Car Accident Lawyers in Salt Lake City

According to one report on the State of Utah, there is a car accident every 10 minutes, a car accident injury every 23 minutes, and a car accident-related fatality every 36 hours. These sobering statistics highlight how dangerous driving on Utah’s roadways can be. Salt Lake City itself has suffered many fatalities on highways including 600 West, 3900 South, and I-15.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident, you may have questions about what you should do next. We understand that the days and weeks after a car accident can be stressful. The car accident attorneys at Fielding Law will stand by your side during the legal process following your accident and help you regain control of your life. Contact our office in Salt Lake City today to set up a free initial consultation, or fill out the online evaluation form.  

When to Contact an Attorney After a Car Accident?

You may wonder if it’s really necessary to call a lawyer after being involved in a car crash. While it’s true that you don’t have any legal obligation to hire an attorney after an accident, there are many benefits to having representation on your side. 

Consider some of the following ways a lawyer can help after your car accident:

• Investigate your car accident: After a crash, it is not always easy to determine who is at fault. Our lawyers will gather the needed evidence in order to prove who was negligent in the accident. Establishing fault is vital, since proving that the other driver was negligent will have a big impact on the amount of compensation that you can receive. This may involve taking pictures of the damage to your vehicle and the scene of the accident, gathering witness statements, reviewing police reports, examining medical records, and speaking to experts. 

• Filing a claim: Filing a claim can be confusing; you may not be sure how to file one or whom to file one against. This is especially complicated when there are multiple parties involved in the accident. As your lawyers, we will determine which parties are responsible for the accident and file the insurance claims for you. 

• Negotiating with the insurance company: Insurance companies usually do not have your best interests at heart. Their goal is to settle for the lowest amount possible. They may deny your claim, try to get you to settle for a low offer, or even resort to contacting you after the accident and using things you say against you. This is why we recommend letting your lawyers talk to the insurance company and handle all negotiations. A lawyer will take into account all your medical expenses and other damages to negotiate a just and fair amount of financial compensation. 

• Take your claim to court: Typically, car accident claims can be settled without going to court, but the car accident lawyers at Fielding Law are ready to take your case to court if a settlement can’t be reached. 

Types of Car Accidents Fielding Law Handles

Car accidents can occur anywhere, at any time, and in a variety of different situations. The following are just some of the many different types of car accidents the Salt Lake City personal injury lawyers at Fielding Law have experience in handling:

• Single-car accident: These types of accidents involve only one vehicle and may involve animals or debris in the road, rollovers, or parked vehicles.
• Rear-end collision: This is when a vehicle hits you from behind. It is typically caused by tailgating, distracted driving, or overdriving road conditions. 
• Rollover: An accident of this kind is traumatic for the passengers involved and can lead to severe injuries. Road conditions, risky maneuvers, alcohol, or speeding tend to play a role in causing these types of accidents. 
• Head-on collision: When the front ends of two vehicles hit each other from opposite directions, fatalities are often the result. Staying alert to traffic signals, taking care when passing on a two-lane highway, and staying in your lane can all play important roles in avoiding head-on collisions. 
• Side-impact collision: This occurs when a vehicle is struck on the side by another vehicle and commonly takes place in parking lots or at intersections.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Hundreds of car accidents happen every day in the United States for a variety of reasons. While most of these are minor, there are still thousands of people that die in car crashes each year. Listed below are some of the most common causes of car crashes, along with tips to prevent them. 

Distracted driving: This is the number 1 cause of accidents each year. Distracted driving includes anything that diverts your attention from the roadway. It includes such activities as texting, programming your GPS, adjusting your stereo, eating, or applying makeup while driving. While behind the wheel, your complete focus should be on driving safely and paying attention to potential hazards. 

Speeding: Everyone has probably been guilty of speeding at some point, but this doesn’t mean that it’s okay or safe to do so. Driving over the posted speed limit, or too fast for road conditions is one of the leading causes of accidents. Fatalities can be reduced when more people abide by the speed limit. 

Drunk driving: Sadly, while most people are aware that drinking and driving is dangerous, it doesn’t always stop them from doing so. Drunk driving is the cause of severe accidents that could’ve been avoided. Alcohol impairs a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and reasoning abilities. If you’re going to drink, make sure you have a designated driver. 

Reckless driving. These types of drivers tailgate, weave in and out of traffic, drive well over the speed limit, and drive in an aggressive manner. They put themselves and others at risk. If you spot a driver like this on the roadway, it’s best to increase your space cushion and avoid them if possible. 

Inclement weather conditions. Driving in rain, fog, sleet, and snow can be hazardous. Certain weather conditions reduce visibility and make the road surface slick. Slick roads can reduce traction and cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles. Reduce your speed when driving in inclement weather, and pull over until weather conditions improve if necessary. 

Defective parts/ design defects. At times, a driver isn’t to blame for an accident. It may be a problem with the vehicle itself. Watch for recalls on vehicle parts, and make sure to take your car in for regular maintenance. 

Common Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents

Car accidents affect people in a variety of ways. Some injuries are far more severe than others. Some of our clients’ injuries heal in a few days or weeks, while others sustain devastating injuries that alter their lives forever. 

The following are some common injuries that we have helped our clients obtain compensation for:

• Cuts, lacerations, and bruises
• Broken bones
• Whiplash
• Sprains
• Burns
• Damage to internal organs
• Neck/back/spinal cord injuries
• Lacerations
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

It’s important to seek medical attention after your accident even if you feel fine. After an accident, heightened emotions and adrenaline could mask your symptoms. You could unknowingly have whiplash, internal bleeding, or other serious injuries. It’s always best to err on the side of caution. 

How to Get Top Compensation for Your Vehicle Accident?

The attorneys at Fielding Law in Salt Lake City are dedicated to helping our clients obtain maximum compensation for their injuries. We will aggressively seek damages for:

• Reimbursement for medical expenses: This can cover ambulance rides, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, assistive mobility devices, and any future costs relating to your recovery.

• Loss of wages: You may be unable to work or provide for yourself and your family due to your injuries. Perhaps your condition is so severe that you can’t ever work again secularly. If this is the case, we will pursue compensation for the loss of your future wages. 

• Property damage: You may be due compensation for repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident. 

• Pain and suffering: This is compensation for not only the physical but also the emotional trauma you sustained after the accident. 

• Wrongful death: This is a lawsuit filed by the surviving spouse, children, or other family members against the negligent party. It is filed independently of any criminal charges. Surviving family members may seek compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, or loss of income and benefits.
• Punitive damages: These damages serve to punish the offending party in an effort to deter future negligence. 

Contact Fielding Law Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you need an experienced attorney on your side. Insurance companies may try to get to you to take a quick settlement offer that is much less than what you deserve, but you shouldn’t be forced into this when you could receive a larger sum. 

Let us negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. We will use our resources, knowledge, and expertise to get you the justice and compensation you deserve. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t get paid until you receive compensation. 

As your lawyers, we will sit down with you to help you explore your legal options. We truly care about our clients and recognize that each case is unique. That’s why we will patiently listen to you before making our recommendations on how to build your case.

Fielding Law car accident lawyers have an office conveniently located right here in Salt Lake City. Call today to schedule a free consultation or fill out the online evaluation form. 

Read what clients are saying about us:

“Michael and Mitchell are both excellent attorneys who know the ins and outs of personal injury law. And they are dedicated to their clients. They listen, answer questions and take the extra steps necessary to maximize the value of your claim. I would recommend Fielding Law to anyone.” – Matt Martinez