American Fork Personal Injury Lawyers
CASE STUDY: American Fork Car Accident Injures Child
Summary
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 nightshifts 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
broadsided 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.