Utah Car Accident | Utah Law Talk

Archive for the ‘Utah car accident’ Category

UTA Driver Should Lose Job Over Recent Accident

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

The Salt Lake Tribune reported that a maintenance worker on his way to the scene of a Utah Transit Authority (UTA) versus car accident on May 7, 2010, and who caused a crash by running a red light may be in danger of losing his job.

Well, I certainly hope so!

According to the story, the UTA employee was on his way to investigate a crash that occurred on South Campus Drive and 1725 East in Salt Lake City between a UTA train and a car. Although the story doesn’t say, it makes sense that he was dispatched to the scene of the crash. UTA, in the cases I have reviewed, and in those that I have handled and currently handle, like to get their investigators on the scene ASAP.

I would hope given the negligence of the UTA driver, and the resulting serious injuries to an innocent motorist, that UTA will discharge this employee so that this type of accident will not repeat itself. I will not hold my breath, though, as they sadly seem to have a history of retaining drivers who drive carelessly and injure unsuspecting motorists and pedestrians, such as Kristen Kenny. See Salt Lake Tribune article here.

The opinions expressed above belong to Utah personal injury and accident attorney Ron Kramer.

Posted in Utah car accident, auto accidents | No Comments »

Taylorsville Utah Personal Injury Attorney Offers Free Accident Book

Thursday, April 15th, 2010

Even if you don’t want to ever hire an attorney after your Taylorsville, Utah car accident, you’ll want to get your hands on a copy of “The Utah Accident Book.” This book will cost you absolutely nothing and it comes without obligation to those who order it. In the book, attorney Ron Kramer explains the process you’ll go through in dealing with the auto insurance companies. He also discusses the thirteen mistakes you must avoid in your case if you want to prevail on your claim. Ron Kramer also includes a chapter on representing yourself with the insurance company, just in case you decide you want to do it on your own.

If you are uncertain about hiring a Taylorsville personal injury attorney, you’ll want to look at the chapter in the Utah Accident Book dealing with what to look at in hiring a personal injury and accident lawyer. Hint: the guy on TV or on the billboard may not be the best attorney for your case.

For those who totaled their cars in the accident, Kramer includes a chapter in the Utah Accident Book on the steps to getting top dollar from the insurance company and discusses why you may be entitled to get a rental car when the other guy totaled yours. In short, this book offers something for everyone! To get your own copy of the Utah Accident Book, call (801) 553-8838, or click http://MyAccidentBook.com

Ron Kramer is a Taylorsville Utah personal injury attorney and author of The Utah Accident Book. He has offices in Bountiful, Draper and Provo, Utah. His Bountiful office is located at 503 West 2600 South, Suite 200, Bountiful, Utah 84010.

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One Man Dies and another is Injured in Ogden, Utah Car Crash

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

Joseph M. Barela, 19, from Ogden, Utah, died on March 14, 2010 from an alcohol-related car crash. According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Barela was driving a blue 1995 Chevy Cavalier when he veered off 12th Street at around 4 in the morning in Ogden, Utah. Barela was speeding at the time of the accident. His car crossed into the westbound lane, jumped the curb and went into a grove of trees before eventually hitting the rock wall in front of a house. A 20-year-old man from Ogden, Utah who was a passenger in the car, crawled out the window to ask for help at the house. The car burst into flames and the passenger ran back to the car to pull Barela out of his seat. Unfortunately, Barela died at the scene. The passenger was taken to McKay-Dee Hospital Center for treatment.

I wish the family of young Joseph Barela the very best as they are cope with this tragic loss. It appears the passenger was treated and released; I wish him well as he recovers in the coming weeks.

Liability appears to lie with the driver, Joseph Barela. The initial reports indicate that Barela may was driving under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol inhibits our senses making driving extremely difficult. Drunk driving leads to serious lapses in judgment, lapses that are magnified on the road. The slightest obstacle can present a serious problem to a drunk driver. Alcohol causes slower reaction time, decreased perception ability, and a tendency to be overconfident with your driving. All of these outcomes put the driver, passenger, and everyone else on the road in serious danger.

In this case, the passenger has a claim against the car’s insurance. This claim will help him cover medical bills associated with the crash, recover lost wages and compensate for pain and suffering. I recommend that the passenger of the vehicle contact an experienced Ogden, Utah personal injury attorney who will help him explore all legal avenues available.

Posted in Drunk Driving, Utah car accident, Vehicle Injury, utah fatal car accident | No Comments »

Bountiful Personal Injury Lawyer Offers Free Book | Bountiful Accident Attorney

Friday, February 26th, 2010

Even if you don’t want to ever hire an attorney after your Bountiful, Ogden or Layton car accident, you’ll want to get your hands on a copy of “The Utah Accident Book.” This book will cost you absolutely nothing and it comes without obligation to those who order it. In the book, attorney Ron Kramer explains the process you’ll go through in dealing with the auto insurance companies. He also discusses the thirteen mistakes you must avoid in your case if you want to prevail on your claim. Ron Kramer also includes a chapter on representing yourself with the insurance company, just in case you decide you want to do it on your own.

If you are uncertain about hiring a Bountiful personal injury and accident attorney, you’ll want to look at the chapter in the Utah Accident Book dealing with what to look at in hiring a personal injury and accident lawyer. Hint: the guy on TV or on the billboard may not be the best attorney for your case.

Ron Kramer is a Bountiful personal injury attorney and author with six children. He has offices in Bountiful, Draper and Provo, Utah. His Bountiful office is located at 503 West 2600 South, Suite 200, Bountiful, Utah 84010.

Posted in Utah car accident, Vehicle Injury | No Comments »

Alpine Utah Boy Run over in Utah Rollover Accident

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

A 10-year-old boy from Alpine, Utah is recovering from serious injuries sustained after being hit by a car on Friday, February 19, 2010. According to the Salt Lake Tribune, the accident occurred around 8 p.m. near 400 North Whitby Woodlands Driver. The boy was sitting on the trunk of a vehicle driven by a 16-year-old. Lone Peak Police Sgt. Dave Boerner reports that the 16-year-old put the car in reverse, the boy fell off the trunk and was run over.

Investigators are unsure why the boy was riding on the trunk. Initial reports indicate the 16-year-old knew the 10-year-old was on the trunk. Other children were in the car when the accident happened. The boy was transported to American Fork Hospital before being flown to Primary Children’s Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is listed in serious condition but is expected to survive.

I wish the boy all the best as he recovers from his injuries. Legally speaking, no Utah motorist should ever allow anyone to sit on the trunk of the car while the car is in motion. Even though the driver was inexperienced, common sense would dictate that this is an accident waiting to happen. There may also be an issue here with the parents of the 16 year old, whether they negligently entrusted this motor vehicle to this teenager. At any rate, Utah law requires that the parents of the teen take responsibility for injuries from car accidents where there car is used in a way that causes injury to another.

Ron Kramer is a Utah accident and personal injury lawyer with offices in Draper, Bountiful and Provo, Utah.

The Kramer Law Group does not currently represent any of the parties referenced in the blog article above. We have cited and linked to the source of our information. If you were involved in the above incident, or one like it, and have questions about your rights and possible remedies, you may call a reputable Utah personal injury law firm. The information and opinions expressed above are provided as a public service and should not be used in place of legal advice from a qualified Utah personal injury attorney.

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Student Truck Driver Causes Utah Trucking Accident near St. George Utah

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

A student truck driver hit a car head-on, injuring four people on Saturday, February 6, 2010. This Utah semi-truck accident happened on I-15, just outside of Harmony, Utah which is north of St. George, Utah.

According to police, the student truck driver was driving south on Interstate 15 at around 3:00 p.m. when he lost control of the truck as he attempted to round a curve at a high rate of speed. Zimbio reports that the driver lost control on the wet pavement and crossed over the center median into the northbound lanes. The truck then slammed into a Chevy Malibu that was driven by a 38-year-old woman from Plain City, Utah. Three other passengers were also riding in the Malibu, they were treated for minor injuries After the truck hit the Malibu, the Malibu went off the road and ended up about twenty feet down the embankment. The semi-truck ended up on the northbound side of the interstate

New Harmony emergency personnel arrived and treated all injured parties. The woman driving the Malibu received the most serious injuries and was taken to Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George, Utah. She was then airlifted to Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah. Her name has not been released but sources report the injuries were not considered life-threatening.

Utah Highway Patrol, who responded to the accident, report that the student truck driver carried a valid commercial driver’s license but had not yet completed the required 300 hours of driver training. His instructor had allegedly fallen asleep when the driver attempted to take the curve.

I truly wish all the parties the very best as they recover. How fortunate that the injuries were not life-threatening.

The parties traveling in the Malibu can make a claim against the insurance of this truck school. The driver, the trainer, and the school all share liability in this accident. I recommend that the parties traveling in the Chevy Malibu contact an experienced Utah trucking attorney who will help them receive the compensation they deserve.

Posted in Trucking Accident, Utah Trucking Big Rig Accident, Utah car accident | No Comments »

Five Injured in Head-on Auto Accident in West Valley City Utah

Friday, February 12th, 2010

Several Utah residents were seriously injured following a head-on collision that involved three cars. This Utah auto accident happened at 7am on U-111 near 5400 South on Thursday, February 11, 2010 in West Valley City, Utah. The KSL news is reporting that five people were involved in the accident.

Officials say that three men were riding in a pickup truck and attempted to make a left turn when they hit an oncoming vehicle that was then hit by another vehicle from behind. The three men in the truck were transported to Intermountain Medical Center in critical condition. A woman who was riding in the second car was transported to the hospital in serious condition.

I wish all parties the very best as they recover.

Too often we see these head-on collisions on highways whose lanes are separated only by a yellow line. The U-111 runs out past Kennecott Copper and connects with the SR-201. From what I understand, the road can be pretty treacherous at times. People drive at very high speeds but the road still has scattered traffic lights.

I recommend that the parties involved contact an experienced Utah personal injury lawyer who can help them receive fair compensation for their loss.

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St. George Drunk Driver Takes Life, Gets Prison Term

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

John Hanson pleaded guilty to automobile homicide and will receive the maximum sentence of one to fifteen years. The decision came in the Utah 5th District Court on Monday, January 25 , 2010. Hanson pleaded guilty to driving drunk and striking and killing 52-year-old motorcyclist, Leland Lloyd. This fatal Utah auto accident happened near an Albertson’s on Telegraph Street in August of 2009 in St. George, Utah.

Hanson’s attorney said that Hanson has felt terrible remorse for his actions and since the Utah auto accident Hanson has taken steps to get help with his alcohol problem, reports thespectrum.com. Hanson wishes to continue his alcohol treatment.

In court, Hanson read a letter he wrote to the Lloyd family, who were present in the courtroom during the trail. He said he’s constantly tormented by what he has done. “Your lives and dreams have truly been shattered,” Hanson said. “I wish you could understand that I’m not a monster, but a loving caring person.” He continued, “But my pain must pale in comparison to what you are going through.”

After the verdict was given Judge Rand Beacham said, “Mr. Hanson has made serious strides (to improve) but the problem is he waited too long and he’s affected too many innocent lives.”

Utah Drunk Driving Statistics

Utah DUI law prohibits any person from operating a vehicle if he or she’s blood alcohol concentration is .08 or greater or the person is under the influence of alcohol or drugs that makes the person incapable of operating the car safely. Drunk driving sentences range from class B misdemeanors for first offenders to a third degree felony when the person has had a prior DUI conviction or the accident causes a fatality.

In 2008, data given by alcoholalert.com shows 275 total fatalities were alcohol related. In the United States, an estimated 11,773 people died in drunk driving crashes. That number constitutes 31.6% of the total number of traffic fatalities in the United States in 2008.

Ron Kramer is a Utah personal injury attorney with offices in Provo, Draper and Bountiful Utah.

Posted in Drunk Driving, Utah car accident, Wrongful Death | No Comments »

Winter Storm Causes Several Utah Auto Accidents

Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

A winter storm caused many Utah auto accidents during the morning commute on Monday, January, 18, 2010. The rain, snow and icy conditions caused serious problems forcing Utah Highway Patrol troopers to respond to 97 accidents from Davis country to Utah county. Accidents were reported as early as 5 a.m. and continued steadily through the morning commute. Fortunately, none of the accidents were life threatening.

Reported by KSL news, I-15 in Salt Lake City, Utah was a major trouble spot. Drivers reported that they were not able to go a half mile without passing a Utah auto accident. Teresa Henderson was riding in an SUV that spun out on I-15. “It’s a mess. It’s just ice,” she said. “It’s like ice skating.”

Driver Matthew Skaggs’ car was involved in one of the more severe accidents of the morning. He was trying to pass a bus when he realized a car had spun out and was stopped in his lane. He didn’t have anywhere to go.”It was either left into a car next to me or right into a bus. So I decided to do neither and put my brakes on. I slid into the bus and bounced off of it right into the median.

Skaggs says he was driving less than 55 miles per hour when he got in his accident but troopers say that is not slow enough.

Ron Kramer is a Salt Lake City, Utah personal injury attorney who helps his clients receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Posted in Utah car accident, Vehicle Injury | No Comments »

Women From Provo and Orem, Utah Involved in Serious Car Accident in Idaho

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

Carlybeth Ramirez, 21, from Orem, Utah, was killed in a car accident while passenger Tihare Salazar of Provo, Utah was seriously injured. The accident happened on Monday, January 18, 2010 on Interstate 15 in Idaho. This auto accident happened around 4:30 p.m. south of Pocatello, Idaho. According to KSL news, the car was going north when it drifted off the road. Idaho State Police say that Carlybeth Ramirez overcorrected causing her car to roll several times through the median, eventually stopping in southbound lanes.

Ramirez died at the scene. The passenger in the car, 21-year-old Tihare Salazar of Provo, Utah was transported in serious condition to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Pocatello, Idaho.

I offer my sincere condolences to the family of Carlybeth Ramirez. What a tragic loss for this family. I hope for the very best for young Tihare Salazer as she recovers from her injuries.

The investigation shows that Ms. Ramirez may have drifted slightly and then overcorrected causing the car to spin out of control. Typically, the initial investigation will only show that the vehicle spun out of control but will not show that factors that caused the accident. Could a mechanical malfunction have lead to the car to spin out of control?

As a passenger in the vehicle, Ms. Salazar should hire a skilled Utah personal injury attorney who will help her receive compensation for her medical bills and pain and suffering.

Posted in Utah car accident, Vehicle Injury | No Comments »