Each year, over 60,000 crashes occur on roads throughout our state involving over 150,000 people. These crashes result in over 26,000 people injured and hundreds more who are killed. In Utah, people can become victims of motor vehicle accidents at any time. Sadly, victims do not need to be inside of another vehicle to be considered a victim. There are many instances in which victims are injured by motor vehicles across our state.
Instances Where Victims Are Injured By Motor Vehicles In Utah
Utah personal injury attorneys at Siegfried & Jensen work with an array of people victimized by motor vehicles every day. Sadly, there are many victims who refrain from protecting their legal rights simply because they are unsure if they have any rights, to begin with. Our motor vehicle accident attorneys in Utah will help provide a better understanding of laws regarding motor vehicle accidents in our state, so you are better prepared to protect your legal rights should you become a victim in one of these tragic cases.
When Passenger Vehicles Collide
One of the most notable types of motor vehicle accident involves two passenger vehicles colliding. Whether a head-on collision occurs, a T-bone collision or even a rear-end collision, victims can sustain injuries no matter what point of impact is made. Motor vehicle accidents involving two passenger vehicles commonly occur due to drivers who are distracted while behind the wheel, those who are sleeping, and those who fail to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic. These incidents can result in serious or fatal injuries for those involved. Drivers who are going at a high rate of speed when they collide with other vehicles or objects are more likely to sustain serious and life-threatening injuries.
When Semi-Trucks Are Involved
Sadly, over 8,000 motor vehicle accidents each year involve one or more semi-truck. These vehicles often weigh over 80,000 pounds. Bot their enormous size and weight drastically increase the probability that victims involved in semi-truck collisions will sustain serious or catastrophic injuries.
From a legal perspective, semi-truck accidents are far more complicated than standard passenger vehicle accidents. There are numerous regulations and laws in place that dictate work periods and loads for truck drivers. If you are ever involved in a motor vehicle accident involving a semi-truck, it is imperative to contact an experienced semi-truck attorney in Utah to help you with your claim.
When Motor Vehicle Accidents Involve Pedestrians
There are far too many instances where victims are traveling by foot along our streets when they are struck by motor vehicles. Whether the pedestrian is on a sidewalk, in a designated walking area, or even crossing the street, a collision with a motor vehicle can be devastating. Sadly, over 1000 victims are injured in pedestrian accidents involving motor vehicles each year in Utah. Close to 40 people are killed annually in these accidents.
Motor Vehicle Accidents Involving Motorcycles
Motorcycles are much smaller than most other vehicles on the roads. For this reason, they are easily missed by distracted and negligent drivers. Motorcyclists may make up less than 1% of all drivers on the roadway but, unfortunately, they account for over 15% of all motor vehicle fatalities each year. It is estimated that motorcycle fatalities occur up to 27% more often than fatalities in other types of vehicles.
Victims who are injured in motorcycle accidents can file personal injury lawsuits against at-fault drivers to obtain compensation for various damages sustained in their collisions. It is crucial for motorcyclists to contact a Utah motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure their legal rights are protected.
When Automobiles Hit Bicyclists
Every year, over 600 victims are injured by automobiles while they are riding their bicycles. These accidents commonly occur at intersections. Unfortunately, a person can be struck by a motor vehicle while riding a bicycle in any location. These accidents commonly occur due to drivers who are speeding, those who ignore traffic signs or traffic control devices, when drivers are intoxicated, or other circumstances in which they break some type of rule that causes an accident.
Like motorcyclists, bicyclists are extremely vulnerable to the impact of motor vehicles because they are generally equipped with minimal protection. Victims can contact a bicycle accident attorney in Utah to help them file a legal claim for monetary compensation to cover medical expenses, property damages, lost income, and various other damages resulting from their incident.
Scooter Accidents Are On The Rise
Between 2017 and 2018, the number of victims injured in scooter accidents more than tripled. It is believed that a major influence on the number of injuries has something to do with the rentable e-scooter option in Salt Lake City. Within two months of the e-scooters becoming available in June 2018, hospitals saw over 20 patients with injuries sustained in scooter accidents.
Thankfully, the majority of victims sustain non-life-threatening injuries. As more individuals are turning to scooters for transportation and entertainment, we are seeing them become victimized more often by motor vehicles. Sadly, a lot of accidents with scooters involve children. When small children ride on scooters, it is often difficult for drivers in motor vehicles to see them before it is too late.
Contact A Utah Personal Injury Attorney To Help You
If you are injured in any type of motor vehicle accident in Utah, it is imperative for you to take the steps necessary to protect your legal rights. Contacting a Utah accident injury attorney from Siegfried & Jensen will ensure your legal rights to compensation and justice are protected. Our knowledgeable attorneys have helped over 35,000 victims collect full and fair amounts of compensation for their cases, and we are dedicated to helping anyone who is harmed to hold the at-fault party accountable.
With over three decades of experience, accident victims know they can rely on us for compassionate yet aggressive representation that helps them obtain the outcome they expect for their case. If you are injured in any type of accident, caused by a negligent or reckless party, contact our law firm at (801) 266-0999 to see what legal options are available for you.
Content checked by personal injury attorney Todd Bradford. I worked for a small law firm in Utah County, where I handled various types of cases. My main focus was personal injury and I decided that is what I enjoyed doing the most. I rejoined Siegfried and Jensen in 2012 where my focus is solely on helping personal injury clients. I take pride in helping personal injury clients and enjoy serving them. If you need an attorney for auto accidents or injuries of any kind in Salt Lake City, UT, Ogden, UT, Spokane, WA, or Boise, ID, contact us.
