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Red Light Car Accidents in Salt Lake City

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Ever imagined a usual day turning into a horror film in a blink of an eye? That’s what it feels like to be a part of a red-light car accident in Utah. The noise, the panic, and the sudden realization can be daunting. Every time you get behind the wheel, the very real possibility of a traffic accident lingers in the back of your mind. These scenarios frequently play out at intersections across Salt Lake City, Utah, making “red light car crashes in Utah” an unfortunate trending keyword in local news.

Utah’s Red Light Laws

Understanding Utah’s red light laws is crucial to avoid becoming part of these unsettling statistics. The state of Utah requires motorists to completely stop at red lights. Failure to do so results not only in a traffic violation but also in potential physical harm in a car crash. Utah law is clear in this regard – if you caused an accident by running a red light, you are held responsible for the damages.

Common Types of Red Light Car Accidents in Utah

The various types of red-light car accidents that occur in Utah can be categorized primarily into three groups: Side-impact collisions, front-to-rear collisions, and pedestrian accidents.

Side-Impact Collisions
- Perhaps the most dangerous of all are side-impact collisions, often referred to as T-bone or broadside collisions. These typically occur when a vehicle fails to stop at a red light and crashes into the side of another vehicle crossing the intersection. The severity of these accidents can range from minor to catastrophic, depending largely on the speed at which the violating vehicle was traveling. Given the limited protection on the sides of most vehicles, occupants are at high risk of serious injuries or even fatalities in T-bone accidents.
Front-to-Rear Collisions
- Another common type of red light car accident is the front-to-rear collision. These occur when a vehicle stops at a red light and the car following behind fails to stop in time, crashing into the rear of the stopped vehicle. While often less severe than side-impact collisions, these accidents can still lead to significant injuries, particularly whiplash, and other soft-tissue injuries
Pedestrian Accidents
Finally, pedestrian accidents at red lights are a significant concern in Utah. These often occur when a pedestrian is crossing an intersection on a walk signal, and a vehicle either fails to stop at the red light or turns without properly checking for pedestrians in the crosswalk. Pedestrian accidents are especially dangerous because pedestrians have no protection against the impact of a motor vehicle.

Understanding these common types of red-light car accidents in Utah can be helpful in raising awareness and encouraging safe driving practices. Regardless of the type of accident, the consequences can be life-altering, reinforcing the importance of adhering to traffic rules and signals.

Typical Injuries in Utah Red Light Car Accidents

Red light car accidents, with their unexpected and violent nature, can lead to a wide array of injuries. The severity often depends on the type of collision and speed involved.

The most common injuries include whiplash, a neck injury due to a rapid back-and-forth motion, usually associated with rear-end collisions. However, high-speed T-bone collisions, common in red light accidents, can lead to more serious injuries such as fractures, internal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Regrettably, pedestrians involved in red light accidents often suffer severe injuries, ranging from fractures and internal injuries to traumatic head injuries and, at times, fatalities.

Red Light Crash Damages

Victims of red-light car crashes in Utah can face an overwhelming mix of physical, emotional, and financial burdens. Medical expenses can pile up quickly, especially when dealing with serious injuries that require surgery, long-term care, or rehabilitation. Lost wages due to inability to work, property damage to the vehicle, and the pain and suffering endured also add to the burden.

Utah’s compensation laws allow victims to claim these damages. However, securing the rightful compensation isn’t always straightforward, making it necessary to have a skilled red light accident lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT.

Filing a Claim for Red Light Car Accidents

Filing a claim for a red light car accident is a crucial step towards seeking the compensation you deserve for any injuries or damages you’ve sustained. This process can be complex, involving multiple steps, but understanding what to do can help you navigate the situation more efficiently.

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention
- Immediately following the accident, your health should be the priority. Seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor initially. Some injuries may not present symptoms immediately but can manifest later, potentially leading to serious complications.
Step 2: Gather Evidence
- Collect as much evidence as possible at the scene of the accident. This includes photographs of the vehicles, injuries, and the intersection, witness information, and a police report if available. All these pieces of evidence can play a pivotal role in substantiating your claim.
Step 3: Document Your Damages and Injuries
- Keep thorough documentation of your damages and injuries. This includes medical reports, bills, receipts related to your injury, proof of lost wages, and records of other accident-related expenses. Also, consider documenting pain and suffering which can provide evidence of your emotional distress.
Step 4: Consult a Car Accident Lawyer
- Engaging an experienced car accident attorney early in the process can be crucial to the success of your claim. A seasoned attorney can guide you through the legal process, help gather essential evidence, handle communications with insurance companies, and advocate for your best interests.
Step 5: File the Claim
- With your attorney’s help, file the insurance claim. Your lawyer will ensure that all relevant details and evidence are presented effectively. They will also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to seek fair compensation.

If a fair settlement cannot be reached with the insurance company, you may need to file a lawsuit. Your attorney will represent your interests, possibly taking the case to trial to seek the compensation you deserve.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Salt Lake City

It’s important to remember that each car accident case is unique, and the process may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the accident. Hence, having an experienced car accident attorney in Salt Lake City, such as Craig Swapp & Associates, by your side can be invaluable in navigating this complex process, aiming to secure the best possible outcome for your situation.

Written By: Ryan Swapp Legal Review By: Craig Swapp

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Before calling your firm I had 2 big worries. One was I didn’t want to do more paper work, and that fear was resolved when I had to do very little, but Craig Swapp and Assoc. did most of it, and when I did have to come in to sign papers they worked around the times I could do it. Worry 2 was I didn’t want people to think I was “sue happy” and that I was just out to get money. I just wanted my bills to be paid for that were from the accident, and that was resolved I think by Mr. Wes Mortenson and Theresa because they listened to what I had to say.

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Spokane, WA

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My biggest fear was not having all the expenses caused by the accident paid for in full. I was assured they would be taken care of but I admit I was skeptical. When we wrapped everything up (which happened quicker than I was originally told) I had extra money in my pocket. I honestly thought there was a catch but my attorney explained everything to me in detail. If I am ever in that position again I’ll be giving Craig Swapp a call.

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Spokane, WA

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I was afraid of the fees I would have to pay a lawyer. I waited over a year before hiring your law firm. I finally reached out to your online help where they were able to help me understand the process and what would happen. In all honesty I absolutely loved working with the individuals that were involved in my case. They were genuine & heartfelt about my case. It felt as though they really cared and were concerned about me, not just as a client but as a person.

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Salt Lake City, UT

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I was afraid that my issue was too small to be handled, and that it would just be rejected. Or that I’d end up having to pay for my medical expenses and any of your teams expenses. I would definitely answer yes, it was resolved! I wasn’t ever made out to feel like my little issue didn’t matter, and my expenses were paid for- just what I wanted/needed.

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Caldwell, ID

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My biggest fear was that it would be pointless to pursue legal action in my case. I felt like maybe I didn’t have much of a case. After speaking with Paul, I realize it was not of my own fault and that others can be held responsible for the pain and suffering I went through.

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West Jordan, UT

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