Had Habits that Develop Over Time

 1. Ignoring blind spots

 Checking your mirrors and adjusting them to avoid any blindspots is one of the first things you learn when driving. It only takes a few seconds to adapt and only a fraction of one to do a head-check. Maybe not having an instructor double-check these every time could have led people to fall out of this habit. 

Some new cars include technology that monitors blind spots and makes either noise or has a flashing light to warn the driver, but don’t rely on these. Keep the habit of making sure you can see as much of your surroundings as possible; you can never be 100% sure if there’s another car in your blindspots if you don’t look. 

 2. Poor steering wheel control

According to a study, after just a few weeks of passing their driving tests, many drivers stop putting the hands on the correct “10 and 2 o’clock” or new “9 and 3 o’clock” positions. Most of them start driving with one hand on the wheel. New studies show how having both hands on the “9 and 3 o’clock” position can yield even better control over the movement of your car. Set down your morning coffee and pay attention to the road and your car. The last thing you want is to cause an accident, so be aware and prepared at all times.

 3. Lack of indicating

 Failing to indicate a turn or lane change can land you a ticket and create an unsafe environment for other motorists or pedestrians as they won’t expect you to turn or change lanes. Other vehicle drivers and pedestrians should be able to see what you’re planning on doing; that way, they can be prepared, and there would be a lower chance of an accident. 

 4. Keeping your distance

 If the car in front of you would come to a sudden stop, it’d be best to have some distance from them, so you have less of a risk of going into the back of them. It’s essential to keep your distance even at a standstill as a car could rollback (especially on hills). On main roads, try to stay one or two cars’ length (~40 meters) away. A good rule of thumb while at a standstill is to make sure you can always see the car’s rear tires in front of you.

 5. Driving on low fuel

Not only is this harmful to your engine, but some people even believe the lower the fuel, the less weight and, therefore, go further. But they run the risk of running entirely out of fuel which, would be a terrible hazard in the middle of an interstate. Not to mention how awful it is on your engine to run your car out of fuel. 

Avoid this habit by pre-emptively filling up your car’s fuel as soon as it drops below a quarter tank.

 6. Not wearing a seatbelt

 Not wearing a seatbelt is by far the worst bad habit that new drivers pick up the quickest. In fact, according to a study, this happens after just two weeks of passing their test. It’s imperative to wear your seatbelt at all times, as it can be quite fatal to sustain a high-speed impact without a seatbelt. Make it a habit to put on your seatbelt the second you get into the car.

Most Common Injuries

Through recent years, road fatalities have been declining in Utah, an injury from a car accident could still be catastrophic. We see a wide range of injuries from minor soft tissue injuries to the spinal cord and brain trauma injuries that leave victims paralyzed. The following are among the most common car accident injuries:

Whiplash

You may experience this if your head undergoes a rapid back-and-forth impact in an accident. Whiplash is extremely common in rear-end accidents. Keep in mind that it could take a couple of days before you start noticing pain and stiffness in your neck after the accident.   

Back Injuries

A back injury can range from a sore back to herniated discs or even spinal cord injuries. Even a minor injury can leave you with residual pain. If a herniated disc starts pressing on a nerve, you may experience some decrease in your quality of life. You may experience numbness, a reduction in the range of motion, problems walking, or bladder control problems. 

Head Injuries

Depending on the severity of the accident, a head injury could range from a mild concussion to a traumatic brain injury. Some of these injuries are hard to diagnose and can easily fly under the radar. If you suffer any blunt trauma to the head, you should seek medical attention straight away, no matter how mild. 

Bone Fractures

The force of a collision could easily result in fractured or broken bones. 

The most common involve fractured bones in the arms, hands, legs, and ribs. If unsure, the symptoms of a broken bone include redness, swelling, bruising, loss of function, deformity, and in most cases, severe pain. 

Emotional Trauma

Car accident injuries are not just limited to physical injuries. Some people develop psychological problems after a car accident, especially if another person in the vehicle died or was left seriously injured. It’s not uncommon for catastrophic accidents to leave survivors with anxiety, depression, or even a phobia of driving. 

Did You Get Injured in a Car Accident?

If you have been injured in a car accident, you may experience some shock immediately after. The rush of adrenaline and panic may leave you unaware of the extent of the injuries you may have. 

Your number one priority is to get all the medical help you may need. Afterward, you should consult an experienced car accident attorney to help you obtain the compensation you deserve so you can relax and focus on recovering.

1. Ignoring blind spots
Checking your mirrors and adjusting them to avoid any blindspots is one of the first things you learn when driving. It only takes a few seconds to adjust and only a fraction of one to do a head-check. Maybe not having an instructor double-check these every time could have led people to fall out of this habit.
Some new cars include technology that monitors blind spots and makes either noise or has a flashing light to warn the driver, but don’t rely on these. Keep the habit of making sure you can see as much of your surroundings as possible; you can never be 100% sure if there’s another car in your blindspots if you don’t look.

2. Poor steering wheel control
According to a study, after just a few weeks of passing their driving tests, many drivers stop putting the hands on the correct “10 and 2 o’clock” or new “9 and 3 o’clock” positions. Most of them start driving with one hand on the wheel. In fact, new studies show how having both hands on the “9 and 3 o’clock” position can yield even better control over the movement of your car.

Set down your morning coffee and pay attention to the road and your car. The last thing you want is to cause an accident, so be aware and prepared at all times.

3. Lack of indicating
Failing to indicate a turn or lane change can land you a ticket and create an unsafe environment for other motorists or pedestrians as they won’t expect you to turn or change lanes. Other vehicle drivers and pedestrians should be able to see what you’re planning on doing; that way, they can be prepared, and there would be a lower chance of an accident.

4. Keeping your distance
If the car in front of you would come to a sudden stop, it’d be best to have some distance from them, so you have less of a risk of going into the back of them. It’s essential to keep your distance even at a standstill as a car could rollback (especially on hills). On main roads, try to stay one or two car’s length (~40 meters) away. A good rule of thumb while at a standstill is to make sure you can always see the car’s rear tires in front of you.

5. Driving on low fuel
Not only is this harmful to your engine, but some people even believe the lower the fuel, the less weight and, therefore, go further. But they run the risk of running entirely out of fuel which, would be a terrible hazard in the middle of an interstate. Not to mention how awful it is on your engine to run your car out of fuel.

Avoid this habit by pre-emptively filling up your car’s fuel as soon as it drops below a quarter tank.

6. Not wearing a seatbelt
Not wearing a seatbelt is by far the worst bad habit that new drivers pick up the quickest. In fact, according to a study, this happens after just two weeks of passing their test. It’s imperative to wear your seatbelt at all times, as it can be quite fatal to sustain a high-speed impact without a seatbelt. Make it a habit to put on your seatbelt the second you get into the car.

What to do after a hit and run accident

Stay where you are: Some people may be inclined to follow the other driver if they leave the scene of the accident; although it can be tempting to follow a car after hitting you and driving away, you should never do this. The most considerable concern is for your safety and the safety of others. You do not know what someone who drives away from an accident is capable of; it’s best to be safe. They may have warrants out for their arrest and will do almost anything to get away. Furthermore, your vehicle has been involved in an accident and may not be safe to drive. It is best to let the police handle the situation, so make sure you call the proper authorities right away.

Gather evidence if possible: Not all accidents will happen when you are in a car, truck, or motorcycle. You may have parked on the roadside or parking lot to find that your vehicle has been hit. This is where you should gather evidence to help establish what has happened. Record what time you parked and when you found the vehicle. Take pictures and videos to help establish the extent of the damage. You should also call the police so they can file a report and begin investigating who has hit your car and where they may be.

How to get compensation in a hit and run

Each hit and run case is unique and how you will recover financially is as well. Experienced car accident attorneys will help you either go after the insurance companies of the person who hit you or help you work with your own insurance company. It is especially important to contact local law offices if you or a loved one has been injured due to a hit and run. When large medical bills are part of the case, the stakes are always higher. Most law firms will offer a consultation to know where you stand in the eyes of the law and provide a case evaluation.

How to prepare for winter driving

Not being prepared could lead to serious circumstances. Therefore Utah residents are encouraged to begin preparations for dangerous road conditions by providing the necessary maintenance to their vehicles and equipping them with essentials like first aid kits if they are ever involved in a crash. Winter car accidents can happen anywhere and anytime.

Before hitting the road this winter season, it is important to do everything possible to minimize the risk of being part of an accident in a Utah winter. To avoid a winter accident, we recommend that you:

Check exterior lights to make sure people can see when you’re planning to turn.

Check your tires and change them if necessary, to make sure you have as much traction as possible.

Check your oil and filter.

Add new antifreeze to your cooling system.

Check and change the battery if needed.

Make sure all electrical systems are working like your heater and wipers. (These are essential!)

Need a Car Accident Attorney?

Even though you are prepared for winter roads this season, all the world’s safety precautions may not prevent all accidents. However, they reduce your risk of being a victim to one. Car accidents claim too many lives year by year, and insurance companies love to convince for the quick settlement so they can look the other way. The higher amount of winter vehicle accidents has imposed a heavy burden on people who have been victims of injuries through no fault of their own. It is imperative to hire an experienced attorney in automobile accidents so that you can ensure that your insurance company will pay the compensation you deserve for the losses you have endured.

If you have been one of these victims that have been treated unfairly by your insurance company, contact us today and schedule a free consultation so you can make sure that you are properly represented to obtain the compensation you deserve.

Dangers of snow and ice with 18-wheelers

Although there may be actions taken to help prevent future accidents, the bottom line is that people need to slow down. Truckers are no different than everyday drivers. They can make mistakes and often have difficulties driving under winter conditions. Just because the speed limit is 75 miles per hour does not mean that you have to drive that speed when the road is covered in snow and ice. Perhaps we saw the increase in semi-truck accidents near St. George because drivers do not expect icy roads like they would near Salt Lake City.

Some people may be surprised to find that they are at fault when a car accident happens during winter driving conditions. They may feel that it is unfair to hold them responsible when it is “impossible” to control their vehicles because of the ice on the road. In reality, most accidents, even in the ones in the snow, could have been avoided. It is up to every driver, those of passenger cars and semi-trucks, to drive at speeds that are safe for current weather conditions. Large semi-trucks will have difficulty stopping or making evasive maneuvers when it is difficult to do so. When you drive this winter, make sure to expect snow, ice, and even hard to see black ice. Give all vehicles a bubble around your car in case they lose control. If you or a loved one has been hit by a car or semi-truck because of snowy conditions, call the legal experts at Utah Personal Injury Attorneys by calling (801) 839-4411 today.

Impacts which are likely to affect drivers of tractor-trailers, 18 wheelers, and other big rigs include:

• Wet, slippery roads;
• Poor visibility due to fog and glare;
• Increased likelihood for traffic tie-ups;
• Road closures and lane restrictions.

While it is natural to think that heavy snowfalls and accumulations would be among the most significant dangers, the fact is that rain is more of a concern. It is estimated that close to 50 percent of weather-related crashes occur over rainy days and nights, while two-thirds of all accidents, in general, involved wet road conditions. With the amount of rain Utah experiences over the winter months, residents of our area need to be aware of the dangers.

How Harsh Weather Makes Truck Accidents More Likely

Truck accidents are the most potentially dangerous type of crash. The massive size and weight of most heavy trucks provide a level of protection for the driver. As a result, other motorists are generally involved who suffer the most significant impacts when truck accidents happen.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that more than 4,000 people are killed in truck accidents each year, while tens of thousands of others suffer serious injuries. Poor weather conditions are a leading factor in these crashes. Impacts truckers are likely to experience on wet, icy roads in Portland include:

• Poor tire traction;
• Decreased stopping ability;
• Increased blind spots on the road;
• Increased mechanical difficulties;
• Greater risks for rollover accidents.

In general, truckers need 20 to 40 feet more space to stop or respond to changes in traffic conditions than other motorists. In adverse weather, this discrepancy is even greater, making rear-end truck accidents more likely as well.

Things to do after a car accident.

1. Make sure that you stop if your vehicle was involved in the accident. Even if you believe that your car, truck, or SUV did not sustain any damage, it is your legal obligation to stop and speak with the other driver.
2. Take photographs and videos covering everything that the accident entails. This evidence collecting includes things like photographing damage to your car, the other car, the passengers in your vehicle, the scene of the accident, and geographical land markers. This will help to establish the details of the accident and perhaps who was at fault. We live in the digital age so take as many pictures and videos as necessary.
3. Gather witnesses if there are any. Even though you may desire to do so, do not move your cars until police officers have told you it is ok to do so. Exceptions to this rule can be made if the damage is relatively small and no one is injured.
4. Never accept responsibility. Many people feel the need to be polite and apologize to the other driver. Even though your initial instinct may be to say you are sorry, it is important to have your legal representative do the talking for you. Even if you feel the accident was your fault, you don’t want something you said in passing to be taken out of context.
5. It is imperative to get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of every person involved in the crash. A summary of the automobile and license plate number can also be useful, yet see to it you likewise obtain their insurance company and the car identification number of their auto. Don’t merely think the certificate plate number will do since most insurance providers tape-record the type of cars and truck and the car identification number, not the permit plate number.

Remember to not go at it alone.

If you live in or around Salt Lake City, UT, and have been involved in a car accident, don’t handle your case alone. Contact our office at (801) 839-4411 to speak with a legal professional and schedule a consultation.

The reason accidents happen so frequently is because some behaviors and circumstances occur way too often. Below are some of the most common ways an auto accident in Utah could happen:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is anything that takes your attention off the road. The most common distraction is your phone, whether that may be texting or doing anything else with it behind the wheel. When you take your eyes off the road for a few seconds, you can travel the length of a football field or more without seeing where you’re going. Other forms of distracted driving include reading, putting on makeup, talking to other passengers, and eating.

Speeding

We all know that we’re supposed to follow the speed limit, but nearly all of us have gone too fast at some point. Some of us are in a hurry, and most of us are running late. However, speeding doesn’t get you there any faster and can cause a devastating accident. There’s a severe difference between slamming into another car at 25 miles an hour and 45 miles an hour.

Reckless Driving

Have you ever watched someone weave in and out of traffic and thought, “They are going to crash into somebody!” Reckless drivers make everyone else hold their steering wheel a lot tighter. These drivers dart from lane to lane, drive aggressively, cutting off other vehicles in traffic, and are often tailgating. They appear to be in a rush to get wherever they’re going, not comprehending that they are an accident just waiting to happen.

Tailgating

When you tailgate, you don’t give yourself time to slow down or stop. When someone behind you tailgates, all you can imagine is the accident you’re about to be in if you ever have to slam on your brakes.

Not Stopping

It may be a red light or a stop sign, but we’ve all seen the person who blazes right through the intersection without even attempting to slow down. It may even have happened to you a few times if you aren’t paying attention or thought you could make it through in time. This causes devastating accidents, making it an excellent reason not to immediately take off from a green light; you never know who won’t stop.

Drugs and Alcohol

Driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI) are things we’ve heard about for years, with more organizations trying to raise more awareness of it every day. You may think that it’s not a problem anymore. However, many people still think it’s a great idea to get behind the wheel after drinking, taking drugs, or even taking prescription medications that make it hard for them to drive.

Bad Weather

You can’t control the weather, but you can control how you drive in it. Rain, ice, snow, and fog all mean one thing, slow down and drive carefully! The posted speed limit is intended for ideal weather conditions. The moment the weather hinders you in any way, slow down to avoid being in an auto accident.

Road Rage

Road rage can lead to aggressive driving, reckless driving, tailgating, and purposely trying to cause an accident.

A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You

When you’ve been the victim of a vehicle accident for any of these reasons, the other driver is at fault, and their insurance should pay your medical bills, fix or replace your vehicle. Unfortunately, this isn’t what typically happens. A personal injury attorney will work with you and on your behalf to negotiate with the insurance company or take your case to court to get you the compensation you deserve.