At Good Guys Injury Law, we can help you if you have been hit by someone who was texting and driving. If you’ve been hit by a driver who was more interested in their cell phone than the road, don’t worry; you’re not alone. Each year, texting drivers cause countless crashes, leaving people like you hurt and confused.
Distracted driving accidents are a major concern, and if a distracted driver hits you, we can help you. Our distracted driving accident lawyers understand driving laws, police reports, and how they apply to motor vehicle accidents. Our distracted driving accident attorney can also help you with your personal injury claim.
Always seek care for a medical emergency first. Then, reach out to us for help with your personal injury lawsuit before talking to the insurance company.
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Get Help From a Skilled Utah Personal Injury Lawyer After an Accident
After a collision, you’re hurt, your car is wrecked, and it’s hard to think straight. That’s when having a skilled Utah personal injury lawyer by your side makes all the difference. We know what to do and are ready to do it for you.
We dive into the chaos with you, working to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. We don’t let insurance companies push you around. You deserve a lawyer who listens, cares, and gets results.
Statistics on Texting and Driving Accidents in Utah
Texting and driving is a known hazard on Utah roads. Between 2017 and 2021, more than 27,000 distracted driving accidents took place in Utah, leading to more than 15,000 injuries. Eighty-three people died in these accidents, and about a third involved drivers under the age of 20. These accidents aren’t just numbers; they represent real people suffering real injuries. That’s why at Good Guys Injury Law, we take every case seriously.
Common Causes of Texting and Driving Accidents in Utah
- Distraction from the Road: When drivers text, they lose focus on the road. They might not see a pedestrian crossing or a car braking ahead.
- Missing Traffic Signals: Drivers who are texting often miss important signs like stop lights and stop signs. This can lead to dangerous accidents at intersections.
- Swerving and Lane Drifting: Texting can cause drivers to drift out of their lane. This could mean hitting another car or even running off the road.
- Slow Reaction Time: Looking at a phone screen slows down a driver’s reaction. If something unexpected happens, they might not stop in time.
- False Confidence in Multitasking: Many drivers think they can handle texting and driving. But the truth is, this confidence can lead to mistakes that end up hurting someone else.
Utah Legislation on Texting and Driving
Utah takes texting and driving seriously. The law says you can’t text, email, or even dial a phone number while driving unless it’s an emergency. The reason is clear: when drivers look at their phones, they’re not looking at the road. That puts everyone in danger.
Utah law Utah Code § 41-6a-1716 is strict for a reason. It’s there to keep people safe. But when drivers break the law, accidents happen. That’s when you need someone who knows the law and knows how to use it to get you justice.
Penalties for Texting and Driving in Utah
Fines and Ticketing
Get caught texting and driving in Utah, and you’ll feel it in your wallet. The fines start small, but they can add up fast, especially if you cause a crash. Utah doesn’t go easy on distracted drivers. If you are charged with this Class C misdemeanor, you could face a fine of up to $100; however, if you are blamed for an accident that led to an injury or death, you could face years in prison and much steeper financial penalties.
Suspension of Driver’s License
Texting and driving can cost you your license in Utah. If you’re under 18, you might face an automatic license suspension. Even adults can lose their driving privileges if they’re not careful. That’s because driving is a responsibility, not a right.
When drivers abuse that responsibility, they face the consequences. No one wants to lose their license, but it’s one way Utah keeps the roads safe. If someone’s careless enough to text and drive, maybe they shouldn’t be driving at all.
Impact on Insurance Rates
Text and drive, and your insurance rates could skyrocket. Insurance companies don’t take risks with drivers who make bad choices. They hike up the rates to protect themselves. For a texting driver, that means paying more every single month.
It’s not just a one-time fine; it’s a long-term cost. And if you cause an accident, you can bet your rates will go up even more. It’s another way Utah tries to discourage drivers from making a dangerous decision.
Potential Legal Consequences
Texting and driving can land you in court. If you cause an accident, you could face a lawsuit. Victims like you can sue for medical costs, lost wages, and more. And if the court finds the texting driver at fault, they’ll have to pay up.
It’s not just about the money, though. It’s about holding drivers accountable for their choices. In Utah, if you text and drive, you’re responsible for the damage you cause. And if you’re the victim, we’ll help you get justice.
What To Do if You Are Involved in a Utah Texting and Driving Accident
If a texting driver hits you, stay calm and follow these steps:
- Check for Injuries: Your health comes first. If you or anyone else is hurt, call 911 right away. Don’t try to be a hero; let medical professionals help.
- Call the Police: Even if no one’s hurt, get the police on the scene. They’ll write up a report, and that’s key when you want to claim damages.
- Document Everything: Take pictures of the cars, the road, and any injuries. Get the contact info of any witnesses. This info is gold when it comes to proving what happened.
- Stay Quiet About Fault: Don’t say it was your fault, and don’t say it wasn’t. Just stick to the facts and let the lawyers and police sort out the blame.
- Call Good Guys Injury Law: We know how to handle texting and driving cases. We’ll fight for you while you focus on getting better.
Remember, what you do right after an accident can make a huge difference in your case.
Legal Process for Pursuing a Texting and Driving Accident Claim in Utah
If you decide to pursue a claim, know that the legal process can be long and complicated. That’s why having a good lawyer matters. We’ll guide you every step of the way.
We also make sure to keep you in the loop. You’ll always know what’s happening with your case and why. We’re in this together, and we won’t let you get lost in the legal maze.
Proving Liability for Texting and Driving in Utah
Establishing that someone was texting and driving can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. We gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and use every tool we have. We need to show the driver was distracted, and that’s why the crash happened.
Sometimes, we even use phone records to prove our point. We’re thorough because we know that’s what it takes to win your case. When we’re on your side, we fight hard to prove the other driver was at fault.
The Time Limit to File a Utah Personal Injury Case
Utah allows you four years to initiate a personal injury case. That might seem like a long time, but trust us, it’s not. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and witnesses move away. The sooner you get us on your side, the better.
We get to work fast because we know the statute of limitations. We want to make sure you have the best chance possible to get the compensation you deserve.
Types of Compensation Available to Victims
Economic Damages
When you get hit by a texting driver, the bills pile up fast. Medical costs, car repairs, lost wages – these are all economic damages. We work to get you money to cover all these expenses. That’s money you need to get back on your feet.
We also look at future costs. Will you need more medical care? Will you be out of work for a while? We consider everything to make sure you get enough compensation.
Non-Economic Damages
Some damages aren’t about money; they’re about your quality of life. Pain, suffering, and emotional distress are real, and you deserve compensation for them. These non-economic damages recognize the hurt that doesn’t have a price tag.
We talk to doctors and therapists to understand how your injuries affect your life. Then we fight to get you compensation for these non-economic damages. Because it’s not just about the money; it’s about your well-being.
Our Utah Texting and Driving Accident Lawyer Will Assist You in Your Case
- Legal Expertise: Our team has years of experience handling accident cases just like yours. We know the ins and outs of Utah’s laws on texting and driving and use this knowledge to protect your rights. With us, you have a legal expert dedicated to navigating the complex legal system on your behalf.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: We start by collecting all the pieces of the puzzle – from the accident report to witness statements and any available camera footage. Our thorough investigation aims to build a strong case for you. We know the importance of solid evidence and leave no stone unturned in gathering it.
- Negotiating With Insurance Companies: Insurance companies can be tough to deal with, but we’ve got the skills to handle them. We negotiate firmly and fairly to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. You can trust us to speak the language that insurers understand and to push back when they try to lowball your settlement.
- Preparing for Trial: We’re ready to take your case to trial if a fair settlement can’t be reached. We prepare meticulously, knowing that the details can make all the difference. Our goal is to present the strongest case possible to the jury so you have the best chance of winning.
- Providing Legal Support and Guidance: We’re here to offer support and answer your questions throughout the legal process. We help you understand each step and what to expect. Please think of us as your guide through the legal jungle, ensuring you feel confident and informed.
- Maximizing Compensation: We fight to get you every dollar you’re entitled to, whether it’s for medical bills, car repairs, or the pain you’ve endured. We examine every angle of your case to make sure no form of compensation is overlooked. Our aim is to get you the maximum amount so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
- Accountability and Justice: Holding the texting driver accountable for a car accident is about more than just money; it’s about justice. We strive to ensure that those responsible for your suffering are held accountable. Your case could be the one that changes a policy or prompts stricter enforcement of the laws.
Contact Good Guys Injury Law for a Free Case Evaluation With Our Utah Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been affected by a texting and driving accident, don’t go through it alone. Contact Good Guys Injury Law for a free case evaluation. Our experienced Utah personal injury attorneys are here to listen to your story, offer legal advice, and explain your options without any obligation.
Contact us today for a free case consultation.
Texting and Driving FAQs:
Yes, texting and driving is considered distracted driving. Distracted driving is defined as driving with divided attention. Driving is a very challenging task that requires total concentration. When a driver uses a cell phone to text while driving, they are taking their eyes off the road.
Text messaging is defined in Utah law as “a communication in the form of electronic text or one or more electronic images sent by the actor from a telephone or computer to another person’s telephone or computer by addressing the communication to the person’s telephone number.” There are many different types of devices that may be used to text under the Utah prohibition.
Yes, there are exemptions to the texting and driving laws. A person who is texting due to a medical emergency may be exempt from this law. Law enforcement and first responders are also exempt from cell phone use laws in the scope and course of their employment.
Drivers have to make life-saving decisions in a split second. Texting and driving is risky because it takes the driver’s attention off the road. Texting drivers take their eyes off the roadway for an average of 4.6 seconds. At 55 mph, this equates to a driver traveling 371 feet, or the approximate length of a football field (including the end zones)—without looking at the roadway!
For commercial drivers, getting caught texting while driving can result in license disqualification. Penalties can be up to $2,750 for drivers and up to $11,000 for employers who allow or require drivers to use a handheld communications device for texting while driving.
Younger, inexperienced drivers under 20 years old have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes. 21% of fatal car crashes involving teenagers are texting and driving-related.
No, teenagers aren’t the only age group guilty of texting and driving. In fact, 56% of adult drivers admit to texting while driving. People of all ages are using a variety of handheld devices, such as cell phones, mp3 players, personal digital assistants, and navigation devices when they are behind the wheel.
No, it is not safe to use a hands-free device while driving. Hands-free devices still divert the driver’s attention from the road. The person or even the intelligence system on the other end cannot interact appropriately with the driver. Handheld devices may be slightly worse, but hands-free devices are not risk-free. It makes the driver miss visual cues vital in the avoidance or prevention of a car crash.
Under Utah law, someone caught texting and driving faces up to three months in jail and up to a $750 fine. The offense is a misdemeanor. If the driver causes injury or death, the punishment can grow to a felony and up to a $10,000 fine and 15 years in prison.
Utah’s texting laws are considered “primary” laws. A primary law means that an officer can pull you over for the offense without having to witness some other violation. That is, the officer sees you texting while driving, pulls you over, and issues you a citation.
Penalties for a texting and driving violation are a Class C misdemeanor with fines and potential jail time. The violation is a Class B misdemeanor if the texting causes an accident or if the driver has a prior conviction.
Attorneys for Help with a Texting and Driving Accident
Have you been in a texting and driving accident? We can help. Don’t leave it to chance. Work with experienced attorneys who have a track record of getting results for accident victims. If you have been in an accident due to a cell phone user’s negligence and would like a free consultation, feel free to contact us at Good Guys Injury Law. See how we can work on your behalf from start to finish to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.
