Pedestrian accidents can result in devastating injuries, leaving victims with overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and long-term pain. When a driver’s negligence causes harm, injured pedestrians have the right to seek compensation for their losses.
At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, our experienced Utah pedestrian accident lawyers are committed to protecting the rights of injured pedestrians and holding reckless drivers accountable. Whether you were hit by a distracted driver, struck in a crosswalk, or injured in a parking lot collision, we are here to fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Operating as Utah Injury Lawyers, Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks serves clients from its offices in Provo and South Jordan. Our firm is dedicated to providing personalized legal representation, ensuring that each client receives the focused attention and strong advocacy they deserve. With extensive experience in personal injury law, our legal team is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes while prioritizing client well-being.
Pedestrian accidents in Utah have become a significant public safety concern, reflecting both statewide and national trends. In 2022, Utah recorded 53 pedestrian fatalities, an increase from 37 in 2018, underscoring the growing risks pedestrians face on the state’s roads.
According to data from the Utah Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Safety, there were 53 pedestrian fatalities in 2022, contributing to a total of 320 traffic-related deaths in the state that year.
This marks a concerning rise in pedestrian deaths, emphasizing the vulnerability of individuals on foot compared to occupants of vehicles.
When compared nationally, Utah’s pedestrian fatality rate is relatively lower. The state reported 45 pedestrian deaths, resulting in a rate of 1.33 fatalities per 100,000 population. This positions Utah favorably against states like New Mexico, which has a rate of 2.11 per 100,000 population. However, the increasing trend in fatalities within Utah remains a pressing concern.
Several factors contribute to pedestrian accidents in Utah:
In 2017, 52% of drivers involved in pedestrian accidents were under 40 years old, and 51% of pedestrians involved were under 25 years old. This demographic data highlights the need for targeted safety campaigns addressing both younger drivers and pedestrians.
To address the increasing incidence of pedestrian accidents, we recommend implementing the following measures:
Implementing these safety practices, along with continued public awareness campaigns and infrastructure improvements, is crucial in reducing pedestrian accidents and enhancing road safety for all users in Utah.
Pedestrian accidents in Utah occur for a variety of reasons, often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities due to the vulnerability of individuals on foot. Understanding the most common causes of pedestrian accidents can help both pedestrians and drivers take the precautions necessary to reduce risks.
Below are some of the primary factors contributing to pedestrian accidents in Utah and across the country.
Many pedestrian accidents occur because of driver inattention or reckless behavior. Some of the most common forms of driver negligence include:
Texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, or using a GPS can prevent drivers from noticing pedestrians.
Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time, making it harder to stop for a pedestrian in time.
Many accidents happen when drivers do not yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections.
Drivers who ignore traffic signals often collide with pedestrians who legally have the right of way.
Alcohol or drug impairment slows reaction time and impairs judgment, making it more likely for a driver to strike a pedestrian.
While drivers have a duty to exercise caution, pedestrians also have responsibilities. A pedestrian may be found partially or fully at fault for an accident if they:
If you find yourself in such a situation, consulting a Utah Pedestrian Accident Lawyer can help ensure your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation.
Utah follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that a pedestrian can still recover damages even if they are partially at fault, as long as they are less than 50% responsible for the accident. However, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
To establish liability, investigators use various types of evidence, including:
Insurance companies and legal professionals determine fault and negotiate compensation for injured pedestrians by examining these factors.
Being struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian can be a frightening and life-altering experience. Knowing what steps to take immediately after the accident can help protect your health, preserve evidence, and strengthen any legal claims you may have.
Your health should be your top priority. Even if injuries do not seem severe initially, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussions, may not be immediately apparent. Calling 911 ensures that emergency responders arrive to assess your condition and provide necessary medical care.
It is essential to report the accident to law enforcement. The responding officers will document the scene, gather witness statements, and create an official police report, which can serve as crucial evidence if you decide to file a claim. Be sure to provide an accurate account of what happened, but avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault.
If you are physically able, collect as much information as possible before leaving the scene. Useful evidence includes:
An attorney can help you navigate the legal process, handle communications with insurance companies, and fight for fair compensation. In Utah, a Utah Pedestrian Accident Lawyer can also help determine fault and ensure you are not unfairly blamed for the accident.
Taking these steps after being hit as a pedestrian can make a significant difference in your recovery and ability to seek justice.
Pedestrians who suffer injuries in motor vehicle accidents may be entitled to financial compensation for their losses. In Utah, the amount and type of compensation depend on factors such as the severity of injuries, the accident’s circumstances, and the fault’s determination.
Victims can pursue compensation through insurance claims or personal injury lawsuits, ensuring they receive the financial support needed for recovery.
One of the most significant areas of compensation for injured pedestrians. Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries, requiring extensive medical care. Compensation can cover:
Even if a pedestrian has health insurance, these costs can add up quickly, making it crucial to seek full reimbursement.
If injuries prevent pedestrians from working, they may be compensated for lost wages. This includes both past income lost during recovery and potential future earnings if the injuries result in long-term disability.
Courts and insurance companies consider medical evidence and expert testimony to calculate these losses accurately.
Beyond financial losses, pedestrian accident victims may also receive compensation for pain and suffering. These damages are more subjective but aim to account for the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by the accident.
Factors influencing pain and suffering compensation include:
In Utah, these damages are often calculated based on the extent of medical treatment and the long-term impact of the injuries.
If a pedestrian’s personal belongings are damaged in the accident, they may also be compensated for property losses. This can include:
While property damage claims may be smaller compared to medical costs, they still contribute to the overall compensation a victim can seek.
In cases where the driver’s actions were particularly reckless or intentional, such as in drunk driving accidents, a court may award punitive damages. These damages serve as a punishment for the driver and a deterrent against similar behavior. While less common, they can significantly increase a victim’s total compensation.
Utah follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that a pedestrian can recover damages as long as they are less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault.
Seeking legal representation can help injured pedestrians maximize their compensation and ensure they receive the financial support they deserve for their recovery. A Utah Pedestrian Accident Lawyer can provide the guidance needed to pursue all available avenues for compensation, from medical bills to pain and suffering.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, the legal process can feel daunting. Dealing with insurance companies, medical expenses, and liability disputes while recovering from serious injuries is overwhelming.
Our firm is committed to guiding you through every step of your pedestrian accident claim, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve. Some of our more notable case results include:
The firm has a strong track record of securing substantial settlements and verdicts for its clients, including:
Obtained in a case involving child sexual abuse
Compensation awarded for an industrial accident caused by electrocution
Recovered in a high-profile class action lawsuit
Secured for the wrongful death of an adult child
Achieved in a case involving the wrongful shooting of a minor
These significant results reflect the firm’s dedication to fighting for justice and ensuring injury victims receive the financial recovery they deserve.
A strong claim begins with a thorough investigation. Our legal team will gather evidence to establish fault and build a compelling case on your behalf. We take the following steps to ensure we have all the necessary details to prove liability:
By uncovering crucial evidence, we can strengthen your case and hold the responsible party accountable.
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts by shifting blame onto the pedestrian or undervaluing the claim. Our firm understands these tactics and is prepared to negotiate aggressively to secure fair compensation. We will:
Having an experienced attorney on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim, preventing insurers from taking advantage of you. A Utah Pedestrian Accident Lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
In pedestrian accident cases, determining liability can be complex. While drivers often bear responsibility, pedestrians must also follow traffic laws. If liability is disputed, our firm will work diligently to prove the other party’s negligence by demonstrating:
If comparative negligence becomes a factor, meaning you are assigned a portion of fault, we will fight to minimize your responsibility and maximize your compensation. In Utah, as long as you are less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages, but the amount will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
Pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries, leading to significant financial burdens. Our firm will pursue full compensation for all damages, including:
We will work with medical professionals, economic experts, and accident reconstruction specialists to accurately assess the full impact of your injuries and ensure that you receive the compensation necessary for your recovery.
While many pedestrian accident claims are resolved through settlement negotiations, some cases require litigation. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our experienced trial attorneys will:
We are committed to seeing your case through to the end, ensuring that you are not forced to settle for less than you deserve.
Navigating a pedestrian accident claim alone can be difficult, especially when dealing with serious injuries and financial stress. Our firm stands out because of our:
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, let our firm fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help.
Utah has specific laws regulating pedestrian signals at intersections. Pedestrians must obey “Walk” and “Don’t Walk” signals. If the signal changes to “Don’t Walk” while they are already in the crosswalk, they can legally continue crossing to the other side. However, stepping off the curb when the “Don’t Walk” signal is flashing can be considered unlawful, potentially affecting a personal injury claim.
While pedestrians are often the victims of vehicle collisions, there are cases where they can be held partially or entirely liable for an accident. If a pedestrian suddenly darts into the street outside of a crosswalk, ignores traffic signals, or is impaired by drugs or alcohol, they may be found responsible for causing the accident. If a driver swerves to avoid an unlawfully crossing pedestrian and hits another vehicle, the pedestrian could be liable for damages.
Under Utah’s statute of limitations, victims of pedestrian accidents have four years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if the claim involves a government entity, such as being hit by a public transportation vehicle, a notice of claim must be filed within one year. Missing these deadlines can result in losing the right to seek compensation.
Hit-and-run accidents are unfortunately common in pedestrian collisions. If the driver flees the scene, victims should immediately report the accident to the police and provide as much identifying information as possible. If the at-fault driver is not found, injured pedestrians may seek compensation through their own uninsured motorist coverage if they have auto insurance. This coverage can help pay for medical expenses and lost wages.
Yes. Utah law places a greater duty of care on drivers when children are present. Drivers must exercise extra caution in areas like school zones, playgrounds, and residential neighborhoods. If a child pedestrian is injured, Utah courts may be more likely to hold the driver responsible, even if the child was not following standard pedestrian rules.
If you have further questions about your rights after a pedestrian accident, consulting an experienced attorney can help you understand your legal options and next steps.
Intersections are a hotspot for pedestrian accidents. If you’re a pedestrian, only cross the street if there’s a signaled crosswalk. Walk on clearly marked pedestrian pathways around parking lots. Don’t walk around parked cars—a driver can be backing out of a parking spot at any moment, and they may not see you.
Although most pedestrian accidents happen on the roads, pedestrians also run the risk of an accident while walking on a sidewalk. Bicyclists who ride on the sidewalk can strike a pedestrian. In the worst-case scenario, a bicyclist riding on the sidewalk can push a pedestrian into traffic. It’s important to always walk with your head up to remain cautious of both cars and bicycles.
Unfortunately, signaled crosswalks aren’t always safe, and you must still look in every direction before crossing the street. Pedestrians are three times more likely to be struck by cars turning left than by vehicles turning right. Accidents related to left-hand turns usually occur because both drivers and pedestrians are looking in opposite directions. A driver might be busy negotiating the intersection, while a pedestrian might only be looking straight ahead.
As hybrid cars and battery-operated vehicles climb in popularity, these cars are more likely to hit pedestrians than their gas-consuming counterparts. Although these quiet cars are ideal for not causing a ruckus in your neighborhood, they can be dangerous for pedestrians since most pedestrians detect oncoming traffic with their ears rather than their eyes.
Silent cars can especially be harmful to people with visual impairments since these people mostly rely on their hearing. If you drive a quiet car, you must pay extra attention to avoid harming a pedestrian. The risk of hitting a pedestrian from a silent car jumps to over 50 percent in residential areas because stops and turns are more frequent, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
While wearing black clothing is always in style, it’s wise to avoid wearing black clothes if you plan on walking at night. After the sun sets, plan on wearing brighter colors so drivers can see you; this safety tip is critical in areas with little to no street lighting. Carry a flashlight with you.
Both drivers and pedestrians must work together to decrease road accidents. Always be aware of your surroundings, whether you’re on a sidewalk or the road.
Whether you want to settle with your insurance or pursue a lawsuit in court, we are here for you.
If you are a pedestrian and find yourself in an accident, please reach out to Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks for assistance. Our team can help you collect the compensation you deserve.
Call our office at (801) 500-4000 to schedule a consultation or discuss your case.
UTAH INJURY LAWYERS
Flickinger • Boulton
• Robson • Weeks
PROVO OFFICE
3000 N University Ave
Suite 300
Provo, UT 84604
SOUTH JORDAN OFFICE
10393 S. Temple Dr.
Suite 103
South Jordan, Utah 84095
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Saturday-Sunday: Closed
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