American Fork Law Offices

Francisco and his four year old daughter, Natalia, were heading home after getting ice cream cones at a local Creamery in American Fork in August of 2009.
Francisco’s wife worked a couple night shifts as a nurse at the local hospital, leaving some time for Francisco and his young daughter to have their “daddy-daughter dinner dates.” Their favorite pastime was swinging at the nearby elementary school park before getting dessert. This hot summer evening had been perfect until a woman, distractedly arguing on her cell phone with her boyfriend, failed to yield and broad sided Francisco’s vehicle.

Avoid Common Mistakes of Utah Car Accident Victims

Although, Natalia was properly restrained in a car seat in the backseat, she sustained serious injuries. She was life-flighted to Primary Children’s hospital with a possible traumatic brain injury, broken arm, and a five inch laceration across her face. This wound was so deep, Francisco could see bone. Understandably, Francisco was in complete shock seeing his daughter in this condition. He was panicking and could not find his cell phone. Fortunately, several witnesses stepped in to help. They called the police, ambulance and gave their statements. Once Natalia was being treated, the paramedics were able to calm Francisco enough to finally administer medical care to him as he was also hurt in the car wreck.

Uninsured Motorists Can Cost You

The woman who had hit Francisco was driving on a suspended driver’s license and she did not have any automobile insurance. Francisco knew his vehicle would be covered by his own insurance but what would happen to his mounting medical bills. His personal injury protection benefits ran out during the first day of three that Natalia has spent in the ICU. His insurance adjuster was kind, but was adamant that there was nothing he could do since the at-fault driver didn’t have insurance coverage. The insurance adjuster quit returning Francisco’s calls.

Benefits of Using an Experienced Utah Personal Injury Attorney

Francisco was able to overcome those challenges because he knew he and his family weren’t being treated justly or fairly by Allstate Insurance Company. He couldn’t fathom a system that would make him personally responsible for all the costs including medical bills his daughter would further incur do to her continuing treatment. As a father, he would not allow his daughter to have to live with the facial disfigurement she sustained as a victim in this Utah car crash.

Francisco began researching for a Utah county personal injury attorney and met with Ken Christensen, founder and managing partner at the Christensen Law Firm. Mr. Christensen immediately contacted Allstate to get a thorough copy of the insurance policy Francisco had purchased. Sure enough, he had bought uninsured motorist coverage (UM) which made it possible for Francisco to file a claim against Allstate for the property damages, loss of use, medical costs, pain and suffering and more. Had Francisco not purchased this policy or had not contacted the Christensen Law Firm, PLLC, he and his young family would have been forced to shoulder the burden of this car accident. Allstate, like most insurance companies, want to minimize the amount they pay out on any claim. They don’t inform their clients of the full benefits in their insurance package. This means that their insured—who are innocent victims of car accidents— would be left completely responsible for the majority of costs. This is not right.

Proper Car Insurance for Utah Residents

It is important to not only purchase liability coverage in your automobile insurance policy. You need to purchase uninsured motorist coverage which protects you if the person who hits you does not have automobile insurance. Currently, there are several thousand drivers on Utah roads that are driving without insurance. This is the best and only way you can protect yourself from these situations. Also, you can purchase Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM), these benefits are applied if the at-fault driver’s insurance policy is not high enough to cover the damages and costs you incurred in your Utah car accident.

For more information on what the most beneficial auto insurance policies to purchase, read 7 Biggest Mistakes that Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case written by Attorney Ken Christensen. You can get your free copy today by calling 801.506.0800 or by visiting www.utahaccidentbook.com.

• American Fork – 51 East Main Street, American Fork, UT – (801) 763-3000
• American Fork Public Safety – (801) 763-3020