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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.

Utah’s summers are renowned for being long, hot and bristling with open-air concerts, festivals and the opportunity to explore the great outdoors. As the snow slowly yields its icy grip on the Wasatch Mountains, ski resorts turn into hubs for rock climbing, mountain biking and hiking. Areas once impassable turn into vast paradises waiting to be explored. Painfully so, this time of year is also known for an increase in the number of fatal car accidents.
Following a national trend, the “100 days of summer” are considered one of the most dangerous times to operate a motor vehicle. According to the Utah Highway Patrol, the likelihood of being involved in a fatal car accident increases almost 50% between Memorial Day and Labor Day Weekend. Increased traffic, as well as other factors, nearly double the dangers of driving during the summer months.
Here are the most common causes of summer car accidents in Utah and more importantly how to minimize your risk of being injured in a crash.

5 Common Causes of Summer Car Accidents

1. Speeding

It may seem like an obvious point but excessive speed remains the perennial number one cause of fatal car accidents in Utah. In 2016 alone there were over 11,000 speed related accidents resulting in over 100 fatalities. And here’s why:

• Accidents where speed was a factor accounted for 38% of all fatal accidents and were 2.7 times more likely to result in a fatality compared to other car accidents.
• Utah Highway Patrol says for every 5% increase in speed there is a 10% increase in the chance of a crash related injury and a 20% increase in the chance of a fatal accident.
• Exceeding the posted speed limit dramatically increases not only your risk of being in an accident but that a fatality could occur.

Plan extra time for summer trips to avoid feeling the need to rush. Always obey the posted speed limit and take into account the road and traffic conditions to ensure you are driving safely.

2. Distracted Driving

Distracted drivers are still one of the most common causes of summer car accidents in Utah, even though police consider it the most under-reported reason. The reason being is that a driver’s hesitation to report themselves and the inherent difficulty in verifying certain types of factors leads police to believe the problem is more widespread than reported. So, what is considered distracted driving?

• Using a phone
• Eating or drinking
• Adjusting the radio
• Feeling fatigued

These are all commonly reported distractions while operating a motor vehicle. It’s vital to strive for a safe, distraction-free environment while driving. On long summer drives it’s important to take time to rest. Highway Patrol suggests taking a 15-minute break every two hours as well as having someone else stay awake to keep you company. Don’t be afraid to pull over for a nap if needed.

3. Teen Driving

Receiving one’s driver’s license is a venerable right of passage on the road to adulthood, but it is also one of the most common causes of summer car accidents in Utah. There is no nice way to say it. Teenage drivers are statistically more likely to get into car accidents. While the overall number of car accidents involving a teenage driver remain fairly steady over the course of the year, the number of fatal accidents nearly double during the months of May and June.
Friday evenings are considered the most precarious time for these young drivers. Following too closely is the number two cause for car accidents involving teenage drivers with excessive speed and failure to yield rounding out the top three. It’s important to use the learner’s permit period to work closely with your teenager to build safe driving habits. This starts by setting a good example when you are behind the wheel.

4. Weekend Traffic

Summer weekends still remain the most popular time in America for taking a vacation road trip. Unfortunately, the massive influx of drivers on the road heavily contributes to the cause of summer car accidents in Utah. With Saturday afternoon traffic into early evening is the most dangerous time to drive during these summer months.
If you take a vacation trip by car, consider mapping out a plan to do your driving on weekdays if possible. Prepare for the roadways to be busy and allow yourself extra travel time with strategic breaks to prevent you from getting road weary.

5. No Seatbelts

Seat belts save lives; it’s that simple. Half of the deadliest summer car accidents in 2016 involved drivers who were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. If you were injured in a serious accident, you are 24 times more likely to suffer a fatal injury when you are not restrained. Law enforcement agencies from Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado and Arizona are marshalling together this summer to step up enforcement of the seat belt laws.
According to Utah seatbelt regulations, the minimum fine costs drivers $45. Each person in the car also receives their own ticket even if they are buckled up. The law has recently been changed to allow police to pull over a car solely for failure to wear a seat belt. Play it smart and always wear a seat belt.

Utah Car Accident Lawyers – The Advocates

If you’ve been hurt in a summer car accident through no fault of your own, you will need a personal injury attorney to guide you through the steps toward your recovery. When you hire the Advocates to represent your legal claim, you will work with the best car accident lawyer in Utah to fight for the compensation you are rightfully owed.
Being injured in an accident can cause a whole new layer of stress that no one is ever truly prepared for. We make it our mission, as Advocates for the people, to help you get back on your feet again. Your recovery is always our number one priority. Contact us today by phone at 801-326-0809 or through our live chat here on our homepage. You deserve a trustworthy Advocate!

A trip through Massachusetts can feel like touring a living history museum. Although one of the smallest states, its 187 historical landmarks is second only to New York. The Bay State has so much more to offer than just a history lesson though. Boston is known for its baked beans, cream pie and sports teams. However, Beantown is also a nexus for culture, innovation, green spaces and quality of life. Some of the best and brightest minds come here for the prodigious list of top-flight colleges including MIT, Harvard and Tufts, just to name a few.
Take a break from city-living and head south to take the Sagamore Bridge to Cape Cod or the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard. Or perhaps head west to explore the Berkshires range known for music, arts and outdoor recreation. With so much to see and do in such a small area, it’s little wonder that some of the nation’s longest commute times are found here. Adding to the frustration of congestion is a highway system that is rated as 1 of the 5 worst in the United States with 1 in 3 bridges in need of repairs.
Here is The Advocates’ list of the 5 Most Dangerous Roads in Massachusetts to help you prepare for a road-trip through Massachusetts.
#5 Interstate 93
Starting out near Canton, I-93 is a north-south freeway passing through downtown Boston before heading north through Andover on its way to Manchester, New Hampshire. The Big Dig created a 1.5 mile tunnel for I-93 to pass under the heart of downtown Boston to help ease congestion.
Risk Factors:

• Heavy rain pools up causing hydroplaning near Exit 42
• Ubiquitous heavy congestion in the Greater Boston region
• Interchange with I-495 most dangerous exchange in state

I-93 bravely pierces straight through the heart of some of the worst congestion in the United States. Carefully consider the time of day if taking this route in or near Boston to avoid the worst of the traffic nightmare.
#4 The Massachusetts Turnpike
The Mass Pike is a toll road that traverses the middle of the state from New York to Boston and connects to Logan International Airport via a short tunnel under the Boston Harbor. Congestion on this stretch of highway has reached crisis levels. Lawmakers are pondering time-of-day toll pricing in an attempt to impact the crushing traffic.
Risk Factors:

• Heavy congestion and commuter traffic present year around
• Multiple dangerous interchanges with major freeways
• Stressful driving conditions serve as a precursor to frequent road-rage incidents

If traveling through the Boston area, chances are you will need to use this toll road at some point. Consider alternate routes during peak hours and allow for extra travel-time to account for traffic.
#3 Interstate 95
Starting north of Providence, I-95 passes close to the Patriots’ Gillette Stadium in Foxborough before circling west around Boston and heading north to New Hampshire. Another road permeated with heavy traffic and congestion year-around. The stretch of I-95 from Rhode Island to Cape Cod in the summer is flooded with bumper-to-bumper beach goers.
Risk Factors:

• Heavy congestion especially around Boston
• Nor’easters bring slick and icy winter conditions
• Summer drivers headed to the Cape flood the roads
• Missing signage and poorly marked shifting lanes

The frequency of traffic fatalities across Massachusetts is less than half the national average, although that number has spiked in recent years. I-95, however, has consistently had more than its share of accidents. With almost 70 fatalities in a 4-year span, it is one of the most dangerous roads in Massachusetts.
#2 Interstate 495
Starting 10 miles north of Cape Cod, I-495 circles west to form the edge of the greater Boston region before skirting close to the New Hampshire border in the north. Circumnavigating the city of Boston at a range of about 30 miles, I-495 is an important alternative to I-95 and remains busy with commercial and local traffic.
Risk factors:

• Interchange with Mass Pike is especially dangerous and frequently backs up
• Heavily congested from both commercial and local traffic
• Constant flux of merging traffic clogs up on and off ramps

With almost 500 accidents in 4-years at the Mass Pike exchange alone, I-495 has earned a reputation for being one of the most dangerous roads in Massachusetts. The heavy traffic from trucks and big-rigs passing through, along with the exit hopping suburban traffic, forms a potent mixture that can spell trouble for distracted or impaired drivers.
#1 State Route 24
The main connecting route for several major southeastern cities to the Boston metropolitan area is Route 24. Although relatively short at 40 miles, Route 24 is under a constant deluge of commuter traffic. Offering little in the way of twists and turns, this straight shot suffers from design problems and reckless drivers.
Risk Factors:

• The antiquated road is narrow, with short and dangerous merge lanes
• Police cite frequent speeding and distracted commuters
• Frequent weaving in and out of lanes by hurried drivers

Already known as a hot-spot for car accidents in the state, recent statistics show that car accident rates on this stretch of highway are on the rise. Cramped shoulders leave less room for maneuvering. With 629 car crashes in 2009 alone, this short highway is one of the most perilous for drivers.

The Advocates Car Accident Lawyers – American Fork, Ogden, Salt Lake City

Car accidents are a traumatic experience for everyone involved. Worrying about lost wages, insurance claims and an ongoing legal case is a lot to deal with. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, it’s vital to retain an experienced car accident attorney.
Here at The Advocates, our car accident lawyers are ready to assist you every step of the way to help you build a strong legal case. Let us worry about hospital bills, insurance adjusters and getting your paperwork filed while you focus on recovery. Our seasoned attorneys will fight for you to ensure your family gets the settlement you deserve. Contact us today or use our Live Chat Feature to speak with an attorney right away. You deserve an Advocate!

Did you know that nearly 16,000 car accidents occur in the U.S. every day? Even the third smallest state in the nation sees its fair share of motor vehicle crashes. However, knowing the best routes to travel and what the most dangerous roads in Connecticut are can help you and your loved ones get to your destination unharmed.
Neighboring with two major cities on the east coast, Connecticut truly lies in the midst of an urban-industrial complex. A frequented state to cross through, here are 5 of the most dangerous roads in Connecticut you should be mindful of.

What are the 5 Most Dangerous Roads in Connecticut?

A state with only three primary highways and about 110 miles in length east to west, Connecticut is a surprisingly densely populated state.
For residents of the state, it may come as no surprise that both winters and summers in Connecticut can be hectic. Winter roadways are filled with ice, slush, snow and other wet surfaces mixed with oil, whereas summer months consist of teenagers being done school, families traveling to the coast, and drivers passing through, en route to New York or Boston.
Consider the following highways on your next drive through Connecticut:
Route 1: Deadliest Road for Pedestrians
While most roadways in Connecticut are considered dangerous for pedestrians to cross, according to a traffic report from a non-profit agency, Route 1 is the deadliest. Between the years 2011 and 2013, 99 pedestrians were killed on this route, which was a slight increase from previous studies.
There are essentially no sidewalks for pedestrians, yet the highway is planked with crosswalks, indicating that this is a route you can cross. However, even the crosswalks prove untrustworthy since they lack basic crossing signals or lights.
If you plan on driving this route or using the crosswalks on Route 1, be mindful of your surroundings. Winter has proven to be the deadliest time to walk across this highway due to the large snowbanks stacked on the side and the risk of getting struck when walking around them.
Route 6: A Backcountry Nightmare
John Denver has led the nation through song into believing that country roads offer a serene drive of fond memories and smooth sailing, but he failed to mention the perils of Route 6. Considered one of the deadliest country roads in the continental U.S, if you find yourself driving along this backroad in Connecticut, you may want to think twice.
Risk Factors:

• Poor road conditions
• Unexpected curves and sharp turns
• Fatality rate peaked at 62 deaths in 2012
• Speeding is a known factor
• Distracted driving plays big role in accidents

While this country road may not lead to West Virginia, Route 6 still poses a dangerous threat to drivers with its aging infrastructure and distracted/impaired motorists. If you see a car swerving ahead, follow at a safe distance and report the vehicle if you can.
Interstate 95: Dangerous in Any State
Traversing the entire length of the east coast from north to south, Interstate 95 is a major highway that is dangerous in almost any state. However, I-95 has had a notorious reputation for speeding and traffic congestion throughout southern Connecticut during the winter and summer months.
Risk Factors

• Linkage between New York City and Boston
• Highway known for speeding
• Major road congestion around holidays
• High risk of distracted driving during summer months
• Winter brings icy roads, slush and snow

Contrary to the road conditions down in Miami, I-95 throughout the Nutmeg State is usually blanketed with sheets of ice and snow during the coldest months of the year, thus putting it on our list of most dangerous roads in Connecticut.
Interstate 91: Along the Connecticut River
A road that quite literally divides the state in two, Interstate 91 is the most traversed north-south highway in the state. On our list of most dangerous roads in Connecticut, I-91 starts in the coastal city of New Haven and snakes along the Connecticut River all the way up to Derby Line, Vermont.
A popular local route during the summertime, families often venture to Six Flags or Yale’s campus and the beach using this highway. Unfortunately, traffic, as well as poor road conditions, have led to many serious accidents on I-91. Perhaps a more rural route would be a better fit for you and your family to use.
Route 17: Watch Where You’re Merging
While rear-end collisions may not be life threatening, they can cause serious injuries to the body. A short north-south route beginning in New Haven and ending on the banks of the Connecticut River just south of Hartford in Glastonbury, Route 17 is notoriously known for its rear-end accidents.
Risk Factors:

• Dangerous interchange between Main Street and Route 9
• Merging between Route 17 and Route 9 a high accident area
• Frequent rear-end collisions
• Route and freeway ramps known for aggressive driving

Despite being only 36 miles of interstate in a relatively remote part of Connecticut, this highway has seen its fair share of crashes. When traveling on Route 17, stay alert and drive at a safe distance from the cars in front of you.

When to Call an Attorney – The Advocates

If you were recently injured in a collision by another driver, you should contact our car accident lawyers right away. Cases like yours can be time-sensitive and you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. The car accident attorneys with The Advocates are here to guide you through the aftermath of being injured in a collision and help you build the strongest injury claim possible.
When working with an Advocate, our goal is to help you focus on recovering while we take care of the rest. We understand just how frustrating it can be dealing with insurance companies and collecting your own medical bills. Your legal team here at our office will take care of all those things for you and negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf. Don’t wait to reach out to The Advocates. Call us today at 801-326-0809 or use our Live Chat to speak with an attorney right away.

What is the Average Car Insurance Increase in Utah After an Accident?

Being in an accident can often leave drivers wondering whether their car insurance will increase or not. When calculating how much your annual rates will increase, it’s important to remember that determining who is at-fault for the accident is one of the leading factors that will decide if your rates change.

One of the first steps you should take after being in an accident that wasn’t your fault is to submit an accident claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company as soon as possible. If you’re able to file a claim with their insurance company, you will likely not have to worry about your yearly rates increasing.
However, there is certainly grey area when it comes to being involved in more rare types of accidents, such as a hit-and-run or being in an accident with an uninsured motorist. In these instances, you may run into trouble with having to submit an accident claim with your own insurance carrier. You might see an increase in the cost of your coverage. Typically, this depends on your carrier’s insurance policies regarding submitting not-at-fault claims.
Drivers who are at-fault, however, almost always face a high increase in their insurance rates more than the accident victim does. In fact, there are several states in the country that have significantly higher average rates following an accident claim. Unfortunately, Utah is one of those states.

How Much Does Utah Car Insurance Increase on Average?

According to insurance.com, car insurance rates go up about 31% on average nationwide for one at-fault accident with over $2,000 in damages. Utah’s average rate, on the other hand, goes up 40% for one at-fault collision.
Most drivers in the Beehive State pay an annual insurance rate of $1,212, which can jump to $1,699 yearly if you cause one collision.
It’s important to keep in mind, though, that these numbers only reflect being the at-fault driver in one accident. Depending on the state you live in, your insurance company and, ultimately, your driving record, these rates can change significantly.
When shopping around for car insurance, you should always try to understand the ins and outs of your coverage when it comes to submitting both at- and not-at-fault insurance claims, especially for specific circumstances such as a hit-and-run.
If you ever see an increase in your insurance after submitting a not-at-fault claim with your own insurance company, you should speak to one of their representatives right away. It’s possible that they made a mistake, but if not, maybe it’s time to consider driving with a new insurance company.

When to Call an Advocate About Your Accident

If you or a loved one were recently injured by another driver, you will need the best legal representation on your side. The car accident lawyers at The Advocates will make your recovery our top priority. While you focus on healing, our attorneys will work with insurance adjusters and get you the maximum compensation for your insurance and losses.
Our car accident attorneys have represented thousands of injured people throughout the state of Utah. We always keep your best interests in mind and will work with you and your family each step of the way. Don’t wait to contact The Advocates. You can call us today at 801-657-4604 or use our Online Chat Here on our homepage. You deserve an Advocate!