Posted By Ron Kramer on February 2, 2010

Three Utah residents were killed following a deadly Utah car accident in Lake Point, Utah. The accident, which happened on Friday, January 29, 2010 resulted in the fatalities of Jacob Herrera, 21; his girlfriend, Kristi Westfall, 30; and their small son, Damian. The three were driving in a Dodge Intrepid southbound, when they swerved into the far end of the northbound lane before ending up sideways where it was hit by a semi-truck at around 6:45 pm. The truck crashed into the driver’s side of the Dodge killing all three occupants on impact. The Deseret News reports that this fatal Utah auto accident happened near the roads junction with Interstate 80.

The driver of the semi-truck thought the Dodge was making a turn in front of him. The driver did not know the vehicle had come to a complete stop.

What a tragedy for this young family. I offer my sincere condolences to friends and family as they attempt to cope with this loss.

National Seat Belt Statistics

For every one percent increase in seat belt use, 172 lives and close to 100 million dollars in damages could be avoided. When used properly, seat belt use can reduce the number of serious traffic injuries by 50 percent and decrease fatalities by 60-70 percent.

According to a study performed by James Madison University, motorists are 25 times as likely to be seriously injured or killed when they are thrown out of the vehicle than when they remain inside. In a 30 m.p.h accident, a 160 pound person can hit another person in the car, hit an object in the car or crash through a windshield with an incredible 4,800 pounds of force.

Utah law requires children to ride in child safety sears until they are 8 years old. The driver of the vehicle is responsible to assure that all occupants in his or her car are buckled up. A simple reminder from a driver to buckle up goes a long way. Nine of ten people put on their seat belt when asked by another party in the car.

Ron Kramer is a Utah personal injury attorney with offices in Bountiful, Salt Lake and Provo, Utah.

Categories: Utah Wrongful Death, Utah vehicle accident
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