their control. Yet almost one in every four fatalities resulting from a multi-vehicle collision involves a large truck. According to SafeRoads.org, one of the most common causes of Utah trucking accidents is truck driver fatigue. Truckers often drive long, consecutive hours without necessary breaks. This leads to reduced reaction time, nodding off, or even falling asleep at the wheel. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration estimates fatigued truck drivers cause 750 deaths and 20,000 injuries every year. Here are some more shocking facts about fatigue and commercial vehicle drivers:

• In 1999, large trucks represented only 3% of the nation’s registered vehicles, but account for 13% of all passenger vehicle deaths.
• Driver fatigue is a factor in almost 40% of all large truck crashes.
• According to recent international research, one in every five truck driving crashes results from drivers falling asleep at the wheel.
• A poll conducted in 2000 found that 68% of Americans would willingly pay more for goods and shipping if it meant that truckers would work no more than 12 hours per day.

For more statistics and information concerning large truck accidents, read the article “Large Truck and Bus Crash Statistics” in the Christensen Law Firm’s online library. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Utah large truck accident, contact the Christensen Law Firm for a free consultation at 801.506.0800. Our Utah injury attorneys are well-versed in commercial trucking laws and will diligently work to ensure you receive the settlement you deserve.

An everyday semi-truck on the road can appear harmless, but quickly turn deadly when the truck goes out of control. Large Truck accidents are far more frequent than you may know. Every 16 minutes, a person is killed or sustains injuries in accidents involving 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, or semi-trucks. Truck driver’s work long hours at a time transporting merchandise all over the country. They often become fatigued while driving which often results in poor judgment calls in critical moments on the road.

In 2001, 429,000 large trucks were involved in traffic crashes in the United States. Sadly 4,793 of those were fatal causing the deaths of 5,082 people. If these numbers appear staggering, the number of people injured in large truck collisions in 2001 is even more dramatic. 131,000 people were injured in collisions with heavy trucks in 2001. These accidents happen frequently and are affecting large numbers of innocent people. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported that in crashes involving large trucks and other vehicles, 98% of the fatalities occur to people in vehicles that collide with large trucks. Consequently it’s generally not the truck drivers who are seriously affected by their mistakes, it’s you.

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