Causes of Accidents: Auto Defects
Although automobile safety has improved over the years, auto defects that lead to serious car accidents and injuries can still occur. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that about two percent of crashes are due to a vehicle component’s failure or degradation. Although this percentage may seem low, it accounts for tens of thousands of accidents each year. Today, we’re sharing some of the most common mechanical failures that cause car accidents and how to protect yourself. Common Auto Defects That Cause Accidents Airbag defects – Airbags that fail to deploy or deploy incorrectly can cause serious damages. Regardless of who was at fault, airbag failure can make your injuries much worse. Faulty airbags might deploy when they’re not supposed to or with too much force. This can result in motor vehicle crashes, burns, bruises, or even broken bones. Brake failure – Brake failure is one of the most dangerous auto defects that can occur. Several factors can interfere with the necessary friction to make brakes work, including: A broken oil seal Hard spots from overheated brakes Worn down brake pads or rotors Defective brakes can leave a driver unable to control their vehicle and cause a deadly collision with another car or object. Damaged tires – Tires can be manufactured with flaws that might make vehicles inoperable. Common tire problems include worn-out tread, improper pressure, tread separation, and defective designs. Light failure – Properly working headlights and taillights are essential for driver safety. They allow drivers to see more clearly at night or during inclement weather. They also help other motorists see you. Lights that are defective or broken can be a serious hazard to yourself and other drivers. Defective ignitions – A defective ignition is a hazard because it can cause the vehicle to lose power without warning. Power is essential for the brakes, power steering, and airbags to function. This could easily render a car inoperable and cause a deadly accident. Injuries Resulting from Auto Defects Defective automobile parts can cause various injuries in two ways: Auto defects can lead to crashes that could cause a myriad of injuries. Some of the most common car accident injuries include whiplash, brain injuries, broken ribs, internal bleeding, and knee trauma. Auto defects can cause injuries to be much worse than they otherwise would have been. For example, airbags that deploy with much more force than they’re supposed to can lead to severe burns, bruises, or broken bones. Choose Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton to Pursue Liability and Compensation Auto defects that lead to car crashes can result in a lifetime of trauma, injury, and medical expenses. The personal injury lawyers at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton are here to review the best course of action to ensure that you receive fair compensation. To learn more about your legal options following a motor vehicle collision, contact our team of personal injury lawyers today. We have offices in Provo, Orem, Saratoga Springs, and West Jordan, Utah, and are proud to serve all residents of Utah and Salt Lake Counties.
Types of Accidents: Bicycle Hit and Runs
Bicycle hit-and-runs are one of the most common types of bicycle accidents, but there are steps you can take to protect your rights to justice. The number of preventable bicycle-related deaths has increased by six percent in recent years. Although drivers have the responsibility to stop, some choose to continue driving and leave you to fend for yourself. As a cyclist, you need to know what steps to take after an accident to preserve your legal rights. Bicycle Hit and Run Accidents in Utah A “hit-and-run” is an accident where the driver leaves the scene of the crash. If you have been involved in an accident in Utah, you have a legal obligation to stop at the site and report the incident. Failure to do this can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the severity of the incident. Bicyclists may file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to receive compensation for any associated losses. The challenge of bicycle hit-and-runs lies in identifying the offender. If the driver flees the accident, your insurance company will likely be your main source of a settlement. Steps to Take After a Bicycle Hit and Run Incident Each year, about two percent of motor vehicle crash deaths are bicyclists. If you fall victim to this statistic, it’s important to remember to take the following steps: Call the police – Filing a police report is an essential part of receiving compensation for your accident. Even if you believe that you’ll never be able to identify the offender, you should still contact your local authorities as soon as possible after the incident. Record the scene – If you can, you should document as much as possible about the scene. Take pictures of your injuries, the bike, the surrounding setting, and any other information that would be crucial for filing a claim. Look for witnesses – If there were any people around at the time of your hit-and-run, ask them if they witnessed the accident. They might have remembered key information about the driver, vehicle, license plates, or how the crash occurred. Write down their name and phone number and ask them to stay on the scene until the police arrive. Seek medical attention – Even if you were wearing a helmet or other protective gear, bicycle crashes often result in injuries such as broken arms, scrapes, bruises, and more. Small injuries might not seem like a big deal in the moment but could become more severe in the coming days. For this reason, it’s important to seek medical attention for any degree of injury you obtain. Contact your insurance company – Filing a claim with your insurance company is a crucial part of receiving the compensation you deserve. It’s important to inform them as soon as possible. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help If you have fallen victim to a bicycle hit and run accident, Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton is here to help. It can be challenging to establish fault when the driver flees, but our attorneys can find ways to help you recover the compensation you deserve for your losses. Our offices are located in Provo, Orem, Saratoga Springs, and West Jordan, Utah, and we serve residents in all of the surrounding areas. Give us a call today to get in touch with an accident lawyer that will be by your side every step of the way.
Construction Accidents and Defective Heavy Equipment
Construction accidents are devastating due to the severity of their injuries on those present on the site. Construction sites are extremely hazardous; they are even more so when safety protocols are not thoroughly followed or when equipment does not function properly. When heavy equipment is defective or malfunctions and a construction worker is injured or killed; as a result, any or all parties involved in the design, manufacturing, or marketing of that piece of equipment may be held liable. Construction Equipment Commonly Involved in Product Liability Cases Nearly any type of heavy equipment used in construction can be the subject of a product liability case, as long as the construction worker injured by the equipment was using it for its intended purpose at the time of the accident. Common types of heavy construction equipment that might be defective include: Bulldozers Excavators Pavers Pile drivers Backhoe loaders Track loaders Cherry pickers Cranes Forklifts Drilling machines Tractors Harvesters Material handlers Dump trucks Wheel dozers Articulated haulers Steam shovels Graders Pipelayers Skid loaders Compactors A flaw in any machinery or equipment can be dangerous; however, these types of heavy equipment rely on the absolute precision of their parts to be as safe as possible. Any defects in their parts can lead to catastrophic injuries and even deaths, although everyone might have followed the strictest safety protocols. The Doctrine of Strict Liability in Defective Product Cases In many construction accidents, injured victims and their families are limited in their rights to seek damages by workers’ compensation laws. However, when third parties such as manufacturers become involved, the rights of workers expand considerably. In defective product cases, the victims’ rights expand even further as the doctrine of strict products liability comes into play. According to this doctrine, it is unnecessary to provide evidence of a specific act of negligence of the designer, manufacturer, or other parties responsible. The defect that caused the injury to the construction worker who used the defective piece of heavy equipment – the flaw is evidenced enough of that negligence. What our lawyers must show is that: The design, manufacturing, or marketing defect did, indeed, exist and could not possibly have been foreseen by a reasonable person; The equipment was being used for its proper and intended use by a worker trained, skilled, and approved to use it; The design, manufacturing, or marketing was defective, causing the accident. The worker operating the equipment and other people in the vicinity of that piece of equipment was injured as a result of the accident; Therefore, the party or parties involved with the design, manufacturing, and marketing of the equipment are liable for damages resulting from the accident. Contact Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton for an Evaluation of Your Case If you’ve been involved in one or more construction accidents and require compensation for your injuries, contact Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton today. We have years of experience fighting for our clients and their needs. If you’re ready to take the next step towards fair compensation, contact us today for a free evaluation of your case and to learn more about this legal process. We have offices across Utah County in Provo, Orem, and Saratoga Springs, Utah. We serve all residents of Utah who have been involved in a personal injury accident, including car accidents, workers’ compensation, and abuse.
The Differences Between Motorcycle Accidents and Car Accidents
Although there are many similarities between car and motorcycle accidents, these crashes differ based on their risks, causes, and injuries. Every year, millions of traffic accidents occur on United States’ roads. To keep everyone safe, we urge drivers to learn more about how they can cohesively share the road. Continue reading to learn more about how car and motorcycle accidents compare. Common Causes of Motorcycle and Car Accidents Each day, over 100 motorcycle and car fatalities occur on United States’ roads. The reasons behind these accidents vary and can be classified into two groups: Driver error (speeding, distracted driving, running red lights, etc.) Outside causes (weather conditions, vehicle defects, road conditions, etc.) The five most common causes behind vehicle and motorcycle accidents fall into these categories. Car accidents: Speeding Distracted driving Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication Failure to yield right of way Operating vehicle in a careless manner Motorcycle accidents: Other motorists turning into the path of the motorcycle Riding under the influence A lack of experience or proper licensing Speeding Lane splitting Injuries and Fatalities Motorcycle accidents are inherently more dangerous and life-threatening than car accidents for drivers and occupants. According to the NHTSA, motorcyclists were about 29 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash in 2019 and were four times more likely to be injured. Riding a motorcycle is fun and exhilarating, but safe motorcycling takes coordination, balance, and good judgment. Tips for Avoiding a Motorcycle Accident Motorcycle safety can only be accomplished if drivers and motorcyclists are willing to share the road. To stay safe, vehicle operators should implement the following driving practices: Always take an extra moment to look for motorcycles when changing lanes or turning at intersections Keep a safe following distance of at least three to four seconds Eliminate all distractions such as cell phones, GPS devices, food, or anything else Give yourself ample time to stop, especially during inclement weather Double-check your blind spots Turn on your turn signal sooner than you normally would if a motorcyclist is behind you For motorcyclists, here are a few things you can do to drive safely and responsibly: Make sure you are properly licensed Practice operating your motorcycle if you’re driving a new or unfamiliar bike Always wear appropriate gear such as a helmet, padded clothing, and proper footwear Obey all traffic laws Don’t assume other drivers can see you Always ride with the flow of traffic and leave plenty of room around you Proceed cautiously at intersections Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Is Here for You in the Event of an Accident If you’ve been involved in a car or motorcycle accident, reach out to the experienced attorneys at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton to review the best course of action. We’ll review your case, give you exceptional legal advice, and help you fight for the compensation you deserve. We have offices in Provo, Orem, Saratoga Springs, and West Jordan, Utah. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Auto Accidents: How Do They Usually Happen in Utah?
Auto accidents come in various forms and are a leading cause of injury-related death for Utahns, but fortunately, they are often preventable. According to the Utah Department of Health, a crash occurs in Utah every eight minutes. Additionally, a person is injured in a wreck every 20 minutes, and a person dies every 33 hours. Motor vehicle crashes of all degrees take a terrible toll on Utah families. Today, we’re sharing three of the most common types of accidents that occur on Utah roads and how you can prevent them. Rear-End Impacts Rear-endings are among the most common types of auto accidents in Utah. While they only account for about seven percent of all fatal crashes, they make up nearly 29 percent of all accidents annually. Rear-end collisions most commonly occur from tailgating or speeding. When a car comes to a sudden stop, a rear-ending happens if the vehicle behind them does not have enough room to stop. While they do not always result in deadly outcomes, these accidents can be hazardous at high speeds. The best way to safeguard yourself is to obey the speed limit and leave a safe following distance of at least three seconds behind the vehicle ahead. Merging Accidents Merging accidents pose the most significant risk of entering highway traffic. Although it may seem like a straightforward maneuver, too many factors come into play to guarantee safety. The most dangerous merging scenarios include: Side-swiping collisions due to blind spots Front and rear-end impacts Misjudging speed and brake time Spin-outs due to overcorrections According to the Utah Department of Transportation, nearly 300,000 merging accidents occur every year. Yielding to the other drivers and adjusting your speed to match the traffic flow are two easy things you can do to help you merge safely. Side-Impact Collisions Side-impact (also known as “angle” or “T-bone”) collisions are listed as the most common type of impact in the United States, according to the Insurance Information Institute. These accidents accounted for 18.2 percent of total fatal crashes in 2019. Because of the nature of these impacts, an oncoming car can crush the occupants sitting near the point of impact, leading to severe injuries or wrongful death. There are numerous reasons why side-impacts occur, but some of the most common causes include driving under the influence, running red lights and stop signs, failure to yield, illegal passing, distracted driving, and speeding. As a driver, there are things you can do to lower your risk of being involved in this type of crash: Cross all intersections with caution Always focus on the road and be aware of your surroundings Be mindful of trucks that have a more challenging time stopping quickly The Attorneys of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help Auto accidents can cause both physical and financial difficulties, so if you have been involved in one in Utah, the experienced attorneys at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton are eager to help you fight for rightful compensation. After a motor vehicle accident, you need a team that will stand by you. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton is dedicated to helping people rebuild their lives after a severe accident. To learn more about your rights surrounding car crashes, be sure to contact our team of auto accident attorneys. Our lawyers are here to help you in your time of legal need. We have offices in Provo, Orem, Saratoga Springs, and West Jordan and serve Utah citizens all over Utah and Salt Lake Valleys.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Dram Shop Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident involving alcohol, it’s important to understand the timeline surrounding a dram shop lawsuit. Dram shop laws allow injury victims to pursue compensation from bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and other establishments in the wake of alcohol-related accidents. These laws hold businesses to a high standard for selling and serving alcohol. Continue reading to learn more about dram shop lawsuits and how they work in Utah. What Is Dram Shop Liability? Dram shop liability refers to the laws that can hold a business liable for serving alcohol to minors or intoxicated persons who later cause an accident resulting in death, injury, or property damage. Dram shop laws are implemented at the state level, so specific terms surrounding alcohol-related incidents vary depending on location. Utah’s Dram Shop Law In Utah, every licensed establishment is required to sell and serve alcohol in a safe manner. If a business fails to do so and an accident ensues, the victims and their loved ones can claim financial compensation from the establishment that served the alcohol in the first place. Section 32B-15-201 of Utah’s code specifies that a vendor can be deemed liable if drinks were served under any of the following circumstances: The patron is under the legal drinking age of 21 (a minor) They are clearly already under the influence of drugs or alcohol They are a known interdicted person (someone who has been court-ordered to avoid drinking alcohol) Any of these violations can be used as the basis for a dram shop claim. Utah’s Social Host Liability Laws Utah has an additional violation that extends to private parties. Social host liability laws state that a social host can be held responsible for any unfortunate aftermath caused by a minor under age 21. If they are an adult who knowingly serves alcohol to a minor, they can be held liable according to the law. Statute of Limitations Just like any other lawsuit, a dram shop lawsuit claim has a rigorous statute of limitations. This varies from state to state, but in Utah, the legal time limit is two years from the date of the incident. This timeframe is imperative to keep in mind when seeking litigation. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help You Receive Maximum Compensation If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving alcohol, you deserve compensation from all responsible parties in the form of a dram shop lawsuit. While the other driver may not have the resources to cover the full extent of your injuries, those who supplied the alcohol that led to your accident may also be liable. The attorneys at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton are here to help you determine where dram shop liability applies. We are proud to serve clients throughout Utah and have offices located in Orem, Provo, Saratoga Springs, and West Jordan. Reach out today to get started and schedule your free case evaluation.
Main Differences Between a Truck Accident and a Car Accident
You might assume that a truck accident and a car accident are quite similar; however, truck accidents pose a much greater threat to U.S. roads. A variety of factors distinguish a truck and a car accident from common causes to liability. Today, we’re taking a closer look at these differences and how they play into truck accidents. Causes of Truck Accidents The causes of truck accidents often parallel that of car accidents; however, some factors differentiate the two: Truck braking capability – According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Loaded tractor-trailers take 20-40 percent farther than cars to stop, and the discrepancy is greater on wet and slippery roads or with poorly maintained brakes. This can be a factor in truck crashes. Truck driver fatigue – Driver fatigue can affect any automobile operator, but truckers are among the highest group of individuals at risk. This is because they typically drive the maximum amount of time possible mandated by the government, 11 hours per day. The nature of commercial driving is exhausting, and most operators work 60+ hours per week. Improper cargo loading – Each truck carrying load must adhere to specific weight, size, height, width, and length limits. If mistakes happen during the loading process, the truck might be too heavy to operate properly. This could cause the truck to tip over or a load to fall onto the road causing a catastrophic accident. Truck Accidents Are More Likely to Cause Injury Since a large truck weighs more than 10,000 pounds, crashes involving them are more likely to result in serious injuries and wrongful death. The vulnerability of people traveling in smaller vehicles makes them more at risk. In 2009, 67 percent of all deaths involving large trucks came from passenger vehicle occupants; conversely, only 16 percent came from truck operators. Truck Accidents Have More Liable Parties Another key difference between a truck and a car accident lies within liability. It is not uncommon for other parties to be held liable for the accident. These additional parties might include: The trucking company The broker The shipper The truck manufacturer Distributors or retailers supplying defective parts There Is More Evidence to Refer to in a Truck Accident Trucking companies are required by law to keep detailed records of cargo volumes, vehicle weights, truck repairs, driver trip times, and more, so there is often more evidence to refer to in a truck accident. This evidence can help determine causation and liability. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Personal Injury Lawyers Are Here to Help If you or a loved one has been a victim of a truck accident, Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton is here for you. Our accident attorneys will fight for the compensation you deserve and help you handle the aftermath of your accident. We have offices in Orem, Provo, Saratoga Springs, and West Jordan, Utah. Get in touch with us today for your free case evaluation.
Lane Splitting Can Lead To Serious Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents happen everyday on our Utah roadways, and one major cause of these accidents is lane splitting whether traffic is stopped or not. If you ride a motorcycle as your main form of transportation, it’s essential to arm yourself with all the knowledge you need about preventing accidents. In this article, we will talk about lane splitting and the dangers thereof. Keep reading to learn more. What Is Lane Splitting? Lane splitting refers to the practice of a motorcyclist driving a motorcycle between lanes along the line. Sometimes motorcyclists do this when traffic is at a standstill, maneuvering the small gap between vehicles. In other instances, a motorcyclist may split lanes while vehicles are in motion, and sometimes at high speeds. As you can imagine, lane splitting is dangerous and can lead to fatal injuries, which is why there are various laws on the books with regard to lane-splitting. Is Lane Splitting Legal in the State of Utah? Utah, like many states across the country, does not permit lane splitting at any time. This means that motorcyclists cannot ride between lanes while traffic is in motion and they are also prohibited from doing so when traffic is stopped. This is one of the ways that the state of Utah hopes to keep motorcyclists safe from serious injuries. As of May 2019 though, lane filtering was made legal in Utah. Lane filtering refers to when a motorcycle (other than an autocycle) is allowed to pass another vehicle that is stopped and will be traveling in the same direction in the same lane. An example of this is if multiple cars stop at a stop light, a motorcyclist can legally pass through the cars between lanes until they get to the front of the line. There are rules that set this apart from lane splitting. Here are a few things to note: Lane filtering can only occur on roadways where the speed limit is 45 mph or under and never on highways or freeways. The road must have two adjacent lanes of traffic that are moving the same direction. The motorcyclist cannot drive over 15 mph when lane filtering The Dangers of Lane Splitting When a motorcyclist travels between designated lanes of traffic, he or she can potentially strike the side of an adjacent vehicle, causing an array of different types of motorcycle accidents. When traffic is stopped, this can mean bumps and bruises to the motorcyclist as well as damage to the vehicles involved in the collision. When vehicles are in motion, a motorcyclist can potentially be struck by a vehicle or strike a vehicle. This can lead to the motorcyclist falling off his or her motorcycle, and subsequently increases the risk of the motorcyclist being run over by adjacent or oncoming traffic. In addition to posing a danger to himself or herself, a motorcyclist who rides between lanes may also cause accidents to occur with other vehicles nearby. Cars may swerve to try to avoid the motorcycle, resulting in a collision with another vehicle. Motorcyclists Should Be Careful While on the Road Whenever you are operating a motorcycle, it’s important that you abide by the rules of the road, which means paying attention to the posted speed limits and traffic signs and also avoiding dangerous or reckless behaviors such as lane splitting. This will help keep you and others on the road safe. What You Should Do If a Motorcyclist Is Lane Splitting If you are driving your car and notice a motorcyclist is riding alongside your vehicle between lanes, do not panic or overreact. Continue to drive carefully and be attentive to the motorcyclist near your vehicle. It may be helpful to slow down gradually, allowing the motorcycle to pass without incident, or to safely change lanes in order to give the motorcyclist more room. Contact Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Motorcycle accidents can cause a lot of pain. Whether it be financial, physical, or emotional pain, it’s essential to get the help you need if you’ve been injured in an accident. To learn more about your legal options following a serious motor vehicle collision, be sure to contact our team of personal injury lawyers today. The legal team of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton will fight diligently for you every step of the way so you can be compensated fairly. We have offices in Provo, Orem, Saratoga Springs, and West Jordan and serve all residents of the Utah and Salt Lake Counties.