Every year, thousands of lives are lost and hundreds of thousands of people are injured in car crashes across the country. When it comes to car crashes, Utah does not fare well. According to a traffic study released by QuoteWizard, Utah drivers were ranked the worst in the nation during 2015 and the second worst in the nation during 2016.
The study considered car crashes, traffic tickets and drunken driving. Allstate Insurance ranked Salt Lake City 78th among the top 200 largest cities in the nation when it comes to safety. Insure.com has ranked drivers in Utah as the 10th rudest in the country.
Car crashes result in various damages and have a significant economic impact on not only those involved, but the communities and the states as well. During 2014, Utah reportedly had 134,182 people involved in motor vehicle crashes according to the Utah Crash Summary.
Damages that might result include property damages, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, future medical expenses, and loss of future earnings.
Dangerous Roads in Salt Lake City
While there are risks on any road, some roads are much more dangerous than others. The road design, speed limits, traffic volume, and terrain all have an impact.
With that being said, some roads have a much higher likelihood of crashes. Here are a few roads in Salt Lake City that have a higher incidence of car accidents.
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I-15
Interstate 15 runs across Utah so it has a high traffic volume. Because of that, it sees a high number of crashes every year. -
U.S. Route 89
Spanning more than 502 miles, U.S. Route 89 is one of the oldest highways passing through Utah. The Utah Crash Database says it is the second most dangerous road in the state. Eighteen people died on the road in 2014. -
I-80
Interstate 80 is a U.S. transcontinental highway. About 196 miles of the road runs through Utah. It had crashes that led to 15 fatalities during 2014.
What to Do If You Are in A Crash in Salt Lake City
If you are in a crash in Salt Lake City, you should try to remain calm. Stay on the scene of the crash and make sure law enforcement complete an accident report. Here are a few more tips for what to do after a crash.
- Call the police. They need to investigate and complete an accident report.
- Use your smartphone to take photos of the accident scene, the damage to the vehicles, and any physical injuries that are visible.
- Exchange insurance information and contact information with the other driver.
- Get written statements from any witnesses. Ask them to include their names and contact details.
- Go to the nearest emergency room and be thoroughly examined.
- Keep all documentation and evidence to support your claim.
Salt Lake City Hospitals
If you have been in a car accident, you should be thoroughly checked by a medical professional. Some injuries are not evident at first, and other injuries might be more serious than they initially appear.
You should have a medical professional do a thorough examination to make sure you are okay. Here are some local hospitals where you can be checked after a Salt Lake City car accident.
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Salt Lake Regional Medical Center
82 S. 1100 E #103
Salt Lake City, UT 84102 -
LDS Hospital
E. 8th Ave. & C Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84143 -
University of Utah Hospital
50 N. Medical Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Salt Lake City Auto Body Repair
If you have been in a car crash, your vehicle will most likely need to be repaired. You should keep any receipts from towing services if you needed to have your car towed after the crash. If you use a rental car, make sure you keep the receipts for that as well. Keep receipts for any repairs that you have done to make your car operable.
Also, get a written estimate for any repairs needed to return your car to its original condition. All estimates and receipts can be used to negotiate with the auto insurance company. Here are local auto body repair shops and towing services.
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Everest Collision Repair
1489 St. State St.
Salt Lake City, UT 84115 -
JJH Auto Body & Paint
140 Navajo St.
Salt Lake City, UT 84104 -
Tucker Towing
1145 Richards St.
Salt Lake City, UT 84101 -
Cartow Towing
3135 S. 400 W
South Salt Lake City, UT 84115
The Most Important Resource - A Personal Injury Attorney
While all these resources are valuable, your most valuable resource will be a personal injury attorney. You can recover compensation for damages by filing a personal injury claim against the liable party.
Dealing with auto insurance companies can be challenging, so you need to consult with experienced legal counsel to ensure your rights are protected and to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Personal injury lawyers don't get paid until you get a settlement or judgment, so you have nothing to lose. Schedule a free case evaluation today.
