February 24, 2012

New legislation in Utah could change the requirements for individuals over the age of 19 who are attempting to get a driver license. According to an article released by The Salt Lake Tribune, HB 266 would eliminate the need for drivers over the age of 19 to take a driver training course.

Rep. Bradley M. Daw, R-Orem, came up with the idea after noticing that a friend’s wife had gained enough driving experience with a learner permit to pass her license exam. His idea is to replace the mandatory driving education class in Utah with a set number of hours drivers must log with a learner permit and a licensed driver accompanying them. Under the new legislation, drivers would have to log 40 hours of driving, including 10 hours at night, during their 90-day period under a learner permit.

Opponents of the law say that the quantity of time behind the wheel doesn’t necessarily make for quality driver training, and not all licensed drivers are good drivers or good driving instructors. They also warn that the licensed passenger might not correct the learning driver’s mistakes like a qualified instructor would.

The Utah Auto Accident Attorneys with Robert Debry and Associates help victims of accidents that were injured by another driver’s negligence. If you have been hurt in a crash that was no fault of your own, contact us today for a free consultation of your case.

January 20, 2012

A patch of black ice on a Utah highway is being blamed for a multiple-vehicle accident that injured four people, one of whom is listed in critical condition.

An earlier report from The Salt Lake Tribune said that the chain of accidents  started at around 3:00 AM in the eastbound lanes of I-84 near Tremonton, Utah.

A spokesman for the Utah Highway Patrol, Corporal Todd Johnson, stated that a tractor-trailer slid and jackknifed when it hit an icy patch and was then hit by a second tractor-trailer. A third big rig  plowed into the wreckage that was now stretched across the highway.

The 34-year-old driver of the first truck suffered critical injuries to the face and head. The driver and passenger in the second truck complained about chest and back injuries. The driver and passenger of the third truck suffered non-life threatening back injuries as well. All of the victims are recuperating at area hospitals.

At around 4:00 AM, as crews worked to clean up the scene of the accident, an SUV approaching the scene too fast lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a Box Elder County sheriff’s pickup truck.  No one was injured.

The Utah Truck  Accident Lawyers with Robert Debry & Associates understand just how dangerous black ice can be. That’s why they would advise motorists to slow down in winter conditions and be cautious of shaded areas in the road, as they tend to be slicker.

November 11, 2011

A radical change of direction has occurred in policy concerning handling of vehicles involved in accidents. According to KSL News, the changes in law and new statewide signage come after 21 Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) troopers were injured while responding to accidents in a year’s time.

At a press conference held Thursday, officials from the Utah Department of Transportation and top officials from the UHP displayed new signs that will go up across the state asking motorists involved in minor fender benders to move to the nearest off ramp exit before calling police. The new signs coincide with a new law that took effect in July requiring the same action.

Officials believe the measures should make roadways safer for both accident victims and the officers and troopers who respond. The idea for the changes from the current way of doing things, which is sit next to a busy highway waiting on an officer to respond, came after seven troopers were injured in a six-week time frame while on accident calls.

The law is only applicable on state highways and interstates where the UHP patrols.

The Utah Auto Accident Lawyers with Robert Debry & Associates ask that motorists be mindful of the new signage and law by moving to an off-ramp if involved in an accident. If you see an officer responding to vehicles that have not moved, try to move into the left lane to avoid an accident. Following these simple steps could save a life.

July 29, 2011

Traffic moved very slowly along I-15 in North Salt Lake City, Utah, following a lunchtime crash involving several vehicles and a tractor-trailer. As ksl.com reports, highway patrol officials say the accident occurred at mile marker 313, around 11:30 AM.

Authorities say the driver of an Isuzu Trooper lost control of the vehicle after the blow-out of one of the SUV’s tires. This set off a chain reaction of events in which the driver of a Volvo swerved to avoid hitting the Isuzu, instead striking a tractor-trailer that was also attempting to dodge collision with the Isuzu. The crash sent the semi-truck barreling through the center median, blocking lanes of traffic along both sides of the highway. The truck’s driver sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated and released.

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggests regular monitoring of tire pressure to prevent blowouts, which could cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle, or even lead to a rollover.

The Utah Truck Accident Attorneys with Robert DeBry & Associates may be able to assist victims of auto accidents involving tire blowouts, and can fight to collect compensation for injuries and damages incurred. Contact them for a free evaluation of your case.

June 17, 2011

The fifth fatal motorcycle accident in Utah this month occurred Thursday afternoon on the west side of Salt Lake City, Utah. The Salt Lake Tribune reports the accident occurred on the State Road 201 on-ramp approaching I-215.

Authorities say that a tractor-trailer truck was in the third lane for the right, when the motorcycle came around the loop on-ramp. For an unknown reason, the driver of the motorcycle suddenly swerved into the lanes to his left.  The motorcycle clipped the front tires of the trailer, sliding into the path of the back tires and was subsequently run over. The motorcycle driver died at the scene. He apparently had a small dog in a crate on the back of the bike also, which died in the crash as well.

Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) issued the following statement after the deadly accident:

“We remind the operators of motor vehicles and motorcycles to be aware of each other and to take precautions to allow for the safe travel of each other.”

UHP is also encouraging riders to wear appropriate, DOT-approved helmets, which offer facial protection and are asking them to wear protective clothing as well.

The Utah Motorcycle Accident Lawyers with Robert Debry & Associates say that they handle several motorcycle accident cases a year, giving them the experience and understanding to help guide a client through the difficult process of fighting for compensation. Fill out a FREE online consultation form if you would like to discuss your case with our team.

May 27, 2011

With the holiday weekend just around the corner and both the “Click It Or Ticket” and “See Me Save Me” campaigns kicking off the is week, traffic safety is on the minds of many in Utah.

The news team at ksl.com reported that on Monday, several of Utah’s law enforcement agencies held a commencement ceremony at Redwood Memorial Cemetery to mark the kickoff to the campaigns. Each year, the participating community agencies use Memorial Day weekend as the start date for targeted enforcement of seatbelt laws, known as May Mobilization.

Studies find that seatbelt use was up among Americans by 1 percent in 2010. In states with primary seatbelt laws, use reached 88 percent in 2010.

Utah Highway Patrolman Col. Danny Fuhr says “There’s a direct correlation with people being unrestrained and death, and buckling up and staying alive. That’s what we’re doing. We keep people alive so they can go home every single night and enjoy their families.”

Last year in Utah, 110 people died on the roadways because they were unrestrained. This outranked DUI, distraction, speed, and fatigue as a contributing factor in fatal accidents in Utah.

The Utah auto accident attorneys at Robert DeBry & Associates would like to wish you happy and safe travel this holiday weekend! Don’t forget to buckle up!

April 21, 2011

A dump truck was involved in a Salt Lake City truck accident.

According to abc4.com, the driver forgot to lower the bed of the vehicle as it passed through an intersection and clipped a traffic light before the Salt Lake City truck accident.

The truck rolled over in the Salt Lake City auto accident, and part of the traffic light was knocked down.

No injuries were reported in the Salt Lake City truck accident.

Read more.

Do you think the truck would be responsible for other Salt Lake City truck accidents at that intersection? Who do you think would be responsible?

If you or someone you know has been involved in a Salt Lake City truck accident, the Salt Lake City truck accident lawyers at Robert J. DeBry & Associates can help.

December 30, 2010

Major League Baseball player Marty Cordova’s teenage daughter has been in a coma for several days following a Salt Lake City truck accident, according to mlb.com.

The 16-year-old was on her way to school when a truck hit the vehicle her friend was driving in the Salt Lake City truck accident.

Read more.

What do you think can be done to keep teens safer from Salt Lake City truck accidents?

If you or someone you know has been involved in a Salt Lake City truck accident, the Salt Lake City truck accident lawyers at Robert J. DeBry & Associates can help.