Traffic Law Violation: Evidence of Negligence in Utah Car Accidents
Utah’s Traffic Code, as of 2024, includes over 20 chapters of safety statutes designed to protect drivers and prevent accidents. Violating a traffic safety law, such as following too closely, can serve as evidence of negligence in a car accident injury case. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, understanding how traffic law violations apply can significantly impact your claim.

Example: Rear-End Collision on Orem State Street
Imagine you were rear-ended on State Street in Orem, Utah, causing you to require knee surgery. The at-fault driver received a citation for following too closely under Utah Code 41-6a-711. In this scenario, the at-fault driver’s violation of a safety statute may be presented in court as evidence of negligence. A jury could consider this evidence to determine fault and award compensation for your injuries.
Why Hire a Lawyer for Traffic Law Violation Cases?
Attorney Jake Gunter, with over 20 years of trial experience, knows how to use traffic law violations to build strong cases for injured clients. Hiring an experienced trial lawyer ensures your injury claim is presented effectively, increasing your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.
Utah Civil Jury Instruction CV212: Violation of a Safety Law
In Utah, civil jury instruction CV212 outlines how violations of safety laws, such as traffic statutes, are handled in negligence claims.
Key Points from CV212:
- Violation as Evidence:
A violation of a safety law is evidence of negligence unless excused. - Possible Excuses for Violations:
- Obeying the law would have caused greater harm.
- The driver faced an emergency they didn’t create.
- The driver was unable to comply despite reasonable effort.
- The driver was incapable of following the law.
- The driver couldn’t understand what the law required.
- Jury Considerations:
If the jury finds the violation inexcusable, they can consider it as evidence of negligence. Otherwise, they must disregard the violation and assess the driver’s actions based on reasonable care under the circumstances.
Example Statute:
- Utah Code 41-6a-711: Prohibits following another vehicle too closely, as it increases the risk of rear-end collisions and injuries.
When Traffic Law Violations Impact Your Case
A traffic law violation directly tied to the accident can strengthen your claim. For example:
- The violation provides clear evidence of negligence by the at-fault driver.
- The injury aligns with the harm the safety law was designed to prevent.
- The plaintiff belongs to the class of individuals the law seeks to protect.
Judicial Considerations:
Before presenting this evidence to a jury, a judge must confirm:
- The safety law applies to the case.
- Evidence exists to support the violation and any potential excuses.
Call Jake Gunter: Utah Car Accident Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a car accident involving a traffic law violation, attorney Jake Gunter can help. With his extensive experience in personal injury cases, Jake can guide you through building a strong claim and fighting for fair compensation.
- Free Consultation: Call or text (801) 373-6345 to schedule a free consultation today.
Conclusion
Traffic law violations, such as following too closely, can significantly impact the outcome of Utah car accident claims. By working with an experienced attorney like Jake Gunter, you can use evidence of negligence to support your case and pursue maximum compensation. Don’t navigate these complex claims alone—call today for expert legal assistance.
Learn More About Utah Accident Lawyer Jake Gunter 
For additional insights on Utah personal injury law and to get to know Jake Gunter better, check out these helpful videos:
- Meet Jake Gunter – Learn more about Jake Gunter’s background, experience, and dedication to helping clients throughout Utah.
- How to Choose a Utah Personal Injury Attorney – This video offers guidance on selecting the right personal injury attorney to ensure you receive effective representation.
- What Jake Gunter Does and Who He Represents – Discover the types of cases Jake Gunter handles and how he advocates for the rights of injured individuals statewide.
These resources will provide you with valuable information as you consider your legal options. For any questions or to schedule a free consultation, feel free to reach out to us directly.