Auto Accidents Caused by Distracted Driving
Whether you drive a car or truck or ride a motorcycle, you take a true risk every time you get on the road. You may be the safest driver in the state of Utah, but your vigilance will only provide you with so much protection. There are still thousands of drivers out there who are checking out the latest Facebook posts on their cell phones, adjusting their hair in their rearview mirrors, and trying to scarf down Big Macs when they should have their eyes on the road. They think they’re in total control, but in actual fact, they’re car accidents waiting to happen. Unfortunately, auto accidents caused by distracted drivers do happen, and they’re often devastating. If you or a member of your family has been injured by an accident caused by a distracted driver, or if you have tragically lost a family member in such an accident, the personal injury attorneys of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can provide you with the exceptional legal representation you need to obtain the compensation you deserve. When it comes to litigating claims involving auto accidents and distracted driving, our Provo, UT lawyers have the experience, skills, and resources to handle even the most complex cases successfully. Don’t hesitate to contact our personal injury law firm today to arrange for an evaluation of your auto accident case. Common Driver Distractions That Result in Auto Accidents Many drivers think that they can take their eyes off the road for a few seconds without consequence, but a lot can happen in a short amount of time. Consider how long even two seconds actually is, especially if you’re driving at, say, 60 miles per hour. How long does it take for the car in front of you to slam on its brakes and come to a sudden halt? How long does it take to accidentally swerve into an adjacent lane of traffic? Sadly, many drivers have to learn the answers to questions such as these the hard way. Yet, many drivers take several seconds to perform such actions as these: Use their cell phones, whether to talk, text, access the Internet or look up directions Adjust their portable music device, CD player, or radio Engage in a conversation or argument, whether with a passenger or with someone on a hands-free calling device Read billboards, bumper stickers, windshield decals, license plate holders, and road signs Fix their hair, apply makeup, or simply admire themselves in their rearview mirror or a handheld mirror Eat or drink Try to read handwritten directions, a traditional map, or some other written material Use a GPS or other dashboard device Our personal injury lawyers use all of the investigative and accident reconstruction resources at their disposal to collect evidence and present the strongest case possible on behalf of those injured by distracted drivers. Arrange for an Evaluation of Your Auto Accident Case Today To arrange for an evaluation of your auto accident case, please contact our personal injury law firm today.
The Cost of Recklessness: Auto Accidents and Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is an all-too-common offense that needlessly puts the lives of millions of people at risk throughout the nation on a daily basis. In the state of Utah alone, forms of reckless driving accounted for three of the top five causes of fatalities due to car accidents, truck accidents, and other motor vehicle accidents between 2012 and 2016. Speeding ranked as the number one cause, accounting for 497 deaths, or 40 percent of all deaths that occurred in auto accidents, during that span. By contrast, drunk driving accounted for 158 deaths or 13 percent. The personal injury attorneys of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton believe that reckless drivers should be held accountable for the damage they inflict on the lives of innocent drivers and passengers. If you or someone in your family has been seriously injured in an auto accident caused by someone else’s reckless driving, or if you have tragically lost a beloved member of your family in such an accident, our lawyers can help. In handling claims involving auto accidents and reckless driving, our Provo, UT attorneys use all of the investigative, accident reconstruction, and other resources at their disposal to present the strongest cases possible on behalf of their clients. They would welcome the opportunity to do the same for you. Don’t hesitate – arrange for an evaluation of your reckless driving accident case today. What Is Reckless Driving? Legally, reckless driving encompasses any instance in which the operation of a motor vehicle could be considered dangerous under the circumstances given. Context, therefore, is extremely important in reckless driving cases. Driving 70 miles per hour on a freeway with a posted speed limit of 70 miles per hour on a clear day with little traffic and no obstacles on or defects in the road is absolutely legal; on its face, there is nothing reckless about such an action. If, however, there is ice on that same road and traffic is congested, driving 70 miles per hour might be considered highly dangerous and therefore reckless. In the state of Utah, reckless driving can also be said to have occurred if a driver commits three or more moving violations of any type within a space of three miles or less while driving continuously. With either type of reckless driving, the driver is charged with a Misdemeanor B, which is also how a DUI is classified. While unlikely, even a first-time offender could face a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail. The driver will certainly have 80 points put on his or her driving record. At 200 points, his or her driver’s license can be suspended. Common examples of reckless driving include: Speeding Tailgating Failure to yield Being distracted by technology Failure to obey street signs Disobeying traffic lights Swerving between lanes Passing when it is illegal or unsafe to do so Driving “buzzed” – that is, while under the influence of alcohol, but not legally intoxicated Arrange for Your Auto Accident Case Evaluation Today To arrange for an evaluation of your auto accident case, please contact our personal injury law firm today.