Salt Lake City Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

Jason McMinn filed a case that demonstrates how some drivers put cell phone use over the safety of others. An Uber driver with passengers in the back seat used her phone, and made an unsafe exit out of a private drive. The Uber driver and her passengers were rear-ended as soon as she pulled out. The clients say she smelled of alcohol and believe she was drunk at the time of the crash.

Ms. Thompson has been unable to work since the accident. As an EMT, her injuries prevent her from being able to lift. She worries about how the injuries will affect her kids. How her family has changed since her ability to care for her family has diminished since the Uber car accident.

She suffered a severe spinal injury, which required surgery to be repaired. Severe pain from injuries sustained in the crash continued, limiting the client’s ability to participate in daily activities.

Wednesday May 22, 2019 Jason McMinn spoke about the case with reporters. He warned that without proper driver training, cases like this would affect others in the community. The next time a rideshare driver engages with an app while driving, it could cost a life.

As attorney in this distracted driving case, Jason McMinn fights for the rights of this family to be made whole again.

No one should have to endure serious injuries because an Uber or Lyft driver used the rideshare app while riding. With better training in place, or monitoring of drivers, accidents like this could be completely prevented.

Important Actions to Take After Car Accidents Due to Texting

A distracted driver has the potential to cause serious, life threatening injuries. An indication of a possible distracted crash is crashing at high rate of speed.

Distracted driving injury compensation

No case value is ever the same, but there are a few basic things to understand. A personal injury case is usually valued based on damages such as cost of medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

A settlement typically includes:

• Past and future medical bills
• Lost income and future lost income
• Pain and suffering

A driver who was severely injured may have a higher settlement value than someone who was not injured. In certain cases of extreme negligence, a lawyer may be able to argue for punitive damages on behalf of their client. Jason McMinn secured $10,000 in punitive damages in a recent dog bite case. Compensation beyond the insurance policy limits when damages go beyond just “negligence.”

Fault plays a role in the value of a case. In distracted driving cases, it may be more likely that the other party must assume 100% of fault. With a clear liability, the insurance company is less likely to oppose a settlement. That may make the process quicker, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t hire a lawyer. (Here’s why.) A personal injury settlement depends on every party’s liability in the crash. Don’t forget that the insurance adjuster is looking out for the interests of their employer only.

How do you prove distracted driving?

At McMinn Law Firm, we are experienced investigators. Evidence of texting and driving can be found at the scene of the crash, on cell phone records or in social media activity.

• Crash scene evidence: No brake marks at the scene of the crash could mean the driver failed to see the vehicle they struck. Other evidence of driver distraction could include food, a makeup kit, or another electronic device.
• Cell phone records: We will obtain the cell phone records to determine whether he or she was texting or talking during the crash.
• Social media activity: A social media post or records of posting while driving could show the driver was on their phone during the accident.
• Eyewitness statements: Other people may have seen the driver talking or texting.

Act quickly at the scene of the crash to record and gather this information.

End Distracted Driving

• Fatalities and injuries from distracted driving is 100% preventable.
• Teens are the number one group reported as distracted at the time of a fatal crash. Experts say that teens can speak up to their peers when they see a friend driving while distracted or share messages on social media.
• Teens are already subject to a last hurdle before they can take the driver’s license exam. Starting Sept 2015 new drivers between the ages of 18 and 24 are required to watch a two hour video on the dangers of distracted driving.
• Parents – be a good example for your teen. Have everyone in the family adopt the policy of no distracted driving. Remind your teen of the consequences of distracted driving. Teens driving anywhere in Utah are subject to distracted driving fines.