Everything You Need to Know About Construction Law
Construction law covers every aspect of the construction industry. Understanding the basics is essential if you’re working on a construction-related project. Knowing your legal rights and responsibilities can help ensure that everyone fulfills their obligations in a timely, cost-effective manner. Today’s blog is all about construction law. We’re discussing the different areas of construction law and the most common disputes that arise from it. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know. Areas of Construction Law Construction law is a complex field, so complex that most construction companies have construction liability insurance. Construction law encompasses many aspects of construction and development, covering topics like contract negotiation and bidding, building codes, design liability issues, employment practices, environmental regulations, contractual obligations, and intellectual property rights. Let’s take a closer look. Contract Negotiation and Bidding. Contract negotiation and bidding cover negotiations, creating contracts, and ensuring that the most qualified contractors get projects at a fair price. Every aspect of the negotiation process must be documented to ensure all parties understand their rights and obligations. The bidding process typically involves analyzing the terms of different proposals to determine which bid offers the best combination of cost, quality, and timing for a particular project. Building Code Regulations. Building code regulations are critical to the safety and integrity of any construction project. These regulations outline building materials, designs, and practice specifications that must be strictly followed to ensure success. Building code violations range from inadequate structural support to insufficient insulation. Violations almost always result in expensive repairs, injury, or even death. Adhering to detailed building codes is essential for any construction project to be legally compliant and successful. Design Liability Issues. Design liability issues cover a party’s legal faults in the design of the building. Architects, designers, and engineers are responsible for verifying that all designs meet or exceed building codes and regulations. If an oversight or inadequate design causes a project to fail, the parties involved could be held financially liable for their negligence. That’s why exercising caution and properly documenting decisions is important to ensure legal protection against any potential negligence claims. Employment Practices. Laws and regulations protect construction workers, ensuring fair and safe working conditions. These laws include requirements for providing appropriate pay, ensuring workplace safety, preventing discrimination, and posting workplace notices. Before beginning any project, employers must familiarize themselves with any applicable federal and state laws to ensure they follow proper employment practices. Failing to comply with these rules can result in severe financial penalties or criminal prosecution. Environmental Regulations. Construction projects often affect the environment, so contractors must be familiar with relevant environmental regulations. These regulations vary by state and cover topics like using hazardous materials, waste disposal, soil erosion prevention, and endangered species protection. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines or criminal charges. It is up to construction companies and project managers to ensure that all environmental requirements are met before beginning any work. Contractual Obligations. Construction companies must be aware of their contractual obligations when working on a project. This ensures that all workers are paid according to their contract, deadlines are met, safety guidelines are adhered to, and the project is successfully completed. Contractual disputes can result in costly legal battles, making it important for employers to understand their contractual obligations to avoid potential conflicts. Intellectual Property Rights. Intellectual property rights law involves anything from protecting a building’s design to avoiding infringement on copyright, trademarks, and patents held by other businesses or individuals. Project managers must understand the applicable laws and regulations to ensure that intellectual property rights are respected. Failure to do so can lead to significant financial penalties and potential legal disputes. Common Construction Disputes Construction disputes are common and can be complex and time-consuming to resolve. Even having construction liability insurance isn’t always enough. Disputes come from contractual breaches, inadequate performance of duties, miscommunications about project specifications, and failure to adhere to safety standards. Let’s take a closer look. Breach of Contract Disputes. These occur when a contractor or other party fails to fulfill their contractual obligations. These disputes can cause project delays, additional expenses, and contract termination. Contractors must take reasonable care to ensure they meet the agreed-upon requirements so any claims or disputes can be quickly resolved. Early dispute resolution should always be sought whenever possible, as this can help minimize costly legal battles. Liability for Defects in Design or Construction. Liability for defects in design or construction can be a significant concern for contractors and homeowners. Under the law, contractors must complete work in accordance with professional standards, and they could be held liable if they fail to meet these standards. Homeowners can also be held accountable if they contribute to the defects through negligence or improper oversight. Regarding design, both parties must agree on a contract specifying the details of the project before any construction takes place to avoid any potential disputes related to liability for defects. Liability for Dangerous Worksite Conditions. Employers are responsible for providing safe working conditions and should take all reasonable precautions to protect employees from hazardous situations. Workers are expected to follow safety guidelines and use recommended protective equipment. In some cases, third parties might also be held accountable for not meeting the project’s safety requirements. If a dangerous worksite condition causes an accident, the negligent party can be sued for damages or even criminal charges, depending on the situation’s severity. Flickinger Boulton Gooch & Robson Can Help If you need a construction lawyer and are looking for reliable, experienced legal representation, Flickinger Boulton Gooch & Robson should be your go-to source. Our team of experienced attorneys has won hundreds of millions for our clients, and we’re here to fight for the same results for you.We are dedicated to providing quality solutions tailored to your legal needs. Call us at 801.500.4000, or visit our website to schedule your case evaluation and see what Flickinger Boulton Gooch & Robson do for you.
Seat Belt Syndrome Recovery: Here’s Your Timeline
Seat belt syndrome is the nickname for medical conditions that result from seatbelt injuries sustained in a car crash. Seat belt injuries range from whiplash to blunt force trauma and can affect crash victims in myriad ways. Some injuries take a couple of weeks to get over, while others are life-threatening and require hospitalization. Today’s blog discusses the different types of seatbelt injuries and what those recovery timelines can look like. Every injury will have a different timeline since they are all different. Let’s take a closer look. Whiplash It might surprise you to know that whiplash can cause seat belt syndrome. When your head snaps back and forth, the jerking motion can cause internal damage. A stomach ache, bruising, and abrasions are signs of seat belt syndrome from whiplash. You’ll want to treat the whiplash and the seat belt syndrome. Your best bet is to seek immediate care from your medical provider. For whiplash, your doctor will test the following: Your range of motion. At what range of motion you feel pain. How tender your neck, shoulders, and back are. How strong your reflexes, strength, and sensation are. Your doctor may also order imaging tests such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI to detect any hidden injuries, which will be treated as they are diagnosed. While you’re healing, your doctor might prescribe muscle relaxants or Xylocaine injections to help you handle the pain. Blunt Force Trauma Blunt force trauma is a bodily injury from the forceful impact that commonly occurs in car accidents. It’s not uncommon to have contusions, abrasions, lacerations, and even fractures from blunt force trauma. And that’s just on the surface. Internally, your spleen, liver, kidneys, bladder, and intestines could be injured and require medical care, including surgery. Blunt force trauma can cause blood clots, pulmonary embolisms, aneurysms, and even miscarriages. That’s why it’s imperative to seek medical care if you were in a car crash and feel stomach pain, get nauseous, or throw up. All of these conditions require immediate medical care. Your medical provider will order tests and imaging to ensure proper treatment. As for the timeline, that will depend on the severity of your injuries. Your doctor can also advise you in this area. Peritonitis Peritonitis occurs when the peritoneum, the thin tissue layer inside your abdomen and surrounding organs, is inflamed. Peritonitis can result from a bacterial infection, but it can also happen after a car crash. Peritonitis is life-threatening, so you’ll want to visit your nearest emergency room if you have any symptoms. Symptoms include severe stomach pain, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, distention, fevers, chills, fluid in the abdomen, and inability to use the restroom. If your doctor suspects peritonitis, they’ll take a urine sample, perform a CT scan, and remove fluid from your stomach through the paracentesis. Further care will be provided depending on your individual condition, as a number of complications or conditions could arise. Systemic Infection A systemic infection can be extremely dangerous. Instead of being isolated to one organ or body part, a systemic infection affects the entire body. It can be as mild as the flu or as severe as sepsis, a life-threatening infection that can damage your tissues and organs and kill you. Sepsis usually starts with a fever and can quickly turn into low blood pressure, an increased heart rate, and difficulty breathing. Sepsis is as bad as it gets, so recovery will take time. You’ll stay in the hospital until you’re stable enough to go home, but it will take time to return to your usual self. You’ll likely be exhausted, feel breathless, feel aches and pains, struggle to get around, and have difficulty sleeping. You might also experience weight loss, lack of appetite, peeling skin, brittle nails, and hair loss. Take care of yourself as you recover, and go to all your doctor appointments to ensure your recovery goes as smoothly as possible. Menstrual Cycle Disruptions It’s not uncommon for your menstrual cycle to be disrupted by seat belt syndrome. This can happen from your internal organs being damaged or from the stress of the accident, which can easily cause disruptions. If you miss your menstrual cycle after a car crash, you should see your OB/GYN. Diarrhea or GI Distress You can have diarrhea or GI distress from seat belt syndrome from your internal organs compressing. See your doctor immediately if you’ve been in a car crash and have diarrhea or GI distress. Your recovery timeline will depend on the severity of your symptoms and your diagnosis. Bloating You are likely bloated if you feel tightness, pressure, or fullness in your belly. It can be mild and go away on its own within hours or last for days. If you feel intense pain, seeking medical care right away is essential since it could indicate a severe medical condition. Your recovery timeline will depend on your diagnosis and treatment plan. Bruised Abdomen When you bruise your abdomen, blood vessels under the skin break open, and blood leaks into your skin’s tissue, causing blue-black spots on your skin. If you notice these spots on your abdomen, you should go to the doctor, as this can indicate more severe internal bruising or bleeding. A bruised abdomen could require surgery, depending on the severity of the injury. Your doctor will advise you on your recovery time. Call Flickinger Boulton Gooch & Robson Today. If you were in a car crash and are suffering from any of these conditions, it’s important to seek medical care right away. You should also contact a lawyer, as you could be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering. Flickinger Boulton Gooch & Robson understand how traumatic and painful being in a car crash is, especially when you sustain injuries. Let our lawyers fight for you. Get started today with a free case evaluation to see how we can best help you. Call us at 801.500.4000 or fill out the form on our website to get started.
Semi-Truck Accidents vs. Car Accidents: 5 Differences You Need to Know About
Every accident should be treated with seriousness, but it’s important to recognize the differences between semi-truck accidents and car accidents. Semi-truck accidents can be a significant cause of concern on the roads due to their potential for severe injuries and fatalities. These accidents differ significantly from car accidents in terms of their severity, insurance and liability, causes, investigation process, and legal implications. Car accidents bring their own complications, but dealing with trucking companies and their insurance, for example, could prove to be more burdensome. There are several key differences between semi-truck accidents and car accidents, the most common of which we will cover in this article. 1. Severity of Injuries One of the significant differences between semi-truck accidents and car accidents is the severity of injuries. Due to a semi-truck’s size and weight, accidents involving them often result in more severe injuries or fatalities than car accidents. A semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while the average passenger car weighs around 2 tons — or 4,000 pounds. This means that in a collision, the impact is much greater for the smaller vehicle and its occupants. Additionally, semi-trucks have a much larger blind spot than cars, making it more difficult for truck drivers to see other vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents. Injuries that are commonly sustained in semi-truck accidents include: Broken bones Head injuries Spinal cord injuries Internal injuries These types of injuries can have long-term effects on the victim’s health and — in some cases — may even result in permanent disability or death. The size and weight of semi-trucks can also cause significant damage to other vehicles and property, which can add to the overall cost of the accident. 2. Insurance and Liability Another key difference between semi-truck accidents and car accidents is the complexities that can arise in insurance and liability issues. Semi-trucks are commercial vehicles and are typically owned and operated by companies or individuals who are in the business of transporting goods. As a result, the insurance and liability issues can be more complex than in a car accident. In a semi-truck accident, multiple parties may be held liable, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and even the company that owns the cargo being transported. Determining who is at fault for the accident can be a complex process, as it may involve investigating the actions of multiple individuals and entities. The trucking company’s liability may be affected by federal regulations, such as hours of service rules and maintenance requirements, which can add to the case’s complexity. Due to the potential for large payouts in semi-truck accident cases, insurance companies may be more likely to contest liability and fight against large settlements. This can make the process of obtaining compensation for injuries and damages more difficult for victims and their families. 3. Causes of Accidents Semi-truck accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, such as the following: Driver fatigue: Long hours on the road and tight delivery schedules can lead to truck drivers becoming fatigued, increasing the risk of accidents. Improper loading of the truck: An improperly loaded truck can cause instability and make it more difficult for the driver to control the vehicle; this can increase the risk of rollover and jackknife accidents. Mechanical failures: Semi-trucks are subject to a lot of wear and tear and require regular maintenance. Failure to properly maintain the vehicle can lead to mechanical failures, such as brake failures, which can increase the risk of accidents. Weather conditions: Semi-trucks are more affected by bad weather than passenger cars, and drivers may have difficulty navigating roads in poor weather conditions. Driver error: Truck drivers are subject to strict regulations, such as hours of service rules, and can be held liable for accidents resulting from their actions. On the other hand, car accidents are often caused by factors such as driver distraction or impairment. 4. Investigation Another way semi-truck accidents and car accidents differ is the investigation process. Semi-truck accidents often require a more extensive investigation than car accidents, as multiple parties may be involved, and federal regulations may apply. When semi-truck accidents occur, investigations typically involve interviewing the truck driver, examining the truck and its maintenance records, and reviewing any electronic data recorders or cameras that may have captured the accident. The cargo being transported and its condition before the accident will also be a point of examination. Federal regulations, such as hours of service rules and maintenance requirements, also come into play during the investigation process. These regulations are in place to ensure the safety of the truck and its driver, and failure to comply with these regulations can lead to liability for the trucking company and the driver. The investigation process can take several months, and the results can be used to determine liability and help inform the legal process. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) also investigates significant accidents — like those involving fatalities — in which federal regulations were violated or any other accidents that can be used as a case study to improve transportation safety. 5. Legal Representation Laws and regulations surrounding commercial vehicles can be complex, requiring specialized legal representation for those involved in such accidents. An attorney with experience in semi-truck accident cases will advise clients on the potential value of their case and can negotiate with insurance companies and other parties involved in the case to ensure that the client receives fair compensation for their injuries and damages. Get the Legal Representation You Need With Flickinger Boulton Gooch & Robson If you find yourself in an accident, whether it be a semi-truck accident or a car accident, consider reaching out to the personal injury lawyers at Flickinger Boulton Gooch & Robson. You may be entitled to significant compensation for your pain and suffering, and our attorneys work diligently to get you the compensation you deserve. With over 150 years of combined experience in personal injury law, we tailor legal solutions that best help your situation. Call us at
How Common Are Scooter Accidents? What You Need to Know
Scooter accidents are far more common than you might think but they don’t come without their risks. Just like with cars, scooter accidents can happen at a moment’s notice.
Common Cycling Injuries You Should Look Out For
Cycling is a great activity that counts as fun and exercise. Whether you’re hitting up some trails for fun, exercising, or riding your bike to a specific destination, it’s a good idea to be aware of common cycling injuries. No matter your reason for cycling, awareness is the first step to preventing an injury. We want you to freely cycle wherever you want to go. In today’s blog, we’re talking all about the most common cycling injuries and how you can prevent them and/or ease your pain while recovering from them. Keep reading to learn what to look for and the best ways to care for your body to avoid injuries. Knee Pain A lot of cyclists experience knee pain from cycling too much. The repetitive motion for a prolonged period can indeed cause problems. Common injuries include patellofemoral syndrome (or cyclist’s knee), patella and quadriceps tendinitis, medial plica syndrome, and iliotibial band friction syndrome. Patellofemoral syndrome is where the cartilage under the knee cap gets damaged from injury or overuse. Patella and quadriceps tendonitis refers to pain in the anterior knee. Inflammation causes tendonitis and is usually related to athletic activities. Medial plica syndrome causes pain and swelling in the middle of your knee after stress or overuse. Finally, iliotibial band friction syndrome occurs when your connective tissue rubs against your thigh bone. If you feel pain in your kneecap, you might have one of the first four injuries. However, iliotibial band friction syndrome affects your outer knee, causing pain in your knees and hips. The simplest solution for these injuries is to wear shoe implants, wedges under your shoes, or reposition your shoes on the bike pedals. Head Injuries A head injury can range from a scratch or cut to a traumatic brain injury or something in between. Of course, wearing a helmet is the best protection against a head injury. While it’s not a fool-proof solution, it can reduce a TBI injury to a concussion. In some situations, it can prevent an injury altogether. Neck/Back Pain Did you ride your bike in the same position for a really long time? That’s a recipe for back and neck pain. Simple exercises like shoulder shrugs and neck stretches help with the tension. But that’s not the only cause of neck and back injuries. Bad form is another one. It’s essential to ride a bike that properly fits you. For example, if your handlebars are too long, this could strain your neck and back. If your hamstrings or hip flexor muscles are tight, you might round or arch your back to compensate, causing your neck to hyperextend. This can be a painful injury. Your best bet to prevent neck hyperextension is to stretch your muscles and keep up your flexibility. You can also change your grip to relax your overused muscles and focus on other nerves. Wrist/Forearm Pain or Numbness Don’t lock your arms or keep them straight while cycling; always ride with your elbows slightly bent. Why? When you inevitably hit a bump in the road, the bend in your elbows will absorb the shock. In addition to not locking your arms, you shouldn’t keep your hands in the same position on the handlebars, as this can cause Cyclist’s Palsy or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. You can prevent this by keeping your wrists above your handlebars while cycling and rotating your grip between the inside and outside of your palms. Finally, padded gloves and hand stretches before your ride with help prevent injury. Urogenital Problems Urogenital problems refer primarily to men who experience numbness or pain in the genital or rectal area. Sitting on a bicycle for a long time can definitely cause that, which is why you should pick a wider seat, a padded seat, or a partial seat where part of the seat has been removed. You can also change how the seat is tilted or wear cycling shorts to help relieve urogenital pressure. Foot Numbness and Tingling The number one cause of foot numbness and tingling is wearing shoes that are too small. If your shoes are pressing into your fight while actively cycling, your feet will quickly go numb. You could also experience exertional compartment syndrome, where increased lower leg pressure compresses your nerves. Surgical release solves this problem. Saddle Sores Saddle sores are no joke. They result from your undercarriage being in the same position for too long. If you notice yourself moving around on your bike to relieve pressure, you’re probably on your way to a saddle sore. But did you know that trying to avoid a saddle sore could result in other injuries? The best way to prevent any injury related to a saddle sore is by taking a break and allowing the painful areas to heal. When you get back on your bike, be sure to wear proper cycling shorts to reduce discomfort. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Common cycling injuries happen every day. Sometimes those injuries result from improper posture or staying in the same position for too long, as we discussed in this blog. But sometimes, a cycling accident is someone else’s fault. It’s unfair to be left with medical bills and injuries from an accident someone else caused. That’s what we’re here for. If you were injured in an accident, Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help get you the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering. Located in northern Utah, we serve all of Salt Lake and Utah counties and have offices in Provo, Orem, South Jordan, and West Jordan. You can get started by scheduling a free case evaluation, where we’ll discuss your case with you and see how we can help. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton is here for you. We understand how traumatic an accident can be, so we’ll do our part to get you back on your feet as quickly as possible. Contact us today to get started.
Wrongful Death Claims: What You Need to Know
Wrongful death claims are for individuals who have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct. Wrongful death claims compensate the survivors of the deceased for things like lost companionship, lost wages, funeral expenses, medical bills, and more. Wrongful death claims are generally limited to the immediate or close extended family of the deceased to prevent distant relatives from profiting from their death. There are laws in place to prevent the abuse of wrongful death claims. But there are also laws to ensure that compensation is provided for those who need and deserve it. Today’s blog is about wrongful death claims. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know. Who Can File A Wrongful Death Claim? Wrongful death claims are limited to a select number of people. You must be a close relative to the individual and have been directly affected by their death to be able to file a wrongful death claim. Each state sets the statutes for wrongful death and is usually for widows and orphans, the ones most affected by the death. Having been friends in college, close friends, or even co-workers isn’t enough to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased. These laws are in place to prevent anyone from unethically taking advantage of a person’s death. Each state will limit how much the recipients can receive, which is another reason why states limit the recipients and amounts of wrongful death claims. When Wrongful Death Applies Wrongful deaths only apply to specific circumstances, which you must prove with hard evidence. Murder, medical malpractice, and auto accidents are the most common types of wrongful deaths that you can sue over. Here’s more detail on each kind of wrongful death. Murder Intentionally killing another person is murder, and it most certainly qualifies for wrongful death. Murder is more complicated since the murderer/defendant will be criminally charged and prosecuted. A wrongful death claim would be in addition to the criminal charges but would occur in civil court. It’s possible to have both criminal and civil charges against you at the same time. Medical Malpractice Doctors have legal and ethical duties to their patients. It’s a doctor’s job to test and diagnose their patients correctly. If a doctor lacks the expertise to diagnose or treat a patient properly, they have the ethical responsibility to refer the patient to a skilled doctor. As long as a doctor follows all their ethical and legal obligations, they are fine. But should a doctor fail to and that patient dies as a direct result, they are guilty of medical malpractice and can be sued for wrongful death. Doctors carry medical malpractice insurance to protect themselves from lawsuits like this. Some cases don’t meet the criteria for medical malpractice, but if you win the lawsuit, your compensation will likely come from their malpractice insurance. Auto Accidents Many auto accidents result in wrongful death claims, but not every case is won. There must be proof that the driver engaged in negligent behavior while driving. Evidence that they were using their phone or were under the influence of alcohol is enough to file a wrongful death claim. How Wrongful Death Claims Work To file a wrongful death claim, you must have sufficient evidence. That evidence must include the following: Someone’s negligence or harmful intent caused the individual’s death. The person’s death costs the family money. A personal representative must be in charge of the deceased’s property. Without these three elements, you don’t have a case for wrongful death. If you don’t have enough proof, you can’t file a lawsuit, as this would waste the court’s resources. Additionally, you must file your case within the statutes of limitations. Those limitations are set individually by each state, so you’ll need to determine the time frame you have. Usually, this time frame begins at the time the person died. But, if their cause of death is what revealed wrongful death, and that cause wasn’t discovered until later on, then wrongful death would begin when the cause was found. Damages You’ll likely collect monetary damages, which cover loss of services, support, medical and funeral expenses, and loss of inheritance. You’ll also collect financial injuries, which cover any money you lost due to the person’s death. Finally, a damage award will repay your expenses and may include interest. Proving Wrongful Death It can be very challenging to prove wrongful death. All of the elements listed above must be met, and it could be hard to prove that yourself. You might need expert help in the form of an attorney. It’s also not uncommon for an expert witness to be hired to testify. Determining the Settlement Amount and Getting Paid Your settlement amount will depend on how old the person was when they died. It also depends on medical bills, funeral/burial costs, how much your pain and suffering are worth, etc. You’ll receive a check from the defendant’s insurance company for the total amount. If you’ve hired an attorney, their fees will come out of the check before the rest is yours to keep. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Did you lose a family member to wrongful death? Wrongful death claims are not easy to handle on your own. There’s a lot of legalese, paperwork, and confusion involved in the process. But rest assured that you’re not alone. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton has been representing individuals in wrongful death claims for over 25 years. Our expert attorneys will skillfully guide you through the process, so you can receive the compensation you deserve for the wrongful loss of your loved one. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton is located in northern Utah with offices in West Jordan, South Jordan, Provo, Orem, and Saratoga Springs. To get started with a free case evaluation, call us at 801.921.8360, or fill out the form on our website. However you prefer to reach out, we’ll be here to help.
What are Some Examples of Liabilities?
If the word liability scares you, it’s a good idea to go over some examples of liabilities. Knowing and understanding what a liability is and what liabilities you have can be empowering. Plus, it can help you in the unfortunate event of a lawsuit. What Are Liabilities? To understand examples of liabilities, you need to know what a liability is. In its simplest definition, a liability is something you owe. If you’re a business owner, liability could be something in your personal life or related to your business. It’s important to understand that those liabilities are separate. Liabilities can be monetary and often are, but other forms of liabilities include loans, accounts payable, mortgages, deferred revenues, bonds, warranties, and accrued expenses. There are current and long-term liabilities. What Is a Current Liability? A current liability is different from a long-term liability and needs to be treated differently. A current liability is due within 12 months. For example, car payments, mortgage loans, credit card payments, and student loan repayments that are due within one year are considered current liabilities. You have nothing to worry about if you’re paying for these liabilities when you owe them. They’re a normal part of life. Other examples of liabilities that are current include the following: Wages payable. Interest payable. Dividends payable. Unearned revenues. Liabilities of discontinued operations. Wages Payable If you own a business, this refers to the money you owe your employees. This number will constantly change depending on how many employees you have and their wages. Promoting an employee or hiring independent contractors will increase this liability. While this will be a liability for you, it will be an asset for your employee. An asset is something that adds value to you. Money coming your way definitely adds value! Interest Payable Do you use a credit card to pay for purchases? This could be for your business or personal reasons. If you don’t pay off the balance in full every month, you’ll owe interest on your purchases. That interest is a liability to you and your company and is known as interest payable. Dividends Payable If you’ve issued stock to investors and paid a dividend, this applies to you. That dividend is what you owe to the shareholders. You’ll owe this liability around four times a year if this applies to you. Unearned Revenues Do you have clients who pay you in advance for goods? Say you own a company where you sell smartphone cases. Customers pay for their cases when they order them. Until you’ve shipped the smartphone case to the customer, their purchase is a liability referred to as unearned revenue. Liabilities of Discontinued Operations If you closed down your company, or if you’re in the process of doing so, you likely have liabilities associated with the discontinued operations. Examples include operations, divisions, and entities. Your product lines, if you had them, can also be liabilities. It’s essential to keep a record of these liabilities until everything has been completely shut down. Those are examples of current liabilities. Now, let’s look at what long-term liabilities are. What Is A Long-Term Liability? A long-term liability is different from a current liability. It’s more commonly known as a non-current liability. It’s something that you’ll owe in the future. You’ll want to prepare for it, but it’s not something you currently owe or need to think about right now. Say you have student loans and owe a total of $30,000. You owe $150 per month, totaling $1,800 per year. You’ll be paying off your student loans for another 16 years at the rate you’re currently paying. The following 12 months of payments are current liabilities. But the other $28,200 is a long-term or non-current liability. You’ll need to prepare to make those payments as they become due, but they’re not liabilities that you’re currently responsible for. Other examples of liabilities that are non-current include these: Warranty liability. Contingent liability evaluation. Deferred credits. Post-employment benefits. Unamortized Investment Tax Credits. Warranty Liability There’s no guarantee that your customers will use their warranties, especially if your product is high quality. But sometimes, you can’t help malfunctions. That’s what warranties are for, so you’ll need to be prepared to honor warranties by setting aside the appropriate funds and tools. Contingent Liability Evaluation This type of non-current liability refers to a contingent liability on something happening. If nothing happens, that non-current liability never becomes current, so you might never need to worry about it. But because it could become current, it’s something you need to prepare for, just in case. Deferred Credits There are tons of examples for deferred credits, but in its simplest form, it refers to revenue that’s come in but hasn’t been officially recorded in its simplest form. Once the credit is no longer deferred, it becomes part of the company’s revenue stream. Post-Employment Benefits Post-employment benefits refer to retirement benefits and other things that you earn after you’ve retired. They’re a long-term liability for the company and an asset for the retiree. A pension is an example. Unamortized Investment Tax Credits There’s the historical cost of an asset vs. the depreciated amount. The part that remains amortized is a liability. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton As you can see, there are tons of examples of liabilities. Problems only occur with liabilities when you can’t pay what you owe or when someone else owes you, and they’re not paying you. Liabilities and assets work well when everyone lives up to their end of the agreement. Lawsuits often occur over liabilities. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton is here for you if you find yourself in this position. We’ve been representing clients for over 25 years, and we’d be happy to help you. We don’t charge upfront fees, and we offer free case evaluations. We can meet with you and see how we can help you before you commit to us representing you! You can get started by contacting us or calling us at 801.921.8360. If you’re facing a
What Happens if You’re Uninsured in Utah?
Utah is a no-fault state, so what happens when an uninsured driver is in an accident? Being uninsured is against the law, but being in a no-fault state changes the process. Today’s blog is all about explaining what happens. Stay tuned to learn everything you need to know about the penalties and consequences for uninsured drivers in Utah. Utah is a No-Fault State When it comes to car accidents, Utah is a no-fault state. This basically means that neither driver’s insurance is expected to compensate the other for car repairs or medical costs regardless of who is at fault. Instead, each driver must have personal injury protection coverage. That coverage is what will pay for car repairs and medical bills. In at-fault states, the driver responsible for the crash pays for car repairs and medical costs through their insurance. If both drivers split the fault, they each pay for a percentage of their expenses. In no-fault states, you’ll have liability coverage in case you get sued and personal injury protection for yourself. It works, but sadly, if you get into an accident, your premium will likely go up, even if the accident wasn’t your fault. Required Coverage for Utah Drivers All Utah residents must have a certain amount of coverage to follow the law. You have 90 days to ensure your insurance meets the minimum requirements if you’re new to Utah. Utah isn’t the only no-fault state, but each state has its own coverage requirements. In Utah, you require the following: Liability Coverage Liability insurance is necessary in case you get sued. In many cases, your insurance will simply cover your repairs and costs through your personal injury protection. But in some circumstances, you’ll be legally obligated to pay bodily injury or property damage costs. Getting sued is one of the times when liability coverage will come in handy. You’ll need: $25,000 for bodily injury per person. $65,000 for bodily injury per accident. $15,000 for property damage per accident. Personal Injury Protection Personal Injury Protection, often abbreviated to PIP, covers you, not the other driver. If you suffer an injury from a car accident, you can use your PIP to cover your expenses. You can also use PIP for your car repairs. You’ll need $3,000 per driver. These are the coverage minimums, but you can opt for higher coverage to reduce your risk of having out-of-pocket expenses. However, the higher the coverage you opt for, the more you’ll pay for your premium. But having fewer unexpected, out-of-pocket expenses might be worth it for your peace of mind. Leased or Financed Cars While those are the state’s requirements for insurance, you might have additional requirements to meet through the terms of your lease or financing if you obtained your car through a dealership. The terms of your contract will state what coverages you’re required to have. If you bought your car outright from a private seller, you don’t need to worry about having additional coverage. What Happens if You’re Uninsured? So, what happens if you don’t meet the minimum requirements? Being an uninsured driver comes with penalties, just like any other crime. If you get pulled over or get into an accident, you’ll be in trouble. Being uninsured is a Class B misdemeanor that carries the following penalties: You’ll pay a miminum $400 fine for your first offense and up to $1,000 in fines for additional violations in a three-year span. Your license will be suspended until you get insurance. You must file for an SR-22 certificate to prove you meet the minimum insurance requirements. Your vehicle’s registration might be suspended. You’ll have to pay $100 to have your license reinstated. Once your license is reinstated, you’ll be placed on a three-year probationary period. During this time, you must carry the minimum coverage on your car, or you’ll be required to surrender your license. While your car insurance problems might end, having a Class B misdemeanor on your record is permanent. It could cause problems down the road for reasons unrelated to driving. Additionally, you’ll be labeled a high-risk driver, which means some car insurance companies might refuse to cover you. Utah’s Partnership with Insure-Rite While getting pulled over or getting into an accident are the most common ways you’ll get found out for not having insurance, there is another way. Utah is partnered with Insure-Right. Insure-Right collects information from Utah insurance companies and matches those customers with DMV records. If your car insurance policy isn’t matched, you’ll receive a notice. You’ll have to prove that you’re insured to retain your driver’s license, and you’ll pay a $100 fine for not being properly insured. In some cases, you may receive this notice when you have insurance. Computer systems aren’t perfect, and sometimes mistakes are made. If this happens to you, you’ll still need to provide proof of insurance. That proof will clear you of any issues, and you won’t need to pay the $100 reinstatement fee since you were insured all along. While this is a major inconvenience for any Utah driver, Insure-Right still does a great job keeping uninsured drivers off the road, thus keeping our roadways safer. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Were you in an accident with an uninsured driver? Are your medical bills adding up? Is your personal injury protection falling short? We understand that this can be a stressful, overwhelming experience. But we’re here to help. If you’re facing high out-of-pocket expenses and aren’t sure what to do, contact the attorneys at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton. You might need to sue the other driver to get your expenses covered. It’s a complicated process that we’ve gone through for our clients time and again. With over 25 years of experience, we’re equipped to fight for you and get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.
How to Talk to Your Kids About Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrians have the right of way, but not every driver pays attention or respects that, so it’s essential to teach your kids about pedestrian safety. Did you know that children crossing the street is the second leading cause of unintentional injuries for children ages five to fourteen? Even with crosswalks, school crossing guards, and school safety zones, children still get injured by moving vehicles. Teaching your children about pedestrian safety will decrease the risk of them getting hurt. How to Talk to Kids Under 10 It’s hard to explain to younger kids how speeds and distance work. That’s why they need an adult to help them cross the street. Teach them that pedestrian safety means never crossing the street without an adult, like a crossing guard, babysitter, or older sibling. How to Talk to Kids Over 10 1. Cross the Street at Intersections Older kids can more easily judge distance and determine if they have enough time to cross the street. But they still need to be very careful. If they can, they should cross the street at intersections. The least amount of pedestrian-related accidents happen at intersection crosswalks and street corners that utilize traffic signals. 2. Look Both Ways Look left, right, and left again before crossing the street, even if traffic signals give you the right of way. They can’t trust drivers always to pay attention, so they need to look out for themselves. 3. Walk, Don’t Run Your kids need to walk when they cross the street. They might want to run to get across the road faster, but walking is safer. They’re more likely to trip and fall in the street if they run. 4. Use Sidewalks or Paths Your kids should always use sidewalks or paths to cross the street. If there are none, they should walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. It’s the next-safest way to cross the street. 5. Keep Eyes and Ears on the Road Most kids enjoy listening to music and texting, but it’s dangerous to have headphones on or not watch their surroundings while crossing the street. It’s important to hear if someone yells for them or a car honks at them. If they can’t hear or see, they might get unnecessarily injured. 6. Make Eye Contact with Drivers Finally, drivers are supposed to give pedestrians the right of way. But in today’s digital age, that doesn’t always happen. Teach your kids to make eye contact with the driver before crossing the street. Eye contact ensures that the driver sees them and will wait for them to cross the street. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Teaching your kids about pedestrian safety will undoubtedly help protect them, but it’s not a fool-proof plan. Was your child hit by a car while crossing the street? Being hit by a car is a traumatic experience that usually results in injuries and medical bills. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help you. We’ve represented clients for over 25 years, and we can help you and your family through this challenging time. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for your free case evaluation.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
Being in any type of accident is terrible, but a truck accident can be even worse. The size and weight of a truck and the load it carries can devastate the roadway, other vehicles, and the drivers and passengers in those vehicles. Being in an accident can be so traumatic that you’re unsure of what to do, even if you typically know how to respond. But there are essential steps you’ll need to take at the scene of the accident. The Steps to Take Even for accidents that look the same, there will be differences. One truck could be carrying clothing to a department store, while another could be transporting large pieces of furniture parts. Imagine the difference between clothing and a chair leg hitting your vehicle. Both could cause a severe accident, but chances are those injuries will be different. But, thankfully, your response to being in a truck accident should be the same every time. These are the steps you should take. Call 911 First, immediately call 911. The police will know how to respond if goods from the truck are on the highway or roadway. They will also examine the accident scene to determine who was at fault. You’ll need a copy of the report they fill out for your insurance company. Assess Injuries Second, assess injuries. Some injuries will be apparent, while other injuries are hard to detect. For example, if you have internal bleeding, you might not feel it right away from the state of shock to your body. Third, allow paramedics to examine you. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s best to undergo a medical exam at the accident scene. That’s why ambulances accompany police to accident scenes. Additionally, it would be best to go to the doctor as soon as possible after the accident. A full-body exam will further help to determine if you are injured. There might be issues to deal with if you wait until you’re in pain to go to the doctor. The trucker’s company will claim that your injuries are unrelated to the accident. Immediately going to the doctor establishes proof that your injuries were related to the accident. Most truck lawsuits don’t end until your injuries have been resolved. So, if you want to receive compensation for the accident, we highly recommend going to the doctor right away. Collect Contact Info Finally, before leaving the scene of the accident, collect the contact information for everyone involved. You should see everyone’s driver’s license and insurance information. This will help you contact the right people to resolve the accident’s claims. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Were you involved in a truck accident? Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton is here for you. We can help you get compensated for your injuries and your pain and suffering. We’ll guide you through the lawsuit process and be with you every step of the way. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.
Are Truck Accidents More Dangerous than Car Accidents?
Any type of accident involving a vehicle is dangerous–but are truck accidents more dangerous than car accidents? The answer is yes, and there are several reasons why. In addition to the higher level of danger, truck accidents are also more complicated. The Size and Weight of a Vehicle It’s not hard to imagine how devastating a truck accident can be when you think about the sheer size of the truck. A semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and measure 70 to 80 feet long. Some semi-trucks are even bigger. They require oversize or overweight permits to be allowed on the road. In comparison, a regular-sized passenger car weighs around 5,000 pounds and is rarely considered oversized. Different Gears Cars in the United States are automatic, where the car automatically shifts gears for you, or manual, where you have to shift gears as you drive manually. Cars usually have five gears, while trucks can have as many as 18 gears. Having more gears means it takes longer to change how you operate your vehicle. Need to back up? Give your truck extra time to shift gears. Meanwhile, it only takes a few seconds to shift gears to back up, even with a manual car. Other Factors Not only do trucks take longer to shift gears, but they also take longer to make turns. Their turns are very wide because of the size of the vehicle. If a truck driver tried to make a right-hand turn the same way a car does, there would be a horrible accident. Different Laws to Follow Commuting to and from work is very different from driving a truck for a living. Because of how dangerous it is to stay on the road for hours at a time, truck drivers have strict laws and protocols they must follow. Breaking those protocols could be held against them in a lawsuit if they caused an accident. For example, they must follow Hours of Service Regulations, which mandate how long they can drive without taking a break. With today’s technology, the old-fashioned logs that truck drivers used to fill out are nearly obsolete. Instead, electronic logging devices automatically do the work for drivers. This makes it easy to tell if a driver was on the road longer than they should have been. Multiple Parties in an Accident Normal car accidents usually involve two drivers and their passengers, if they have any. But because trucks are so big, they can cause devastating, multi-car collisions. And it’s not just about whether vehicles make unwanted contact with each other. Many large trucks carry goods or cargo. An accident can cause that cargo to spill, causing even more damage. The loading company may be equally liable for the accident in those cases. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Were you recently involved in a truck accident? Not sure how to respond? Look no further. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help. We’ll guide you through the entire process and help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and your pain and suffering. Contact us today to get started.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You in Utah
Some accidents are minor enough to handle on your own, but you should contact a personal injury lawyer if you’ve been injured in most cases. For example, if you fall and end up with a bruised elbow, you’re probably fine handling it independently. But if you broke your arm falling in a store, you’ll want to contact a lawyer. You might think, “oh, it’s just a broken bone. I’ll be fine.” But a lawyer may have valuable insights that you won’t think of on your own. The Severity of Your Injuries Like we mentioned above, the severity of your injuries can help you decide if you need a lawyer. Here are some examples of cases where you’ll want to speak with a lawyer. A car accident is an example of when you should contact a lawyer. Of course, you should contact a lawyer if you’ve been in a major car crash. But even a minor fender bender can result in serious injuries. A mild case of whiplash could still injure the soft tissues in your neck and spine. You should contact a lawyer if your injuries are more severe. Examples of severe injuries include: Traumatic brain injuries Spinal cord injuries Amputation Establish Who Caused The Accident You need to prove that another party or outside factor caused your accident for a successful personal injury claim. There could also be multiple parties at fault. But you might not know how to establish that, which is part of why you should speak with a lawyer. A lawyer will determine who those parties are and work to get you compensation from every party involved. For example, say you weren’t feeling well and went to the ER. You were sent home with medication and told to rest until you felt better, even though you felt like something was wrong. In that case, you can sue the doctor who failed to provide you with proper treatment. But you could also sue the hospital. A personal injury lawyer will know what steps to take to accomplish this. Speak with a Lawyer First It doesn’t always occur to a personal injury victim to speak to a lawyer first, which is normal, especially since you’ve been in a traumatic situation. But we recommend contacting a lawyer first. You can speak to a lawyer instead of communicating with the party who caused your injury. We don’t recommend speaking with the liable party because they’ll try to get you to settle. An attorney will fight to get you as much compensation as possible. Ways a Lawyer Can Help A lawyer can help you with the following problems: If the insurance company rejects your claim If the insurance company doesn’t get back to you or doesn’t pay you when they agree to If the insurance company offers a low settlement offer If the insurance company won’t negotiate with you These are all common problems that personal injury victims encounter. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton has seen it all, and we’re here to help you with your personal injury lawsuit. Contact us today to get started with a free case evaluation.