Whether it is summer or winter, in Utah, we all like to get outside. Sometimes we ski or snowboard. Sometimes we go on hikes and rockclimb. Whatever we do, when people are outside, it means more people are out on the road — especially teen drivers since school is out. Eager to get to their summer destinations, drivers are more careless, which is why the summer months are the deadliest months to drive in.
If you do find yourself in an auto accident and panic in the midst of the chaos, stay calm and remember what you shouldn’t do if you want to avoid getting a lawyer involved.
Don’t Leave the Scene of An Accident
No matter if you’re in a hurry, on your way to work or just don’t want to deal with the car accident, it is illegal to flee the scene until the proper authorities arrive. By leaving the scene, you automatically get yourself a misdemeanor plus fines — and even potential jail time.
Don’t Say You Are At Fault
Regardless if it was your fault or not, don’t apologize to the people in the other vehicle. Saying “I’m sorry,” can amount to admitting fault after an accident. Law enforcement is there to make sense of the accident. Let them do all the work. If passengers are hurt and you admit an apology, you could be ruled at fault and possibly will need a lawyer if the other vehicle presses charges.
Call A Utah Lawyer
You may want to forget about the traumatic experience as soon as you can walk away, but unfortunately you may need to deal with medical issues, insurance claims and other complications of the auto accident. If you have persistent pain, you should see a doctor and touch base with a lawyer if you think the medical bills will be hefty. If the other drive is lawyering up, you should too.
Within a few days of the accident, you should file a claim with your insurance company. Many companies have limited windows of when you can do so. The earliest is always better. Getting into an accident can be traumatic and scary. To keep calm and collected, remember the do’s and don’ts.
Be Careful On Motocycles
Utah produced this last winter some of the greatest winter weather and snow spectacles ever! However, with great natural beauty comes a series of innately negative consequences. Frigid temperatures, Rocky Mountain avalanches and slick roads are all direct byproducts of our chilly state of choice. That being said, for motorcyclists living in the Beehive State, winter brings with it a danger whose presence continues to be felt deep into the calendar year: potholes.
Potholes are everywhere and are simply unavoidable for motorists. According to WiseGeek.com, “Potholes form because asphalt road surfaces eventually crack under the heat of the day and the constant stresses of traffic. These cracks allow snow and rainwater to seep into the underlying dirt and gravel.” On cold winter nights, moisture freezes, expands, then subsequently melts, leaving an annoying hole for motorcyclists to dodge while traveling about.
Due to the exposed nature of the transportation method, motorcyclists here in Utah and in other states ride with a heightened sense of awareness. Even with an added level of concentration, glaring sunlight, shading, traffic and general nighttime darkness make potholes nearly impossible to see until it’s too late. The result is an increase of motorcycle accidents. Unbeknownst to those injured in motorcycle accidents, in many instances, the State can be held responsible for neglecting overall road safety. If you or a loved one is uncertain as to whether or not a specific motorcycle accident qualifies for monetary compensation for the victim, contact Ascent Law for more information.
Auto Accident Lawyer Free Consultation
When you need legal help because you were injured in a car accident or motorcycle accident, please call Ascent Law for your free consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C
West Jordan, Utah
84088 United States
Telephone: (801) 676-5506
