Thursday night, while driving on the I-15 in Box Elder County a man was killed and his wife seriously injured.

Arthur Baca, 59, was driving his truck heading northbound when the rear passenger-side tire tread came off causing the truck to go out of control. It then veered into the median and rolled until it stopped, upside down.

Baca died at the scene and his wife, Helen Baca, 58, was taken to Bear River Valley Hospital in Tremonton. As of Friday her condition was updated to fair. Both persons had been wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash.

Though we do not know what caused the tire tread to come off of the truck’s tire, we do know that there are several steps that can be taken to decrease your chances of tire related accidents.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) underinflated tires and overloaded vehicles are a major cause of failure. Tires need to be regularly inspected for cuts, slashes and any other irregularities that would compromise their operating ability.

The inflation pressure of your particular vehicle’s tires is also crucial to proper operation. The NHTSA defines tire inflation pressure as “…the level of air in the tire that provides it with load-carrying capacity and affects the overall performance of the vehicle.” Most tires will lose air over time or suddenly if things like curbs and potholes are encountered. Tire pressure that is too high is also a problem and needs to be relieved if that is the case.

Tire pressure checks can be done by anyone with a tire gauge. These checks need to be done regularly because not all tires’ pressure can be determined by a visual inspection alone.

There are many uncontrollable variables that could lead to a car accident. This is why it is important to make driving as safe as possible by controlling the aspects of your vehicle’s maintenance that you can. If an accident does occur you can still be in control of certain outcomes. Let the attorneys at Christensen Law Firm help and inform you on what options are available to you. Call us today at 801.506.0800.

A 64-year-old man died after the semitrailer he was driving struck another semi from behind September 21st. According to the Utah Highway Patrol, the man was travelling north on I-15 near Brigham City when the crash occurred. Traffic was being diverted out of the left travel lane into the right travel lane to avoid an earlier crash. Three semis were stopped in the right lane when the man’s truck struck.

We express our sympathy to the family of this man. Every death is tragic and a loss.

On the rise

Because of their importance in the transportation of goods, semi trucks continue to play an important role in the American economy. Yet in 2010, over half-a-million large truck and commercial vehicles were involved in accidents, leading to over 100,000 injuries and 5,000 deaths. This is a significant increase from 2009, in which 3,200 deaths occurred involving large trucks. Though commercial trucks are involved in only 3% of all motor vehicle accidents, four people are injured or killed in a truck accident every hour.

An obvious difference between a passenger vehicle and a commercial vehicle is weight. While passenger vehicles often carry more people than trucks or other semis, the weight being pulled by larger vehicles, such as tractor trailers, easily outdoes smaller vehicles. This added weight leads to at least two things, both of which can be deadly in the event of an accident: One, the time it takes for a vehicle to come to a complete stop is proportionate to its weight, therefore larger vehicles cannot stop as quickly as a smaller vehicles. Second, the increased weight causes greater force to be exerted upon the object that is hit, therefore causing greater damage or injury. Just a few months ago, a toddler was killed when hit by a pickup truck going less than 1 mph. Though travelling at a very low speed, the force of the vehicle was enough to cause fatal injuries to the young boy.

Accident Lawyers

If you have a question about an auto accident, semi-truck accident, or other personal injury concern, contact the lawyers at the Christensen Law Firm for legal opinion and consultation. Call us at (801) 506-0800 to find how we can help you today.

State Route 193 near 2400 East was a dangerous place to be on Sunday.

The first of two accidents occurred when a 70-year-old bicyclist was riding his bike and a truck, driving the same direction, crashed into him. The cyclist, Donald Blood of Kaysville was declared dead on the scene.

Only hours later and feet away a motorcyclist was hit while attempting to merge onto the highway. The driver who hit the motorcycle did not yield and crashed into the motorcycle partially pinning him under the SUV and breaking his leg. The 60-year-old is expected to make a full recovery.

According to motorcycle-accidents.com, of 4,935 fatal motorcycle accidents about ¾ of these involved collisions with another vehicle. “A motorcyclist’s risk of a fatal crash is 35 times greater per mile traveled.” These statistics are alarming and should serve as a warning to both motorcyclists and passenger car drivers.

The two need to look out for each other as well as themselves. Motorcycles are hard to see if you aren’t looking for them. If you are involved in an accident with a motorcycle, their odds of severe injury or death are much higher than yours so it is worth that extra few seconds of checking mirrors before switching lanes or turning.

An analysis of Toronto police collision reports showed that in bicycle/vehicle accidents, cyclists are the cause of less than 10% of those accidents. The most common types of crashes seen in the study were when motorists entered an intersection before their turn, overtook bikes unsafely and motorists opening doors onto oncoming cyclists. In all of these instances it was the motorist’s lack of patience, attention and care that caused an accident. Cyclists are even less safe than motorcyclists when they are in a crash involving a passenger vehicle.

With the popularity of other modes of transportation growing it is important that drivers adapt. This means looking before turning or merging, even if your mirrors are clear. Many cities are encouraging the growth of biking with better and more lanes devoted to cycling only, but until drivers do their part to keep their fellow men safe, accidents will continue to happen.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bike or motorcycle accident contact the bike accident attorneys at Christensen Law Firm to find out what options are available to you. Call us today at 801-506-0800.

51-year-old Bryan Ames, of Bluebell, Duchesne County, died Thursday afternoon after his semi-trailer rolled down an embankment and caught fire. Ames was hauling two trailers of crude oil on state Route 191 when, for unknown reasons, his semi crossed the northbound lane and plunged off the side of the road. Video footage on KSL’s website shows billowing black smoke and large flames as the vehicle was entirely engulfed by fire. No other injuries were reported in connection with the event.

We express sorrow for the loss of Mr. Ames in this tragic accident. We hope those whom he has left behind may find some measure of peace following the death of their loved one.

Rollovers

At the present time, little is known of the reason for which the rollover accident occurred. What is known, however, is that rollover accidents kill more than 10,000 people each year in the United States. Mr. Ames’ crash is certainly an unfortunate event, but it is extremely fortunate that no other vehicles were involved and no other persons injured.

This is not the first rollover accident Utah has seen in recent months. Just last week the mother of West Valley City mayor, Sherri Winder, was killed in a rollover accident in which inclement weather was a factor in the event. Back in late June both northbound and southbound lanes of I-15 in Nephi were closed for a period of time when a rollover accident ejected three of its four passengers. In late August a North Logan man was killed when his vehicle drifted across lanes and off State Route 142, rolling several times and ejecting him, causing fatal injuries.

While it is not known what caused this particular accident a recent report shows that drivers most often involved in rollover accidents are males under 25, and alcohol is usually involved. In three out of four fatal rollovers, the victims were thrown from the vehicle, which more likely than not means passengers were not wearing their seat belts. Top-heaviness is another serious factor in rollover accidents, making SUV’s and other vehicles carrying large loads especially susceptible to these kinds of accidents.

The Experts

The attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm wrote the book on how to protect yourself in case you are involved in a rollover accident. They understand the law, and will meet your legal needs. Call them at (801) 506-0800 for a free consultation and get help from the experts.

A 21-year old motorcyclist was saved Monday morning after onlookers pulled him from beneath a burning car. Brandon Wright was unable to stop his bike after a BMW sedan pulled out in front of him on a busy street, forcing him to lay down his motorcycle and landing him beneath the vehicle. Both car and bike caught flame, pinning the young man. A group of construction workers and students, aware of the situation, crowded around one side of the vehicle, lifted it, and pulled the cyclist out from under the car. As of Monday evening, the man was listed in critical condition and is being treated at the Intermountain Medical Center.

We hope for a swift recovery for Mr. Wright. We especially applaud the courage and swift action of the watchful bystanders, whose actions saved this young man’s life. They risked their own lives and safety, subject not only to the burning car they lifted, but also to the burning bike whose explosion threatened to coincide with the explosion of the vehicle.

Motorcycles and the Law

In such accidents, motorcyclists almost always receive the brunt of the damage. 75% of motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle, usually a car, and one need not guess which party receives the greatest injury. Motorcyclists are also 30 times more likely to die as a result of an accident than drivers of other vehicles.

Furthermore, as proved by this particular case, fault is no respecter of persons. Although Mr. Wright was likely not at fault in this particular instance, he certainly received the greater injury. Motorcyclists are always the party at greatest risk, thus they must find ways to protect themselves, both through helmet use and following recommended motorcycle safety courses. Motorcyclists must be proactive in the pursuit of greater safety, and be constantly vigilant while riding on commercial roads.

Motorcycle Expertise

For those motorcyclists who are involved in a collision, you need a representative who understands the law as it relates to you. The motorcycle attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm have written the book on how you can protect yourself in such an event. Contact them at (801) 506-0800 for a free consultation.

A 37-year-old man was killed Friday in Vernal after his vehicle struck the back of a school bus. Excessive speed caused the collision to occur, as the driver, Orlando Octavio Ramirez, ran a red light and struck the back right corner of the bus. The event occurred at 5:45 AM. Mr. Ramirez died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash; there were no children on board the bus at the time of the crash.

We express our condolences to Mr. Ramirez’ family at this time.

Tale of the tape

According to the Federal Highway Administration, red light running causes nearly 1,000 deaths and about 90,000 accidents each year. These numbers are on the rise; between 1992 and 1998 red light crashes increased at a rate of 18%. What’s worse, though, is that 96% of drivers fear being hit by a red light runner upon entering an intersection, yet 56% of drivers admit to running red lights. The problem, therefore, is that we are afraid of drivers like, well, ourselves.

Another factor is a lack of implementation of automated technology. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Utah’s red light camera enforcement rating is poor. Many states have started using automated enforcement to prevent things such as red light running, passing a stopped school bus, or failing to obey a railroad-crossing signal. Utah has done virtually none of this. Its systems only allow for one photograph to be taken, yet the issue of to whom the citation is given, if the vehicle is even identified, is not addressed. For these automated systems to be able to enforce themselves, the infraction must occur in a school zone or where the speed limit is less than 30mph, an officer must be present, and a local ordinance is required for the system to be in place. Thus, there is little ‘automatic’ about these systems.

Utah still has some work to do to further implement the efficacy of these automated systems. What is foremost, though, is that we must be cognoscente of our own attitudes as drivers. It is often a split-second decision that makes the difference between waiting the extra 30 seconds at a stoplight, and choosing to risk our own life, as well as many others, by gaining an extra half a minute.

Your Needs First

If you or a loved one have been in a deadly accident in Utah as a result of another’s negligence, you need someone who understands the law and understands you. The lawyers at the Christensen Law Firm will put your legal and emotional needs first. Call us at (801) 506-0800 for a free consultation.

A 14-year-old boy was attacked by a pit bull on Tuesday while going to a church function. The boy and his 5-year-old brother were walking together when the pit bull ran away from its owner and “aggressively” approached the 5-year-old. His brother immediately stepped in to protect him and that is when the dog bit him.

Animal control has been involved in the investigation and believes that they know who the owner of the dog is and where he lives.

This is not the only dog bite attack that has occurred recently. Just last month another young boy and his grandfather were also attacked by pit bulls while walking in their neighborhood in the Salt Lake area. These two suffered more severe injuries that included reconstructive surgery.

Dog bite injuries are a serious issue. In 2010, 33 dog attacks resulted in death. 20 of those deaths were children and 13 were adults. That is too high a number for something that is entirely preventable.

In both of these incidents the dogs involved were pit bulls. This is because pit bulls are one of the most dangerous dog breeds in America. The other breed to make this list is the Rottweiler. DogsBite.org did a study between 2005 and 2010 and found that these two dog breeds were responsible for 71% of all fatal attacks. Pit bulls, however, are the more dangerous of the two. The fatal attacks involving pit bulls and any mix of the breed, more than doubles that of Rottweiler’s.

Pit bulls are genetically built for attacks and that is why they are the top choice for dog fighting. They are known for surprise attacks, which means that there is no warning before they attack someone or something. They also have a lethal bite style called the hold and shake.

All dogs are capable of turning violent and it is up to the owners to carefully watch their dog while in public and at home. Dogs need to be securely restrained when around other people to prevent incidents like these. All people should be aware of the risks of certain breeds and how to handle an attack if it happens. If your children are frequently out on the streets alone then they also need to be taught what to do and what to look out for.

The dog bite attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm offer The Utah Dog Bite & Attack Handbook free of charge to Utah citizens in an attempt to educate the public. Get your free copy today at utahaccidentbooks.com. If you or a loved one has been injured in an attack like this call the dog bite attorneys at Christensen Law Firm to find out what options are available to you. Call today at 801-506-0800.

A 12-minute hired flight turned into a nightmare on Saturday when a passenger partially fell out of the craft and then was crushed on the ground when the helicopter crashed on top of him. The boy was on the flight with his mother who was also seriously injured, along with the pilot of the helicopter.

The lives of the three involved in the crash were saved thanks to citizens who saw what was happening and immediately ran to help move the helicopter off of the boy and pull the mother and pilot out of the craft. One of the bystanders was a former sheriff’s deputy who is now a pilot himself. He saw what happened and realized that the boy was still alive and ran to the scene with other private citizens to begin the rescue effort; and it was an intensely successful effort.

All three people involved sustained injuries ranging from internal issues to broken bones but are alive and stable. The cause of the engine trouble that led to the crash is still unknown. The problems began in route and led the pilot to cut the power and manually land the helicopter. The attempted landing is what tipped the helicopter and caused the boy to partially fall from inside.

While a tragedy, this copter crash was an opportunity for bystanders to step up and show that we can count on our fellow man to come to our rescue when the need arises. In a time of news about murder by our own neighbors it is refreshing to read a story in which everyday people made a great difference in the lives of perfect strangers.

Sometimes the difference between life and death or permanent injury can be mere minutes. No one will ever know what the outcome of this accident would have been had the bystanders stood there waiting for emergency services instead of running to help.

Pulling someone out from under a crashed helicopter or car is not the only way you can help those who have been injured in an accident. Sometimes the results of an accident do not end just because you have left the scene. Encourage those you meet and love to call the aviation attorneys at Christensen Law Firm to find out what compensation could be available to them. Contact us today at 801-506-0800.

Another fatal accident in the State of Utah made national news today. After an exciting season-opening win over Montana State last night, the University of Utah football team is grieving the loss of Janelle Tongaonevai, wife of defensive lineman Ron Tongaonevai. She was just 25 years old and according to NBC Sports leaves her husband after only a year of marriage.

Possible Wrongful Death

NBC also reports that alcohol or drugs are not suspect as causes for this accident. The accident was such a disaster that initial proof has not allowed officials to name either party as liable. Of course this is probably the last thing on their minds right now, but once the dust settles and the flowers fade, Janelle’s family may feel the need to gain some closure for her sudden death. Dealing with insurance companies can be very difficult, especially if you are as emotionally vulnerable as this family will be. Hiring the right wrongful death attorney to help can make the process much less painful.

Dealing with Grief

It can be difficult to know what to say to someone who has just lost their wife/daughter/sister/cousin/aunt/best friend. And for the other U of U football players and their families, it will take a team effort to get through this tragedy and the associated grief. If you or someone you know is experiencing something similar, please refer to our new series on dealing with loss and grief.

We send our condolences to the family of Janelle Tongaonevai and of course to the football team at the U. Initial police reports and evidence in accidents like these can make it difficult to determine liability. In tough liability circumstances we hire accidents reconstructionsts that are trained in evidence preservation to go to the scene of the accident as it is extremely crucial in determining liability and making a strong case. These experts then use science and the facts to determine how an accident occurred and who was at fault. At the Christensen Law Firm we will send our accident response team to the scene of the accident as a benefit to our clients. If you have found yourself in this unfortunate situation, the lawyers at the Christensen Law Firm are here to help and just are phone call away 801-506-0800.