Wyoming - The Advocates

Slip and Fall Accidents in Utah

Injuries from a slip and fall can happen anywhere and anytime. More than a million Americans each year require emergency medical treatment following a slip and fall incident. Fair to say not one of them left the house that day planning on a painful and debilitating encounter with the ground. The resulting injuries can range from mild to severe, and even sometimes fatal.

Slip and Falls are a Leading Cause of Injury for All Age Groups

Slip and falls for older adults is a real problem with one third of all adults over 65 years of age suffering a fall each year. However, slip and falls are also the most common cause for non-fatal injuries to occur in every age group except for people who are aged 10-24, where it is second. Number one cause for both hip fractures and traumatic brain injuries? You guessed it, slip and fall accidents.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimate the average medical costs for a slip and fall injury is over $30,000. Slip and fall injuries generate over $34 billion a year in just medical expenses. This does not consider lost wages, time taken off work, or the pain and suffering of the victim. This can be a devastating blow to the families of slip and fall victims. It is vital to consider your legal options regarding recouping your financial losses. Often there is negligence on the part of the property owner that caused you to slip and fall. In instances you are entitled to compensation. There are some important steps you can take after a slip and fall accident to protect your potential claim.

Take Care of Yourself First

Right after a slip and fall your priority should be on your health. Decide if you need emergency medical services or if you can make your way directly to urgent care on your own. Injuries from a slip and fall may not seem serious at first but can suddenly worsen. Prompt medical treatment is the safest plan after a slip and fall accident. Insurance companies may suggest your injuries were not that serious if you delay seeking medical attention.

Inform the Right People

Report the incident to the business or property owner as soon as circumstances allow. Neglecting to report a slip and fall in a timely fashion is not an absolute bar to filing a claim. However, insurance companies and even juries can interpret a delay in reporting the accident negatively. Should the accident occur on commercial property, ask to speak with the senior management person available. You would need to report the accident to the proper governmental agency if the fall occurred on public property.

Gather Evidence

Falling in public can be embarrassing. It is tempting to dust yourself off and make a swift exit. However, leaving too quickly can be a mistake if you lose out on preserving important evidence. Spend a moment to get some pictures of where you fell if possible. Gather evidence of anything you feel may have contributed to your fall. Consider things like lighting, obstacles, spills, or debris in the walkway. Do not be shy about asking potential witnesses for a brief statement and contact information. Most people will sympathize with your plight and be willing to help.

Friends and Family

In the case of a slip and fall at the property of a friend or family member take the same steps outlined above. Reassure them you will not be seeking damages directly from them but from their insurance company.

What Not to Do

An important thing to remember is this is not the time or place to discuss who is at fault regarding your slip and fall accident. Do not make any statements to the property owner or insurance company about your role in contributing to the fall until you have consulted with an attorney. If you feel they are at fault, then try and document anything that you feel could aid your attorney in making that determination. Stay calm and avoid getting into a verbal altercation about the incident.

How Much to Expect from a Slip and Fall Settlement

Average case settlement amounts can be misleading. Every case has a unique set of facts that when taken together will shape the amount of the award. The process to calculate what exactly is fair and just compensation for your losses involves multiple steps. Only by working closely with your attorney and doctors can a satisfactory monetary amount be arrived at. Here are some of the initial factors commonly used to help determine the award amount:

Medical bills both past and future
Lost wages or missed work
Compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional distress
Loss of companionship or consortium
Impact on quality of life

Impact of Comparative Negligence

The State of Utah is a comparative negligence state. Pursuant to this doctrine each party is assigned a percentage of the blame for their contribution to the accident. Parties will assign the percentage of fault via agreement during the settlement process, or by findings made at trial. The court or settlement agreement will reduce final award by the percentage of fault assigned to you. A common tactic in defense of slip and fall cases is to argue the victim bears some of the responsibility for the accident. If successful, this tact can significantly reduce the amount of your settlement or award. Anticipating this approach and being ready to counter it is an important part of the settlement process or trial preparation for your attorney.
Filing a claim for a slip and fall injury can be quite an involved process. Insurance companies can be dismissive of your injury claims or offer you a low settlement, leaving you on the hook for your medical bills. Having an experienced attorney fighting for your rights is the only way to make sure they are paying their full share.
The Advocates have been Utah’s premier personal injury firm for almost 30 years. We have recovered over $300 million on behalf of our clients. The expert attorneys at The Advocates take the guesswork out of filing a claim and fight to make sure you get everything you are due. Take advantage of our free case evaluation by calling us today at 1-801-797-2446, or you can fill out the form below, or chat with us here. Don’t you deserve an Advocate?

Meet the Unified Police Department K-9 Unit

A police officer kneels next to his K-9 German Shepherd

th this year, police departments and military units across the country honored K-9 Veteran’s Day. This holiday commemorates working dogs’ service throughout the American history. To help pay tribute to these dedicated dogs, Advocate attorney Chris Thresher sat down with Sergeant Ryan Watson and his K-9 partner Cash during our Community Advocates segment on Good Things Utah. Sgt. Watson explained the role of the UPD’s K-9 Unit and answered some frequently asked questions to help the community become better acquainted with the law enforcement teams that serve our community.

Who Are Sergeant Watson and Cash?

Sgt. Watson has been a police officer for nearly 20 years, with experience in patrol, detective work, and SWAT. He joined the UPD’s K-9 Unit about seven years ago. As the unit supervisor and lead trainer, he oversees five K-9 teams. He cites K-9 work as his favorite assignment of his career, finding it both challenging and rewarding.

Cash is a seven-year-old German Shepherd. He and Sgt. Watson have been working together since Cash was one year old. Cash is a dual-purpose K-9, meaning that he is trained to locate illegal substances as well as apprehend suspects. He uses his sense of smell to detect both narcotics and humans in a variety of places, including vehicles, buildings, fields, and neighborhoods.
In 2020, Sgt. Watson and Cash were recognized by Friends for UPD K-9 as the UPD K-9 Team of the Year. They work together to lead the unit with dedication, collaboration, and high professional standards.

What Does the K-9 Unit Do?

K-9 officers are both police officers and trained dog handlers. Each officer is paired with a canine partner, who is trained in-house by the UPD. Police dogs live with their handlers, and the handler makes sure the dog is properly trained, cared for, and healthy. Cash is part of the Watson family, and he enjoys time off at home just as much as Sgt. Watson does. K-9s know when they are working and when they are off duty, meaning they are perfectly safe around children and strangers. In fact, playing with people and other dogs helps the K-9s gain important social skills.
The duties of K-9s are varied, depending on the unit. Police dogs can be trained to track down illegal substances, explosives, missing persons, and bodies. K-9s can also assist in day-to-day operations, such as traffic stops or emergencies. The UPD K-9 Unit works a graveyard shift from 6:00 pm to 4:00 am every night. The teams can also be called out during daytime hours.
Our UPD K-9 Unit is also active in community events. Over the last several years, the UPD has participated in the Festival of Trees, the Soldier Hollow Sheepdog Championships, and in many police dog demonstrations for schools, church groups, and businesses. The teams enjoy holding these demonstrations because they are effective learning tools for the public, and the officers appreciate the chance to interact with community members.

How Does a Dog Become a Police K-9?

Not just any dog can work as a police dog. A K-9 needs to have specific personality traits, as well as physical attributes. Most of the dogs on the UPD K-9 team are German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, or mixes of the two breeds. These dogs are herding breeds that are highly loyal. They were acquired from a variety of countries across Europe, including Germany, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands.
Before the UPD’s dogs could begin police work, they had to undergo rigorous physical checks and temperament tests to ensure they were able to reliably perform the job of a K-9.
At around one or two years of age, the dogs are ready to begin training with our UPD officers. The dogs train full-time for several months to become certified for police work. After they are certified, they continue to train daily until retirement. The UPD’s K-9s work regularly on obedience, endurance, agility, and specialty training.
The UPD has both single-purpose and dual-purpose K-9s. Like Cash, dual-purpose K-9s are trained in two areas of police work—narcotic detection and suspect apprehension. Single-purpose dogs are only trained in one of these areas.
After seven or eight years of service, K-9s usually retire. In most cases, the dog will continue to live with his handler after retirement. The UPD’s dogs are truly part of their handler’s families.

Who Are the Friends of UPD K-9?

Friends of UPD K-9 is a non-profit organization that helps support the K-9 unit. They raise money to help the teams with a variety of expenses. First and foremost, they assist the UPD with purchasing service animals, as the dogs are typically in high demand. They also help provide ballistic vests, paw protection, harnesses, leashes, and more for the K-9s. Additionally, “Friends” gives the K-9 teams the opportunity to attend and host trainings throughout Utah. The organization also helps supplement medical care for retired K-9s.
The Friends of UPD K-9 accept donations through their website or by mail. Their mailing address is 2376 Cinnabar Lane, Salt Lake City, Utah 84121. Their website also provides more information about the K-9 unit, including spotlights on the five other UPD K-9 partnerships.
The Advocates would like to express our sincere thanks to the Unified Police Department K-9 teams for their service. We appreciate their dedication and commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our communities.

Pedestrian Accidents in Utah Are on the Rise

So far this year, Utah has seen more auto-pedestrian accidents than any other year in recent memory, as reported by KSL News. In March alone, eleven people across the state were killed after being hit by a car. As the number of pedestrian accidents climbs, safety and prevention are more important than ever.
The Utah Department of Transportation is looking to increase pedestrian safety in the state by working with education groups like Zero Fatalities. By teaching the public about traffic laws and safety tips for both drivers and pedestrians, UDOT hopes to make Utah streets safer for walking and jogging.

The State of Pedestrian Accidents in Utah

Over the past several years, Utah has seen a significant jump in auto-pedestrian accidents. More pedestrians suffered serious injuries from accidents in 2021 than in any year in the past decade. 2022 is on pace to surpass last year’s numbers with 20 pedestrian deaths in the first three months of the year alone.
Utah, particularly the Salt Lake City metro area, has seen considerable population growth in the last several years, and is continuing to grow. With more vehicles on the road, car crashes are more likely to happen. It will take the combined efforts of motorists, pedestrians, lawmakers, and city planners to keep Utahans safe on the road.

Contributing Factors to Auto-Pedestrian Accidents in Utah

As auto-pedestrian accidents become more frequent, it is more important than ever to understand the causes behind them. Knowing the conditions that lead to accidents can help drivers and pedestrians prevent injury and death on Utah roads.

Cell Phones

Drivers who are distracted on their phones are more likely to be involved in accidents. This is also true of pedestrians—a person looking down at their phone may unexpectedly walk into traffic. It is vital that both motorists and pedestrians are focused on their surroundings to avoid accidents.

Impaired Drivers

A driver who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a danger to everyone on the road, especially pedestrians. In an auto-pedestrian crash, the pedestrian is far more vulnerable than the motorist or their passengers. An impaired driver may run red lights or fail to yield to people in crosswalks. If a driver appears to be under the influence, pedestrians should use extreme caution.

Poor Visibility

Drivers may have a difficult time seeing pedestrians in dark or foggy conditions. When walking after dark, pedestrians should wear reflective clothing, carry a flashlight, and cross the street at well-lit intersections whenever possible. Drivers should be extra aware when driving at night– pedestrians may be hard to see when walking on the side of the roadway.

Improper Crossing

Around 12% of Utah pedestrian accidents each year are caused by a pedestrian illegally crossing the street. Jaywalking is against the law and can be incredibly dangerous. Pedestrians should cross at crosswalks whenever possible.

Where Pedestrian Accidents Are Most Likely to Occur

Pedestrians should always take care when walking on or near roadways, but some situations are especially dangerous. The Utah Department of Public Safety compiled the following statistics regarding where pedestrian accidents occur most often:

Around 47% of pedestrian accidents happen at crosswalks
Nearly one-third of accidents occur when a driver is turning
The most dangerous time of day for pedestrians is between 6:00 pm and 11:00 pm
More walkers are hit on State Street than anywhere else in Salt Lake City

Pedestrian Safety Tips

Each year, nearly half of auto-pedestrian accidents happen through no fault of the pedestrian. However, by following simple safety guidelines, walkers and joggers can increase their likelihood of making it to their destination unharmed.
Make eye contact with motorists when crossing: Before stepping into the street, pedestrians should be sure that drivers see them and are going to let them cross. If it does not appear that the driver of an oncoming vehicle has noticed them, walkers and joggers should wait until they are sure it is safe to cross.
Obey signs and signals: Pedestrians should cross the street at marked crosswalks or at street corners, which are typically unmarked crosswalks. If the intersection is ruled by stoplights, no one should cross the street until the light indicates that it is safe to do so.
Use the sidewalk: Sidewalks and walking paths are safer than the shoulder of the road. If there is no sidewalk available, pedestrians should use the shoulder and walk against traffic.
Stay alert: Walkers should avoid distractions when walking on or near roadways. Cell phones, books, and headphones may prevent pedestrians from seeing or hearing nearby motor vehicles. Bicyclists also give audible warnings when overtaking pedestrians, so it is important that walkers can hear what is going on around them.
Be visible: When walking or jogging at night, pedestrians should wear bright, reflective clothing. Headlamps or flashlights can provide an extra layer of visibility.
Be predictable: Utah law states that pedestrians may not create a hazard by abruptly entering the path of a vehicle. Walkers should avoid making sudden or erratic moves that a motorist may not be anticipating.

Driver Safety Tips

Motorists have just as much responsibility as pedestrians in preventing car accidents. In order to keep everyone safe, drivers should keep the following guidelines in mind when traveling on Utah roads:
Watch for pedestrians: Motorists should always expect to encounter walkers and joggers at intersections and along the side of the road. In residential areas, children may dart out into the street unexpectedly. Drivers need to be on the lookout for pedestrians at all times.
Avoid distractions: Texting, eating, and fiddling with the radio all interfere with a driver’s ability to focus on the road. Taking one’s eyes off the road for a few seconds can be a life and death decision.
Know the traffic laws: Pedestrians have the right-of-way while in crosswalks. Motorists should always stop before the white line at an intersection, as there may already be a pedestrian crossing the street. When turning, drivers must always look both ways to check for pedestrians.
Slow down: When hit at 20 miles per hour, 9 out of 10 pedestrians survive an accident. At 40 miles per hour, only 1 out of 10 pedestrians survive. Motorists should use extra caution in neighborhoods and school zones.

How Does Pedestrian Safety in Utah Compare to Other States?

Each year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) compiles and publishes data regarding traffic accidents throughout the country. Pedestrian fatality rates are ranked by state.
The good news is that the state of Utah consistently ranks well for pedestrian safety when compared to other states. Unfortunately, over the last decade, Utah has averaged just under 40 pedestrian deaths per year. Considering most pedestrian accidents are entirely preventable, that number is still tragically high.

Ways to Improve Pedestrian Safety

As the population of Salt Lake City grows, many people are becoming more dependent on public transit, cycling, or walking to get around. It also is becoming more dangerous to walk through the city as the roads get busier. Citizen safety groups in Salt Lake and elsewhere are calling for changes in infrastructure to make large cities more pedestrian-friendly.

Give pedestrians a head start

Some cities give pedestrians a walk signal 3-7 seconds before cars traveling in the same direction get a green light. This allows the walkers to get well into the crosswalk before cars are given a chance to turn. It increases the chances that drivers will see the pedestrians before driving through the intersection.

Allow left turns on green arrows only

When pedestrians are permitted to cross the street at the same time drivers are given a solid green light for a left turn, it increases the chances the pedestrians will be hit. The driver may only be watching oncoming traffic for a chance to turn, and fail to see the person in the crosswalk. At intersections where left turns are only allowed on green arrows, pedestrians will not be in the intersection at the same time a driver is trying to turn.

Install skybridges

Skybridges allow for more direct routes over highways, and prevent pedestrians from having to cross many intersections while trying to get from point A to point B. They decrease the number of times pedestrians and motor vehicles must occupy the same space.

Make crosswalks more visible

Crosswalks with flashing lights make crossing the street safer both at night and during the day. Crosswalk illuminators also work to increase visibility throughout the entire crosswalk, not just at the ends.

How to Get Help if You’ve Been Injured in a Pedestrian Accident

If you’ve been injured in an auto-pedestrian accident, you are likely in pain, and you may be unsure of your next steps. These accidents can be devastating, both physically and emotionally. In order to make the recovery process go as smoothly as possible, follow these steps after your accident:

Report the accident to the police

Make sure your accident is documented. Be sure to get the name, address, and insurance information of the driver who hit you. Get the contact information of witnesses to the accident as well.

Seek medical care

If your injuries are serious, you may be treated by EMTs at the scene of the accident or transported to the hospital. If no ambulance is called, you should still see a doctor as soon as you can, even if you believe you were not hurt. You may have injuries you are unaware of. Be cognizant of any new symptoms or pain you experience after your accident, and make sure they are attended to by a medical provider.

Contact your insurance provider

Report the accident to your insurance company. Your no-fault insurance coverage will pay for your immediate medical bills up to a certain limit, depending on your policy. If you file a claim against the at-fault party and receive a settlement, this will be used to repay your insurance provider.

Call a pedestrian accident attorney

If you were injured due to a motorist’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. A personal injury law firm can help you build your case and negotiate a settlement. The Advocates are experienced injury attorneys in Utah, and are ready to help you make the fullest recovery possible. Call today for a free consultation. You deserve an Advocate!

Is it Legal to Pass a Snowplow in Utah?

Every winter, the Utah Department of Transportation dispatches dozens of snowplows to keep driving conditions safe for motorists. Unfortunately, one of snowplow operators’ biggest struggles is being crowded or passed unsafely by passenger cars. This begs the question: is it legal to pass a snowplow in Utah? The shorter answer is yes. But to keep everyone safe on Utah roads, follow these tips when driving around snowplows.

Only Pass When Absolutely Necessary

It’s not illegal to pass snowplows, but it can be hazardous. UDOT encourages drivers to avoid passing snowplows altogether. When passing or driving next to a snowplow, you may get caught in the snow, ice, and debris that they are removing from the road. This can damage your car and increase your risk of crashing.
Additionally, plow blades are sharp and dangerous. According to Jake Brown at UDOT, these blades could tear a compact car open. If you attempt to pass a snowplow and find yourself skidding, you will be putting yourself, the snowplow driver, and everyone else on the road in danger.
Snowplows often travel under the speed limit, so it can be frustrating to be stuck behind one (or several). However, there’s a reason they’re out there– snow removal is a vital service. Keep in mind that the road in front and to the side of the snowplows will be extra snowy and icy. You’ll likely have to slow down after passing the plows anyway.

Never Pass on the Shoulder

If you absolutely must pass a snowplow, be sure to do so safely. Never pass on the right; plow trucks are designed to push snow and other debris to the right side of the road. Sometimes, they are equipped with a wingplow that crosses the line on the shoulder of the road. Wingplows can weigh as much as a compact car– if you accidentally hit one, you could damage your vehicle, seriously injure yourself, and endanger everyone on the highway.
If plows are driving in tandem formation (one in each lane of traffic, driving slightly behind or in front of each other), do not pass and refrain from changing lanes. You may encounter a snow cloud, which obstructs visibility. You may also pass over ridges of snow between lanes, which could cause you to lose traction.

If traveling on a two-lane road behind a single plow, you will need to wait until it is safe and legal to pass– wait for a passing lane or a dashed yellow centerline.
Do not ever attempt to pass a plow on the shoulder of the road. Shoulders are not subjected to the same ice removal as driving lanes, so you are far more likely to skid or spin out when driving on the shoulder.
Highway shoulders are also often covered in road debris that gets blown to the side as cars drive by. You may end up popping a tire on a nail or sharp object.

Give Snowplows Plenty of Room

Any time you drive in winter weather conditions, you should increase your following distance for all cars, not just plows. Typically, a safe following distance on snowy roads is at least 6-8 seconds.
It’s especially important not to tailgate snowplows. Plows regularly stop, back up, and/or drop deicer, such as salt brine. If you follow too closely, you may rear end the plow or get hit by deicing material. Give snowplows at least 3-4 car lengths of room. In heavy snowfall, give up to 200 feet of following distance.
Additionally, if you find yourself passing a snowplow driving the opposite direction, make sure you give them plenty of space to the side. Plow blades often cross the centerline and can hit your car if you aren’t paying attention.

Drive Safely for the Road Conditions

Keep everyone on the road safe by following these winter driving tips, whether you’re around snowplows or not:

Leave early: Your commute on winter roads will likely take longer than usual. By giving yourself extra time, you can avoid the need to hurry.
Check the forecast before you leave: If your travel isn’t absolutely necessary, avoid driving in winter storms.
Slow down: The faster you are going, the more likely you are to lose control. Slowing down gives you more time to react to hazards in the roadway.
Use your headlights: In a snowstorm or whiteout, your lights may be the only thing other drivers can see. Avoid using your brights, which may reflect off of the falling snow and blind you.
Avoid sudden moves: When driving in winter weather conditions, jerking your steering wheel or slamming on your brakes can cause you to spin out.
Stay alert: Pay attention to the road in front of you. If you come upon a hazard in the roadway, like a car accident or wildlife, you will need extra time to stop.
Watch for flashing lights: In heavy snowfall, lights may be the only thing to alert you when you are coming upon a snowplow or the scene of an accident.
Pay attention to and respect road closures: When roads are closed, it means the conditions are too dangerous for cars to use the roadway. Never attempt to drive on a closed road, even if it’s the fastest route to your destination. It will take much longer to get where you’re going if you get stuck.

The Advocates Community Advocate July 2023: Yevgeny Pevzner

Each month, The Advocates injury attorneys team up with Good Things Utah to recognize an individual or organization that makes our Utah communities a great place to be. For July, we are thrilled to honor Yevgeny Pevzner, a science teacher with Granite School District.
Yevgeny began teaching 27 years ago, and says he quickly learned the secret to student success: engagement and nourishment. He is committed to ensuring his students have access to food, regardless of their financial situation or busy schedules.
He keeps a stash of Pop-Tarts in his room for any student who may need one, for any reason. Because of this, he’s come to be known as the “Pop-Tart man” at his school.
“My door is always open,” Yevgeny says. “You can eat in my classroom; I’m open-minded.”
This philosophy has made him a favorite at his school; in fact, the person who nominated Yevgeny as our Community Advocate was a student of his 18 years ago.
“95% of teaching is building relationships with the students,” Yevgeny says. The food he provides is just one bridge to building those relationships.
He doesn’t want all the recognition for himself, though. “There are thousands of teachers who do what I do. I can’t take credit for it.”
The Utah Advocates are thankful for teachers like Yevgeny, who come to school with a passion for teaching and allowing their students to thrive. You make our schools and communities great.
If you know a person or group that makes Utah a better place by helping others, you can nominate them here. If they are selected as our monthly Community Advocate, they’ll be recognized on-air and will receive a gift certificate for dinner and a movie.

Statements to Avoid After an Accident

Policeman writing up report on incident where their was a person injured

The scene of an accident is certainly not easiest place to think clearly. Emotions are running high and the stress can make it very difficult to find the right words to say, let alone process the collision in general.
Unfortunately, you can do everything right behind the wheel and still be involved in an accident that was simply out of your control. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that there are several statements you should avoid saying at the scene of an accident, especially if the crash wasn’t your fault.
In the following article, we will discuss what phrases can hurt your legal claim and potentially stop you from getting maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. If you have any questions about getting legal representation in Utah, you can contact our car accident lawyers with The Advocates below.

What Shouldn’t I Say at the Scene of an Accident?

One of the most common mistakes people make at the scene of an accident is giving an admission of fault. If you were not the at-fault driver, here are the following statements you should avoid saying to help maintain a strong legal claim.

Do Not Say the Accident Was Your Fault- While this may seem like an obvious statement to avoid, many drivers unintentionally admit fault to a collision they didn’t cause. This is one of the most detrimental statements you can make and is usually said in the heat of the moment. Admitting guilt to an accident that wasn’t your fault can drastically impact how you are compensated for your injuries and the damages done to your vehicle.
Do Not Apologize for the Accident- For whatever reason, it’s human nature to sometimes apologize for things we didn’t do. When involved in a collision, an apology can often be mistaken as an admission of guilt by the at-fault party’s insurance company and legal team. While you may want to say “I’m sorry” to help ease the tension from the crash, keep in mind that you have nothing to be sorry for and your apology can held against you.
Do Not Speculate or Give Inaccurate Information- If you’ve been asked for a specific cause of the crash and do not know the exact answer, do not speculate or give inaccurate information. Giving a statement without concrete evidence can make it difficult to prove the other driver’s negligence if the information you’ve given is incorrect. You don’t want the at-fault party to misconstrue your words and portray you as the driver responsible for the accident.
Do Not State “I am okay” or “I am fine”- Another common mistake accident victims make is giving statements about your state of well-being. While you may not notice your injuries at the scene of the accident, it’s very important to understand that some injuries take days or even several weeks to notice. Making a statement about your general health can be used against you and the validity of your injuries.

It’s no doubt that being in a collision can be traumatic for everyone involved. To avoid making statements that can harm your legal claim, it’s best to only speak about what is absolutely necessary. This includes sharing contact and insurance information, as well as gathering witness statements from the scene of the crash.

When to Contact The Advocates Law Firm

If you were injured in an accident through no fault of your own, you should contact The Advocates right away. You will need an experienced car accident lawyer on your side. While you focus on recovering, our legal team will take of the rest and get you the compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait. Contact The Advocates today at 801-657-4604 or chat with an attorney here on our homepage. You deserve an Advocate.