winter Archives - The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez, PLLC.

Winter is Coming for Utah’s Roads

The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 16:15:31 +0000

Are you ready for that time of year? That’s right – snow and ice storms will soon be here. It is hard to believe, but the winter months are approaching, and with it comes the safety issues of increased slip and falls. You have many ways to help reduce your chance of slipping and falling due to snow or ice. These include: wearing non-slip boots or footwear, taking smaller steps, use salt or a deicer, keep ahold of your vehicle and entering or exiting it, and, of course, keep your sidewalks and steps clear of snow and ice.

Keeping Sidewalks Clear of Snow and Ice

To help prevent injuries, cities throughout the State of Utah have codes regarding removing snow and ice from sidewalks. For example, under Salt Lake City Code 14.20.070, Salt Lake City requires the removal of snow and ice from the whole sidewalk adjacent to your property within 24 hours of a storm. This applies to both business sidewalks and residential sidewalks. If you do not know what your city code requires, I highly suggest you do your research, contact your city and inquire about their code needs.

Slip and Fall Accidents in Winter

Despite precautions, slip and falls due to snow and ice are inevitable. If you are unfortunate and suffer a fall, you should seek medical treatment, especially if you suffer an injury to your neck, back, spine, or head. Slip, and falls can be particularly dangerous for elderly or disabled individuals, and many injuries are not immediately evident.

There are city ordinances that address parking on city streets during winter months in addition to snow and ice removal. Some city ordinances prohibit parking on the road within 24 hours of a storm. Other cities, such as Sandy City, prohibit parking on a public street from November 1 through April 30. Parking on city streets during a storm increases accidents restricts or slows snow removal, and causes increased safety issues.

Ordinances with Removing Ice

In large part, these ordinances, and compliance with them, rely on concerned citizens, neighbors, and patrons. Compliance officers respond to complaints, and citations can be given for failure to comply with either ordinance, whether it is snow removal or parking on city streets during a storm. Suppose all of us embrace better safety practices, increase neighborly gestures, and adhere to city ordinances. In that case, everyone will experience a bit safer winter and perhaps avoid a severe injury due to a slip and fall.

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The Dangers of Winter Driving

The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez — Sun, 19 Jan 2020 15:56:20 +0000

There is absolutely nothing near to a shortage of examples where severe winter months components have created car accidents in Utah. Just a couple of days ago, there were several auto accidents only off I-15, with several cars being involved as well as numerous lefts hurt.

The annual rate of crashes has increased by a total of 5% increase in 2019, which means 54,901 has happened. Around 25% of those mishaps are accounted for in November, December, and January.

Make Necessary Preparations

Not being prepared could bring about severe circumstances. Therefore, Utah citizens are motivated to begin their preparations for harmful roadway conditions by offering the necessary upkeep to their automobiles and equipping them with essentials like emergency treatment packages if they are ever before associated with a crash. Wintertime auto accidents can occur anywhere and anytime.

The greater quantity of winter season automobile mishaps has enforced a big problem on individuals that have been victims of injuries via no mistake of their own. It is essential to hire a skilled attorney in automobile mishaps to ensure that you can make sure that your insurance provider will certainly pay the settlement you deserve for the losses you have withstood.

You cannot also be ready.

Before hitting the trail this winter season, all the Utah residents must do whatever possible to decrease the danger of being part of a mishap. To stay clear of a winter months accident, we recommend that you:

Check exterior lights to see it. Individuals can know when you intend to turn.
Examine your tires and transform them if required to make sure you have as much grip as feasible.
Inspect your oil, as well as filter
Include new antifreeze to your cooling system.
Check and Change the battery if needed
Ensure all-electric systems are functioning as your heating unit and also wipers. (These are very crucial!).

Need an Automobile Crash Attorney?

Even though you are planned for winter roads this period, all the security precautions worldwide might not prevent all crashes. They minimize your danger to be a victim to one. Car crashes claim many lives year by year, and insurance providers love to persuade for the quick negotiation so they can look the other way.

If you have been one of these victims treated unfairly by your insurance provider, call us today and schedule a free consultation so you can see to it that you are effectively stood for to acquire the compensation you should have.

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How to Prepare for Winter Driving Conditions

The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez — Sun, 15 Dec 2019 21:05:23 +0000

Summer and winter bring their own unique set of challenges for drivers with each season’s change. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, over half a million car accidents happen each winter. Staying safe and alert while the snow is falling is essential for you, your family, and your friends. The last thing we want to spoil the holiday season is to have a car accident happen. Below are some general safety precautions that anyone can do to help lessen the impact of snow, ice, and sleet on our daily commutes.

Prepare for the challenges of the cold.

It can be helpful to keep a Tupperware or similar storage bin in your vehicle. This can include items like blankets, a flashlight, ice scrappers, medications, a first-aid kit, and even food or water. Having these items in your trunk can help prepare you if you get stranded while your car is stuck in the snow. Winter brings dangerously cold conditions and low light. This means that walking to the nearest gas station if your car breaks down is a far more massive task in the winter versus the summer months. Having these items ready to go can make all the difference while help is on the way.

Don’t drive unless necessary.

One of the best ways to avoid the spike in accidents that occurs when a snowstorm is happening is by not being on the roads when they happen. If you live in areas where a massive storm is expected, you can take proper precautions to prevent needing to go to the store for supplies. If you must leave the house, try to plan your trips so that you are avoiding the worst time of the storm or when the smallest number of cars will be on the road. You can also plan your trips to limit the number of stops you will need to make. Perhaps you can go to one or two stores for all your items instead of four or five.

Look at your vehicle to ensure that it is ready for the snow.

When the roads and highways are slippery from ice, your tires are the most critical items in your car. Make sure that your tires are free from bald spots and have plenty of treads left so that you can trust them on a stop or during a turn. If your vehicle does not have a four-wheel drive, you may even choose to use chains or snow tires to help with your traction and control. It is also a great idea to look at your windshield wipers to make sure they will properly clean your window of fog, water, and salt.

Remember, these are just a few simple ideas to help keep you and your family safe during winter travel. Check your local weather stations to see what challenges will face drivers so that you can plan accordingly.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. This website contains general information relating to areas of law familiar to our firm. The information should not be construed as legal advice or other professional advice. You should not rely on the contents of this website as such. Participation on this website does not create any kind of attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice or representation, please contact my office, and I would be pleased to discuss your case with you and see if my firm can help.

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Avoid Car Accidents this Winter

The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 17:37:15 +0000

How most car accidents happen

Almost daily, you drive to and from work; you may witness a fender-bender on the side of the road or nearly get hit yourself. You ask yourself, why does this happen way too often?

The reason accidents happen so frequently is because some behaviors and circumstances occur way too often. Below are some of the most common ways an auto accident in Utah could happen:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is anything that takes your attention off the road. The most common is utilizing your phone, whether texting or doing anything on your phone when you’re driving. When you take your eyes off the road for a few seconds, you can travel the length of a football field or more without seeing where you’re going. Other forms of distracted driving include reading, putting on makeup, talking to other passengers, and eating.

Speeding

We’re supposed to follow the speed limit, but nearly all of us have gone too fast at some point. Some of us are in a hurry, and most of us are running late. However, speeding doesn’t get you there any faster and can cause a devastating accident. There’s a difference between slamming into another car at 20 miles an hour and 45 miles an hour.

Reckless Driving

Have you ever watched someone weave in and out of traffic and thought, “They are going to crash into somebody!” Reckless drivers make everyone else hold their steering wheel a lot tighter. These drivers dart from lane to lane, drive aggressively, cutting off other vehicles in traffic, and are often tailgating. They appear to be in a rush to get wherever they’re going, not comprehending that they are an accident just waiting to happen.

Tailgating

When you tailgate, you don’t give yourself time to slow down or stop. When someone behind you tailgates, all you can imagine is the accident you’re about to be in if you ever have to slam on your brakes.

Not Stopping

It may be a red light or a stop sign, but we’ve all seen the person who blazes right through the intersection without even attempting to slow down. It may even have happened to you a few times if you aren’t paying attention or thought you could make it through in time. Devastating accidents are caused by this, which should make it a good reason you should not immediately take off from a green light because you never know who will not stop.

Drugs and Alcohol

Driving under the influence (DUI) and going while intoxicated (DWI) are things we’ve heard about for years, with more organizations trying to raise more awareness of it every day. You may think that it’s not a problem anymore. However, many people still think it’s a great idea to get behind the wheel after drinking, taking drugs, or even taking prescription medications that make it hard for them to drive.

Bad Weather

You can’t control the weather, but you can control how you drive in it. Rain, ice, snow, and fog all mean one thing, slow down and drive carefully! The posted speed limit is the speed you’re meant to drive in ideal weather conditions. The moment the weather hinders you in any way, slow down to avoid being in an auto accident.

Road Rage

Road rage can lead to aggressive driving, reckless driving, tailgating, and purposely trying to cause an accident.

A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You

When you’ve been the victim of a vehicle accident for any of these reasons, the other driver is at fault, and their insurance should pay your medical bills, fix or replace your vehicle. Unfortunately, this isn’t what typically happens. A personal injury attorney will work with you and on your behalf to negotiate with the insurance company or take your case to court to get you the compensation you deserve.

Disclaimer

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