Category: Uncategorized

Dog bites can cause serious injuries, whether from a large breed dog like a Rottweiler or pit bull, or a small dog, such as a Jack Russell terrier or Chihuahua. Puncture wounds from dog bites can be painful and carry the risk of infection, meaning that every dog bite should be taken seriously.
Just as important as treating dog bite injuries, however, is preventing them from happening in the first place. If your dog exhibits aggressive behavior to people or other dogs, it is your responsibility as the dog owner to address the behavior to prevent attacks. 
Canine aggression can be scary, stressful, and embarrassing, particularly when it’s coming from your own dog. Do not give up hope– there are ways to treat aggression. Below are tips for dealing with and preventing aggressive dog behavior.

See a Vet

Some health problems, such as rabies, thyroid issues, and metabolic disorders, can cause an otherwise friendly dog to begin exhibiting aggressive behaviors. Hidden injuries may also cause your dog to behave abnormally. Speak with your veterinarian to see if your dog’s behavior problems may be related to a health condition.
Additionally, always make sure your pup is up-to-date on vaccines and regular preventative healthcare. This will keep your dog healthy and help prevent others from getting sick in the event of a bite.

Understand Your Dog’s Stressors

Dog aggression is nearly always caused by some kind of underlying fear, stress, or pain. By recognizing the situations that cause your dog to become aggressive, you can begin to understand the motivation behind their aggression. Types of aggression include:

• Protective aggression
• Territorial aggression
• Fear aggression
• Social aggression
• Leash aggression
• Possessive aggression
• Defensive aggression
• Sex-related aggression
• Redirected aggression

Recognize Signs of Dog Aggression

In many cases, dogs display warning signs before resorting to biting. Understanding how your dog displays fear or stress can help you prevent attacks. By keeping an eye on your dog’s body language in potentially stressful situations, you may be able to anticipate and therefore prevent a bite. Common signs of aggression in dogs include:

• Growling
• Snarling
• Snapping
• Lunging
• Becoming still and rigid
• Avoiding eye contact
• Yawning or licking lips

Train and Socialize Your Dog Appropriately

It is crucial for dogs to receive proper training and socialization from puppyhood in order to help them learn how to interact appropriately with humans and other dogs. In many cases, aggressive or fearful dogs were not given proper socialization when they were young, and therefore new situations or people may cause them unnecessary stress.
Dog training and socialization involves exposing your dog to other dogs, humans, and new experiences. While it is easier to socialize a puppy, thanks to their curiosity and lack of world experience, it is possible to socialize an adult dog as well.

When exposing your dog to an unfamiliar situation, start slow. Begin in controlled environments, where things won’t get out of hand and traumatize your dog. Short walks around the neighborhood, where your dog is allowed to sniff and explore without being approached by other dogs or humans, is a good place to start.
Other activities that can help your dog learn to remain calm in strange situations include:

• Call your dog’s name and reward them when they look at you. Start in a quiet, familiar environment, and gradually work up to busier areas.
• Walking side-by-side with another dog (but keep the dogs several feet apart, unable to reach each other)
• Invite an adult friend or family member over and ask them to ignore your dog until your dog is able to be calm

Use treats and praise as positive reinforcement while your dog is trying new experiences. This will help them associate the stimuli with good feelings.
If your dog has harmed other dogs or people, consider using a basket muzzle while you work on behavior modification in order to keep everyone safe.
Avoid introducing an aggressive dog to small children except in very controlled environments, where everyone is able to remain calm and you can ensure that no one will be hurt. A dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist can help you determine if, when, and how you should introduce your dog to young children.

Spay or Neuter Your Dog

When it comes to sex-based aggression, you may be able to fix or improve your dog’s behavior by having your dog fixed. Intact male dogs are prone to aggression toward other male dogs, particularly if a female in heat is nearby.
Female dogs may also exhibit aggressive behaviors toward other dogs of either sex, but especially males.
Warning signs of sex-related aggression include:

• Refusal to follow commands
• Barking or lunging
• Destructive behavior
• Territorial behavior, such as marking 
• Urge to escape or roam

Spaying and neutering dogs can solve sex-related aggressive behavior as well as a variety of other issues, such as marking. Studies have also shown that dogs who have been spayed or neutered may live longer than unaltered dogs.

Exercise Your Dog Regularly

While walking your dog certainly won’t fix all aggressive behavior, it may provide them with the mental and physical stimulation they need to relax in stressful situations. Many dog breeds were bred to be active, working animals. A dog who spends too much time lying around, especially alone, will find ways to expel that energy, and it likely won’t be in a positive manner.
Dogs who are not getting enough exercise may exhibit:

• Destructive behavior
• Restlessness
• Depression
• Excessive barking
• Attention seeking
• Lunging or pulling while on leash
• Biting, nipping, or scratching

By giving your dog the chance to walk, run, or play with you or another dog, you expose them to stimuli that will engage their brain and wear them out, and as the old saying goes: A tired dog is a good dog.

Avoid Situations That Trigger Aggressive Behavior

If you understand the type(s) of aggression your dog displays, you may be able to help them avoid those situations. For example, if your dog exhibits possessive aggression and resource guarding behaviors, you can move their food bowl into a quiet room during meal time and allow them to eat alone.
Early in the process of behavior modification, it is wise to avoid situations that may be triggering for your dog, particularly if it may pose a danger to other people or animals. If your dog displays fear aggression when feeling cornered or trapped by other dogs, you can avoid dog parks and other places where off-leash dogs may be present. When people visit your home, put your dog in a secure room or kennel.
While canine aggression can be difficult to treat, in many cases, all hope is not lost. Seeking professional help can help you learn what causes your dog’s behavior problems and understand how to give your dog the best chance at a calm, happy life.

See a Dog Trainer or Behaviorist

While all of the above suggestions can help you begin to understand your dog and improve their behavior, aggression in dogs can be a complicated issue. Your dog may have multiple triggers, or exhibit a variety of aggressive behaviors.

A professional dog trainer or behaviorist can help you understand the causes behind the aggression, and come up with a treatment plan to address your dog’s needs. Your local humane society may have resources to help you find a behaviorist in your area.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide is a topic that has, in one way or another, touched the lives of many of us at The Advocates. We are committed to helping raise awareness for suicide prevention and protecting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
To help us accomplish this goal, we are once again sponsoring the Out of Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk put on by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The goal of the event is to foster feelings of community and support, remember those we have lost to suicide, and raise funds for further education and awareness events.
The Advocates would be honored to have members of our community join us at the walk. There will be booths and vendors, a silent auction, and opportunities to donate. Registration is free, though donations are encouraged.
If you can’t join us on September 9th, there are still ways you can help. By making a financial donation to AFSP, you can help the organization create and distribute educational materials, provide suicide loss support groups, and fund research that can help prevent suicide in the future.
If donating is not an option for you right now, consider promoting the Out of Darkness Walk on your social media pages. Everyone can help us get closer to a world without suicide.

Event Details

Date and time: Saturday, September 9, 2023
Registration begins at 9:00 am; walk starts at 10:00.
Location: Veterans Memorial Park
1985 W. 7800 S. 
West Jordan, UT 84088
Activities to enjoy: Honor and remembrance area, silent auction, vendors, food trucks, arts and crafts, comfort tent

Suicide Prevention Resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal ideation, the following resources are available:
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 at any time to be connected to trained crisis center counselors. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, someone will be there to listen.
Crisis Text Line: Text 741-741 for support with suicidal ideation, self-harm, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and more.

Utah is widely known for having some of the most scenic roads in the country. While most states dread road construction, Utahns actually boast about the topic in a humorous light. All that being said, Utah still sees its fair share of fatal accidents. In fact, there were 128 traffic deaths in 2018 and 20% of those people were not wearing seatbelts, according to the Utah Highway Patrol.
“Every crash death has a huge impact on our society,” says Colonel Michael Rapich, of the Utah Highway Patrol. While these accidents are often a result of human error, other times it is the sheer quality of a roadway that causes the crash. If you live in the Beehive State or are just traveling through, be mindful when driving on the following most dangerous roads in Utah.

Here are the Top 5 Most Dangerous Roads in Utah:

1. Interstate 15

Starting at number one on our list of dangerous roads in Utah is the well-traversed Interstate 15. Running north to south through most of the state, I-15 passes through many of Utah’s most heavily populated regions, including Ogden, Salt Lake City, and Provo, all the way down to St. George. Anyone who has traveled this highway knows I-15 is a traffic hot spot for trouble. Here are the highest risk factors for an accident on this roadway.
Risk Factors: 

• High speed limit (75 mph)
• Limited visibility due to large vehicles
• Heavy traffic congestion
• Accident-prone roadway

Interstate 15 has seen thousands of accidents in the last few years, and while Utah cities continue to grow, this highway is not getting any bigger…at least not for now. If you frequently use I-15 or plan to travel through Utah, remember to drive with caution on this route and be mindful of other drivers around you.

2. Highway 6

Highway 6 has not only made it onto our list of most dangerous roads in Utah, but according to NPR, this route is also one of the riskiest rural drives in the country. Since 1996, there have been more than 150 accident deaths as well as 500 serious accidents on just that middle portion of the highway. From Spanish Fork down to Price, this 60-mile stretch of roadway snakes through canyons on a tight and twisting route. Here are the risk factors you’ll want to keep in mind when traveling on Route 6.
Risk Factors:

• Narrow traffic lanes
• High freeway speed
• Busy truck route from SLC to Denver
• Frequent risk of head-on collision

Unfortunately, Highway 6 is not the best route to pass slow-moving vehicles on. Many fatal accidents occur on this roadway because drivers end up crossing into oncoming traffic. If you travel along the Wasatch Mountains on Route 6, drive safely and watch for oncoming traffic.

3. Interstate 70

Interstate 70 ranks 3rd on our list of dangerous roads in Utah for having a scenic yet perilous route. Known as one of the main interstate routes connecting the east coast to the west (almost), the portion of I-70 in Utah is one of the few roadways that doesn’t actually pass through any major cities. Nevertheless, this highway presents imminent danger to those unfamiliar with driving on desolate roadway systems. The following risk factors will help any driver see the true peril of Interstate 70.
Risk Factors:

• Zero services from Green River to Salina
• High peak elevation (7,886 feet)
• Snaking turns through Spotted Wolf Canyon
• More opportunities for distractions

Due to its long stretches of nothingness and steep climbs up to mesmerizing canyon views, it’s no surprise that this highway has made it onto our list. All drivers should be prepared when traveling this route, especially for the 100 miles between Green River and Salina.

4. Washington Boulevard: Ogden

The dangers of Washington Boulevard have been on the Utah Department of Transportation’s radar for quite some. A roadway that has seen at least one car accident a week since 2015, this busy route has a history of devastation for motorists and pedestrians alike. Passing through North Ogden’s rapidly-growing business district, if you’re a local commuter consider the following risk factors.
Risk Factors: 

• Deadly crosswalk
• Only a two-lane roadway
• Busiest route in Weber County
• High tailgate zone
• Poor left-hand turn visibility

Ogden residents have even asked UDOT to install a crosswalk and light at 650 North on the boulevard to prevent further injuries. Sadly, some traffic is near impossible to avoid, but if you drive down Washington Boulevard often, keep a safe distance between cars ahead of you and make sure you can see oncoming traffic before making a left-hand turn.

5. Interstate 80: The Transcontinental

Interstate 80 differs from I-70 in that it actually runs from east to west and traverses the entire United States. This route begins in downtown San Fransisco, California and travels all the way up to Teaneck, New Jersey. In fact, it is one of the original highways constructed in 1956. Unfortunately though, I-80 ranks third in Utah for having the highest traffic fatalities in the state. Like other roadways on our list, I-80 has a high speed limit. Navigating this area has caused some deadly accidents in the past. Here are the following risk factors to driving on I-80 through Utah.
Risk Factors:

• Passes right through “spaghetti bowl” in SLC
• Dangerous winter road conditions
• Various animal migration areas
• High speeding zone

In the beginning of 2018, UDOT crews installed signs to help drivers know where to stop in case of an emergency. They also installed stretches of fencing to stop tragic accidents with migrating species in the future. If you’re on a cross-country road trip or simply taking a drive on I-80, watch out for nasty road conditions and other speeding drivers.

Utah Car Accident Lawyers – American Fork, Ogden, Salt Lake City

The sad reality is that some accidents happen in the blink of an eye. Which is why understanding what roadways are dangerous to travel on may help you in the long run. Should you or a loved one find yourself injured in an accident, we are here to help you. Our role as Advocates is to make sure you get the recovery you deserve, while we take care of the rest.
The Advocates will work with you each step of the way and get you the compensation you are owed. Reach out to our office today at 801-326-0809 for a free initial consultation about your case. Or you can speak to an attorney right here on our Live Chat. Don’t wait. Call The Advocates today!

Our dogs are sources of joy and love, but even healthy and happy dogs have a slew of bacteria that should not be transferred to humans. A dog bite is a perfect way to transfer bacteria from the unaffected host to their unsuspecting victim. Staph infections, which are often passed around in hospitals from an affected person, can be acquired from a dog bite, and that can be a danger to everyone’s health.

What is a Staph Infection?

Staphylococcus (sta-fill-oh-KAW-kuss) is a type of bacterium with many species. The staph bacteria most commonly found on humans is known as S. (which is staph abbreviated) aureus. These bacteria are found on about a third of the population and are mostly harmless, often living in the nostrils or the throat. However, if they manage to squeeze into an open wound and attach to a cell, they can produce a range of diseases.
In some cases, S. aureus may be resistant to some of the strongest antibiotics medicine has available. This is often known as methicillin resistant S. aureus, also known as MRSA. MRSA has become a problem in most recent years because of its difficulty to kill and can be responsible for many extended stay hospital deaths.

How Can a Dog Bite Cause a Staph Infection?

Staph bacteria found on dogs are different from S. aureus, instead known as S. pseudintermedius (sood-enter-mee-dee-uss), which are also found in the dog’s nostrils and saliva. Around 22-69% of dogs are carriers of S. pseudintermedius and similar to S. aureus, is not harmful until it connects with a cell. A dog bite that breaks a human’s skin will transfer the S. pseudintermedius to the human, which can result in a serious staph infection.
Unfortunately, staph infections from dog bites are often mislabeled as staph infections caused by S. aureus. This is cause for concern since the testing to see if the bacteria are resistant to antibiotics is completely different. MRSP, which is methicillin resistant S. pseudintermedius, has similar symptoms as MRSA but has a very different treatment regimen. If you are bitten by a dog and develop boils, bone and joint pain, or nausea/vomiting, tell your doctor you were bitten by a dog and that they will need to test for MRSP instead of MRSA.
Were you bitten by a dog? The Advocates have skilled dog bite attorneys who have experience seeking compensation from the homeowner’s insurance from the owner of the dog. They can keep track of your medical bills and lost wages and receive it all back from the insurance company, as well as extra for your pain and suffering. You initial phone consultation is free and confidential so call now!

A car accident involving a power box early Tuesday morning cause roughly 1400 Rocky Mountain Power customers to suffer a loss of power. The accident occurred near 5600 West and 9000 South. The crash happened when the collision of two cars resulted in one of the vehicles hit the power box. According to authorities, there were no significant injuries for those involved. Rocky Mountain Power crews worked to repair the damage. According to an article on Good 4 Utah, the power was restored around 8:20 a.m.
Although the reason for the accident is still unknown, it is clear that, often, an accident can sometimes affect thousands of people. Although a disaster that affects so many people may seem rare, accidents causing small and extensive power outages are more common than you might think. For example, this same thing happened in Chubbuck, Idaho on May 13, 2018. A driver experienced a diabetic reaction while driving causing him to lose control of his vehicle and slam into a utility pole. The man had only minor injuries, and the power was restored within the hour according to Local News 8 in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
Now, as mentioned, we do not know the precise cause of this accident. However, as with any accident, we would like to know how such an accident could have been prevented. With this accident, as with others, there are few simple things you can do to try and alter you driving just a little bit and ensure a safer, more convenient drive for everyone on the road.
Avoid Distractions.
Distractions while driving is the top cause of accidents and continues to rise. Avoiding distractions involves putting down anything that might pull your attention away from the road. For example, eating while driving, drinking while driving, and texting while driving all constitute distracted driving.
Never Drive Drunk.
According to an article in the Huffington Post, drunk driving is one of the most dangerous causes of an accident. Anytime you drink and drive, you threaten your own life and the life of others.
Keep Up Your Vehicle Maintenance.
Sometimes, a car accident can be caused or exacerbated because the car’s owner has not adequately cared for his/her vehicle. This maintenance will include changing the oil, changing the filters, checking the valves, spark plugs, and other parts of the engine, as well as the braking system. There Are a variety of things you will need to do to keep your vehicle road-ready.
Restrict Your Night Driving.
According to Geico, your chances of being involved in a fatal crash is three times higher at night than it is during the day. Not only is the driver’s visibility reduced, but also, you are more likely to fall asleep.
Slow Down.
Driving too fast will always increase your chances of a crash. Remember, the speed limit is just that, you should not exceed that speed. The speed limit is not a speed target. Remembering this fact can help you slow down, and as a result, drive a little safer.
Here at The Advocates Law Firm, our goal is to help everyone prevent a devastating accident. Every day, we work with clients whose lives have been broken down by the calamitous effects of a car accident. Don’t let the same happen to you. There are many other things you can do to ensure safer driving. Check our blog each week for additional tips and suggestions on how you can be a better and safer driver.

Three people are dead after a car crashed into a ravine in Herriman. According to an article on KSL’s website, police reported that the vehicle had been in the gully for several hours on Sunday when someone saw the car in the ditch. Crews worked Sunday evening to retrieve the three victims from the vehicle. The crash happened along the northern side of Herriman Highway around 7300 West. Police Lt. Cody Stromberg said that all three victims were believed to be adults.
As of the writing of this article, news outlets had still not been able to verify the ages and genders of those involved. Similarly, police officers are still trying to understand the causes of the crash. They also do not know for sure whether anyone else was in the vehicle at the time of the accident. Lt. Stromberg said that there weren’t any other vehicles involved and that the car did not catch fire.
We express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victims of this car accident. Because the cause of this accident is unknown, we would only be able to speculate regarding its cause. Every accident is a tragedy. Those accidents that result in death are catastrophic. As we have stated on this blog previously, every reasonable measure and safety precaution should be employed to prevent such accidents. For example, alterations to driving behavior are one of the easiest ways to avoid a collision. Unfortunately, according to The Center for Internet and Society at Stanford Law School, human error is a factor in ninety percent of vehicle crashes. Reducing human error can, therefore, reduce the number and severity of accidents.
Do not misunderstand, this is not meant to imply that the crash that happened over the weekend resulted because of human error. It is entirely possible that a mechanical problem or other reason was to blame.
The accident occurred in an area that is a little more rural and has less development than surrounding areas. Surprisingly, rural accidents are often more deadly than people think, not only in Utah but across the United States. For example, the total fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) was 0.85. In urban areas, this number was 0.63, and in rural areas, it was 1.39. This means that drivers involved in an accident were more likely to be killed in a crash in a rural area than an urban one.
Differences between rural and urban accidents and fatality numbers are partly due to the differences in roads and land usage. For example, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety points out that only 19 percent of the United States population lives in rural areas and only 30 percent of vehicle miles traveled happen in a rural area. However, more than half of crashes that result in death happen there. One of the main reasons for this is the speed on rural roads.
Speed is one of the most common factors in accidents. According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding is a factor in 31 percent of all fatal crashes. Generally speaking, rural roads and highways have a higher speed limit. Thus the likelihood of dying because of a speed-related accident is going to be greater in rural areas than in urban areas. We have three simple suggestions to increase your safety while driving on country roads:

1. Wear your seatbelt
2. Never exceed the speed limit
3. Only drive when you are ready to do so, meaning do not drive drunk, tired, or distracted.

Following these three items promotes safer driving for everyone. These are the most common human errors made while driving. If you, or someone you love, have been involved in a rural car accident, call The Advocates Law Firm. We can answer your questions and help you know if you have a good case.

A 14-year-old girl was killed after a serious accident Tuesday morning. According to an article on KSL’s website, a sixteen-year-old girl and child were also injured in the crash. The crash occurred at 12600 S. 2700 West around 7 a.m. The two lanes heading east were closed for nearly two hours as the police cleared the scene. The roads were later reopened around 10 a.m. Tuesday, Fox 13’s website reported that the teenage girl had died from her injuries and the young child was still in serious condition following the crash.
The Fox 13 article reported that Unified Police Department officer, Ken Hansen said that the accident happened when a yellow Volkswagen Beetle was heading west and it crashed with a Subaru that was heading east. The 16-year-old who later passed away from injuries was the driver of the Beetle. The other teenager and the child were riding in the same vehicle. Those in the Subaru were not injured. The exact cause of the accident is still unknown.
Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the victim. Unfortunately, teen accidents happen far more often than they should. According to numbers given by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2015, 2,333 teens were killed in an accident, and another 235,845 were treated in an emergency room for a severe injury. This translates to six teens killed every day in a crash across the United States.
Similarly, teens make up a disproportionate percentage of the total costs for accidents. In 2013, according to the CDC, teens made up around seven percent of the population, but they accounted for 11 percent ($10 billion) of total costs for car accident injuries. Teens also have a higher risk of being involved in an accident than any other group. Per mile driven, teens are three times more likely than a driver aged 20 to be involved in a crash. Male teens particularly are almost two times more likely to be involved in an accident than their female counterparts.
As mentioned earlier, we do not know the precise cause of this accident; however, it meets many of the criteria risk factors for teens while driving. For example, not only does the teen driver fall into the more risk-prone category, but also, teens driving with other teen passengers increase the risk of a crash when unsupervised. The risk factor actually increases with each teen added to the car.
Now, we are not saying that adding a teen to the car causes an accident, instead, adding another teen to the vehicle could contribute to behavior which makes it more likely that a crash will occur. According to the CDC, teens are more inclined to underestimate a dangerous situation. Teens are also more likely to speed than older drivers. 
We were sorry to hear the news concerning the death of the 14-year-old passenger in this story. Initially, when drafting this story, the teen was still in critical condition. We were sorry to hear that she had passed. To help prevent something like this from happening again, we would like to share the following safety tips given by the CDC to help teens understand the eight danger zones for teens while driving:

1. Driver inexperience
2. Driving with teen passengers
3. Nighttime driving
4. Not using seat belts
5. Distracted driving
6. Drowsy driving
7. Reckless driving
8. Impaired driving

Recognizing these risks and making the appropriate preparations to avoid problematic driving situations can help teen drivers avoid common mistakes that lead to devastating accidents. We want to help everyone do everything possible to prevent an accident. If you have any questions about a specific accident, contact The Advocates Law Firm. You deserve an Advocate!

Tuesday afternoon, the victim of a motorcycle accident was taken to a hospital after being hit by a pickup truck on River Road in St. George. According to an article on St. George Utah’s website, at roughly 4:45 p.m., the St. George Police Department responded to the collision near 2450 South. Reports say the motorcycle was heading north on River Road when a truck that was making a left turn hit the motorcyclist. The driver “believed the intersection to be clear,” according to St. George Police officer Andy Mickelson.
As the truck went through the intersection, it clipped the back end of the motorcycle and caused the motorcycle driver to fall. The rider was taken to Dixie Regional Medical Center in an ambulance. The road was blocked off in the south intersection as the police officers investigated the crash. The roadways were reopened around 5:20 p.m. The driver of the truck was cited for failing to yield on a left turn.
Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence for motorcycle riders. According to statistics published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA), in 2016, there were 2,625 two-vehicle crashes involving a motorcycle. In around 41 percent of these accidents (1,081), the other vehicles were turning left while the motorcycle was continuing straight through the intersection, passing, or overtaking other cars. This demonstrates the common problem with this type of accident.
One might wonder, why are motorcycle accidents so prevalent? According to Nolo’s website, cars making a left-hand turn is the “single most dangerous situation” for motorcycles. The problem is not isolated to only motorcycles; this is relatively common between two cars as well. One reason Nolo cites for why this is so common is the smaller size of a motorcycle makes it less visible for the turning vehicle. The driver of a car is not expecting to see a motorcycle coming through the intersection.
As was the case with this accident, the driver that hits the person while they were turning left will be at-fault for the crash, because, to turn left in an intersection, you must yield to oncoming traffic. The only way this might not be the case is if the motorcycle was speeding through the intersection or was in the wrong lane.
Motorcycle accidents are complex. This type of accident is a convergence of multiple events including human decisions, vehicles, and the environment. As the NHTSA points out, “while there is no ‘typical’ motorcycle crash, what is ‘typical’ is that a motorcycle crash is that a motorcycle crash is a violent event.” Around 80 percent of reported motorcycle accidents result in some kind of injury or death. Because of these dangers, there are two recommendations we give to keep motorcyclists safe on the road.
Watch for Motorcycles. Drivers need to be very careful when checking an intersection. Check twice! Driving tests website recommends looking twice for approaching motorcycles. Sometimes, if there is a glare or other obstruction, they can be easily missed. A fender bender doesn’t exist for motorcycle riders. They are left exposed. For this reason, you have to be extra careful! Check specifically for a motorcycle. Understanding that an intersection is a danger zone can help a driver be safer. Proceed slowly when passing through the intersection.
Motorcyclists Should Wear a Helmet. One of the easiest ways to prevent serious injury to the head, face, and brain is by wearing a helmet. If you ride a motorcycle, seriously consider using a helmet. A Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System study showed that motorcycle helmets are 67 percent effective in preventing brain injuries and that those who did not wear a helmet were three times more likely to suffer brain injuries than those wearing a helmet.
Here at The Advocates Law Firm, we want to help you stay safe. We have worked with thousands of people whose lives have been significantly altered by a motorcycle accident. Don’t let this happen to you. If you have any specific questions about your motorcycle accident, contact us. We offer free consultations and can help answer any questions you may have.

A woman was killed in a semi truck accident late Thursday night just south of Cove Fort. The semi truck was carrying pigs when it crossed the center-line of Interstate 15 and hit the vehicle, a Kia Optima, being driven by the semi truck accident victim.
The semi truck was driving south along I-15 when it suddenly veered across the median into the northbound side of the highway. The semi truck then collided with the Kia Optima shortly before 11:30 p.m. The semi truck pushed the Kia off of the shoulder into a 100-foot drop-off down into a nearby ravine. The driver of the Kia Optima is believed to have died upon impact with the semi truck.
Emergency responders were forced to scale the side of the embankment in order to reach the wrecked Kia Optima. The driver of the semi truck is reported to have been uninjured in the semi truck accident.
Utah Highway Patrol is currently investigating the causes of the semi truck accident. Authorities believe either driver fatigue or illness is to blame for the crash.
I-15 was shuttered for hours as troopers and a rescue team responded to the semi truck accident. In fact, the right lanes of I-15 did not reopen until after 9 a.m. Friday morning.
The identity of the deceased driver has yet to be released by authorities.
If you’ve been hurt due to the recklessness of another person, you will need an Advocate on your side to help you through the legal aftermath. Our attorneys have decades of experience helping accident victims just like you. We know how to get you just compensation for your injuries and losses. Our staff is available 24 hours a day to answer all of your legal questions about your case. You can either call us at (801) 326-0809 or chat online right now with a live attorney from our homepage. Don’t wait to get back on the road to recovery. Contact us today. You deserve an Advocate!