Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. This can be caused by more than just texting or talking on the phone while driving. Any task that takes your attention off of the road is considered distracted driving. This includes eating, adjusting the dials on the radio, or various other actions.

Veering

Veering to the sides of the lane may be caused by distracted driving. This is also a sign of drunk driving. Regardless of the cause, you should keep your distance from cars that consistently veer on the road. If possible, you may want to obtain the license plate number and inform the police. This can help get dangerous drivers off of the road.

Erratic Braking

Erratic braking is a sign that the driver isn’t paying attention to the road. If they aren’t paying attention, they will likely need to stop with little notice. Additionally, fluctuating speeds that don’t correlate with surrounding traffic may also indicate distracted driving.

Inclined Heads

A driver whose eyes aren’t fixed on the road is certainly distracted. Drivers often place their phones in their laps to avoid taking their hands off of the wheel. Inclined heads or wearing Bluetooth devices often indicate that a driver is distracted.

Taking Too Long at Red Lights

If a car waits too long to go after a red light turns green, they certainly aren’t paying attention. They will likely continue to text or pay attention to their phone as they begin to drive.

Knowing the signs of distracted driving can help keep you and your loved ones safe. Avoid distracted drivers as much as possible. If you or a loved one has been injured in a distracted driving accident, you should seek legal counsel. To obtain the best legal representation possible, contact us at LeBaron & Jensen today!

You can control your own actions, such as refraining from driving while intoxicated. Unfortunately, you can’t control the actions of others. It is important to pay attention to the other vehicles around you on the road to keep yourself and your passengers safe. Knowing the signs of a drunk driver can help you avoid them when you cross their path.

Signs of Intoxication

It is often fairly simple to detect a drunk driver in Utah. Driving in a straight line may seem like a relatively simple task, but a drunk driver often swerves because they can’t focus on the road. Hugging the centerline is another indication that a driver is intoxicated. They are likely overcompensating for their inebriated state. Excessively braking or driving too slowly or too fast are signs that a driver is intoxicated.

Other signs that a driver is an intoxicated include:

• Persistent tailgating
• Leaving lights off
• Using signals inconsistent with their actions, like signaling left when turning right
• Unusually wide turns
• Slow response times

What to Do

When you cross paths with a drunk driver, you should slow down and put some distance between your car and theirs. Don’t try to pass them and don’t try to stop them. That is a job for the police. The best thing to do is pull over somewhere safe and contact the police.

Avoiding drunk drivers will help you stay safe. Inform the police when you come across a driver that you suspect may be intoxicated, because they are endangering everyone on the road. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, it is important to obtain legal counsel. To obtain superior legal representation, contact us at LeBaron & Jensen today!

After a car accident, you need to focus on getting better and getting your life back on track. Avoiding car insurance claim mistakes can help you avoid a great deal of unnecessary stress. In many cases, especially if you have been injured in the accident, you should consult with an experienced car accident attorney

1. Not Reviewing Your Policy

Understanding your insurance coverage is the best way to prevent being taken advantage of. Though we’d all like to believe that the insurance company will treat us fairly, this is seldom the case. It is important to review your insurance policy prior to giving a written or recorded statement.

2. Failing to Collect Proof

It is important to take pictures of the scene of the accident before moving the vehicles, unless this is unsafe. Contact the police whenever a car accident occurs. Ensure that you obtain the information of everyone involved in the accident, including eye witnesses, and procure a copy of the police report.

3. Admitting Guilt

You should never admit to guilt after a car accident. Let the experts decide who was at fault in an accident. Though you may think that the accident was your fault, the other driver may have been speeding, texting, or otherwise engaging in reckless behavior. In some cases, even partial fault may be attributed when both drivers are at fault.

4. Not Acting Quickly

There is a time limit pertaining to when you can make a claim through your insurance company. Though you need to focus on your recovery, it is important to inform your insurance company about the accident within 24 hours. Failure to do so may complicate or even invalidate the claim.

Car accidents can be incredibly frustrating. An experienced attorney can help make the insurance claim process much easier. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact us at LeBaron & Jensen today.