Types of Accidents: Head-on Collisions
Head-on collisions are characterized as a crash caused when two vehicles are moving straight toward one another. This type of car accident may not be the most common, but it can take a toll on your car and your body. In this article, we will be highlighting the main reasons why a head-on collision could happen and what to do in the event of one. Causes of Head-on Collisions Most of the time, car accidents are caused by some form of human error. Here are some of the main things to look out for to prevent causing a head-on collision: Poor weather that causes low visibility Driving under the influence Distracted driving Fatigued driving What to Do in the Event of a Head-on Collision While every accident is different, there are necessary actions that must always take place in the event of a head-on collision or any car accident: Assess yourself for injuries and immediately contact 911 to alert the police and bring the necessary medical attention to the scene of the accidents Exchange information with the other driver. Allstate advises that you should obtain the following information: Full name Contact information Insurance company and policy number Driver’s license information License plate model A good description of the vehicle Identify the police officers on the scene and give them your statement Ask where you can obtain a copy of the accident report Talk to witnesses to get their statements and information, if possible Undergo any necessary medical assessment Obtain and keep any records and associated medical and insurance bills Types of Injuries from Head-on Collisions Traumatic Brain Injuries– Extreme head jolts and bumps can cause brain damage due to an outside force disrupting the brain’s normal function. Victims of head-on collisions can be thrown from their seats and hit their head on the windshield or steering wheel, which can cause the brain to strike the skull, which leads to temporary or permanent brain damage. Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis – When two cars collide head-on, a person’s body will go through some harsh and sudden movements resulting in injuries like whiplash, herniated and ruptured discs, spinal fractures, and other severe spine and neck related injuries. In extreme cases, partial or total paralysis can result from injuries sustained from a head-on collision. Broken bones – It’s not uncommon to break bones in the event of a serious car crash. Areas like the ribs and the arms are most likely to be injured due to the accident. However, any bone in the body is susceptible to braking depending on the two cars’ speeds and how severe the wreckage is. Lacerations – Lacerations occur from blunt trauma, causing a deep cut in the skin and body tissue. This can happen when broken glass and other sharp objects make contact with your skin during the crash. Burns – If the accident is severe enough, you can be exposed to heat and toxic chemicals that can burn the skin. In some cases, minor burns can be treated at home, while second, third, and fourth-degree burns will require medical attention, according to GoHealth Urgent Care. Call Flickenger Sutterfield and Boulton Personal Injury Lawyers If you’ve been injured in a car accident and are looking for financial compensation, the law offices of Flickenger Sutterfield and Boulton can help. With over 25 years of supporting Utah citizens in gaining fair compensation after head-on collisions and other car accidents, our lawyers are eager to help you with your case. With multiple offices in Northern Utah, we serve everyone from Provo to Salt Lake City. Contact us today for a free evaluation.
How Can I Report Elder Abuse?
Discovering that your loved one has been mistreated is devastating, but understanding how to report elder abuse can help secure their safety. Unfortunately, elders are not always able to speak out about their abuse, so it is essential for those who love them to step in when they suspect a problem. Knowing who to contact and the subsequent steps to take just might help you save their life. Who Should Report Elder Abuse? In most states, doctors are mandated to report any suspected abuse. If they fail to do so, they could be held liable for any damages that occur. Aside from doctors, anyone who suspects abuse should report it. Doctors and other workers may miss it, so any other caring individual needs to step in and help when necessary. Whom Do I Call if I Suspect Abuse? If you suspect that an elder is being abused, it might be confusing to know what steps to take. First, if the resident is in life-threatening danger, do not hesitate and call 911 immediately. If your loved one is not in immediate danger, the Nursing Home Abuse Center suggests three great resources for reporting abuse: Local law enforcement authorities Local adult protective services (APL). Utah’s APL services can be found here. A local long-term care ombudsman. Ombudsmen are trained and empowered to help resolve elder care issues. Find a local ombudsman in Utah here. What Should I Expect When I Call to Report Elder Abuse? When you make a call to report elder abuse, make sure that you have access to the resident’s personal information such as their name, address, and phone number. After that, they will ask for the details concerning why you suspect abuse. Here are some examples of questions you might be asked: Are there any known medical problems including confusion or memory loss? What kind of family or social support is there? Have you seen or heard incidents of yelling, hitting, or other abusive behavior? Before you make your report, make sure you are prepared to answer these questions, so the proper authorities can act as quickly as possible. What Happens After I Report Elder Abuse? After your concerns have been reported to the proper authorities, an investigation will be conducted to substantiate the claims that were made. Interviews will be led and evidence will be gathered. Once the investigation is over, the proper actions will be performed to ensure that the abuse will cease. You can also request to have the elder removed from the facility altogether. Once they are removed and the situation has been handled, their healing process can begin. If Your Loved One Has Suffered Elder Abuse, Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help Once you have made the brave decision to report elder abuse, Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help you fight for the care your loved one deserves. We understand how critical it is to hold negligent nursing homes accountable for any degree of abuse or neglect their staff has inflicted upon their residents. Our offices are located throughout Utah in Orem, Provo, Saratoga Springs, and West Jordan. Reach out to get in contact with our team today.
How Do You Prove Your Auto Accident Was Not Your Fault?
Being involved in an auto accident can be a very frightening and stressful experience, especially if the collision was not your fault. Establishing liability can sometimes be convoluted and complicated, but it will be much easier if you are prepared.
Is Utah a No-Fault State?
If you’ve just been in an accident in the state of Utah, you might be wondering if Utah is a no-fault state. Since there are only a dozen or so states with the no-fault law, you’ll likely want to brush up on what states use the no-fault insurance system and how it applies to Utah.
Not Wearing a Seat Belt Can Affect Your Injury Settlement
Did you know that if you’re in a car accident and found guilty of not wearing a seatbelt, it can affect your injury settlement? Not only is a seat belt a necessary safety step, but in the state of Utah, it’s a requirement by law to buckle up. Take a closer look at Utah seat belt laws and how insurance companies can use failure to wear a seat belt against you in a lawsuit. Utah State Law According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, the “Click It or Ticket” law is as follows: “law enforcement can stop and educate individuals for driving unbuckled on Utah roads.” If you or anyone in your vehicle is not correctly restrained, you can be issued a $45 citation. Proper restrainment is defined as placing the shoulder belt across your clavicle and down the middle of the chest. The lap belt should be across the hips and below your stomach. If the shoulder strap is placed behind you or under your arm, you could be penalized for your seat belt’s improper wear. How Not Wearing a Seatbelt Affects Your Injury Settlement The most important thing to remember is that failure to wear a seat belt is a safety concern more than anything. However, there are financial and legal repercussions that can occur if you forget to buckle up. Increased Cost – Car crashes are often much more expensive if you’re not adequately secured because you will likely sustain more severe injuries. These injuries can result in longer hospital stays, ambulance bills, and overall increase medical expenses. And while wearing a seatbelt can’t completely prevent you from any harm, in many ways, a seat belt can reduce your likelihood of serious injuries and even death. By always being proactive and protecting yourself from severe damage, you can dramatically reduce your medical bills that will follow in the event of a car accident. Legal Repercussions – If you are found not to have been wearing a seatbelt at the time of the car crash, it can impact your chances of getting the highest amount of financial compensation for your medical bills. The state of Utah practices comparative negligence, which means that to recover damages in a personal injury lawsuit, you have to be found less at fault for your injuries than the other parties involved in the accident. According to NOLO, “your failure to wear a seatbelt may prevent you from receiving a better financial outcome.” Not wearing a seat belt can show that you are at least somewhat responsible for your injuries, and even if you’re at fault less than the other party, there is a possibility that you can regain only a portion of your injury settlement. Contact Flickenger Sutterfield and Boulton At Flickinger Sutterfield and Boulton, we believe that when you’ve been injured in a car accident, you need someone by your side to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. We have been representing Utah citizens hurt in car accidents for 25 years and are eager to help you recover financially. Contact our law offices today to maximize your injury settlement. We are located in West Jordan, Orem, Saratoga Springs, and Provo.
What is The Average Settlement for a Car Accident
If you’ve been in an accident, you may wonder if it’s worth it to contact a lawyer, and if you do, what does the average settlement look like? While there’s no one average compensation number, there are factors that give you an idea of how much you’re going to get back. So if you’ve been in a car accident, keep reading to learn more about your potential settlement. First Things First, Contact a Lawyer By working with a lawyer specializing in car accidents and personal injuries, you’ll likely receive higher compensation than if you are to represent yourself. Even if you feel like you remember everything about the accident very clearly, lawyers are professionals that will bring up information during negotiations that you could miss. Remember, it’s the insurance company’s goal to offer you the lowest amount possible as compensation. However, a car accident lawyer’s job is the exact opposite. To maximize your settlement, a claim through insurance typically won’t cut it. A lawyer can help you navigate the documentation you should provide and persuade the insurance company to look into the matter further. While launching an investigation or possibly even taking the case to court can sound like a time investment, you’ll find that hiring a lawyer for a more reasonable settlement is well worth it in the long run. What to Expect From Your Settlement There are many factors an insurance company or judge will take into account when determining the amount for compensation. According to All Law, damage calculations are often based on the following criteria: Medical treatment – bills, liens, and expenses related to the medical treatment you received for your injuries Pain and suffering – mental and emotional damage Lost Wages – income you have already lost due to your injuries Future lost income – income you will lose in the future due to your injuries Property Damages – damage to your vehicle How an Insurance Company Calculates Your Settlement As we said, there is no average settlement, but many insurance companies abide by the “multiplier rule” to settle on what they believe to be fair compensation. Here’s how the “rule” or “formula” is applied: Total up the number of claimants’ bills for property damages and medical treatment, often referred to as “special damages.” Multiplies that amount by a number (usually between 1-5) to arrive at the value of the claimant’s pain and suffering and other non-financial losses. This number is referred to as “general damages.” Adds the total of the medical treatment bills to the general damages number, then adds in and lost wages (past and future) and property damages to arrive at the total amount of what your settlement is worth to the insurance company. Here’s an example of the formula: The total amount of medical treatment and property damage – $2,000 Multiply the $2,000 by what the insurance company picks at the multiplier, for this case, let’s use 3, toget $6,000. We’ll assume lost wages come to a total of $1,000. So, $2,000 + $6,000 + $1,000 = $9,000. In this case, $9,000 would be what the insurance company sees as fair. However, they aren’t likely to offer you that full amount as the first offer. According to Injury Claim Coach, the insurance company has claims adjusters that “are trained to do everything possible to minimize settlement payouts.” Talk to One of Our Car Accident Lawyers at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton At Flickinger Sutterfield and Boulton, we’ll help you calculate your average settlement and help you fight for fair compensation. Our team has over 25 years of experience assisting Utah citizens to recover financially after a car accident occurs. Give us a call today to get in touch with a car accident lawyer that will be by your side every step of the way. We have offices throughout Utah, including Provo, Orem, Saratoga Springs, and West Jordan.
Riding Motorcycles in Another Country: How Do I Stay Safe?
Riding motorcycles in another country can be memorable, but it is essential to know how to keep yourself safe before hopping in the driver’s seat. Each country has different driving laws, rules, and regulations, but with a little preparation beforehand, you can reduce stress and enjoy your time on the road. Continue reading to learn how to keep yourself safe on international roads. Carry the Proper Documentation Each country has different requirements when it comes to documentation. Be sure to research the following for each country you plan to visit: If you are allowed to bring in your motorcycle, you will need to have your title, insurance documents for that specific country, and registration. It’s a good idea to bring the original copy along with multiple photocopies in case something ends up lost. Regardless if you are riding your own bike or renting one, you should always have your passport and driver’s license on hand as well. Research Driving Laws To stay safe on international roads, you need to do your research before operating a motorcycle. The CDC shared that road-related accidents are the number one cause of preventable death in healthy U.S. travelers. You can help protect yourself by being adequately informed of local traffic laws and which side of the road you should drive on. Travel with the Appropriate Gear You can minimize the risk of accident or injury by traveling with the appropriate gear on hand. Be sure to have plenty of forms of payment, including credit cards and cash, in case of emergency. If you are not fluent in the local language, a phrasebook is a helpful addition if you need to call for help. It is also smart to carry a small first aid kit for dealing with minor ailments like stings, cuts, and burns. Check Your Bike Before Each Ride No matter where you are in the world, you should always check your motorcycle for the following before riding: Wear the Proper Protection Now that you have prepared yourself to ride, be sure to wear proper protection. If you are ever in a serious motorcycle crash, the best hope you have for survival is a motorcycle helmet. Arms and legs should also be covered, and boots or shoes should be high enough to cover your ankles. Wearing brightly colored clothing with reflective material will make you more visible to other drivers sharing the road. Ride Responsibly You should always exercise caution while operating any sort of vehicle, but be especially vigilant while riding motorcycles abroad. Here are a few tips to keep you safe: Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton is Here for You Riding motorcycles in another country can be a thrill, but unfortunately, accidents might still occur. If you find yourself in this situation, reach out to the experienced attorneys at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton to review the best course of action. We can help you obtain your rightful compensation for any damages.