2012 February |

Archive for February, 2012

The Two Questionable Methods of Preventing Drunk Driving

Wednesday, February 29th, 2012

As a Utah drunk driving accident attorney, any news of drunk driving prevention measures is big news. One example is found in Utah Representative David Butterfield, who has become a great advocate in protecting his constituents by pushing to discontinue DUI checkpoints all together in the state and replacing them with more patrols. According to The Salt Lake Tribune, Rep. Butterfield believes more patrols will be a greater deterrent than DUI checkpoints. As it stands now, in order to utilize a checkpoint, officers are required to receive a written approval from a judge containing the location and hours of operation. On the other hand, in order to implement more patrols, no written approval or announcement of location or hours is required. This is suspected to lead to more determent. However, statistics have mixed results in either case leading to the need for more research.

Utah Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Gives the Facts

How big is our drunk driving problem in the United States? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 30 people die in vehicular accidents involving alcohol consumption every day. The following included by the CDC is a modified list of more facts to keep in mind in regards to drinking and driving:

In 2009, 10,839 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, basically 1/3 of all traffic-related deaths that happen throughout the nation.
Of the 1,314 traffic deaths among children ages 0 to 14 years in 2009, 181 (14%) involved an alcohol-impaired driver.
Of the 181 child passengers ages 14 and younger who died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in 2009, nearly half of the number were in the car of the person who had consumed the alcohol.
In 2009, over 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. That’s less than one percent of the 147 million self-reported episodes of alcohol-impaired driving among U.S. adults each year.

If you should ever become a victim of a drunk driving related accident, there is information available to assist you in any legal issues you may have incurred from the incident. The Christensen Law Firm is an advocate for protecting the legal rights of our community. Our very own attorney, Ken Christensen, has published a whole library of free accident books that provides the community with legal information for those first few days following an accident. For a free copy of an accident book, call 1-800 LAW BOOK.

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2 Examples Of Why Utah Drunk Driving Accidents Are Not Unique

Friday, February 24th, 2012

Drunk driving accidents occur all too often. One only has to turn on the news to hear about an accident involving alcohol. The fact is that alcohol-induced accidents are sweeping the country. Utah drunk driving accidents are not unique, either. Though the following two examples are from other states, the trend is clear: drunk driving accidents are common.

1. Drunk Driving In California Kills A 19 Year Old Anti-Drinking-and Driving

Rachel Amaris Elliot was 19 when she was killed by a drunk driver. She lived in Southern California while attending college. Ironically, she was part of an anti-drinking-and-driving organization. Her interest in the organization was due to the fact that her own mother was hit while driving by a drunk driver; although the mother lived, her two best friends died in her arms. These stories are touching and poignant.

2. Drunk Driving in Colorado Leaves An 8 Year Old Without Mother

Damon Marquand, an 8 year old boy, was awarded $370,000 in a case against a drunk driver. The driver and owner of the vehicle were sued by the young boy who lost his mother in the crash. The money is a poor replacement for his mother, but it will help him in the difficult years ahead.

Utah Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving occurs too often. It is important to know more about drinking and driving and what your rights are when involved in Utah drunk driving accidents.

The Christensen Law Firm published a series of Utah accident books that may be utilized to gain more information about your rights concerning compensation due to you because of the wrongful actions of others.

The Christensen Law Firm deals with Utah drunk driving accidents. If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in a Utah drunk driving accident then call us immediately at 1-801-506-0800.

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Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Gives 5 Tips To Preventing Injury

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

Deseret News reports that 14 year-old Teagan Marti survived a traumatic incident where she fell from the 100 foot Terminal Velocity ride at a Wisconsin amusement park with no safety nets to catch her. Her multiple injuries include severe spinal cord pelvic fracture, along with massive brain swelling. Seventeen months later, Teagan, walking on her own accord and accompanied by her mother, attended a promotion event supporting an expansion of the American Family Children’s Hospital. This is the same hospital that contributed to her recovery. Moreover, the family had won a settlement that will help pay for continued physical therapy for Teagan. It is more than likely through the hard-work and dedication of a spinal cord injury attorney or similar attorney that this settlement was even possible.

Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Provides Accident Books To The Community

Spinal cord injuries may not always be preventable; however there are ways to protect yourself from enduring such fate. The following five tips provided from the Mayo Clinic could possibly prevent many spinal cord injuries if taken seriously:

Drive safely. Traffic accidents are the most common cause of a spinal cord injury. Remember to always wear your seatbelt!
Ensure water depth is deep enough before diving. Make sure the depth is at least 9 feet or deeper.
Prevent falls. Buy a step stool and always use handrails when provided.
Wear protective gear when playing sports. Take any precautions necessary to protect yourself.
Don’t drink and drive. Enough said.

In the event of an injury, it could be a very frustrating experience to deal with the aftermath of the incident. There must be a concentration on physical healing, but the onset of medical bills, insurance companies, and other financial obligations can be burdensome. Therefore, hiring a good spinal cord injury attorney is imperative to your success in a law suit and will ease your many burdens at such a time. As a contribution to his community, Ken Christensen from the Christensen Law Firm has taken it upon himself to write and publish several accident books to inform you of how to handle personal injury cases. For a free copy of one of these accident books, call 1-800 LAW BOOK.

The Christensen Law Firm is an organization of compassionate professionals ready to serve those in need. We will provide you with personal one-on-one attention and work towards your success. For a free consultation, call us at 801-506-0800.

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Roommate Suffers A Brain Injury After Being Attacked

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

According to The Salt Lake Tribune, a few weeks ago a South Salt Lake City resident was brutally hit in the head with a baseball bat for waking up his roommate, who also happened to be his nephew. His injuries included a fractured skull and brain hemorrhaging, rendering him into a critical condition. His nephew was ultimately charged with aggravated assault, a second-degree charge. This unfortunate event could happen to anyone. The seriousness of brain injuries Utah can range from a minor to significant injury and sometimes may even lie dormant for a time before manifesting, thus medical attention must immediately follow the incident. In the case you have experienced a brain injury due to the negligent or intentional actions of another, it may behoove you to hire a brain injury attorney.

Utah Brain Injury Attorney Provides Free Accident Books

Any brain injury could be an extremely serious incident to overcome and, coupled with medical bills and/or missed work, the situation can be devastating to deal with. Often times, victims of brain injuries are left unprepared for the emotional and mental anguish they must endure following injury. Prevention is not always possible, especially if the incident was intentional, as in the case mentioned above. Therefore, a game plan must be made once the injury is diagnosed. The Christensen Law Firm offers free accident books to inform those who have experienced such hardship. We provide guaranteed personal and compassionate service to our clients as we assist you in setting up your plan. With much sympathy and devotion to your case, we ensure your legal needs are met while you focus on healing. For a free accident book, call 1-800 LAW BOOK, or for a free consultation with the Christensen Law Firm, call (801) 506-0800.

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Car Accident Related Deaths Are Decreasing

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

According to CNN, the number of deaths resulting from car accidents is decreasing—this, “despite the fact Americans drove 46 billion miles in 2010 — 1.6 percent more than the previous year.” The Department of Transportation has further reported that 2010 had the lowest rate of fatalities due to accidents. The most noticeable difference was in 2008 when car accident deaths decreased by 9.7%. The number of fatalities peaked in 1972, evidence that recent laws and road safety measures are in fact making an difference. Researchers have concluded that safer cars, programs to train drivers on road safety, and campaigns targeting drunk driving or distracted driving have contributed to the positive change on America’s roads. In addition, drunk driving deaths were also down 4.9% in 2010. However, even though the roads are now safer, there is always a risk of an accident whenever you are on the open road. If you should find yourself injured from the negligence of another driver you need to contact a Utah car accident attorney to assist you in your legal matters.

Accident Books and Road Safety Tips

As a driver, there are inherently more risks than staying in the safety of your home. First of all, the Christensen Law Firm offers free accident books to the community to educate you on what steps to take in the case you are injured in an accident. Secondly, provided below are a few safety tips to remember while traveling from AAA:

Keep your doors locked, safety belts buckled and children safe and secure in properly installed safety seats.
Don’t let your gas tank fall below 1/3 tank.
Stay on main roads and highways, and don’t forget your AAA maps!
Pack a flashlight, blanket and a first-aid kit. In cold climates, pack extra warm clothing.
If you are going on a long trip, pack an emergency ration kit of water and nonperishable food items such as fruit or granola bars.
When stopping for breaks, never let kids go to the restroom alone. Always lock vehicle doors, even if you’ll only be gone for a few minutes.
Carry a cellular phone in case of emergencies.
If stopping during night-time travel, choose a well-lit, populated facility. Park where your vehicle can be seen.

The Christensen Law Firm not only offers several free accident books, we also provide sound advice and committed service to our clients. For a free consultation, call 801-506-0800.

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If Dog Bite Prevention Doesn’t Work, Get A Utah Dog Bite Lawyer

Friday, February 17th, 2012

There are many ways to prevent a dog bite, but when prevention tips are insufficient, and a bite occurs, call a Utah dog bite lawyer. The Christensen Law Firm always has a Utah dog bite lawyer on hand to aid those injured by dog bites. In the mean time, prevention is the best option. The Centers for Disease Control suggests the following tips to avoid getting bit by a dog:

Tips to Avoid Dog Bites

1. Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.
2. Do not run from a dog and scream.
3. Remain motionless (e.g., “be still like a tree”) when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
4. If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still (e.g., “be still like a log”).
5. Do not play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
6. Immediately report stray dogs or dogs displaying unusual behavior to an adult.
7. Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.
8. Do not disturb a dog who is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
9. Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
10. If bitten, immediately report the bite to an adult.

Another important tip that could be added to this list is the ability to ‘read’ a dog’s attitude. Dogs can be read like people. They have moods that show up as physical features just like humans. When the upper lip is raised, showing teeth, aggression and possible anger is likely. Stay away from the dog. Growling and lowered ears send this same message. Tucked tails, raised ears, and an open mouth with tongue hanging are all good signs of general happiness. Always ‘read’ a dog’s appearance before approaching it. Just like humans, dogs show how they feel through their physical expressions; look for emotional signs before you get close to a dog.

The Christensen Law Firm always has a Utah dog bite lawyer to help those who have been bitten by someone else’s dog. They always have a Utah injury attorney to seek compensation for those who have suffered dog bites, which more than likely have caused pain, injuries, and possibly diseases. Call us today to speak with an advocate who intimately knows the law and your rights: 1-801-506-0800.

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Head Trauma And The Power To Think: Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney

Wednesday, February 15th, 2012

In previous posts, I have written about the dangers associated with recreational activities, with regards to head trauma. I have also written on memory and how both short- and long-term memory are affected when head trauma occurs. Today, I would like to write about the power to think clearly and what thinking does for us on a daily basis, and how we often take it for granted until that power is taken away. If the power to think is ever taken, a traumatic brain injury attorney may become more than an attorney, possibly an advocate and friend.

The power to think is vital to living a full and prolific life. It allows us to work and play. Thinking allows us to understand the world around us. When we think through problems we are confronted with, we understand life on a deeper and more intimate level. This same deeper level of understanding comes from writing and reading. The power to connect thoughts and ideas that are employed in writing and reading is so vital to a prosperous life that when that power is taken away, the result is a complete loss of the ability to provide for self and others.

If the power to think were ever diminished, life would soon ebb and cease to be meaningful. Our power to provide for ourselves and those we love would ultimately be wiped away to nihil. Losing the power to think clearly is a serious threat when brain injuries occur.

Brain trauma can hinder the power to think. The power to think can be altered to such a degree that simple tasks are made difficult. The ability to be coherent and articulate speech comes from the mind. If you or someone you know has suffered a blow to the head, or has gotten their “bell rung,” first, get medical attention, and second, get a traumatic brain injury attorney.

The Christensen Law Firm understands that losing the power to think clearly is a serious threat if brain injuries have occurred. There is a traumatic brain injury attorney from the Christensen Law Firm available if you ever need one. They offer FREE Utah accident books for the express purpose of educating anyone who wishes to know more about brain injuries and the rights of a victim of brain trauma. Call them immediately at 1-800 LAW BOOK to obtain your free copy.

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Losing Someone You Love Is Difficult: Find A Wrongful Death Attorney Utah

Thursday, February 9th, 2012

A wrongful death attorney Utah can help those who are suffering from the tragic wrongful death of a loved one, which is something no one wants to go through. There is no way to verbalize the mental difficulty, heart ache and pain, and financial troubles that come from losing a loved one.

The mere fact that the person lost will no longer do many things with you is unbearable; that person will no longer come home; will no longer give you hugs; will no longer stand before you; will no longer have a conversation with you; will no longer play with your children. These statements are not mere statements to those who are struggling with a loved one’s death; they are realities.

Losing a loved one has associated costs outside of the actual loss of a loved one that need to be addressed. It is often the case that insurance companies will pay only the minimum costs involved in the case. If there are medical bills or property damaged that need repairs or replacing, the insurance companies will likely pay the least amount possible; let’s be honest, that is how they stay in business. What insurance will not want to pay for is mental anguish and post traumatic stress related costs. A wrongful death attorney Utah will aid an heir in getting the compensation due for all related costs.

There is no need to feel alone and marginalized by the traumatic process of dealing with the loss of a loved one. At the Christensen Law Firm there is a wrongful death attorney Utah that can assist anyone who is going through the difficult situation of the aftermath of the death of a loved one. Know that you can receive help, both mentally and temporally. The Christensen Law Firm has published a few Utah Accident Books that will outline the rights an heir of a wrongful death victim can receive and the basic information to be aware of while navigating the complicated world of insurance companies.

Please feel free to call 1-800-LAW BOOK to receive your FREE Utah Accident Books.

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Wrongful Death Claims The Life Of 22 Year-Old College Student

Wednesday, February 8th, 2012

According to northjersey.com, the life of Ramapo College student and political science major 22 year-old Jacob H. Halle was taken as a result of a head-on collision when his Honda Civic collided with a 43 year-old woman and her Dodge SUV on Tuesday. Jacob was unconscious when found at the scene and never regained consciousness. Additionally, police authorities “…do not believe excessive speed or a pre-existing medical condition were an issue.” We send our sincere condolences to Jacob’s family and friends. Given that there are various ways we could possibly encounter harmful situations, wrongful death cases are a daily occurrence. Glancing at this situation, there is no proof of any foul play but two people driving to their destination and ultimately creating a fatal accident. Regardless of the prevalence of the chance for a wrongful death, it does not make the incident an easier circumstance to endure. Considering hiring a wrongful death attorney Utah may be one of the best choices you could make during such a devastating time.

Experienced Attorney Offers His Published Accident Books

As briefly mentioned above, we encounter harmful situations on a daily basis. Waking up every day has its own risks; adding people from all walks of life in your path can lead to any disaster. Consequently, it is inevitable for a wrongful death to happen. In the case that your loved one has experienced a wrongful death, a wrongful death attorney is a perfect resource who’s job is to assist you in recovering any compensation deserved for the incident. You could possibly recover compensation for:

- medical expenses,

- pain and suffering,

- and loss of wages.

The Christensen Law Firm is composed of experienced attorneys who are dedicated to fighting for what you deserve. As you concentrate on tending to the emotional needs of your family, we are in the background compassionately recovering the compensation needed to help you financially heal. Make sure you read one of our free accidents books before deciding on filing any suit. Call us for your free copy today at 1-800 LAW BOOK.

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Utah Personal Injury Attorney Talks About The Risk Of Other Drivers

Tuesday, February 7th, 2012

According to The Salt Lake Tribune, last Thursday a police chase took place involving a suspect who had stolen a car. The chase began when the driver tried to flee before police authority. Four patrol vehicles pursued the driver until the episode ended with the driver losing control of the vehicle and crashing through a fence into a house. The car basically rolled over on its side in flames. Luckily, the house did not catch fire and was vacant at the time given that it was in foreclosure. Although, the neighbors three dogs who were outside near the house were killed. If the scenario was different and there was a family home, a personal injury or even death could possibly have happened. If such a case were present, hiring a Utah personal injury attorney would be appropriate. This comes to prove that we always have to be aware of our surrounding since it is not possible to know the future actions of other drivers.

Road Safety and Accident Books

When we first step into our vehicles, we are ultimately making a decision to place ourselves in some sort of risk. The invention of the modern vehicle is an advantage in our current day, although the risk of becoming a victim of an accident is great. Essentially vehicles move at a high speed and consist of a heavy frame. No doubt any sort of metal colliding at high speeds will create some sort of damage. More than likely our fragile human bodies would be included in that damage to some degree. In order to protect ourselves from a serious accident, we all need to adhere to the following advice:

- Anticipate others drivers to not follow the rules of the road.

- Speeding accounts for large portion of accidents; slow down.

- Get enough rest.

- Wear your seatbelt!

If you are one of the many who fall victim to an accident, remember you are not alone in the legal process. The Christensen Law Firm provides professional and empathetic service for their clients and even has published a book, 7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case, to assist you in learning about your rights. If you would like a copy of one of our accident books, call us at 1-800 LAW BOOK.

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