Pedestrian accidents can be life-altering, causing severe injuries or even fatalities. You have minor protection against a vehicle’s force when walking, making accidents particularly devastating. In Salt Lake City, where roads bustle with traffic, pedestrians are at risk. Legal assistance is crucial if you or a loved one has been injured in such an accident.
When you need a Salt Lake City, Utah, pedestrian accident lawyer, look no further than Good Guys Injury Law. We would be honored to review your pedestrian accident case to see if you have a valid pedestrian accident claim.
Learn more about pedestrian accident injuries below. Then, before you call the insurance company, give us a call to schedule a free consultation with our Utah pedestrian accident attorneys.
Table of Contents
Experienced Salt Lake City Pedestrian Accident Attorney Ready to Assist You
A. Legal Advice and Guidance Throughout the Claims Process: The legal process can be overwhelming after a pedestrian accident. With expert legal advice, you can better understand your rights and the path to justice. Good Guys Injury Law will guide you step by step, ensuring you’re informed at every stage.
B. Investigation and Evidence Collection To Support the Case: Proper evidence is vital to building a robust case. This involves gathering witness testimonies, surveillance footage, and accident reports. Expert investigators can uncover details that might be missed, strengthening your claim.
C. Negotiating With Insurance Companies for Fair Compensation: Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. With a skilled attorney, you can ensure they don’t take advantage of you. The lawyer will negotiate fiercely, seeking the best possible settlement for your injuries.
D. Representation in Court if the Case Goes to Trial: The case might head to court if negotiations fail. Here, having a competent attorney is invaluable. They’ll present your case convincingly, advocating for your rights and the compensation you deserve.
Utah’s Pedestrian Laws
Utah law emphasizes pedestrian safety. Pedestrians have the right of way at marked crosswalks and intersections. Drivers are required to yield to them, ensuring their safety. However, pedestrians must also obey traffic signals and not suddenly leave curbs or other safe zones.
Despite these laws, accidents still happen, often due to negligence. Understanding Utah’s pedestrian laws can be a powerful tool in building a case. If drivers failed to yield, sped, or were distracted, they broke the law. Establishing this can significantly bolster a pedestrian’s case.
Salt Lake City Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Every year, Salt Lake City witnesses numerous pedestrian accidents. As a whole, Utah sees about 50 deaths in pedestrian accidents every year. As one of the largest cities in Utah, Salt Lake City also sees its fair share of pedestrian accidents and injuries. Awareness and preventive measures are essential to curbing this trend.
Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Salt Lake City
Various factors contribute to pedestrian accidents. Often, it’s a combination of driver negligence and environmental conditions. However, identifying the primary cause is crucial for any claim or lawsuit.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving remains a leading cause of pedestrian accidents. Whether texting, talking, or adjusting the radio, a distracted driver can easily miss a pedestrian. Looking away for even a few seconds can cause lifelong consequences for the injured party.
However, with technological advances, proving distraction has become more accessible. Phone records, social media activity, or in-car systems can provide invaluable evidence. When distraction is identified as the cause, it significantly strengthens the victim’s claim.
Speeding
Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of an accident. A pedestrian hit by a speeding vehicle has a significantly higher chance of severe injuries or death. Residential areas, school zones, and busy streets are particularly at risk from speeding drivers.
Holding speeding drivers accountable is essential. Traffic cameras, eyewitness reports, or skid mark analyses can provide evidence of speeding. It becomes a strong point in a pedestrian’s claim when it’s established that speeding plays a part.
Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence is an incredible danger to everyone, especially pedestrians. Drunk drivers have impaired judgment, reduced reaction times, and altered perceptions. This deadly combination often results in tragic accidents.
Thankfully, drunk driving is something that can leave behind a lot of evidence for us to use. Blood tests, breathalyzers, or field sobriety tests can confirm a driver’s intoxication. Once established, drunk driving can lead to both criminal charges and a robust civil claim.
Failure To Yield
Drivers must yield to pedestrians when they reach crosswalks and intersections. Often, drivers claim they didn’t see the pedestrian or misjudged their speed.
However, the law is clear on this matter. They’re liable if a driver does not yield and causes an accident. Establishing this breach of duty becomes easier with the proper evidence, such as traffic camera footage or witness testimonies.
Negligent Infrastructure
Sometimes, the environment contributes to accidents. Poorly lit streets, lack of crosswalks, or faded pedestrian markings can endanger walkers. In such cases, the city or entity responsible for the infrastructure may be held liable.
To prove this, detailed investigations are crucial. Past complaints, maintenance records, or expert testimony can provide insight. When infrastructure negligence is established, it opens up another avenue for seeking compensation.
Types of Injuries Sustained by Pedestrians
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries. Unlike car passengers, pedestrians have no protection against the force of a collision. Some of the most common injuries they sustain include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
TBI is a common outcome in pedestrian accidents. The impact of the crash can cause the pedestrian’s head to strike the vehicle or the road. This can lead to concussions, contusions, or even more severe brain injuries.
The repercussions of TBI can be lifelong. Victims may suffer from cognitive issues, memory problems, or physical impairments. Early medical intervention and continuous therapy are crucial for recovery.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A pedestrian’s spine is vulnerable during an accident. Whether it’s the direct force of the car or an awkward fall, spinal cord injuries are prevalent. These injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, forever changing a victim’s life.
Rehabilitation and medical treatments for spinal injuries are lengthy and expensive. Moreover, the emotional and psychological trauma accompanying such injuries can’t be understated. Victims often require support on multiple fronts to rebuild their lives.
Severe Burns
In some accidents, especially those involving motorcycles or trucks, explosions or fires can occur. Pedestrians caught in such situations can suffer from severe burns. These injuries are not just physically painful; they can leave lasting scars and require multiple surgeries.
The path to recovery from severe burns is long. Multiple skin grafts, physical therapy, and psychological support are often necessary. The medical bills can pile up, making compensation crucial for the victim’s recovery.
Amputations
The sheer force of a vehicle can result in limbs being crushed or severed. In some cases, medical amputation might be the only viable option post-accident. Such a life-changing injury brings with it a host of challenges, both physical and psychological.
Adjusting to life post-amputation is hard. Prosthetics, therapy, and support are essential for the victim’s rehabilitation. The costs associated with such treatments can be immense, underscoring the need for adequate compensation.
Multiple Fractures
Bones can easily break during a pedestrian accident. Multiple fractures are common, given the pedestrian’s vulnerable position. Recovery involves surgeries, casts, and prolonged physical therapy.
Even after healing, some victims might experience reduced mobility or chronic pain. This can affect their quality of life, making compensation vital for their well-being. We would be honored to review your pedestrian accident claims.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Salt Lake City
- Car Accidents: The most common cause of pedestrian injuries is car accidents. Busy intersections and reckless driving contribute to these accidents.
- Workplace Accidents: Especially in construction zones, pedestrians are at risk from falling objects or machinery. This can lead to serious injuries.
- Medical Malpractice: Incorrect surgeries or medication can result in severe injuries for patients.
- Product Liability: Faulty products, especially vehicles or machinery, can lead to pedestrian accidents.
- Premises Liability: Unsafe properties, like uneven sidewalks or poor lighting, increase the risk of pedestrian injuries. This could lead to a premises liability case.
Legal Process for Filing Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit
A. Filing a Lawsuit: The first step in seeking justice. This involves documenting the injury, gathering evidence, and presenting a case against the responsible party.
B. Discovery and Depositions: Both sides gather evidence. This can involve interviewing witnesses, collecting documents, and expert testimonies.
C. Mediation and Settlement Negotiations: Both sides might try to reach a settlement before heading to trial. This can save time and money but requires skilled negotiation.
D. Trial and Litigation: If no settlement is reached, the case goes to court. Here, both sides present their evidence, and a verdict is reached.
E. Appeals, if Necessary: If one side is dissatisfied with the verdict, they can appeal. This means a higher court reviews the case.
Determining Liability in Salt Lake City Pedestrian Accidents
In pedestrian accident cases, proving negligence is crucial. This means showing that the responsible party acted carelessly or recklessly. For instance, if a driver was texting while driving and hit a pedestrian, they were negligent.
However, other entities can also be liable. For instance, the city might be held responsible if a traffic light malfunctioned due to poor maintenance. Understanding and proving negligence and liability is complex, making legal expertise indispensable.
Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accidents in Salt Lake City
In Salt Lake City, victims of pedestrian accidents have a limited time to file a lawsuit. In Utah, you have four years from the date of the accident to file a claim in a personal injury case. Therefore, timely legal action is essential.
Compensatory Damages for Salt Lake City Pedestrian Injury Accidents
After a pedestrian accident, victims face numerous challenges. From medical bills to lost wages, the financial strain can be immense. Thankfully, the law allows victims to seek compensatory damages.
Medical Expenses
Medical bills form a significant part of the damages. From immediate treatments to long-term therapies, the costs can skyrocket. Victims can fight for compensation for past and future medical expenses, ensuring they receive the care they need.
Lost Wages
Many victims can’t return to work immediately after an accident. This can lead to lost wages, putting additional financial strain on them. Compensation can cover lost wages, helping victims and their families maintain their standard of living.
Pain and Suffering
Beyond the physical injuries, victims undergo immense emotional and psychological trauma. The law recognizes this, allowing victims to claim damages for their pain and suffering. This compensation takes into account the emotional toll of the accident and its aftermath.
Rehabilitation Costs
Recovering from a pedestrian accident can be challenging. Rehabilitation, be it physical therapy or psychological support, is often necessary. The associated costs can be claimed as damages, ensuring victims have access to the best possible care. To ensure you maximize the value of your claim, reach out to our team today.
Schedule an Initial Consultation With Our Salt Lake City Pedestrian Accident Lawyer at Good Guys Injury Law Today
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a pedestrian accident in Salt Lake City, don’t wait. Time is of the essence. The team at Good Guys Injury Law is ready to assist you. It would be our honor to defend your rights and make sure your voice is heard.
With expert knowledge and a commitment to justice, Good Guys Injury Law stands by its clients. Schedule your initial consultation today, and let us help you navigate the challenging path to recovery and justice.