Utah Law Talk

Two accidents over the weekend near Wendover, Utah, claimed two lives. The first car accident happened on November 15, 2008. In that crash, a driver heading eastbound near Wendover, lost control of the Chrysler minivan they were driving, killing passenger Annabelle W. Mattson. Ms. Mattson was 86 years old at the time of the crash.

The second auto accident happened the next day when Kirk Atkinson, who was also traveling east near Wendover, rolled his vehicle off the right side of the road. Atkinson unfortunately, was unrestrained and flew out of his truck.

As for the first Wendover car accident, the family of Ms. Mattson, specifically her husband (if alive), and her children (if any) have a claim against the insurance company for the van that she was traveling in. If Ms. Mattson had her own car insurance, then her family can also make a claim on that insurance company for “under-insured” benefits. That policy, if there was one, also provides a small benefit for funeral expenses.

I’m not sure what caused these two accidents in the same general area to occur, but it seems some of the deadliest car accidents happen in relatively desolated areas, such as in central Utah and the area between Tooele and Wendover. My sincere condolences to the families of these two crash victims.

Ron Kramer is a Utah personal injury attorney focusing on personal injury claims and specializing in car accident claims. Source for article: Salt Lake Tribune

Published by: Ron Kramer

Amanda Clifford, a 20-year-old Utah Valley University student from Lindon, Utah, was taken off of life support by her family earlier this afternoon after being critically injured from an automobile accident on southbound I-15. Sadly, it appears she suffered a major traumatic brain injury. According to Deseret News, witnesses say that it looked like Clifford was cut off just north of the Orem exit of 800 North. This caused her to lose control of her car, which ended up swerving into a semi truck, which was just to her left. The big rig then hit the driver’s side of her Honda Civic. The freeway was closed for 10-15 minutes while a helicopter from the University of Utah landed. Officers believe that Clifford was on her way to UVU to attend a 9 a.m. class.

The UHP is seeking the public’s help to identify who the driver may have been the one that cut off Amanda Clifford. Anyone who has information regarding this auto crash should call 801-374-7030.

I was actually on my way to Provo this morning with my son when I stopped in the HOV lane for the helicopter that landed about 100 yards ahead of us. As traffic started up again, I glanced over and saw the truck and the front of it looked pretty bashed up. It looked like a substantial collision for that kind of damage to occur to a big rig. I only got a quick glance at the Honda, and that car also looked substantially damaged.

Since witnesses say that it looked like Ms. Clifford was cut-off, her family – which would include her parents, her husband (if married) and her children (if any) – would have a wrongful death claim in this tragic case against the at-fault driver. If that driver cannot be found, her family may be able to make a claim on her uninsured auto policy. In addition, her policy’s PIP (personal injury protection) insurance coverage would pay an amount toward funeral expenses and at least $3,000 toward her medical bills. The family would be well advised to contact an experienced Utah personal injury attorney to find out what the extent of their legal options are. Given the tragic nature of the situation, it is likely that any attorney taking this case would offer (if asked) a significant discount to help the family in this situation.

Published by: Ron Kramer