According to insurance carriers, if you've been in an auto accident, you should call them right away, so they can settle your claim quickly. But when you make that call, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise. There are several reasons why an insurer may deny your claim.

Insurance is a business and insurance companies are out to make a profit. The less they pay out in claims, the bigger their profits. Many claims are denied because of mistakes by the policy holder, but don't expect your insurer to help you avoid them.

Inadequate coverage is a common cause of denied claims. Many people try to save on premiums by paying only for liability coverage, which does not cover repairs to the policy holder's car.

Late Payments May Cancel Coverage

If coverage has expired for lack of payment, a claim will be denied. Most companies have a grace period for late payments; after that, there is no coverage.

If someone else is driving your car when an accident happens and your policy doesn't cover that situation, your claim may be denied.

Excessive damage is that which exceeds the limits of your policy. Beyond that, you are responsible for repair costs. If your vehicle requires special repairs, take that into consideration when setting the repair limit of your policy.

New Car Requires New Coverage

If you buy a new car, be sure you know how long you have to add it to your policy. If you wait beyond the specified time and have an accident, you will have no coverage.

Never falsify information on a claim. You may think a little falsehood will save you some time and trouble, but it may only get you a denial, and the trouble of shopping for a new insurer.

If you've been in a traffic accident, call an experienced attorney before you call your insurance carrier. Having an attorney on your side from the start may help you get the settlement you deserve, especially if you have to go to court. Your attorney will also be glad to help you evaluate your needs when choosing your insurance coverage.

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If the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution forbids "unreasonable searches and seizures," how is it that law enforcement agencies can set up DUI (sobriety) checkpoints? According to a 1990 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, the benefit of the checkpoints to the public welfare outweighs the temporary suspension of constitutional rights.

If you've never seen a DUI checkpoint, it may be because you live in one of fewer than a dozen states that disagree with the U.S. Supreme Court, or because some jurisdictions try to tread only lightly on constitutional rights by setting up checkpoints only at times and places with a significant record of DUI arrests or accidents.

Ten States Prohibit DUI Checkpoints

Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming have prohibited DUI checkpoints, on the grounds that lack of probable cause makes them a form of unreasonable search. Alaska and Montana have not specifically prohibited them, but do not use them.

Some communities and interest groups in states without DUI checkpoints have lobbied in favor of changing state law to allow them, as does Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Groups in states with DUI checkpoints have lobbied for their abolition, in some cases claiming the checkpoints give law enforcement the opportunity to cite drivers for offenses for which checkpoints are not allowed, such as seatbelt violations, license violations, and lack of insurance coverage.

Checkpoints Must Follow Correct Procedures

If you've been arrested at a DUI checkpoint, contact an experienced attorney right away. While your state may support the constitutionality of checkpoints, very specific procedures have been established for their operation, to keep them from deviating too far from standards of reasonable search and probable cause. If procedures were not followed correctly, you may have grounds to fight your arrest.

If you are convicted, the possible fines, jail time, loss of work, and other costs can be financially devastating. Your attorney will fight to see that you received only just punishment.

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Toyota has recalled an additional 437,000 vehicles worldwide due to potentially faulty anti-lock braking systems and power steering problems. The 2010 Prius and Lexus hybrids are among the cars affected by the most recent Toyota recall.

Since October, a total of 8.4 million vehicles have been recalled due to floor mats, which were said to trap the gas pedal; accelerator problems, which may cause the gas pedal to stick; anti-lock braking glitches, a software problem that could cause the brakes to briefly malfunction; and the power steering hose, which may affect brake tubes.

However, some consumers and safety groups believe the Toyota vehicles' electronic throttle control systems are faulty. There was a significant increase in the number of complaints about uncontrolled acceleration in Toyota cars from model years 2002 to 2007. During this time, the car company increased its use of electronic throttle control systems.

NHTSA Notified of Dangers

Many consumers now question whether the automaker and the National Transportation Safety Administration responded quickly enough to protect the public. In addition to thousands of complaints filed by Toyota drivers, State Farm Insurance representatives say that in 2007 the company informed the NHTSA of a possible tendency for Toyota and Lexus models to accelerate suddenly.

If you or someone you know has been injured by acceleration problems associated with a Toyota or Lexus vehicle, it is important to contact a product liability/personal injury attorney right away. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills or loss of income.

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Motorcycle crash deaths in Texas have increased since 1997, the year the state's legislature did away with helmet requirements for riders 21 and older. A study published in the Southern Medical Journal shows a 15.2 percent increase through 2003; the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) says the trend continued through 2008.

The medical journal study covered the years 1994 through 2003. The 15.2 percent increase was based on calculating deaths proportional to the number of motorcycles registered, to compensate for increased ownership. Without the adjustment, the increase was 30 percent.

Deaths Increased As Soon As Law Was Changed

The motorcycle accident study authors say there was a conspicuous increase in crash deaths in September 1997, the month the change became effective.

The TxDOT spokesman said the increase in motorcycle crash deaths from 2004 through 2008 was 32 percent, based on figures compiled by state agencies for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's report on crashes in Texas for that period. He said a slight drop in 2009 deaths corresponded to reduced ridership, possibly the result of the recession.

Helmet use in Texas was at 77 percent in 1996; it dropped to 63 percent in 1997. Current use is estimated at 36 percent.

Helmet Law Changed When Federal Rules Eased

Texas legislators changed the state's motorcycle helmet law when the federal government reversed its policy of withholding some transportation funding from states without a universal helmet law. Since then, only riders under 21 have been required to wear a helmet.

Twenty states and the District of Columbia require universal helmet use. Twenty-eight states require only riders under a specified age to wear a helmet. Three states have no helmet requirement.

Whether or not you wear a helmet, if you've been involved in a motorcycle crash, you need the help of an experienced attorney. You may be facing medical bills, repair bills, loss of income, increased insurance premiums, and other expenses. Your attorney will fight get you the compensation you deserve to meet these challenges and save you from financial distress.

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Toyota Motor Corp. is suspending sales and production of eight models pending resolution of issues related to the possibility that their gas pedals may jam. The action comes less than a week after the company recalled about 2.3 million vehicles to check on their gas pedals.

Dealers have been told to immediately suspend sales of some models of the Camry, Corolla, RAV4, and Avalon, spanning model years from 2005 to 2010. Current production of the affected models at eight North American plants will suspended Monday.

Company Says Move Not Related to November Recall

The company said its latest move was not related to a November recall of 4.2 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles over concerns about unintended acceleration. That recall came after several reported incidents, capped by the Aug. 28 death of an off-duty California Highway Patrol officer and three of his family members in a fiery car crash near San Diego. A man calling 911 from the doomed vehicle said it was accelerating out of control and the brakes were not responding.

No Lexus models are involved in the sales and production halt.

Floor Mats Suspected in Acceleration Problem

Speculation in the November recall included the possibility of interference with the gas pedal by a floor mat that was not original equipment, but often substituted in the vehicles. Owners were advised to immediately remove any floor mats that were not original equipment, pending further study.

There was no mention of floor mats in the more recent recall, only the possibility of what the company called a rare mechanical issue. Toyota said owners will be contacted with information and instructions when the problem is resolved.

If you or someone you know has been injured or suffered property damage as a result of a gas pedal or unintended acceleration problem with a Toyota or Lexus, contact an experienced product liability/personal injury attorney right away. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, repair bills, or loss of income.

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An improperly calibrated breath testing device forced the Galena, Kan., city attorney to drop a driving under the influence (DUI) charge against the Pittsburg (Kansas) State University athletic director.

City Attorney Kevin Cure announced last week that the DUI charge against Chuck Broyles was being dropped. Broyles was arrested Nov. 24 and retired as Pittsburg State head football coach a week later. On Dec. 8, he pleaded not guilty to the charge. He has been on paid administrative leave from his athletic director position pending the outcome of the DUI case.

DUI Arrest Hinged on Breath Test

Broyles was stopped for speeding, then arrested and charged with DUI on the basis of a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test administered with a breath-testing device. According to Kansas law, anyone with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher is unfit to drive and is subject to immediate arrest and suspension of driving privileges.

Breath tests are used at the time of apprehension to estimate a suspect's BAC. They are not as accurate as a blood test, and breath-testing devices must be properly calibrated to give even an approximately accurate reading. DUI cases are frequently invalidated by improper use of breath testing devices.

Many Attorneys Recommend Blood Test

Many experienced DUI attorneys recommend against taking a breath test, if that is an option, because they can be inaccurate and may lead to conviction of a defendant whose BAC is not at the legal limit. These attorneys suggest asking to take a blood test.

If you have been arrested and charged with DUI, you need to contact an experienced attorney. You need someone on your side who understands the prosecution's burden of proof. If you are convicted, the court may have discretion in sentencing, and you will need someone to fight to see that your punishment is proportional to the circumstances of the offense.

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Studies have shown that talking on the cell phone while driving can increase your chances of getting in a car accident significantly. Still, concern about the danger of drivers speaking on cell phones and sending text messages varies widely across the country, if judged by states' laws regulating, or not regulating, the practices.

Seven states and the District of Columbia (D.C.) have banned all drivers from speaking on hand-held cell phones; 20 states and D.C. have banned them from texting. In some states, the ban is limited to novice drivers, school bus drivers, or both.

Hands-free Phone Use Allowed in All States but Maine

The use of hands-free cell phones by drivers is less restricted. Some states ban novice drivers, school bus drivers, or both. No state specifically bans them for the general driving population, but Maine bans them as part of a blanket ban on any form of distracted driving, the most comprehensive in the country.

Utah's law on distracted driving bans texting, but using a hand-held cell phone is considered an offense only if it is a factor in a moving violation other than speeding.

How laws are enforced is also variable by state. In some, simply using a hand-held cell phone or texting can result in a citation, a practice referred to as primary enforcement. In others, the offense is only cited when a driver is cited for another concurrent offense, known as secondary enforcement.

Other States with Strict Laws

California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington are the states with total bans on both hand-held cell phoning and texting. All but Washington practice primary enforcement.

An Illinois law, which goes into effect Jan. 1, 2010, will ban texting, but will limit the ban on speaking on a hand-held unit to school zones and highway construction zones.

Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Virginia ban, or will soon ban, texting, but not hand-held cell phone use.

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An Idaho jury awarded a motorcyclist $1,826,000 for injuries suffered in a 2006 collision with a construction company dump truck.

On Oct. 4, 2006, Levon Babakhanian, of Idaho Falls, crashed into a dump truck that a prosecutor said was driven through a stop sign. Babakhanian suffered a fractured left leg and hip, a fractured pelvis, multiple hand and arm injuries, and facial injuries that required reconstructive surgery.

After deciding that the dump truck driver, an employee of Cedar Point Construction, was 80 percent at fault in the crash, the jury awarded Babakhanian $441,000 for past and future medical expenses, $580,000 for lost earning capacity, $795,000 for past and future pain and suffering, and $10,000 for the loss of his motorcycle. The trial took place in the Bonneville County Courthouse in Idaho Falls.

According to Allen Brown, Babakharian's attorney, his client was unable to walk for a time as a result of the accident and still has difficulty standing for very long. He said that Babakharian's doctors say he may never recover full mobility.

The jury heard testimony that the motorcycle crash ended Babakharian's ambition to study nursing, since he would not longer be able to stand long enough to do the work.

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Spurred by two tragic fatal accidents, New York State last week made driving while intoxicated (DWI) with a child in the vehicle a felony offense, punishable by up to four years in prison for the first offense. The same legislation enables courts to require an ignition interlock device (IID) for any DUI offender.

The bill is called Leandra's Law after Leandra Rosado, 11, of New York City, who was killed last month in the crash of a vehicle driven by a friend's mother, who was alleged to be drunk at the time. In July, four children were killed, along with four adults, when a woman police say had been smoking marijuana and drinking caused a wrong-way crash on a New York Parkway. One of the children was the woman's daughter; the other three were her nieces.

Although far more men than women are arrested for DWI, the number for women has risen by nearly 30 percent in the last ten years, and women are three times as likely as men to be in fatal DWI crashes with children under 14 as passengers.

The other major provision of the bill allows courts to order the installation of an IID in the vehicle of a DWI offender. It prevents the vehicle from being started until the offender has breathed into a testing device and passed a blood alcohol content (BAC) test. Once the vehicle is in motion, the device requires random retests; failure starts the car's lights flashing and horn honking to attract the attention of police. The alarm continues until the car is stopped and the ignition switched off.

The DWI offender must rent the IID from an authorized provider and pay for its installation and periodic servicing. Studies show use of the IID dramatically reduces repeat DWI offenses.

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The Los Angeles City Attorney's Office will not file charges against Sen. John Kerry's daughter, who was arrested and booked for driving under the influence (DUI) in Hollywood, where she has worked as a film and television actress, writer, and director.

Alexandra Forbes Kerry, 36, refused a field sobriety test at the time of her arrest, just before 1 a.m. Nov. 19. In a formal blood alcohol content (BAC) test conducted at a police station, her level was measured at 0.06 percent. The legal limit is 0.08 percent, although a driver with a BAC under that amount can be charged and prosecuted if a vehicle is being operated in an unsafe manner.

Kerry posted $5,000 bail and was released about five hours after her booking. Prosecutors said there was insufficient evidence to proceed with a case against her.

Alexandra Forbes Kerry is the daughter of Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, the 2004 Democratic Party nominee for president. She began a minor Hollywood career in 2000 with a small part in a French film. In 2003, she appeared in seven episodes of the short-lived NBC series Mister Sterling. In 2004, she wrote and directed the short film The Last Full Measure.

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While riding any motorcycle is inherently more dangerous than driving a four-wheeled vehicle, the class known as sport or supersport motorcycles is by far the most dangerous. These are little more than racing motorcycles equipped to meet the minimum requirements to be legally operated on public streets and highways.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the crash death rate for riders of supersport motorcycles is four times that for all motorcycle types combined. The IIHS blames both the design of supersports and the way they are often ridden.

Supersports Have Most Power Per Pound

As racing-type motorcycles, supersports are designed for maximum acceleration and fast cornering. To achieve this, they have the most horsepower per pound of any motorcycle class. The supersport 2006 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R weighs 404 pounds and puts out 111 horsepower. A 2006 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide touring motorcycle, designed for comfortable long-range riding, weighs in at 788 pounds, but its engine, although larger, produces only 65 horsepower.

The IIHS says many supersports are ridden as though they were on a racetrack, a contention backed up by crash data that show speed is more often a factor in supersport crashes than in those involving other motorcycle classes.

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College campus culture can lead to a high incidence of students driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and illicit drugs, according to the results of several studies conducted in recent years.

A study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services included several factors that point to the DUI danger for college students. It shows that those in the 21- to 25-year-old range were the most likely to be heavy drinkers, while those aged 18 to 20 were most likely to use illicit drugs. College age is assumed to be age 18 to 22 in some studies; from 18 to 24 or 25 in others.

Another segment of the HHS study shows that, in the 18 t0 22 range, those enrolled full time in college are more likely to be heavy drinkers than those not in college.

A look at DUI statistics shows that those in the 21- to 25-year range were most likely to drive under the influence of alcohol, but not significantly more likely than other age groups to drive under the influence of illicit drugs.

Of particular concern to health and legal officials is the easy availability of alcohol in the college community to those under the legal drinking age.

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The most dangerous 2009 model-year vehicles include six sport utility vehicles, six light pickups and three mini-cars, according to a Forbes Magazine analysis of crash test data from the federal government and the insurance industry.

The Chevrolet Trailblazer, Dodge Nitro and Jeep Liberty SUVs all scored low for side and rear impact results and rollover potential in auto accidents. The Jeep Wrangler was judged less likely to roll over, but its removable doors offer almost no side impact protection. The Hummer H3 and GMC Envoy were also on the list, although the H3 showed better resistance to side impact and the Envoy was judged as stable as a mid-sized sedan in rollover tests.

Like the SUVs, the Ford Ranger, Mazda B series, Nissan Frontier and Suzuki Equator light pickups were also on the list for side and rear impact results and rollover potential. The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon were also faulted for impact results, but did slightly better in rollover tests.

The Chevrolet Aveo, Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio mini-cars made the list primarily because their small size works against them in side impact crashes. Even though the cars are equipped with side air bags or curtains, because occupants sit so much lower than in larger vehicles, they are subject to serious head and upper torso injuries.

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Mel Gibson's infamous 2006 drunk driving arrest may be in the public memory for years to come, but it won't be in the public record, thanks to a judge's recent order to expunge it.

A Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office spokesperson said Superior Court Judge Lawrence J. Mira agreed to a request from Gibson's attorney to dismiss the conviction, based on Gibson's successful completion of the terms of his three-year probation. These included appearing in public service announcements, attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, and paying fines of $1,300.

Expunging a first drunk driving conviction upon completion of the terms of probation is a standard practice. The hearing for Gibson's request took only 90 seconds.

Gibson was pulled over in July of 2006 for speeding on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, an exclusive beach community west of Los Angeles. According to police records, his blood alcohol content was 0.12 percent; the legal limit is 0.08 percent.

Gibson reportedly said he "owned Malibu" to Sheriff's Deputy James Mee, and said he would get even with Mee for the stop. The deputy's report says Gibson also said, "The Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world," and asked the deputy, "Are you a Jew?" Mee is Jewish.

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Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger this month signed into law two bills increasing the use of the ignition interlock device (IID) by convicted drunk drivers. They will go into effect July 1, 2010.

In four counties, first-time offenders convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) would be required to use an IID for a minimum of five months in a pilot program established by AB 91, sponsored by Assemblyman Mike Feur (D-Los Angeles). The six-year program would be conducted in Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Tulare counties. Presently, IIDs are used to monitor repeat DUI offenders.

IID Required for Restricted License

The other new law, SB 598, by State Sen. Bob Huff (R-Diamond Bar), will require repeat DUI offenders to have an IID installed in order to apply for a restricted license.

"By installing ignition interlock devices, we are making it harder for DUI offenders to get behind the wheel while intoxicated and we are working to save innocent lives," Schwarzenegger said at the signing ceremony.

Device Wired into Car's Electrical System

The IID is wired into a car's electrical system to prevent it from being started if the driver fails a breath test and to set off the horn and flashing lights if the driver fails a retest while driving.

To start the car, the DUI offender must breathe into a tube on a metering device that hangs from the dashboard. A blood alcohol content (BAC) level above a figure programmed into the system will prevent the ignition circuit from being completed. Once the car is in motion, the system requires random retests, to prevent the offender from drinking while driving. The horn and flashing lights set off by a failed test stop when the car is voluntarily turned off. If the offender does not comply, the commotion is intended to attract the attention of police.

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Toyota Motor Company is recalling about 3.8 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles after more than 100 incident reports to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) and a runaway crash that killed an off-duty California Highway Patrol officer and three passengers.

At issue is a removable floor mat that may be interfering with the accelerator pedal, causing it to stick in the full-throttle position. Toyota is working with the NHTSA to determine the extent of the problem and find a solution.

A floor mat is suspected in an August crash near San Diego that killed California Highway Patrol Officer Mark Saylor, 45, and three passengers in a Lexus ES 350 sport utility vehicle he was driving. One passenger called police from the car moments before it crashed and reported that its speed was 120 mph and that the brakes were not working.

If you or someone you know suffered personal injury or property damage as the result of a faulty Toyota or Lexus floor mat, you should contact an experienced attorney right away. If you are dealing with medical bills, loss of work, or repair bills, you need someone on your side, to fight for the financial compensation you deserve.

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Due to technology and stricter DUI laws, many convicted drunk drivers in California have to pass a sobriety breath test every time they get behind the wheel.

After being convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), repeat offenders can be required to have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in their cars. With the IID in place, a vehicle will not start until the offender blows into a tube on a meter attached to the dashboard and tests for a blood alcohol content (BAC).

IID Incorporated into Car's Electrical System

The IID is spliced into a car's ignition circuit. The circuit cannot be completed until a switch in the IID is activated by a successful breath test. Any alcohol on the offender's breath will create a chemical reaction inside the IID meter that converts to a small electric current, the power of which indicates the BAC.

To ensure the drunk driving offender isn't drinking while driving, random retests may be programmed into the system. If the offender fails the retest, the vehicle becomes disabled and unable to drive normally.

Device Can Record Testing, Tampering

The IID also has a record-keeping function. Offenders are required to have it serviced at regular intervals, usually monthly. During servicing, the record is downloaded and made available to the authorities. It tracks the times and results of tests, and can detect any attempts to bypass or interfere with the system.

On top of any fines or court costs resulting from a DUI convictions, offenders in California can expect to pay about $60-$75 or more per month to lease an IID, as well as paying $25-$100 or more to have it installed and additional fees for periodic service.

Orange County drunk driving lawyer Myles L. Berman has extensive experience defending felony DUI in Los Angeles and other DUI issues in LA and the surrounding areas.

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A Lenawee County Circuit Court jury has awarded nearly $2 million to a man who sustained a brain injury in a car accident four years ago.

Douglas Mayher, of Britton, Michigan was stopped in his sport utility vehicle on Palmer Highway at M-50 when he was struck by a car driven by Jennifer Martin, 17. The teenage girl was driving on M-50 when she attempted to pass a vehicle on the right. After going airborne through a ditch, Martin's car crashed into the driver's side of the victim's vehicle.

Attorney David Christensen of Southfield represented Mayher in the five-day trial. Christensen argued that Mayher's brain injury prevented him from working more than 20 hours a week due to chronic pain and other neurological problems. The jury ruled in Mayher's favor and awarded him nearly $2 million in damages for lifetime lost earnings.

Attorney Richard Moblo of Novi represented the teenage driver and her father, Ronald Martin, the owner of the vehicle. Mr. Moblo argued that the victim should receive no compensation for lost earnings and no more than $50,000 for pain and suffering.

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On September 12, Missouri police arrested Chad Schaffner, 37, on suspicion of at least 10 robberies in six states. Police believe the string of robberies began in May and included two banks in Morristown and Jefferson City, Tennessee, one in Caseyville, Illinois on Wednesday, and additional banks in Kentucky, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Last month, authorities identified Schaffner as a suspect in the robberies when investigators posted surveillance photos from the robbed banks. On Saturday, police arrested Schaffner in Kingdom City, Missouri when a retired state trooper saw Schaffner at a local motel and believed Schaffner was acting suspiciously. The trooper then called police when he found Schaffner on the America's Most Wanted website.

Schaffner already has a criminal record in Indiana, including convictions for armed robbery (for which he served time), burglary, resisting law enforcement, and purchase of a handgun without a license.

Schaffner is in custody at the Callaway County Jail in Fulton with no bond set. He is scheduled to appear in court Monday in Jefferson City. He faces multiple charges, including bank robbery (in Tennessee), burglary (in Indiana), armed robbery (in Illinois), receiving stolen property (in Ohio), and drug charges (in Missouri).

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A Utah jury has awarded almost $4.4 million to the family of a man who died from injuries sustained in a 2006 car accident on Interstate 15. Richard Kunzler, 38, of Payson, crashed his vehicle after swerving to avoid traffic that had backed up due to bridge construction near Spanish Fork. Kunzler died thirteen days after the crash.

Tyler Young, the Provo attorney representing Kunzler's family, argued that the victim was coming up over the crest of a hill and was not aware that traffic had backed up on the other side. The lawsuit, filed against the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and the subcontractor working on the project, claimed that the defendants were negligent for failing to post signs that warned motorists about the construction and about potential traffic delays.

The jury found that the Utah Department of Transportation was 35 percent responsible for the accident, the Staker Parson Companies were 45 percent to blame, and Kunzler was 20 percent at fault. Since Utah law limits the amount of damages that can be levied against state agencies, the amount that the UDOT is required to pay will be reduced to about $500,000. Almost $880,000 will also be deducted from the settlement since Kunzler was 20 percent at fault.

The family will end up receiving about $2.4 million of the settlement.

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