More than 580,000 people visit our nation’s emergency rooms each year because of bicycle versus car accidents. A detailed infographic created by the Christensen Law Firm shows the different categories of bicycle accidents and injuries. How does this help us? It helps us identify what causes these tragic bicycle accidents so we can prevent them from happening in the first place. Cycling can be a refreshing hobby. Many people in Utah also choose to ride their bikes to work to save on gas expenses. There are several safety measures bicyclists can take to prevent serious injuries.

Let’s take a closer look at the infographic. This graphic shows us that lack of helmet use has led to the most bicycle accident fatalities in United States. About 91 percent of bicyclists killed in 2008 were not helmeted. Helmets can save lives and that has been statistically proven. Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 85 percent, traumatic brain injury by 88 percent and severe brain injury by more than 75 percent. Two-thirds of all bicycle accident deaths are from traumatic brain injury. Also, one in eight bicyclists with reported injuries had a traumatic brain injury. (more…)

The Utah dog bite lawyers have taken notice of new software testing at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, which psychologists say will significantly decrease dog bite injuries in children. The software program, originally created by IT experts from England, was designed to teach kids about proper interaction with pet dogs. It presents a series of games that instruct children to avoid actions that can incite a dog to bite, such as pulling its tail or ears or creating direct eye contact with a dog.

Dog Bite Statistics

Each day about 1,000 US citizens require emergency medical treatment stemming from dog bites, resulting in numerous deaths each year. Contrary to popular belief, most fatalities from dog bites do not occur in public places and do not involve untamed and wandering dogs. According to recent studies, 7 out of 10 fatal dog bites happen with a dog that was left untied on the owner’s property itself. (more…)

A recent study has caught the attention of Salt Lake dog bite lawyers at the Christensen Law Firm. Research that compiled statistics from 1982 to 2010 found the dog breeds most responsible for serious injuries and fatalities, showing that pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Presa canaries are the most common dog breeds causing damage to humans. 8 out of 10 attacks by these dogs bring about bodily harm.

Salt Lake dog bite lawyers acknowledge the propensity many have towards keeping dogs as pets, for more than 60 million dogs live and roam throughout the U.S. However, if not properly trained, they can behave violently, evidenced by the fact that 50 million people get bitten by dogs annually. These are only the reported cases, obviously, meaning fewer cases reach Salt Lake dog bite lawyers and police authorities, thus the victims are not properly compensated for their damages. (more…)

Now that summertime is upon us more and more Utah residents are getting exercise and saving money by getting on a bike. Unfortunately, it is common for Utah bicyclists to be struck by negligent drivers and to suffer devastating injuries. This summer, there are a number of safety precautions you can take to decrease the chances of being involved in a Utah bicycle accident.

One reason why there are more bicycle accidents in the summertime is because more people ride at night. Warmer weather in the evening means more riders at nighttime when there is decreased visibility. Bike riders would be well advised to purchase and install a lamp on the front of their bikes and numerous reflectors so they remain visible in the dark. There should be white or red reflector on the front of the bike, on the pedals and on the back of the bike. Nighttime riders would be well advised to wear bright clothing or even a reflective vest. (more…)

The Utah wrongful death attorneys at The Christensen Law Firm understand the emotional and financial burdens that families suffer following a fatal crash. The family of someone tragically killed in a crash is often left wondering how they will get through the day and they probably aren’t thinking about whether or not they need to hire a lawyer. Compassionate wrongful death attorneys can help grieving families cope with their financial losses as the result of a death that occurred due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing.

A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit that can be used to hold a party financially responsible for the loss of a loved one. Immediate family members such as spouses, parents and children are all examples of parties who may file a wrongful death claim. Experienced personal injury attorneys can help a family member understand if they are eligible to pursue financial compensation for their loss and how much their claim may be worth. (more…)

A recent report on the profits made by insurance companies in the year 2010 may startle you. Five insurance companies — State Farm, Farmers, Liberty Mutual, Geico and Progressive — all made over a billion dollars in profits. To reiterate, these numbers reflect profits and not just revenue brought in. These jaw-dropping figures are further proof that insurance companies are not out to protect their clients as their ads may suggest, but that they exist predominantly to make a profit.

When injured victims of Utah car accidents are on the phone with an insurance company, it is crucial that they remember that it is in the best interest of the insurance company to deny their claim. State Farm would not have made $1,800,000,000 in profits if they gave out fair and adequate settlements to everyone filing a claim. (more…)

It is all too common for children to suffer catastrophic injuries because they approached a dog with which they were unfamiliar. Seemingly harmless dogs can lash out if they feel threatened or startled and it is often children who suffer the consequences. There are a number of steps that parents can take to help avoid serious injury Utah dog bite incidents
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Dog attacks often result when a child puts his or her face next to a dog before petting it. Unfamiliar and unleashed dogs should not be approached and dogs without an owner nearby should be left alone. Children should be taught to avoid dogs that are sleeping, eating or nursing. Dogs should not be approached until after the owner says it is okay. It is always a good idea to just never approach a strange dog.

If an animal begins to approach you or your child, it is not a good idea to yell or scream. Instead, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals stay still and not make eye contact. The idea is to not threaten or scare the animal. If the victim is knocked to the ground they should remain still until the dog has left the area. (more…)

It’s been almost two years since a tragic Utah bicycle accident resulted in serious injuries to multiple bicyclists, but there are still lessons to learn from that crash. The accident occurred during the 1,000 Warriors Bicycle Race when the driver of an SUV slammed on the brakes resulting in bicyclists crashing into the back of the vehicle. One bike rider actually went head-first through the rear windshield and suffered critical injuries. Four others were injured when they hit the SUV or attempted to avoid the collision.

The reason why this crash continues to be relevant is because it was completely avoidable. The bicyclists racing downhill on the windy road should have been informed that the event promoters were unable to get the road closed off for the race. The driver of the SUV should not have slammed on the brakes with so many cyclists close behind. The amateur cyclists perhaps should not have been allowed on the professional course where there was the potential for so much danger. (more…)

While following every road law will help keep bikers and motorists safe, making a legal left-hand turn may be the most important. The Utah Bicycle Accident Handbook, written by The Christensen Law Firm, reminds everyone that bikes are considered moving vehicles, so they must follow every rule of the road.

Salt Lake City residents were reminded about the importance of making a legal left-hand turn two weeks ago when a bicyclist was struck by a TRAX light-rail near 400 South and 600 East around 1:40 p.m.  Utah Transit Authority spokesman Gerry Carpenter explained that the bicyclist didn’t hear the train coming when attempting to make an illegal left-hand turn in front of it. Luckily the bicyclist escaped with only minor injuries, but the bike went under the train. (more…)