Premises Liability and Parking Lot Injuries
The United States is a highly populated and densely developed country, and for nearly every mall, school, or apartment building, there is a parking lot that grants people access to these premises. Parking lots are convenient places to leave a vehicle while people go about their daily business, but they can also be potentially hazardous. Every year, many people are hurt from accidents or attacks that take place in parking lots. As a public place, premises liability laws can be applied to owners of parking lots. People have a right to assume a certain degree of safety in a parking lot. If negligence on the part of the parking lot owner contributes to an injury, the owner may be held accountable for the damages that stem from that injury. The experienced attorneys at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton are happy to discuss premises liability and parking lots, and how our Provo, UT clients can ensure they are justly compensated for the damages of injuries sustained in a parking lot. Duty of Care Premises liability laws are based on the understanding that property owners must adhere to a certain legal duty of care. This does not mean that every property needs to be completely free of hazards or dangers, as that expectation would be nearly impossible to meet. However, property owners do need to ensure that their premises are reasonably safe. Reasonably safe means that the property is free of known hazards, and that adequate care is taken to address dangerous conditions once the property owner is made aware of them. These premises liability laws apply to all areas of the property, including the parking lot. Parking Lot Hazards Accidents and injuries are common in parking lots. There are many factors that can contribute to these injuries. Some of the most common parking lot hazards include the following: Poor lighting: A dark parking lot can be a dangerous place. Poor lighting often contributes to trips and falls. Poor lighting is also ideal for criminal activity, as it makes it easier for criminals to hide. As a result, poor lighting increases the risk of robbery and physical assault. Damaged pavement: Parking lots are used by many cars on any given day, so it is not surprising that parking lot pavement often becomes damaged. While a property owner cannot be held responsible for every little crack, they must regularly inspect the property and repair obvious damage. Large cracks, potholes, and damaged wheel stops can all increase the risk of a fall or other injuries. Inadequate or poor signage: Inadequate or poor signage is a particular concern for enclosed parking garages. When multiple cars are enclosed in a small space, improper signage can increase the risk of a car accident or pedestrian injury. While negligent drivers can be held responsible for these accidents, premises liability laws also often apply. Inadequate security: Parking lot owners are not legally obligated to provide security personnel. However, if a parking lot is especially large, if crime is an issue in the area, and if the property owners have significant profit each year, it is reasonable to expect security to be provided. Inadequate security can increase the risk of criminal activity, including assault. Proving Premises Liability Premises liability cases can be complex. It is up to the injury victim to prove that negligence on the part of the property owner caused or contributed to injuries and damages. Our attorneys are experienced in premises liability cases and will collect the evidence that is necessary to prove liability and collect the damages our clients deserve. Contact Us If you have been injured in a parking lot and would like to learn more about premises liability laws, contact us at your earliest convenience. The attorneys at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton will listen to the details of your case and advise you on your best course of legal action.
Auto Accidents are More Likely When Someone Runs a Red Light
The lawyers of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton have helped countless accident victims in the greater Provo area in their time of legal need. In many lawsuits involving car accidents and serious collisions, our guidance and counsel has been especially helpful for clients and their families. Some of the most serious collisions that may occur involve motorists running red lights. Let’s take a moment to address these kinds of cases. Statistics on Auto Accidents Involving Red Lights According to the Federal Highway Administration, there are roughly 2.5 million accidents in intersections that occur every year. This makes up roughly 40 percent of all crashes annually. Other numbers suggest that 50 percent of all serious collisions occur in intersections; 20 percent of all fatal collisions also occur in intersections. Specifically regarding red lights, around 165,000 accidents each year are the result of someone running a red light. This results in an average of about 700 to 800 fatalities every year. The Dangers of Running Red Lights If someone runs a red light, they run a high risk of blindsiding other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. In fact, when it comes to auto collisions, running a red light can increase the risk of a t-bone accident, which can lead to severe injuries for any motorists involved. Injuries are much more serious for pedestrians and bicyclists given how exposed to injury they are. Common Reasons for Running Red Lights Some common reasons why people run red lights include: Texting while driving Distracted driving Driver inattention Drunk driving Speeding Reckless driving Being impatient or in a rush Traffic signal obscured Poor placement of the traffic signal Malfunctioning traffic lights Poor weather The Danger of Beating Yellow Lights In addition to the above, another common reason why people run read lights is to beat yellow lights. Yellow lights are supposed to warn drivers to slow down, yet many people think this is a signal to speed through an intersection. This kind of reckless action can lead to serious collisions, particularly if someone misses the yellow and barrels through a red light instead. Always Drive with Caution When you are behind the wheel, be sure to slow down when you see a yellow light and to come to a complete stop at red lights. Be sure to drive attentively and carefully. In addition, it’s a good idea to look both ways once your light turns green just to avoid anyone who may be running a red light traveling perpendicular to your vehicle. How Our Attorneys Can Help If you or a loved one is injured as a result someone running a red light, our team of attorneys can help you in your time of legal need. We will hold the negligent motorist accountable for their actions, and make sure you receive damages to cover medical bills, vehicle and property damage, and other expenses associated with your accident and injury. The peace of mind we can provide during the legal process can be crucial to your case’s success. Speak with Skilled Auto Accident Lawyers For more information about your legal options following a serious motor vehicle accident, be sure to contact our team of personal injury attorneys today. The lawyers of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton are here to help you in your time of legal need.
Auto Accidents and Driving Under the Influence
Our nation’s roadways are dangerous enough with drivers operating their cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other motor vehicles completely sober. Tragically, catastrophic car accidents occur every day without the aid of alcohol or drugs. When conscientious drivers are forced to share the road with drivers who are operating their vehicles while under the influence, however, the risk of a serious or even deadly accident rises astronomically. If you or a member of your family has been injured in an auto accident caused by another driver’s driving under the influence, or if you have tragically lost a family member in such an accident, you deserve to be compensated for the losses and expenses you have sustained. While no amount of money could ever truly make you whole again, there is some justice to be had in knowing that the person responsible for your suffering will be made to answer for his or her negligence. When it comes to litigating claims involving auto accidents and driving under the influence, the Provo, UT personal injury attorneys of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton work tirelessly to ensure that our clients’ best interests are served and that justice is achieved. We urge you to contact our law firm today to arrange for an evaluation of your auto accident case. We would be pleased to advise you of your legal rights and options. Drunk Driving in Utah Sadly, drunk driving has become an increasingly bigger problem in the state of Utah after years of being on the decline. Between 2013 and 2014, deaths resulting from alcohol-related auto accidents nearly doubled, rising from 23 to 45. In addition, there were 38 deaths attributable to auto accidents caused by driving under the influence of drugs. The number of fatalities caused by drunk driving was the highest total in Utah in a decade. Out of the 45 people killed, 22 were the drunk drivers themselves, while eight were occupants of the drunk driver’s car, nine were occupants of the other vehicle in the collision, five were pedestrians, and one was a bicyclist. Tellingly, seven of the drunk drivers had been convicted of a DUI within the previous five years. Things have improved somewhat since the 1980s, when between 93 and 140 people were killed in drunk driving auto accidents each year between 1982 and 1989. In 1984, drunk driving accidents accounted for 44 percent of all auto accident fatalities. Nevertheless, this epidemic is extremely troubling and must stop. At Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton, we consider every lawsuit we file against a drunk driver a clear message that driving under the influence will not be tolerated in our great state. Arrange for an Evaluation of Your Auto Accident Case If you would like to arrange for an evaluation of your auto accident case, or if you would simply like to learn more about auto accident claims involving drunk driving, please contact the law firm of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton today.
Running Stop Signs Increases the Risk of Serious Auto Accidents
The lawyers of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton are here to help the people of Provo in their time of legal need. After a serious accident or injury, an experienced lawyer can help you hold negligent people or parties accountable. We have helped countless people following serious injuries from car accidents and other incidents. A number of accidents occur when people fail to abide by traffic laws. Right now, we want to consider the dangers posed by people who run stop signs. Why Running Stop Signs Is So Dangerous Stop signs are there to keep everyone safe and to ensure all people on the road recognize proper safety and right of way. Given how intersections can be a source of serious collisions, it makes sense that stop signs are intended to keep us safe. When people run stop signs, they put themselves, their passengers, other motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians at risk. In many cases, these stop signs are on smaller streets or suburban streets, meaning that vehicles travel at lower speeds. Yet don’t let the reduced speed fool you; accidents even at low speeds can result in serious injuries, and sometimes even fatal ones. Statistics on Running Stop Signs According to data from the Federal Highway Administration, there are roughly 2.5 million accidents in intersections that occur in a given year. This account for around 40 percent of all car crashes annually. Other data notes that 50 percent of all serious collisions occur in intersections; 20 percent of all fatal collisions also occur in intersections. Causes of Running Stop Signs There are a number of reasons why a person may fail to stop at a stop sign or roll through a stop sign. These include the following: Texting while driving Distracted driving Driver inattention Drunk driving Speeding Reckless driving Being impatient or in a rush Stop sign is obscured (by trees, for instance) Poor placement of the stop sign Lack of lines indicating a stop Missing stop sign Poor weather Be a Courteous and Cautious Driver Whenever you are behind the wheel, be sure to abide by common sense traffic laws. Always make sure to come to a complete stop when you come to a stop sign. Avoid rolling stops, as these can lead to accidental collisions if pedestrians and bicyclists are present. Yield the right of way to pedestrians and bicyclists. It’s also a good idea to look both ways before proceeding through an intersection, since you’ll be able to note any oncoming traffic nearby. How Our Attorneys Can Help If you or someone you love has been seriously injured as a result of someone running a stop sign, our team of attorneys can help you in your time of legal need. Our lawyers will hold the negligent motorist accountable for their actions, seeking damages for vehicle damages, medical bills, and other losses related to the crash. The peace of mind we offer can be crucial following a serious collision. Speak with Skilled Auto Accident Lawyers For more information about your legal rights and options following a serious motor vehicle collision, be sure to contact our team of personal injury attorneys today. The lawyers of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton are here to help you in your time of legal need.