Sandy Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Have you been injured in a pedestrian accident in Sandy, UT? Let Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks handle the complexities of your claim while you focus on healing and rebuilding your life. Call us today to schedule your free case review.

Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users, and when a collision with a vehicle occurs, the injuries can be devastating. Whether caused by distracted driving, speeding, or failure to yield, pedestrian accidents often result in broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and other life-altering consequences. 

If you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Sandy, you need a dedicated legal advocate to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, our experienced Sandy pedestrian accident lawyers understand the complexities of these cases and work tirelessly to hold negligent drivers accountable. 

We are committed to securing maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Contact us today to learn how we can help you navigate the legal process and pursue justice for your injuries.

Utah Pedestrian Accident Statistics According to a Sandy Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian accidents are a serious concern in Sandy, Utah, reflecting broader trends observed statewide. In 2018, Sandy experienced 39 pedestrian-involved automobile accidents, including one fatality. The following year, 2019, saw an increase to 49 such accidents. 

Statewide data from the Utah Department of Public Safety indicates that pedestrian accidents, while comprising a small percentage of total traffic incidents, result in a disproportionate number of fatalities. Between 2005 and 2014, over 7,500 pedestrian-related crashes occurred in Utah, leading to more than 6,700 injuries and 288 deaths. Notably, pedestrians accounted for only 1.4% of all crashes but represented 12.7% of traffic-related fatalities during this period. 

Further analysis reveals that in 2019, 43 out of 248 total roadside fatalities in Utah were pedestrians, equating to approximately 17% of all traffic deaths. 

These statistics underscore the heightened vulnerability of pedestrians in traffic environments and highlight the critical need for enhanced safety measures and awareness to protect those on foot.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents occur for a variety of reasons, but most result from driver negligence, poor visibility, or failure to follow traffic laws. Unlike motorists, pedestrians have no protection in crashes, making them highly vulnerable to serious injuries. 

Understanding the common causes of pedestrian accidents can help prevent future collisions and ensure victims receive the compensation they deserve.

Distracted Driving

One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents is driver distraction. When motorists are texting, using GPS, adjusting the radio, or talking to passengers, they may fail to see pedestrians crossing the street or walking alongside the roadway. Even a momentary lapse in attention can result in a devastating collision.

Failure to Yield at Crosswalks

Many pedestrian accidents occur at intersections and marked crosswalks, where drivers are legally required to stop for people crossing. Some drivers fail to yield the right-of-way, misjudge a pedestrian’s speed, or simply ignore traffic signals. This can lead to high-impact crashes, particularly in busy urban areas.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time for a pedestrian, increasing both the likelihood of a crash and the severity of injuries. Speeding is especially dangerous in school zones, residential neighborhoods, and areas with heavy foot traffic, where pedestrians may cross unexpectedly.

Poor Visibility and Low-Light Conditions

Pedestrian accidents are more common at night or in poor weather conditions, where drivers may struggle to see people walking along the road. Lack of proper street lighting, dark clothing, and blind spots all contribute to increased accident risks.

Drunk or Impaired Driving

Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, making them more likely to hit pedestrians. Impaired driving is a major contributor to fatal pedestrian accidents.

When negligence leads to a pedestrian accident, victims deserve justice. Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks helps injured pedestrians fight for fair compensation and hold reckless drivers accountable.

Utah Pedestrian Laws and Rights

Utah has specific pedestrian laws designed to protect individuals on foot and ensure their safety while navigating roadways. Understanding these laws is crucial for both pedestrians and drivers to reduce accidents and uphold pedestrian rights.

Pedestrian Rights in Utah

Pedestrians have the right-of-way in many traffic situations, particularly at crosswalks and intersections. Utah law mandates that:

• Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections. This means vehicles must slow down or stop if necessary to allow pedestrians to cross safely.
• In school zones, drivers must come to a complete stop when a pedestrian is in a marked school crosswalk and must wait until the pedestrian has fully crossed.
• Turning vehicles must yield to pedestrians crossing at an intersection, even if cars have a green light.

Pedestrian Responsibilities

While pedestrians have rights, they must also follow certain rules to ensure their safety and avoid accidents. Utah law requires that:

• Pedestrians use designated crosswalks at intersections with traffic control signals. Jaywalking or crossing outside a marked area may result in a citation.
• Pedestrians must not suddenly leave a curb or place of safety and step into the path of an oncoming vehicle that does not have enough time to stop.
• Where sidewalks are available, pedestrians must use them. If no sidewalks exist, pedestrians should walk on the shoulder facing traffic to remain visible to drivers.

By following these laws, pedestrians can better protect themselves while holding negligent drivers accountable for failing to yield the right-of-way. If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks can help you understand your rights and pursue fair compensation. Our Sandy pedestrian accident lawyers are well versed in the strategies required to get you a fair outcome. 

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Sandy

Being involved in a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, leaving victims injured, confused, and unsure of what to do next. However, taking the right steps immediately after an accident is crucial for protecting your health, legal rights, and ability to seek compensation. 

Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, also known as Utah Injury Lawyers, provide dedicated legal representation from their offices in cities such as Salt Lake City, Provo, and South Jordan. Our firm takes a client-focused approach, ensuring personalized attention and strategic advocacy for every case. 

With extensive experience handling a wide range of personal injury claims, their team is committed to achieving the best possible results. Prioritizing client well-being, they work tirelessly to secure the compensation and justice injury victims deserve.

Here’s what one should do if they were injured in a pedestrian accident in Sandy, Utah.

Call 911 and Seek Medical Attention

Your health and safety should be the top priority after a pedestrian accident. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance. 

Some injuries, such as concussions, internal bleeding, or spinal damage, may not show immediate symptoms but can become life-threatening if left untreated. A medical evaluation will also create a record of your injuries, which will be critical when filing an insurance claim or lawsuit.

Stay at the Scene and Gather Evidence

If you are physically able, collect as much evidence as possible to support your claim. This includes:

• Taking photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, vehicle damage, traffic signals, and any road hazards.
• Obtaining the driver’s information, including their name, contact details, driver’s license, insurance provider, and license plate number.
• Speaking with witnesses and collecting their contact information in case they need to provide a statement later.

If you are too injured to gather evidence, ask a friend or bystander for help.

File a Police Report

When law enforcement arrives, provide a detailed account of the accident, but avoid making statements that could imply fault. The police report will serve as an official record, helping establish what happened and who was responsible. 

Request a copy of the report for your records, as it will be vital for your legal case.

Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Representation

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by shifting blame onto the pedestrian or offering a quick, lowball settlement. If the at-fault driver’s insurance company contacts you:

• Do not admit fault or downplay your injuries.
• Avoid providing recorded statements, as they may be used against you.
• Do not accept any settlement offers without first consulting an attorney.

Having legal representation ensures that your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Contact an Experienced Sandy Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Navigating a pedestrian accident claim can be complex, especially when insurance companies dispute liability. An experienced Sandy pedestrian accident lawyer can:

• Investigate the accident and gather evidence.
• Handle all communications with insurance companies.
• Fight for full compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Represent you in court if necessary.

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we are dedicated to helping pedestrian accident victims get the justice and compensation they deserve.  

How Sandy Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Determine Liability 

Establishing liability in a pedestrian accident case is critical for securing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. While drivers are often at fault, pedestrians also have specific responsibilities under Utah pedestrian laws. 

Liability is determined by examining who acted negligently and whether that negligence directly caused the accident.

Understanding Negligence in Pedestrian Accidents

Negligence occurs when a driver or pedestrian fails to exercise reasonable care, leading to an accident. To prove liability, the injured party must demonstrate:

• Duty of Care: The driver or pedestrian was legally obligated to act responsibly.
• Breach of Duty: One party failed to follow traffic laws or acted carelessly.
• Causation: The negligent action directly caused the accident.
• Damages: The victim suffered injuries and financial losses due to the crash.

When the Driver Is at Fault

Motorists have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and remain alert for pedestrians. A driver may be held liable if they:

• Failed to yield at a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
• Were distracted (e.g., texting, using a GPS, or adjusting the radio).
• Were speeding, making it impossible to stop in time.
• Ran a red light or stop sign at an intersection.
• Were impaired by alcohol or drugs, affecting their reaction time.
• Did not check for pedestrians before making a turn or backing out of a parking space.

If the driver engaged in any of these behaviors, they may be found entirely or partially liable for the accident.

When the Pedestrian May Be at Fault

While pedestrians often have the right of way, they must also follow traffic laws. A pedestrian may be partially or fully liable if they:

• Jaywalked (crossed outside a marked crosswalk).
• Entered traffic suddenly, giving the driver no time to react.
• Crossed against a pedestrian signal or ignored a traffic light.
• Were distracted (e.g., looking at a phone or wearing headphones).
• Walked into the road while intoxicated, impairing their judgment.

If a pedestrian’s actions contributed to the accident, their compensation may be reduced under Utah’s comparative negligence rule.

Utah’s Comparative Negligence Law

Utah follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that if a pedestrian is found less than 50% at fault, they can still recover compensation. Still, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. However, if they are found 50% or more at fault, they cannot recover any damages.

For example:

• If a pedestrian were 20% at fault and suffered $100,000 in damages, their compensation would be reduced by 20%, leaving them with $80,000.
• If they were found 55% at fault, they would receive no compensation.

How Liability Is Determined

Liability in a Sandy pedestrian accident case is determined through thorough evidence collection, which may include:

• Police reports: These contain details about how the accident happened and any citations issued.
• Traffic camera or surveillance footage: Videos can provide clear evidence of driver or pedestrian behavior.
• Eyewitness testimony: Statements from bystanders can help clarify the events leading up to the crash.
• Medical records: These document the severity of injuries and link them to the accident.
• Accident reconstruction reports: Experts can determine fault by analyzing skid marks, vehicle damage, and impact force.

How a Sandy Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help

Proving fault in a pedestrian accident case can be complex, especially when insurance companies dispute liability. An experienced Sandy pedestrian accident lawyer can:

• Investigate the accident to gather substantial evidence.
• Work with accident reconstruction specialists to prove negligence.
• Negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair compensation.
• File a lawsuit and represent you in court if necessary.

Let Us Help You Seek Justice

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we understand the devastating impact a pedestrian accident can have on victims and their families. When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the injuries are often severe, leading to extensive medical treatment, lost wages, and emotional distress. 

Our firm is dedicated to helping pedestrian accident victims in Sandy recover the compensation they deserve while guiding them through the legal process with compassion and expertise.

Comprehensive Case Evaluation and Investigation

The first step in any pedestrian accident claim is determining liability and gathering evidence. Our legal team conducts a thorough investigation to build a strong case, which includes:

• Analyzing police reports to establish fault and document the accident details.
• Reviewing traffic camera footage and witness statements to support your claim.
• Examining medical records to prove the extent of your injuries and future treatment needs.
• Consulting accident reconstruction experts to demonstrate how the accident occurred and who was responsible.

By collecting this critical evidence early, we strengthen our clients’ claims and ensure their compensation isn’t reduced under the insurance companies’ attempts to assign them blame to minimize the payout.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize settlements by shifting blame onto the pedestrian or undervaluing the victim’s injuries. Our experienced attorneys handle all negotiations with insurance adjusters, ensuring that clients do not:

• Accept a lowball settlement that does not cover medical expenses and lost wages.
• Make statements that could be used against them to reduce their compensation.
• Struggle with complex insurance policies and claim procedures on their own.

Our firm fights for full and fair compensation covering all current and future damages caused by the accident.

Securing Maximum Compensation for Victims

Pedestrian accident victims often suffer from severe, long-term injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries. These injuries require costly medical treatment, rehabilitation, and, in some cases, lifelong care. 

Our Sandy pedestrian accident attorneys work to ensure that victims receive compensation for all damages, including:

• Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy).
• Lost wages and future earnings for victims who cannot return to work.
• Pain and suffering for physical and emotional distress.
• Long-term disability compensation if the victim suffers permanent impairments.
• Wrongful death compensation for families who have lost a loved one due to a pedestrian accident.

We work with medical experts, financial analysts, and life care planners to accurately calculate the full cost of a victim’s injuries and negotiate for the maximum possible settlement.

Litigation and Court Representation

While most pedestrian accident claims are settled out of court, some cases require litigation to secure fair compensation. If an insurance company refuses to offer a just settlement, our firm is prepared to take the case to trial. 

We provide aggressive courtroom representation, using expert testimony and compelling evidence to fight for the victim’s rights before a judge or jury.

Compassionate Support Throughout the Legal Process

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we know that recovering from a pedestrian accident is not just about legal battles; it is also about helping victims rebuild their lives. Our firm provides:

• Personalized legal guidance, keeping clients informed every step of the way.
• Access to top medical professionals who can assist with rehabilitation.
• Assistance with medical liens so victims can receive treatment without immediate out-of-pocket costs.

We take pride in offering compassionate, client-focused representation, ensuring that every pedestrian accident victim receives the justice and compensation they deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accident Claims in Sandy

Pedestrian accidents can be overwhelming, and many victims have concerns about the legal process, their rights, and what to expect when filing a claim. 

Below are some frequently asked questions that provide additional insight into pedestrian accident claims in Sandy.