Chris Cockayne

About Chris Cockayne

Chris Cockayne is a Utah-based personal injury attorney and the founder of Cockayne Law. With over 15 years of legal experience, Chris has handled a wide range of personal injury and motor vehicle accident cases. He writes about personal injury law, motor vehicle accidents, insurance claims, and related legal issues.

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Entries by Chris Cockayne

What to Expect When You Call a West Jordan Car Accident Lawyer

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Most people only get in touch with a West Jordan car accident lawyer when they need legal advice or assistance in filing a claim for compensation. That’s really no surprise, though – attorneys are like roofers, plumbers and other service providers in that we’re only called upon when our services are required.

In any case, when faced with the aftermath of a car crash, many people make that call. Doing so can be a wise decision if you were injured in a collision, as an experienced car accident lawyer Provo can combat any attempts made by insurance adjusters to minimize or reject your claim.

At most personal injury law firms in and around West Jordan, Utah, calling to discuss a case costs you nothing. However, if this is your first time contacting a car accident lawyer, you may be wondering what to expect. For an explanation, read on.

Initial Conversation

When you first reach out to a local law firm, you’ll want to have some information close at hand. To figure out if they can be of assistance, a West Jordan car accident lawyer will need to know the basics regarding your collision. As such, you need to be ready to answer the following:

  • Who? – Who was involved in the collision? Who was at fault?
  • What? – What led to the car accident? What injuries did you sustain?
  • When? – When did the crash take place? When did you first seek medical care?
  • Where? – Where was the collision? Where were you headed at the time?
  • How? – How has the accident affected your life? How have you suffered?

And as for the why? That’s no mystery – your need for legal guidance is why you decided to call a car accident lawyer. At any rate, once you provide answers to the questions above, the law firm representative you confer with should know enough to determine if you might have a valid claim for compensation and whether the case may warrant legal representation. If so, you’ll be invited to come in for a free, no-obligation consultation.


In-Person Consultation

Most West Jordan car accident lawyers take cases on a contingency fee basis, which simply means that their legal fees are contingent upon them securing compensation, either through a settlement or jury award. If they don’t win a case, they don’t get paid – so being invited to the office is a sign that you might have a winning claim.

However, the initial phone call takes just a few minutes, and that’s not enough time for an attorney to fully understand your situation. When you sit down for a one-on-one chat, their goal will be to get a much clearer idea of what your case may involve. To that end, come prepared to explain what happened and how you’ve suffered as a result of the incident. After you share your story, the West Jordan Car Accident Lawyer may have a few follow-up questions, such as:

  • Did anyone happen to witness the car crash? If so, do you have their contact information?
  • Were you able to take photos at the accident scene? Did you collect any other evidence?
  • Have any insurance adjusters called? If you spoke to anyone about the crash, what did you say?

With any car accident claim, evidence is of the utmost importance. To pursue compensation, an attorney must be able to prove that another motorist’s negligent or careless actions caused your injuries and that you have suffered financially as a result. A lawyer will want to see any paperwork that pertains to these matters, so if you have any of the following, bring the documents along to the consultation:

  • Medical records, including treatment data, prescription information, bills for services rendered and discharge guidelines
  • Income verification, such as pay stubs, W2 forms, tax returns or bank statements, to show the earnings you’ve missed
  • Property loss documents, like an estimate for repair work or an invoice for vehicle repairs that have been completed
  • Insurance communications, meaning any letters, emails or other paperwork you’ve received from any insurance adjuster

Depending on the amount and type of documents you provide, a West Jordan Car Accident Lawyer may not go over everything in detail right away. But after they look at the paperwork and the two of you discuss the situation, you’ll get their opinion as to the strength of your legal claim. At this point, the attorney may offer to take your case – but first, you might want to ask a few questions of your own, such as:

  • What are the challenges with this accident claim?
  • How long do you think the claims process will take?
  • Do you foresee a settlement, or will we need to go to court?
  • What do you expect the compensation to be with this case?
  • Is there anything you might need as we move forward?

Contact Cockayne Law for a Free Consultation Today

Cockayne Law has been protecting the rights of car accident victims for many years, and we’d love to discuss your case. Our legal team works with a limited number of clients to ensure that each one gets ample time and attention – and you can count on us to make every effort to help you secure the maximum in monetary compensation.

For more information on our northern Utah law firm – or for a free, no-obligation consultation with a friendly and knowledgeable West Jordan Car Accident Lawyer – contact Cockayne Law today.

Do Car Accident Lawyers Recommend an Ambulance After a Crash?

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Any knowledgeable car accident lawyers in West Valley City, Utah, or elsewhere would agree that medical attention is of the utmost importance after a crash.

But should you take an ambulance to the hospital?

If a car crash leaves you with serious injuries, you may not have a choice. But if you’re injured, yet still conscious, someone may ask if you need an ambulance. Say yes, and you might get billed for the ride and any treatment you receive. Say no, and you could be putting your health at risk — and the decision could also jeopardize your legal claim.

Determining whether or not to accept an ambulance ride can be difficult when you’re dealing with the confusing aftermath of a collision. As you weigh the options, here’s what experienced West Valley City car accident lawyers say to keep in mind.

Why Accept an Ambulance Ride?

Some injuries make emergency transportation and immediate medical care a must after a car accident. For example, if you’re bleeding from any wounds or suspect that you might have a broken bone, agreeing to an ambulance simply makes sense. The same is true if you experience any of the following:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Loss of hearing
  • Severe headache
  • Pain in the chest or abdomen
  • Disorientation
  • Difficulty processing information

However, serious injuries aren’t always apparent early on. Right after a car accident, you could feel fairly good – and a few minutes later, you might take a turn for the worse.

For that reason, car accident lawyers generally recommend accepting an ambulance ride if there’s even the slightest chance that you could be seriously injured. That way, you can get the medical attention you need, and if you happen to experience a seizure or become unconscious on the way to the hospital, the EMTs will be there to help.

What if you really don’t think you’re seriously injured? We’d say that you can never be too careful when it comes to your health — and that taking an ambulance to the hospital may also benefit your legal claim. An experienced car accident lawyer can use the fact that you accepted emergency transportation from the crash scene as a basis for establishing that the incident caused you to suffer losses.

What About the Cost of Taking an Ambulance?

Too many people who are seriously injured in West Valley City car crashes refuse to accept emergency transportation due to concerns about the cost. But while this is understandable, it’s also quite unfortunate.

How so? Well, if you suffer injuries in a car accident and someone else is to blame for the incident, the expenses of an ambulance ride and immediate medical care are recoverable. In other words, if you didn’t cause the crash, you won’t have to pay for these services – emergency care and any follow-up medical treatment you receive can be included in your legal claim.

An experienced car accident lawyer can be your advocate in getting the costs covered, so don’t let financial worries keep you from getting the medical attention you need. If you hold off on seeing a doctor, you may come to regret the decision.


How Refusing an Ambulance Ride Can Affect Your Legal Claim

If you aren’t injured, you may not need to take an ambulance to the hospital. However, getting medical attention as soon as possible is essential if you plan to take legal action. In the event you decide against emergency transportation, any car accident lawyer in West Valley City would likely recommend doing one of the following:

  • Heading to a nearby urgent care center
  • Asking someone to drive you to the emergency room
  • Making an appointment with your primary care physician

If your doctor can’t see you within 24 hours, we suggest you go to the hospital or a walk-in urgent care clinic. Not getting evaluated by a medical professional soon enough could impact your legal claim, as that gives the insurance adjuster involved a few strong arguments against your case:

You don’t have serious injuries. Since you refused an ambulance ride and didn’t seek immediate medical care, you must not be severely injured.

Your injuries occurred later on. If you see a doctor a few days after a West Valley City car crash, who can say that another incident wasn’t the cause of your injuries?

You’re simply trying to get some cash. Not getting prompt medical care, but then hiring a car accident lawyer, could be an attempt to take advantage of the legal system.

Insurance adjusters use every tactic they can to deny and devalue claims, and if you want to maximize the odds of getting a fair settlement or jury award, make a point of getting your injuries evaluated as soon as possible. And whether you take an ambulance or not, contacting an experienced local legal professional should be a priority.

A highly skilled West Valley City car accident lawyer will be able to build a solid case and fight for every dollar you deserve for the losses you’ve suffered. And the sooner you get an attorney involved, the better – wait too long, and you may lose the right to take legal action.

Accident victims throughout northern Utah rely on the team at Cockayne Law for expert legal assistance, and you can, too. For information on our law firm, or to discuss your West Valley City crash with a friendly, knowledgeable and experienced car accident lawyer, contact our office today.

Can You Replace Your Car Accident Lawyer?

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Talented people make up every profession, including the practice of personal injury law.  However, there’s no denying that some car accident lawyers, Utah, are better than others – and even one of the best attorneys in the area might not be the right one to handle your case.

But what if you’ve already signed a contract with a local car accident lawyer Magna? Can you switch to a different attorney if you’re not satisfied with your current legal representation?

While a judge could deny the request if changing attorneys generates a conflict of interest, you should be able to replace your car accident lawyer without a problem. And, you shouldn’t feel guilty for doing so – outside of our law firm, this happens all the time. Let’s take a look at the reasons you might want a different attorney and what to keep in mind if you decide to make a switch.

Reasons to Consider an Attorney Change

Sometimes, accident victims need to find a new attorney – it isn’t a choice, as the lawyer they’re working with is unable to continue with the case. That said, there are valid reasons why someone might decide to look for a different car accident lawyer.

For instance, if any of the following are true, switching attorneys may be the right move:

  • You feel as if your case isn’t getting the attention it deserves.
  • Your lawyer is disorganized, unprepared or always running late.
  • You no longer have confidence in your attorney’s legal abilities.
  • Your calls to the law firm aren’t being returned in a timely manner.
  • Your attorney doesn’t have the experience your case requires.
  • You’re concerned about unethical behavior or misconduct.
  • You and your lawyer don’t agree on the approach to your case.
  • You’re being pressured into decisions that make you uncomfortable.

Also, plenty of people change attorneys for personal reasons. If you find that you aren’t getting along with the car accident lawyer you hired, it may be beneficial to look for a different legal professional.


What to Do When You Want a Different Lawyer

You may have a good reason for wanting to work with a different law firm. Or, you could simply see that your relationship with your car accident lawyer isn’t going to work out. Either way, don’t fire your attorney until you’ve made other arrangements.

To end your existing attorney-client relationship, follow these steps:

  • Read your legal agreement. Find out if the contract has a termination clause and, if so, whether the clause specifies the timing, the procedure for notice or any other conditions.
  • Find a new attorney. You don’t want to be without legal representation, as that could lead to delays or missing deadlines. Hire a new car accident attorney first, before firing your old lawyer.
  • Write a termination letter. Notice in writing is necessary when you terminate a contract. Provide the new attorney’s contact information and request that your case file be sent over – and use certified mail to have proof of delivery.
  • Consider uncollected costs. If you owe money to the law firm you originally hired, they have the right to collect payment before handing over your case file. To prevent a delay, discuss any outstanding case expenses.
  • Notify the local court. If your personal injury case is already in the court system, you (or your new car accident attorney) will need to file a motion for substitution of counsel. Similarly, your old lawyer will submit a motion to withdraw.

Will Changing Lawyers Cost You in the Long Run?

If you replace your car accident lawyer in the middle of a case, the attorney you were previously working with may be able to place a lien on the settlement you win. In other words, the old law firm might have the right to a portion of the money.

Generally speaking, the issue here comes down to the specific services the previous lawyer rendered and what might be a reasonable amount to pay for those services. Your new car accident lawyer can help you figure out the fee arrangements, making sure that the total going to your old lawyer compensates them for their efforts.

Depending upon the new lawyer you hire, you might end up paying a bit more for legal services. However, you might also get a better case result, collecting the maximum in compensation versus only some of the damages you’re owed. And with some law firms that serve car accident victims – including Cockayne Law – switching to a different attorney won’t cost you more.

Seat Belt Statistics – The Good and The Bad

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You’ve been told your whole life to “buckle up” after getting into a vehicle and before hitting the road. You likely heard it from your parents or other family members, and you have definitely heard it from local police officers and prominent leaders.

If you’ve ever stopped to question whether using a seat belt is really necessary, you aren’t alone. Some find seat belts just downright uncomfortable! Fortunately, plenty of information collected about car accidents and seat belts is used to help you make up your mind about seat belts.

In this article, we’ll explain the benefits of wearing seat belts, their limitations, and real-world statistics that help you make informed decisions every time you drive.

What the Numbers Say About Seat Belt Safety

Here are a few seat belt statistics:

  • First off, the CDC reports that car accidents are the leading cause of death for those between the ages of 1 and 54 years. 
  • NHTSA statistics show that in 2024, 22,713 passengers died in car accidents, and nearly 48% of those killed were not wearing a seat belt. 
  • According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seat belt use reached 91.3% nationwide in 2025; that was 86.1% in 2012. This shows most Americans recognize that seat belts make them safer.

Most U.S. states require seat belt use. States with primary enforcement laws, including Utah, allow officers to stop drivers solely for not wearing a seat belt. This increases usage rates.

What Are the Benefits of Wearing a Seat Belt?

Studies have shown that when it comes to moderate-to-critical injuries, those who wear seat belts reduce their risk of injury by 50 percent. 

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports show seat belts reduce fatal injuries in a crash by 45% in cars and up to 60% in SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks. Only about 80% of rear-seat passengers use seat belts, a lower rate than for front-seat passengers.

Seat belts also work to keep passengers restrained in the vehicle, which is an important function, as being ejected from a vehicle drastically increases the odds of fatality. The NHTSA reports that in 2008, 77 percent of accidents resulted in fatality when the occupant was ejected from the vehicle.

Seat belt use saved approximately 14,955 lives in a single year (NHTSA). Use caution and use them correctly, but do use your seat belt. Seat belts are also designed to work together with other vehicle safety systems. Airbags protect during a crash, but they are not intended to replace seat belts. In fact, airbags are most effective when occupants are properly restrained.

Seat belts help distribute crash forces across stronger parts of the body, such as the chest, pelvis, and shoulders. This reduces the likelihood of occupants striking the steering wheel, dashboard, windshield, or other passengers during a collision.

Despite decades of safety research, some drivers still hesitate to wear a seat belt. Understanding their concerns helps us understand why seat belt use is not 100% worldwide. 

Why Some People Still Avoid Seat Belts

Many drivers still have misconceptions about seat belts, and therefore, they avoid wearing them. They do not even consider the decades of safety research worthwhile when it comes to wearing a seat belt. Some believe seat belts are unnecessary, while others find them uncomfortable.

Common myths include:

  • “I’m only driving a few minutes.”
  • “Airbags are enough.”
  • “I’m a careful driver.”
  • “Seat belts trap people in fires.”

However, many crashes happen close to home and without warning. While seat belts cannot prevent every injury, they significantly reduce the risk of severe injury and death. They are not meant to eliminate all risk but to provide an essential layer of protection alongside safe, defensive driving. 

The Risks and Limitations of Seat Belts

Although seat belts save lives, they do have limitations. No safety device can guarantee complete protection in every accident.

High-speed crashes can still result in serious injuries, even when everyone is properly restrained. Vehicle size, impact angle, road conditions, and crash severity can all influence the outcome of an accident.

According to the 2020-2024 statistics published by Highway Safety Utah, 

  • 323 lives could have been saved between 2020 and 2024 by simply buckling up.
  • More than 1 in 3 children (about 36%) killed in crashes were not properly restrained.
  • Over 1 in 3 young adults (about 37%) ages between 15 and 29 involved in fatal or serious crashes were not wearing a seat belt.
  • About 60% of occupants traveling between midnight and 4 a.m. were not buckled up.

Seat belts must also be used correctly. A loose or improperly positioned seat belt may not provide the intended protection during a collision. In some situations, incorrect use can even contribute to additional injuries.

Understanding these limitations is important. Seat belts should be viewed as one layer of protection rather than a guarantee of safety.

Can Seat Belts Cause Injuries?

Seat belts are life-saving equipment. However, in severe crashes, seat belts can cause injuries that are usually far less severe than those suffered by occupants who are not wearing one. These include:

  • Bruising
  • Chest soreness
  • Shoulder marks
  • Rib fractures
  • Abdominal injuries
  • Collarbone injuries
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Seat belt syndrome

While these injuries can be painful, they are often far less severe than the injuries that may occur when a person is completely unrestrained during a collision. That is why experts recommend not traveling without a safety belt.

Seat Belt Injuries vs. No Seat Belt Injuries

Seat belts may cause minor bruising or soreness, but these risks are far lower than the severe or fatal injuries linked to not wearing one, especially from ejection.

Here is the comparison formatted as a scannable table to clearly contrast the two scenarios:

Scenario

Common Injuries

Severity & Cause

With a seat belt
  • Bruising
  • Chest soreness
  • Shoulder marks

Minor to Moderate: Caused by the belt absorbing crash forces.

Without Seat Belt
  • Brain/spinal injuries
  • Internal damage
  • Fractures

Severe to catastrophic: Caused by striking the interior (windshield or steering wheel) or ejection.

How to Wear a Seat Belt Properly

In order to keep you safe, seat belts also need to be worn properly. When improperly used, they may do more harm than good. Be sure to sit properly in your vehicle’s seat, and make sure the seat belt fits you snugly and securely.

The lap belt should rest across the hips and upper thighs, not the stomach. The shoulder belt should cross the center of the chest and shoulder without being placed behind the back or under the arm.

Drivers should also maintain a proper seating position and adjust their seat so they can comfortably reach the pedals and steering wheel while remaining fully restrained. Beyond safety considerations, seat belt use can sometimes become an issue in personal injury claims after a crash.

Seat Belt Use and Utah Injury Claims

Serious crashes place a heavy financial burden on the victim through medical bills, lost income, and ongoing treatment. In Utah, most injured drivers and passengers often get Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage benefits in the initial stage. 

However, if your injuries meet Utah’s legal threshold, you may be entitled to more compensation from the at-fault party. You should act quickly because most accident claims have short deadlines. 

After an accident, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible and report the incident to law enforcement. After that, get a copy of your accident report, document your injuries, and contact your insurance company. These steps help protect your health as well as future legal claims. 

If you’ve been injured in an accident, whether it’s minor or serious, speaking with an experienced attorney is beneficial. A professional car accident attorney Salt Lake City can help you understand your insurance coverage and legal options and whether you may be entitled to additional compensation.

Conclusion

The statistics are clear. Seat belts reduce the risk of serious injuries and save thousands of lives every year. At the same time, they are not perfect and can sometimes contribute to injuries during a collision.

The important thing to remember is that most seat belt-related injuries are significantly less severe than the injuries commonly suffered by unrestrained occupants. Wear your seat belt properly every time you travel.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if you do not wear a seat belt?





It ultimately increases the risk of serious injury, even death in some cases. Even low-speed accidents can cause severe bodily injuries that take months to recover from.

It’s very rare. Modern seat belts are designed to lock during a collision or a car crash and work with airbags to protect the passengers. But defective ones can fail.

For most accidents, yes. It helps protect you during frontal, side-impact, and rollover crashes. Keep in mind, no safety device prevents every injury. However, seat belts significantly reduce the risk of injury.

Yes, it can. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries are worse because you did not wear a seat belt. This can reduce your claim depending on the facts.

History of Seatbelt Laws

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No doubt you’ve heard of the “Click It or Ticket” campaign, aimed at getting drivers to buckle up before hitting the road. The reminders, advertisements, and signs have been successful in promoting the use of seat belts.

Despite being so successful, the truth is that campaigns like these haven’t always been around. It may prompt drivers to ask, “Where did seat belts and the laws surrounding them come from?” 

Who Invented the Seat Belt?

Seat belts existed long before automobiles became widespread. In 1885, Edward J. Claghorn got the first US seat belt patent. Initially, seat belts were used in taxis only. Two-point lap belts were introduced in airplanes and racing cars during the 1930s.

After a couple of decades, Nils Bohlin, a Volvo engineer, invented the 3-point seat belt (the diagonal shoulder-plus-lap design) in 1959. The design helps secure both the chest and lap during a collision.

Volvo made the patent available to all automakers to encourage widespread adoption of the three-point seat belt and improve road safety. This is widely regarded as one of the most important safety innovations in automotive history.

When Did the 3-Point Seat Belt Become Mandatory?

The 3-point seat belt was invented in 1959, but manufacturers adopted it slowly. The U.S. federal government made it compulsory for new vehicles manufactured in 1974 and afterward to be equipped with seat belts. A few manufacturers already included a three-point seat belt before this implementation. 

Essential use of three-point belts came later and varied by state. Most seat belt laws passed between 1984 and 1996 required occupants to use whatever restraint system their vehicle was equipped with, which by that point meant the three-point design in front seats. Rear-seat three-point belt requirements took even more time. Many states did not require rear-seat belt use until much later. 

Shoulder belts became a federal equipment requirement in 1968, but there was a gap of nearly two decades between their introduction and any law requiring drivers to actually wear them. Safety advocates argued that delayed adoption of mandatory-use laws contributed to preventable injuries and fatalities. 


Evolution of Seat Belts

Understanding the history of seat belts helps explain how modern seat belt laws developed. This table explains the evolution of seat belts in the United States:

Year

Milestone

1885

First seat belt patent issued. 

1959

Nils Bohlin invented the modern 3-point seat belt.

1964

Seat belts became standard in most new U.S. cars.

1968

Federal standards required shoulder belts in new vehicles.

1974

Most new vehicles were equipped with lap and shoulder belts.

1984

New York passed the first mandatory seat belt law.

1996

All states except New Hampshire had seat belt laws for adults.

2025

Seat belt use exceeds 90% nationwide.

How Seat Belt Laws Developed in the United States

You’ve probably heard stories from family members about children climbing into the back of a station wagon. These stories aren’t as far back in time as you may think.

According to the CDC, only about 10 percent of automobile occupants wore a seat belt before the 1980’s, and modern seat belt statistics show how usage has improved. Parents today should understand the car seat regulations Utah to keep children safe.

Initially, cars didn’t even have seat belts to wear. By the mid-1960s, seat belts had become standard equipment in most new vehicles sold in the United States. Shoulder belts were introduced in 1968, and lap and shoulder belts in 1974. 

The First Seat Belt Laws in the United States

The first state to put a law into place for the use of seat belts was New York in 1984. Many other states followed suit, and by 1996, every state except New Hampshire had adopted a seat belt law.

These laws saw an increase in seat belt use from the mere 10 percent to about 50 percent. However, most of these laws only protected the driver and those riding in the front seat. Other passengers in the car were not required to wear a seat belt.

Primary vs. Secondary Law Enforcement

Today, seat belt laws vary by state. Some states use primary enforcement, while others use secondary enforcement.

Rules for rear-seat passengers and children may also differ from one state to another. By 2010, 31 states and the District of Columbia had primary belt use laws (where drivers can be pulled over simply for the fact that they’re not buckled up).

Eighteen states had secondary enforcement laws (where drivers can be pulled over for other reasons, but cited for not wearing a seat belt). New Hampshire still did not have any seat belt laws enforcing adults to buckle up.

How Seat Belts Affect Injury Claims

If you’ve ever been in a crash, understanding Utah car accident laws can help protect your rights. If you YouTube “car crash” or watch videos of car accidents, you can clearly see the benefits of buckling up.

According to the CDC, studies have been done on the effectiveness of seat belt use, and the findings are clear—when you wear a seat belt, the injury rate decreases. While seat belts can make a dramatic change in the outcome of an auto accident, it doesn’t make you invincible to injury.

If you’ve been injured because of another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to seek compensation through a personal injury claim. Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident.

Your personal injury lawyer Rose Park will help you know how to proceed following an accident. If you’re looking for the licensed car or motorcycle accident attorney, look no further than Cockayne Law. The attorneys there will fight for you and your personal injury lawsuit.

Find the experienced personal injury lawyer for you at Cockayne Law.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Why were seat belt laws created?





Traffic accidents can occur for many reasons, including driver error, distraction, impairment, or hazardous road conditions. Seat belts were created to reduce the number of deaths and injuries during road accidents. CDC reports show that seat belts significantly lower the risk of death and severe injury during a crash.

In 1984, New York became the first state to require seat belt use by law. Other states gradually adopted similar laws throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

Seat belts were installed in some vehicles during the 1940s and 1950s, but they were not yet standard equipment in most cars. By the mid-1960s, seat belts had become common equipment in many newly manufactured vehicles.

Yes. Utah law requires drivers and front-seat passengers to wear seat belts, and children must be secured in appropriate child restraint systems.

New Hampshire is the only state that does not require most adults to wear seat belts, though safety experts strongly recommend their use. 

Yes. Every U.S. state has its own seat belt requirements for drivers, passengers, children, and rear-seat occupants. Some states follow primary enforcement laws, while others follow secondary enforcement.

Utah law generally requires drivers and front-seat passengers to wear seat belts. Children must be secured using an appropriate child restraint or booster seat as required by state law. For adults, seat belt violations are generally enforced as a secondary offense.

Federal motor vehicle safety standards require manufacturers to equip vehicles with seat belts that meet national safety requirements. However, laws requiring drivers and passengers to wear seat belts are created and enforced by individual states.

How To Eliminate Distractions In The Car

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Driving distracted is one of the most dangerous things you can do on the road. And while texting and driving is a concern when it comes to drivers and their safety on the road, it’s not the only distraction putting people in harm’s way.

There are many different ways to be distracted, which means there are many different ways you can stay better focused while operating your vehicle.

If you care about your safety and the safety of those you love, you’ll want to try to do a little better and be a little more alert when you’re on the road. Here’s how to eliminate distractions in the car.

#1. Turn Your Phone Off

Yes, texting and driving is a major distraction and one you’ll see happening if you look out your window for any length of time while on the road. But it’s not the only way drivers are distracted with their phones. Maybe you need to make a phone call and look down to dial. Or perhaps you’re lost and trying to juggle directions on your cell phone while driving.

Sometimes just talking on the phone can be distraction enough to put you and others in danger. To err on the side of caution and ensure your safety as well as that of others, don’t be afraid to turn your phone off when you get in the car. Most commutes aren’t that long, and you won’t miss much by turning it back on when you reach your destination.


#2. Prepare Before You Drive

Another way to avoid distractions while in the car is to take care of them before you hit the road. Do you know you’re going to need directions? Plug them into your GPS before you leave your house. Maybe you’re going through the drive through and want to use the extra change in your car. Count it out and have it ready beforehand, instead of trying to do it on the way. Keeping your car organized and preparing for your errands or destinations ahead of time will keep you from trying to do those kinds of things while you’re driving.

#3. Give Yourself Enough Time

Ever been in a time crunch and tried to eat breakfast, do your makeup, or put on your watch while driving? Running behind schedule happens to the best of us, but it’s all too easy to become distracted and end up on a life-altering situation because you failed to plan ahead. Make sure you’re giving yourself enough time, both before you get in the car and while you’re on the road, to get to your destination. Stressing because you’re late is a major distraction, and one that can be easily avoided and make your morning much more enjoyable.

Even with the best intentions, sometimes car accidents still happen. Whether it is because of your distracted driving or that of another driver, you may be wondering if hiring a car accident attorney Weber can help you.

Give Cockayne Law a call today to see if your case is worth fighting.

What To Do After a Car Accident

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If you’ve just been in an accident, you’ll probably be feeling overwhelmed, confused, or you may have even been severely injured. Right after an accident is not the time to try to figure out what you need to do first. Instead, make sure you know what to do after a car accident long before you’re ever in one. To help you get prepared, here is your guide for what to do after an accident.

#1: Assess The Situation

If anyone is injured, call 911. If there has been significant damage but everyone seems fine, it’s still a good idea to call the police and get a police report. After that assess your situation again to determine if you or the other involved parties are in any danger. If you’re able to, move the vehicles out of harm’s way or out of the way so as not to impede traffic. If you’re going to do this before the police arrive on scene, just be sure to snap a few pictures of the vehicle as they were when the accident occurred. Stay aware throughout the remainder of your time on the side of the road. It can be dangerous with other drivers passing who may not be paying close enough attention.

#2: Take Pictures and Notes

If you haven’t already, take pictures of the scene of the crash. Having a police there to write up a report will be extremely useful, but the more documentation you have the better. Take notes and get the other driver’s name and insurance information. Even better, take a picture of their insurance card and ID. You can also get contact information from witnesses.


#3 Be Careful What You Say

Following an accident, you may not be thinking clearly. It’s important to know before hand what you should and should not say. Never admit fault. This can be anything from saying that the accident was your fault to just saying “I’m sorry.” If later down the line you need to take legal action, you don’t want to say anything incriminating. You also shouldn’t say that you’re fine or uninjured. Some injuries don’t surface until much later, so instead say say “I don’t believe I need medical attention at this time.”

#4 Contact Insurance

After your accident you’ll want to contact your insurance company and figure out how much of your medical bills and auto repairs will be covered. Better yet, know these details before you’re in an accident so that you can begin to get your injuries and car taken care of as quickly as possible. Whether you are at fault or not, let them know about the situation and be cooperative.

#5 Consider Hiring An Attorney

Even if you do everything right after an accident, sometimes things don’t always go your way. If there has been debate about who is at fault you may want to consider hiring an attorney. An accident attorney will work to make sure your case is fair and that you are able to get on with your life despite having been in an accident. If you’re looking for an experienced and licensed car accident attorney in Ogden, contact Cockayne Law today! Law today!