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Pedestrian Accidents

Personal Injury

Fair Compensation for Pedestrian Accidents in Utah

SALT LAKE CITY PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS

Although pedestrian accidents make up only a small percentage of the total number of traffic accidents in Utah each year, they have a disproportionately high rate of catastrophic injury and death. Pedestrians have no protection when they are struck by large, heavy, fast-moving vehicles, and the consequences of these accidents are often devastating.

If you were injured or if someone you love was tragically killed in a pedestrian-vehicle accident, we at Steele Adams Hosman want to help. Based in Salt Lake City, our pedestrian accident attorneys represent clients throughout Salt Lake County and the entire state of Utah.

We have more than 35 years of combined experience and have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Most importantly, we are committed to fighting for the justice you and your family deserve.

CONTACT US ONLINE OR REACH US BY PHONE AT (801) 816-3999 TODAY. YOUR INITIAL CONSULTATION IS FREE, AND WE DO NOT COLLECT ANY ATTORNEY FEES UNLESS WE WIN YOUR CASE!

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Regardless of the speed at which the collision occurs or whether the driver tries to brake or swerve, pedestrian accidents frequently result in severe bodily injury. Traffic accidents in Salt Lake City don’t only happen between two motorized vehicles and often involve a pedestrian.

A person on foot is simply no match for a multi-ton motor vehicle, meaning these collisions often result in permanent, life-altering consequences.

Some of the most common pedestrian accident injuries include:

  • Head and facial injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Broken bones/fractures
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Partial or total paralysis
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Accidental amputation
  • Friction burns (“road rash”)
  • Dislocation (shoulders, knees, etc.)
  • Internal bleeding
  • Soft tissue and organ damage

In many cases, pedestrians require immediate medical attention, including hospitalization. Depending on the severity of the victim’s injuries, the recovery process may take weeks, months, or even years. In some cases, victims may never fully recover from their injuries.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

Most pedestrian accidents result from the carelessness, recklessness, and negligence of drivers. Pedestrians who are involved in a traffic accident don’t have the same protections afforded to the driver of the vehicle. There are many causes of pedestrian accidents, so contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Some common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

  • Speeding
  • Distracted driving
  • Fatigued driving
  • Failing to check for pedestrians before turning
  • Passing a vehicle that has stopped for a pedestrian
  • Driving too fast for current conditions

Although pedestrian accidents are generally covered by Utah’s no-fault system, meaning you do not necessarily need to prove that the driver was at fault for the accident to file a claim and receive compensation for your damages, establishing fault is critical if you wish to go outside the no-fault system. Many pedestrian accidents result in medical expenses exceeding $3,000 and/or severe injuries that lead to permanent disability, disfigurement, dismemberment, or impairment. When this is the case, the injured party may file a third-party personal injury claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company or bring a lawsuit directly against the liable party.

Is the Driver Always at Fault for a Pedestrian Accident?

Utah law states that drivers should always yield to pedestrians whenever it is safe and reasonably possible to do so. However, pedestrians also have certain responsibilities when it comes to sharing the road with motorists, bicyclists, and others.

Specifically, pedestrians must obey all traffic control devices, such as red lights or “do not walk” signals, and they should avoid crossing anywhere other than marked or unmarked crosswalks. Pedestrians are also prohibited from suddenly stepping out from a place of safety, such as a sidewalk, and into oncoming traffic when vehicles cannot reasonably yield.

Motorists and Pedestrians: Rights & Responsibilities

Because both motorists and pedestrians have certain rights and responsibilities, it is possible for both parties to share some of the fault for an accident.

When this is the case, Utah’s modified comparative negligence rule comes into play. Under this rule, an injured party can still seek compensation for damages if they were partly to blame as long as they were less than 50% at fault. Additionally, the injured party’s total recovery will be reduced by their percentage of fault.

What About Being Hit By Someone Who Was Texting & Driving

For example, say a pedestrian was hit by someone who was texting and driving, but the pedestrian was crossing a busy street between two adjacent intersections with crosswalks and working traffic signals (also known as “jaywalking). In this instance, the court might find the pedestrian 30% to blame. As a result, their damage award would be reduced by 30%, and they would only be able to receive up to 70% of the total amount.

What to Do If You Were Injured in a Hit & Run

Although the law requires all motorists to stop and provide reasonable aid after an accident, some drivers flee the scene. Whether they do so out of fear, because they are drunk, or simply because they panic, there is no excuse for committing a hit-and-run.

If you were injured in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident, you are likely facing a number of physical, emotional, and financial challenges. The good news is that you may have several options when it comes to collecting compensation for your damages.

  • First, if you have not done so already, contact the police and file an official accident report. If local law enforcement is able to identify and locate the hit-and-run driver, you may be able to file a third-party claim or lawsuit against them.
  • Even if the police cannot find the hit-and-run driver, however, you may still be able to recover compensation. If you have auto insurance, your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage can provide some relief.
  • Additionally, if you have uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, some or all of your damages may be covered.

HOW A SALT LAKE CITY PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY CAN HELP

If you or someone you love was involved in a Salt Lake City traffic accident where a pedestrian was injured, it is important that you work with an experienced personal injury lawyer. These tend to be complicated, high-value cases, and insurance companies often try to dispute or deny pedestrian accident claims.

When you put an experienced attorney on your side, you increase the likelihood of securing maximum compensation for your losses.

At Steele Adams Hosman, our Salt Lake City pedestrian accident attorneys offer compassionate, individualized legal representation for clients located throughout Utah.

When you choose our firm, your attorney will be personally involved in your case from start to finish. We offer consistent communication and tireless advocacy, both in and out of the courtroom.

CALL OUR OFFICE TODAY AT (801) 816-3999 OR  CONTACT US ONLINE  using our free and secure contact form.

LET OUR FIRM FIGHT FOR YOU

At Steele Adams Hosman, we are committed to getting you the compensation you deserve after an injury. Call our team today for a free consultation with one of our attorneys. There is no fee unless we win your case!

CASE RESULTS

Millions Recovered for Our Clients

Millions recovered in the last year alone. We do what it takes to get the best possible outcome for all our clients.

Motor Vehicle Crash
$300,000

Settlement for our client that was injured in a motor vehicle accident.
Motor Vehicle Crash
$97,000

Jury verdict in minor impact soft tissue case.
Motor Vehicle Crash
CONFIDENTIAL SETTLEMENT

Our attorneys were able to settle this case for 25 times the initial offer.
Motor Vehicle Crash
CONFIDENTIAL SETTLEMENT

Our team settled this case for 4x the insurance policy limits.

What Our clients are saying

The Opinions that Matter Most

Pleasant and Painless.

“Jeff walked me through the whole process, making it pleasant and painless. I would recommend this law firm highly to anyone and everyone.”

-John A.

Professional and Transparent!

“Justin was very professional and transparent to what was going on with the case. I would recommend Justin or anyone he associates with in a heartbeat.”

-Nate L.

Organized and Efficient.

“We have used Chase Adams extensively as our legal counsel for the past several years. I have recommended Chase to family and friends who are in need of legal services. He is very organized and efficient, and understands the law & does his research.”

-Terry

There is no fee unless we win your case

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