Personal Injury Attorneys

St. George Personal Injury Attorney

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:42:47 +0000

Experienced PI Attorneys in St. George, Utah

Do I Have a Personal Injury Claim?

Whenever you get hurt and the cause is because of someone else’s negligence, you have a “personal injury” claim. Some of the most common personal injury lawsuits are auto accident cases, but there are many other kinds of accidents that are considered personal injury related, including:

Product Liability (injury from a harmful product)
Medical Malpractice (injury caused by a doctor, hospital, or other healthcare provider)
Slip and Fall (injury because of unsafe conditions or another’s inattentiveness to safety)

What Can a Personal Injury Attorney do to Help?

A personal injury attorney is one who is dedicated to the welfare of injured persons. A personal injury (PI) attorney will fight for your rights and stand up for you in every way permitted by the law to ensure that you are fairly treated and receive the right compensation.

Personal injury cases are unique. Your settlement will depend on your specific circumstances. It takes experience and the support of a great team to win a case. Therefore, choosing a PI attorney to work with is something to be taken seriously. It is critical for you to work with someone that you are comfortable with. Your attorney must have your best interests in mind through the entire process.

How do I Find the Right PI Attorney for Me?

Before hiring a personal injury attorney, you should always check his or her previous records. An attorney’s credibility can be reviewed through the number of cases he or she has had and their success ratio. Even details such as time taken to resolve previous cases should be looked into.

Dixon, Truman, Fisher & Clifford | Your St. George Personal Injury Attorney

If you live in St. George, Utah, there is one personal injury law firm that has enough experience and motivation to make sure that your rights are upheld and your privacy is preserved.

Dixon, Truman, Fisher & Clifford are dedicated St. George personal injury attorneys. As seasoned PI attorneys, we know the law and have strong relationships with the St. George court system and prosecutors alike.

A St. George personal injury attorney at Dixon, Truman, Fisher & Clifford treats each client as an actual human being with real problems. We have families and understand the importance of keeping our loved ones safe. Let us show you how we reflect that in the legal world.

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Utah Cell Phone Use and Texting While Driving Laws

admin — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:00:52 +0000

Utah’s Laws on Cell Phone Use While Driving

Nevada’s New Ban on Any Cell Phone Use While Driving

On January 1, 2012, a new law on cell phone use in Nevada was passed, prohibiting motorists from texting, accessing the Internet, and any handheld cell phone use while behind the wheel. Hands-free headsets are still okay to use as well as making voice calls and touching the phone to activate or deactivate it.

Fines in Nevada

In Mesquite, Nevada, fines for the first offence equals $97, $182 for the second offense, and $342 for the third offense.

The Law in Utah

Motorists in Utah can talk on their cellphones but cannot text message. The first offense in Utah equals $310.

In the past, legislators have discussed banning cell phone use period. Representative Bradley Last stated that he would like to see the data of handheld cell phone use vs. hands-free cell phone use before voting on that decision. “Data is starting to show that texting while driving is equivalent to driving under the influence,” Last explained.

Believe it or not, a University of Utah study showed that texting while driving neaerly doubled the impairment level as that of driving under the influense. That was probably a huge factor of Utah’s texting ban.

The text messaging law in Utah passed in 2009. These Utah cell phone use and texting while driving laws were considered one of the harshest laws in the U.S. According to Zero Fatalities, a state program that combats distracted driving, motorists in Utah could possibly face 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine if they killed someone while texting behind the wheel.

Many people don’t know this, but drivers in Utah can also be cited for careless driving if they commit a traffic violation while talking on their cell phones.

Will Utah Follow Nevada?

Senator Stephen Urquhard said that “Manipulating keys takes much more concentraction.” He later stated, “I’m driving now and talking. If you were sitting next to me I’d be talking to you. What’s the difference?”

Representative Evan Vickers agrees with the ban on texting while driving but also said that he wouldn’t agree with putting a ban on simply talking on the phone. Vickers says that “So much business is conducted while driving. You can’t really legislate that.”

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Distracted Driving

admin — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:08:25 +0000

Texting, Emailing, and Other Deadly Driving Distractions

Texting while driving, especially with younger motorists, is still an increasing problem despite all of the criticism and legal bans. Around half of all American drivers between the ages of 21 and 24 say that they have messaged or emailed while driving. And for some odd reason, a lot of drivers don’t think it’s dangerous.

There is a national survey regarding the study of distracted driving by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that describes the difficulty authorities face battling texting and cell phone use while driving.

The safety administration says that at any given moment last year on the streets and highways of America, nearly one in every 100 drivers was emailing, texting, surfing the Internet, or otherwise using a hand-held electronic device. Those and other similar activies have spiked about 50 percent from last year, and that is with the rush to ban these practices. In fact, Pennsylvania became the 35th state to forbid texting while driving last month.

Officials say that they used a new methodology aimed at getting a more accurate picture of deaths from distracted driving that cannot be compared to tallies from previous years. From that new methodology, the safety administration also states that in 2010, there were an estimated 3,092 deaths from automobile accidents related to a wide range of driver distractions.

The agency takes an annual snapshot of driving behavior. They stake out intersections to count people using cell phones, electronic devices, and other distracting behavior. While more and more drivers are using electronic gadgets, motorists are deeply conflicted.

An NHTSA survey of over 6,000 drivers found that most people said they would answer a cell phone call while driving and continue to drive after answering. Almost 2 out of every 10 people surveyed said that they send texts or emails while driving. More than half of these people stated that making cell phone calls makes not difference to their driving performance, while a quarter said says that texting or emailing makes no difference. On the other hand, 90 percent says that when they are passengers in a vehicle, feel very unsafe if the driver of that vehicle is using their cell phone behind the wheel.

A large majority of drivers surveyed in the U.S. 71 to 94 percent) support bans on cellphone use. Most say that they want violators to be punished with fines of $100 or more. Almost a quarter supported punishments from $200 to $499.

For more information, read CNN’s December 13th, 2011 article, NTSB recommends full ban on use of cell phones while driving.

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St. George Attorney

admin — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:52:59 +0000

Your Personal Injury Attorneys in St. George, Utah

There are two tier job descriptions that are inherent to the legal profession of an attorney in St. George, Utah. One is a general application of duties that involve advising clients, interpreting laws, rulings and regulations, analyzing probable outcomes based on legal precedents, developing strategies, and evaluating findings. Lawyers are also responsible for researching and gathering evidence, having a thorough knowledge of the decisions, ordinances, and statutes of the matter under review. They are to prepare and draft documents, legal briefs, and opinions. An attorney must also be skilled in negotiation, interpretation of the law, and act as an agent for their client.

The second tier of responsibility comes with specialization. A St. George attorney may choose to practice in a narrowly focused field rather than a broad array of general law. Attorneys may be experts in any arena of the legal profession. Common specializations are criminal law, probates and wills, family matters, and corporate law. There is a wide spectrum of specialized subsections of the law for attorneys in which they may concentrate and devote their careers.

There are many different kinds of attorney offices available in St. George. Each one will have its own specialty and field of service. These offices are designed to meet the needs of their clients and give them a fair case. Whether a client requires a criminal attorney, a divorce specialist, or someone who deals with general legal matters, there is an office and specialist available.

Dixon, Truman, Fisher & Clifford are dedicated St. George attorneys, helping those with personal injury cases. Dixon, Truman, Fisher & Clifford have offices in both Nevada and Utah. As seasoned attorneys, they are uniquely poised to handle legal issues for clients who reside in or have interests with either state. Dixon, Truman, Fisher & Clifford also have ties with attorneys who are licensed to handle personal injury claims in Arizona and California.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident in St. George, Utah, you need the help of Dixon, Truman, Fisher, & Clifford. Since 1980, they have upheld the rights and privacy of their clients with the utmost integrity and dedication.

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Texting While Driving BMW Commercial

admin — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 18:36:34 +0000

Texting and driving is quickly increasing in the cause for automobile crashes and now automotive dealers are putting their efforts into telling drivers not to text while driving. Here is a cool video that BMW has released.

The next time you step into your vehicle, please remember this commercial from BMW, a world recognized automobile manufacturer.

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#1 Reason For Traffic Accidents

admin — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 22:47:38 +0000

ST. GEORGE – A two-vehicle accident just before 8 a.m. this morning slowed traffic to a crawl on Sunset Boulevard.

Sgt. Craig Harding said a gray Toyota pickup truck going northbound in the left turn lane allegedly failed to yield to a vehicle going southbound and the driver was ticketed. He said the pickup was following a vehicle in front of them instead of looking to see if they were safe to also make the left turn.

“Failure to yield is the No. 1 reason for crashes in St. George,” Harding said. “People are distracted and just following the other vehicle.”

Harding said it is good practice to take your foot off the gas anytime a driver is going through an intersection so the driver will be prepared to stop if another driver isn’t paying attention.

He said another St. George officer had an instance just this morning where the officer witnessed a female driver texting at a red light, then enter the intersection on a green light while texting, and continue texting for a block before pulling her over. The driver then allegedly swore at the officer several times for giving her a ticket for texting and driving.

“People aren’t getting the idea that they need to be back in the vehicle, with their heads in the attitude of driving,” he said. “[Accidents] will keep happening until people decide to change their behavior and we will keep taking their money out of their pocket until they do.”

Harding said the No. 1 location for accidents in St. George is 250-280 South River Road. No. 2 is East Boulevard with North Bluff coming in third. Sunset is the No. 4 area for car accidents with over 250 accidents each year.

About The Author

Jen Watkins is the Publisher | Editor-in-Chief of St. George News and Director of Mrs. Utah United States. She is a mother of two, journalist, blogger, columnist for Alive! Utah South, former marketing professional, and previously served as a police officer in the United States Air Force. She co-founded two networking groups in St. George and served as the Team Manager for the Chaparrals – RoadRunners baseball dance team. Jen has been a reporter for many years, previously working as the Managing Editor for Today in Dixie and Sports Editor for the Park Record. She has volunteered with at-risk youth and the domestic violence council in Mountain Home, Idaho.

Technorati Tags: police, sargeant, st george utah, traffic accidents

AT&T Pulls No Punches With Anti-Text Video

admin — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 23:16:28 +0000

Just in case you hadn’t received the message loud and clear that texting while driving is a horrible idea, AT&T is laying it on thick, driver’s-ed style, with their new video.

If you are a person operating a motor vehicle you should not be operating a cell phone by texting at the same time. If you have ever been involved in a car accident or know anyone who has been hurt due to texting while driving then please contact us today.

Technorati Tags: at&t, car accidents, cell phones, driving, personal injury attorney, texting

Natasha Newman, a 17 year old girl, Tragically Killed in Rollover

rwt — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 18:01:12 +0000

According to news reports, Natasha Newman, a 17 year old girl from London, England was killed on Sunday, October 17, 2010, in a single vehicle rollover accident. The accident happened when the driver of the Chevy Suburban apparently lost control of the Suburban while trying to get the attention of the driver of another car from Sunrise Academy.

Natasha Newman was one of six people in the Suburban who were from the Sunrise Academy youth home in Hurricane, Utah. Another 17 year old girl, from Arlington, Massachusetts, apparently was thrown from the car and was transported to Salt Lake City, Utah in critical condition.

Our sincere and heartfelt condolences go to the family of Natasha Newman, and to the families of the other youth hurt in this tragic accident. This crash certainly underscores the need for all of us to pay more attention while we are driving. This crash apparently could have been prevented had the driver of the Suburban remembered to follow the simple road safety rules of keeping one’s attention focused on his driving and keeping control of his vehicle.

Technorati Tags: england, london, salt lake city, utah, vehicle accident

Attorney Ronald W. Truman Settles Utah Truck Accident Case for $2 Million

admin — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:23:49 +0000

Immediate News Release

St. George, UT, October 12, 2010 — Ronald Truman, a partner in the St. George law firm Dixon, Truman, Fisher, and Clifford, recently served as principal counsel for the plaintiff in a personal injury case that resulted in a $2 million settlement in favor of his client.

The plaintiff suffered a leg injury in a vehicle-pedestrian accident this year while visiting Utah. He turned to Dixon, Truman, Fisher, and Clifford after searching for a Utah law firm with a reputation for serving its clients best interests and fighting for a fair settlement.

“Mr. Ron Truman was in charge of my case,” the plaintiff said. “Throughout the entire process, we experienced the most polite, courteous, professional service we could ever have asked for. Mr. Truman kept us informed of every change of status as it occurred. When we worked with other members of the staff on paperwork or regarding telephone calls, we found them to be just as pleasant and professional as Mr Truman. The case ended in my favor, and I strongly believe that outcome was due to the experienced and professional people in this law firm.”

Mr. Truman is presently a Life Member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Both are among the most prestigious groups of trial lawyers in the United States. Members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum must have acted as principal counsel in at least one case in which their client received a verdict, award or settlement of one million dollars or more while membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum is awarded to attorneys who have acted as principal counsel in at least one case resulting in a multi-million dollar verdict, award or settlement. Fewer than 1% of all U.S. lawyers are members of these two organizations.

Ronald W. Truman is a graduate of J. Reuben Clark School of Law and specializes in catastrophic personal injury litigation including trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, automobile accidents, products liability and wrongful death. The firm Dixon, Truman, Fisher & Clifford, P.C. has offices in St. George, Utah, and Las Vegas, Nevada. Its practice includes complex civil litigation in addition to personal injury cases.

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Semi-Truck Accident On I-15 Kills 2 People

rwt — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:58:31 +0000

Another Tragic Semi-Truck Accident Killing Two People on I-15

On Sunday, July 19, 2010, Russell W. Welsh and Emelda Welsh, of Finleyville, Pennsylvania were tragically killed when, according to news reports, a driver of a semi-truck traveling northbound at a high rate of speed failed to see that the traffic had slowed and swerved into the Southbound lane, killing Russell and Emelda Welsh.

This tragic accident happened on I-15, in Southern Utah, near Pentura in Washington County. Our heartfelt condolences go to the Russell and Emelda Welsh family.

According to one news report, officials believe that the driver of the semi-truck was not paying attention to existing traffic conditions. Because this accident involved a semi-truck, a post-accident drug test should be performed pursuant to the provisions of 49 CFR 382.303, which provides, in relevant part:

“(a) As soon as practicable following an occurrence involving a commercial motor vehicle operating on a public road in commerce, each employer shall test for alcohol for each of its surviving drivers: . . . (2) Who receives a citation within 8 hours of the occurrence under State or local law for a moving traffic violation arising from the accident, if the accident involved: (i) Bodily injury to any person who, as a result of the injury, immediately receives medical treatment away from the scene of the accident; or (ii) One or more motor vehicles incurring disabling damage as a result of the accident, requiring the motor vehicle to be transported away from the scene by a tow truck or other motor vehicle. (b) As soon as practicable following an occurrence involving a commercial motor vehicle operating on a public road in commerce, each employer shall test for controlled substances for each of its surviving drivers: . . . (2) Who receives a citation within thirty-two hours of the occurrence under State or local law for a moving traffic violation arising from the accident, if the accident involved: (i) Bodily injury to any person who, as a result of the injury, immediately receives medical treatment away from the scene of the accident; or (ii) One or more motor vehicles incurring disabling damage as a result of the accident, requiring the motor vehicle to be transported away from the scene by a tow truck or other motor vehicle.”

In any accident involving a semi-truck, immediate action should be taken to prevent destruction or loss of the following important information:

1. The truck driver’s complete employment file, including but not limited to his or her qualification file and all incident reports involving the driver.

2. The truck driver’s logs and other driving records.

3. Any and all pre and post-accident drug tests administered to the driver – DOT regulations require mandatory drug testing under certain circumstances.

4. Any and all compliance audits involving the driver and the trucking company.

5. Any satellite tracking information relating to the truck and its whereabouts.

6. Any and all information contained in or from on-board data recorders, such as ECM units, also called black boxes, inclinometers, etc.

7. Records of any and all communications between the truck driver and his employer or any other person at time periods relevant to the collision.

8. Maintenance records, pre-trip inspection reports, post-trip inspection reports and annual inspection reports for the truck involved in the collision.

9. Any and all incident reports relating to the truck driver.

10. Any and all incident reports relating to the trucking company.

11. Any and all trip receipts, weight tickets, bills of waiting and other operational documents relating to the trip the driver was on when the collision occurred.

12. The truck driver’s cellular phone records for several days before the collision.

Technorati Tags: I 15, road rage, semi trucks, truck accidents