Have you found yourself in a crowded parking lot and you accidentally hit a parked car, nothing serious, but you can see the car is now scratched or slightly dented? You may be left wondering what the next step is and how you can cover yourself as much as possible so you’re not stuck with the repair bills. Below are a few tips on what you can do after you have hit a parked car.

Don’t Flee from the Scene

If you hit a parked car and leave the scene without waiting to contact the owner of the vehicle, you could be charged with a hit-and-run. Even if the damage is not substantial but it is noticeable, stick around to speak to the car’s owner. If you leave, there are chances that the accident was recorded as many park lots have cameras that record 24/7. The owner will likely be able to track you down if you leave the scene of the accident.

Leave a Note

It’s wrong to leave the scene, but if you wait for a long time and you still can’t contact the owner of the vehicle, leave a note. This note should contain your name, phone number, email, and any other essential contact information. However, do not provide any insurance-specific information. Most of us are aware of this cliché but leave the note under the windshield wiper blades so it won’t blow away.

Document the Scene

After you have hit a parked car, document the scene as much as possible. Take photos of the cars involved in the parking lot accident. You can also take pictures of things that may have caused the accident, such as small parking spaces, carts, and any other obstacles that made parking a harder maneuver. 

Call the Poli

No matter how small of a collision, an accident should always be reported to your local police. This way you can file a report and get even more assistance to contact the owner of the vehicle. It’s good to get a head start on this, as a police report will contain important details to aid you in your insurance claim later.

Get in Touch with your Insurance Agent

After being involved in an accident, after contacting the authorities, you should always contact your insurance agent next. The insurance company will ensure you have provided all essential information and how to efficiently document evidence of the accident if you need more assistance. It’s important to give your insurance agent a heads up before the other motorist files a claim. 

Contact an Attorney

If you have hit a parked car or if your car has been hit, call an attorney to get legal representation as soon as possible. Our expert attorneys at Utah Personal Injury can help you maneuver through all the complexities of filing a claim and negotiating with insurance companies. Call today to get a free consultation.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Brain injuries can vary in severity; some can be from a minor concussion to significant trauma. This trauma is due to the crash impact; in most cases of traumatic brain injuries, the victim’s head slams into the car’s frame, steering wheel, or even dashboard. A traumatic brain injury can also have lifelong damages, such as permanent brain damage.

Whiplash

The impact from a vehicle collision will jolt your body from side to side (usually front to back). This sudden impact and movement can damage the muscles and nerves in the neck area. Whiplash is usually a minor injury that leaves victims with neck aches; however, sometimes, it can severely impact your spinal cord.

Fractured/Broken Bones

In most cases, drivers involved in a car accident tense their bodies to brace for impact. When victims do this, they increase the risk of injury, such as broken bones. For example, if you lock up your legs, the impact on your legs will be much more significant since there can be no flex to cushion it. The vehicle’s frame can also collapse and crush your limbs.  

This type of injury can lead to life-altering problems, especially if the fracture doesn’t heal properly. 

Back Injuries

Back injuries can be pretty serious. They can cause some delayed issues that will arise with the natural breakdown of your body as you age. A back injury can severely impact your ability to walk or do some of your favorite hobbies, especially if left untreated.

After suffering a back injury, you may require specialized medical equipment and ongoing care. With future therapy and medical bills looming over your head, it’s crucial to obtain the most amount of compensation for your damages. 

Utah Personal Injury Lawyers are here to ensure you are adequately compensated so you can focus on recovering from your injury. If you call our offices any day during business hours, you can schedule a free phone consultation. We know how devastated some car accidents can leave people, so we are here to fight for you. Our experienced attorneys will help alleviate the burden of injury after a vehicle accident in Utah.

Whose car insurance covers the vehicle being driven?

When looking at an at-fault case, the only way to obtain coverage on the vehicle being claimed is through the vehicle owner’s insurance policy. If the listed vehicle does not have collision coverage, then no coverage will be available. It’s at that point that the owner and the at-fault driver would have to decide as to who pays the deductible, however, only the owner of the vehicle holds the responsibility for providing it.

Which liability will cover the driver?

The vehicle owner’s insurance policy should provide some amount of liability coverage. However, depending on the severity of the accident, the owner’s liability coverage may not cover the full amount. In these cases, the driver at fault can choose to apply their own liability coverage to pick up the rest of it.

Increased car insurance rates?

The owner of the vehicle is responsible at all times for whoever is driving their car. Insurance companies base your insurance rate on the likelihood of a future accident or claim. Even though you loaned out your car at the time of the at-fault accident, you are at a higher risk for doing so. You should expect an insurance premium due to your new high-risk insurance policy.

Are you responsible for tickets that were given to the driver?

Luckily, any driving violations received by the other driver will not affect the vehicle owner’s insurance policy or rates. Any traffic violations accumulated are given to the driver’s license and record. In fact, the driver’s car insurance rates could increase because of the accumulation of tickets while driving another car.

When in doubt, consult with an attorney

An accident is always bad, however, under these circumstances, it’s even worse since you were not entirely at fault for the accident. Maybe you just loaned out your car because you were too busy cooking, missed an ingredient, and sent out a family friend to help pick something up. It’s not fair that you would have to pay for the irresponsible and aggressive actions of another driver. Nevertheless, you are in this situation. It would be a good idea to hire an attorney to represent you and make sure that you are getting all the coverage that you can. Call our offices here at Utah Attorneys for a free consultation on your at-fault insurance claim. 

Most people don’t realize that using your phone is not the only way drivers can be distracted and cause an accident. This is why we have compiled a list of some of the most common distracted driving practices and how you can avoid becoming a distracted driver and cause an accident by neglecting the road.

Avoid Electronics

Put away your electronics, this includes your cell phone and other devices. Reduce temptation by turning off your ringer and putting your phone out of sight. Also, you could utilize the “do not disturb” setting to stop any notifications for incoming calls and texts. Only use your phone for emergency situations, such as calling the police, fire department, or an ambulance.

Adjust Before Driving

Multitasking while driving is an easy recipe for distracted driving. Before you even get on the road, adjust your seat position, mirrors, sound system, and air conditioning. If you are using a navigation system, set up the directions into the GPS before you begin to drive.

Eat Smart

Avoid eating while driving as it can cause you to take your hands off the wheel and even completely distract you should a spill occur. However, if you absolutely need to eat on the road, make sure to eat food items that can easily be held with one hand, such as a granola bar. 

Buckle Up

It’s paramount to ensure that you and your passengers are buckled up before you begin driving. You do not want to have to worry about your passengers being buckled up during your drive, so make sure, especially if you have any children on board, that they are buckled up into their car seat. That way, you are not worrying about reaching awkwardly into the backseat to buckle up a child and risk losing control of your vehicle. 

If at any point you or a loved one has been injured in a distracted driving car accident, Utah Attorneys is here to help guide you through the thick of it. We have over three decades of legal experience, and our Utah car accident attorneys will work hard to ensure maximum compensation so you can focus on recovering. Call our expert attorneys today to get a free consultation.

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.

Most people associate fall months with the changing weather and colorful landscapes; however, you may find that deer could interrupt your sightseeing. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, almost 2 million collisions involving a deer happen in the United States each year. Staying safe during this time is paramount, especially before the dangerous winter months. To reduce your risk of enduring severe damages and injuries, here are a few tips to help you avoid deer collisions so you can focus more on the beautiful scenery:

• Follow the speed limit.
• Watch for deer/wildlife-crossing signs.
• Stay alert early in the morning and throughout the evening.
• Slow down if you see one deer, as they like to travel in a herd
• Please pay special attention to other drivers as you may find that some will try to warn you by simple gestures like flashing their high beams. 
• Always, no matter what, look for deer, especially in more rural areas of the valley.

If you cannot avoid a Utah Deer Collision

Unfortunately, there are scenarios where you cannot avoid hitting a deer. An example could be if a deer jumps out from behind a shrub into the road, and you do not have enough time to react and slow down. While it may be your first instinct to swerve in an attempt to maneuver around the deer, this will more likely result in a more severe accident, as you may collide with oncoming traffic. Instead, break hard (only if safe to do so) and hold onto your steering wheel to stay in your lane. After the collision, make sure that you can pull over to a safe location and turn on your hazard lights. Exit your vehicle when it is safe and gather essential evidence that you may need (i.e., photos, video footage, etc.) to file a claim with your insurance. No matter what, if the deer may still seem to be alive, do not get close to it and try to help it. The deer could try to defend itself as the last stand and injure you in the process. 

Ultimately, stay as attentive as possible when you’re on the road during these fall months. Watch out for deer at all times, and hopefully, these tips will help you avoid a potentially devastating collision with a deer. It is paramount to understand that if a deer jumps in front of your car, the safest this to do is not to swerve your vehicle.      

Witnessing a car accident can be a traumatic event. Remember, remain calm and keep your wits about you. No one wants a second car accident to take place. America Family Insurance recommends you do the following if you witness an automobile accident:

Safety first! If you’re driving and an accident occurs in front of you, make sure you pull over to a safe area. Try to be far enough away from the accident to leave room for emergency vehicles, and to ensure that you’re not in any danger. Next, put on your hazard lights. Only exit your car if it’s safe. If you’re on a busy highway, for example, it’s probably best if you remain in your vehicle. And, if the cars involved are smoking, definitely keep your distance.

Call for backup. Every second counts in an emergency. Because of this, it’s best to call 911 ASAP if someone is injured. Be prepared to describe the scene, and give your location. Again, make sure your car is parked before you use your cell phone.

Cautiously help out. If you feel it’s safe to get closer to the scene of the accident, head over to see how you might be able to help, perhaps by offering your phone so the victims can call relatives or friends or by setting up road flares to block off the accident area. If you see someone hurt, do not attempt to move them, since that could make their injuries worse. To ensure that those injured receive proper first aid treatment, wait for the authorities to arrive.

Stick around until the police arrive. You can help the authorities and those involved by giving an account of what you witnessed. Or, if someone is hurt or scared, you can act as a source of comfort until someone else arrives.

What Auto Insurance Companies Recommend

(Courtesy of www.amfam.com)

In wanting to highlight information from more than one insurance company, I also went to Geico’s website. After all, obtaining advice from the companies that insure individuals for automobile accidents can be helpful. Once the first responders have arrived, Geico recommends that:

When the police arrive, provide the relevant facts and your contact information. In the days and weeks following the event, someone may contact you as a witness by legal and medical authorities insurance claims agents. Be honest, factual, and consistent with your statements.

Car accidents can be upsetting for the victim and the bystander alike. The best way to deal with an accident is to stay on the scene and report what you’ve seen.  Only exit your vehicle to render aid if it is safe to do so. Your clearheaded actions to safely assist or protect the victims until emergency assistance arrives can make an enormous difference in the overall outcome.

(Courtesy of www.geico.com)

And finally, but perhaps the most important of all, the Utah Highway Patrol recommends you do the following if you witness an accident:

Stop in a safe location. Check for injuries and call 911 from your cell phone or the nearest regular phone. Keep the situation from getting worse by making sure to warn approaching traffic of the problem ahead. If trained to do so, render first aid. Don’t move the injured parties! Remain on the scene until police arrive. Tell the responding officers what you saw and did before their arrival.

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.

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.