Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Ogden

Pedestrians have the right to safe crosswalks and streets. If a negligent driver hits you, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks pedestrian accident lawyer in Ogden today at (801) 500-4000 for a free consultation.

Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users, and when a collision with a vehicle occurs, the injuries can be devastating.

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Ogden, our pedestrian accident lawyers for Ogden at Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks understand the fear, confusion, and pain you may be facing.

Our goal is to help you understand your rights under Utah law and guide you through the legal process so you can focus on healing. We proudly serve the Ogden community, standing up for individuals who have suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence.

Here we’ll cover how pedestrian accidents happen, what Utah laws protect you, and the steps to take if you’ve been hit by a vehicle. Most importantly, we’ll explain how our Ogden pedestrian accident attorney can support you in pursuing the compensation you deserve.

Overview of Pedestrian Accidents in Ogden

Pedestrian accidents are unfortunately common in Ogden and throughout Utah. Busy intersections and streets can become dangerous as more people choose to walk for exercise, commuting, and leisure. Drivers who speed, fail to yield, or get distracted put pedestrians at significant risk.

When a vehicle collides with a pedestrian, the pedestrian often suffers severe injuries. Even at relatively low speeds, the impact can cause broken bones, head injuries, and severe internal harm. These injuries can lead to long-term recovery hospital visits and mounting medical expenses.

Being involved in a pedestrian accident not only affects you physically but can also result in emotional and financial challenges. Utah’s laws offer ways for injured pedestrians to seek compensation for these losses. 

By working with an Ogden pedestrian accident lawyer, you can better understand your legal options, protect your rights, and pursue fair compensation for your injuries.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Ogden According to a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Ogden

Pedestrian accidents in Ogden happen for various reasons, including driver error or negligence. Understanding these common causes can help you see why an accident may have occurred and who could be held responsible. Here are the most common reasons for pedestrian accidents in Ogden and surrounding areas:

1. Distracted Driving: Drivers who text, check social media, or even eat behind the wheel can quickly lose focus on the road. A moment of distraction is all it takes for a driver to miss seeing you in a crosswalk or alongside the road.
2. Speeding: Excessive speed reduces the driver’s reaction time, making it harder to stop or swerve to avoid hitting a pedestrian. Accidents at high speeds often result in severe or even fatal injuries to pedestrians.
3. Failure to Yield: Many pedestrian accidents occur at crosswalks or intersections when drivers fail to yield the right of way. If a driver tries to beat a red light or doesn’t stop at a stop sign, it can lead to a dangerous collision.
4. Drunk or Drugged Driving: Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and poor judgment, increasing the likelihood of crashing into a pedestrian. These accidents often happen late at night when visibility is already low.
5. Left-Turn Accidents: Some drivers focus on oncoming traffic when turning left and forget to check if pedestrians are crossing. This oversight can lead to a serious crash in the crosswalk.

If you’ve been hit by a driver under any of these circumstances, you might be entitled to compensation for the damage suffered. Identifying the cause of the accident is a key part of building a solid legal case.

An experienced Ogden pedestrian injury lawyer can help determine liability and build a strong case for your claim by investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and working to prove how a driver’s negligence led to your injuries.

Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Ogden Explains Utah Pedestrian Laws and Rights

Utah has several laws to protect pedestrians and reduce accidents, which give pedestrians certain rights and impose responsibilities on drivers. Understanding these laws can help clarify whether the driver who hit you was breaking the rules:

• Right of Way in Crosswalks: When you are walking in a marked or unmarked crosswalk and are on the same half of the roadway as a driver, that driver must yield the right of way to you. Drivers should also yield if you are close enough to their half of the roadway to be in danger.
• Obligations of Pedestrians: Pedestrians also have responsibilities, such as using crosswalks when available and following traffic signals. If you suddenly leave a curb and walk into the path of a vehicle, it may affect your ability to make a successful claim.
• Duty to Exercise Care: Both drivers and pedestrians have a general duty to be careful on the road. This means drivers should slow down in areas with heavy foot traffic, and pedestrians should pay attention to their surroundings.
• Safe Speeds and Conditions: Utah law requires drivers to drive at a safe speed and consider road conditions. This may include slowing down in areas where pedestrians are present, especially near schools or bus stops.

If a driver in Ogden violates any of these laws and causes an accident, they may be found negligent. Proving that the driver broke the rules can strengthen your case and help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more. Our legal team can help you understand how these laws apply to your situation and what steps to take next.

Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Ogden Explains Steps to Take After an Accident

Taking the right steps can make a big difference in protecting your rights and well-being if you’re hurt in a pedestrian accident. Here are some actions we recommend:

1. Get Medical Attention: Your health is the number one priority. Even if you feel okay, it’s wise to see a doctor. Some injuries might not be obvious right away, and medical records can link the accident to your injuries.
2. Call the Police: Always report the accident to local law enforcement in Ogden. The police will create an official report that details what happened. Be sure to get the name and badge number of the officer who arrives.
3. Gather Information: If you can, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries. Also, collect the driver’s name, contact details, insurance information, and license plate number. If there are witnesses, politely ask for their contact information.
4. Avoid Making Statements About Fault: It’s normal to feel upset or shaken after an accident. However, avoid apologizing or admitting any fault at the scene. Focus on getting the help you need and collecting factual information.
5. Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Ogden: Speaking with an experienced lawyer can help ensure you know your rights and understand the value of your claim. A lawyer can also communicate with the insurance company on your behalf so you can focus on recovering.

By following these steps and seeking legal help right away, you can make sure that evidence is preserved and that insurance companies treat you fairly. Our team at Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks is here to support you and answer any questions you have about what comes next.

Determining Liability in Pedestrian Accident Cases

Establishing who is at fault is one of the most important aspects of a pedestrian accident claim. In many cases, the driver is primarily or entirely to blame. However, liability can sometimes be shared among multiple parties, including you as the pedestrian or even a local government entity responsible for road maintenance. Here’s how liability is generally determined:

Gathering Evidence

Your legal team will start by collecting evidence such as:

• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Photos or videos of the crash scene
• Traffic camera footage (if available)
• Vehicle damage records

This evidence helps paint a clear picture of what happened before, during, and after the collision. For example, if a witness saw the driver run a red light, that testimony could be crucial to proving their negligence.

Applying Utah’s Negligence Laws

Utah follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This means a person can recover compensation if they are less than 50% at fault. However, their total award will be reduced by their percentage of fault. For instance, if you are found to be  20% responsible and the driver is  80% responsible, and your damages total $100,000, you would receive $80,000 (reduced by 20%).

Common Factors That Point to Driver Liability

Any of these can be strong indicators that the driver breached their duty of care:

• Distracted Driving: Cell phone use, eating, grooming, or adjusting the radio.
• Impairment: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Speeding: Driving above the posted limit, especially in pedestrian-heavy areas.
• Failure to Yield: Ignoring crosswalks, stop signs or traffic signals.

Possible Shared Liability

Sometimes, a pedestrian may also hold some responsibility. For example, an insurance company may argue that you contributed to the accident if you crossed the street outside a crosswalk or darted into traffic. 

You could still collect compensation if your assigned percentage of fault is under 50%. This is where a skilled Ogden pedestrian accident lawyer can step in to protect your rights and ensure your assigned percentage of fault truly reflects your involvement in the accident, enhancing your chances for maximum compensation.

Government or Third-Party Responsibility

Liability might also involve a city or county if poor road design, broken traffic signals, or obstructed signs contributed to the accident. However, filing a claim against a government agency can be more complex due to special notice requirements and shorter filing deadlines.

Determining liability is about piecing together evidence and applying Utah’s negligence laws. Our Ogden personal injury lawyers at Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks are experienced in thoroughly investigating pedestrian accidents. 

We’re here to help you gather the evidence needed and build a strong argument that maximizes your chance of receiving fair compensation. While you focus on healing, our Ogden pedestrian accident attorney will focus on holding the at-fault parties accountable so you can move forward with greater peace of mind.

Compensation Available for Pedestrian Accident Victims

After a pedestrian accident, you may be faced with medical bills, time off work, and emotional distress. Utah law allows injured victims to seek compensation to help offset these and other losses. Understanding what types of damages you can recover is an important step in deciding whether to pursue a claim.

Medical Expenses

Accidents involving vehicles can lead to serious injuries like broken bones, head trauma, or spinal cord damage. Compensation may cover:

• Emergency room visits
• Surgeries and hospital stays
• Doctor’s appointments
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Prescription medications
• Ongoing care for long-term injuries

It’s essential to keep all medical records and bills. These documents help prove the extent of your injuries and the costs involved.

Lost Income

If your injuries prevent you from going to work, you can seek reimbursement for lost wages. You may also be eligible for loss of earning capacity for more severe or permanent injuries. 

This covers the difference between what you were making before the accident and what you can realistically earn afterward, given any limitations from your injury.

Pain and Suffering

Physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish are common after a serious pedestrian accident. 

While these damages can be more challenging to calculate, they are vital to ensuring you receive full and fair compensation for the harm you’ve endured. This may include damages for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and a reduced ability to enjoy life’s activities.

Property Damage

Though not as common in pedestrian cases, you may be entitled to compensation for any personal belongings damaged in the accident, such as your cellphone, glasses, or other items that were on you at the time.

Punitive Damages

In rare situations, if the driver’s behavior was especially reckless, such as driving extremely fast in a school zone or driving drunk, you might be able to seek punitive damages. These are meant to punish the negligent party and deter similar conduct in the future.

We know this is a confusing time, and evaluating your potential compensation might feel overwhelming. At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we aim to simplify the process for you, handling every aspect of your case and walking you through each step of the way. 

We’ll look at every aspect of your case, from medical costs to emotional suffering, to ensure we pursue every form of compensation available. While money can’t undo what happened, it can help alleviate financial burdens and provide a measure of justice as you begin to heal.

How Our Ogden Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Assist Victims

When you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, it can feel like your entire life has been turned upside down. You deserve a legal team that understands what you’re going through and knows how to fight for your best interests. At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we take pride in helping injured pedestrians in Ogden confidently navigate the legal system.

Personalized Consultation

From the moment you first contact us, we prioritize getting to know you and learning about your situation. We ask about how the accident occurred, your injuries, medical treatments, and any financial or emotional challenges you’re facing. This one-on-one attention allows us to customize our approach to your specific needs.

In-Depth Investigation

A successful claim requires strong evidence. We investigate every detail, looking at police reports, medical records, and witness accounts. When necessary, we collaborate with accident reconstruction experts who can help show how and why the collision happened. 

We also evaluate traffic camera footage or surveillance videos that might have captured the accident. Our thorough investigation aims to leave no stone unturned.

Communication with Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies on your own can feel overwhelming and stressful. Insurance adjusters might try to downplay the severity of your injuries or challenge the details of how the accident happened. 

This can make it harder for you to get the compensation you deserve. We take on the responsibility of communicating with insurance companies, ensuring that they do not take advantage of you. 

Our legal team of pedestrian accident lawyers in Ogden knows how to handle these negotiations and fights hard to get you a fair settlement. We will not let the insurance companies pressure you into accepting less than what you truly deserve.

Calculation of Damages

We carefully calculate all the damages you’ve suffered so that we can fight for the maximum possible compensation. This isn’t just about your medical bills or lost wages. We also consider the pain and suffering you’ve endured, any emotional distress you’ve faced, and the costs of long-term care if needed. 

Every person’s situation is different, and we make sure we fully understand every aspect of your injury and recovery process. Our goal is to account for all of your losses, both big and small, to ensure that your compensation is fair and complete.

Settlements and Trials

In many pedestrian accident cases, a fair settlement is reached without the need for a trial. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, we can take your case to court. 

Our attorneys are experienced in presenting cases before judges and juries, and we will stand by you throughout the entire legal process. Whether it’s through settlement or trial, we will do whatever it takes to get you the compensation you deserve.

Transparency and Support

We believe that keeping you informed is an essential part of the legal process. We make sure you understand every step of the way, providing regular updates and breaking down any legal language into simple, easy-to-understand terms. 

We are here to listen and help if you have questions or concerns. We want you to feel confident and in control of your case, knowing that we are with you every step of the way.

Focus on Your Well-Being

We know that this is a difficult and stressful time for you. Our goal is to help reduce some of that stress by taking care of all the legal details. We can also connect you with medical specialists or other professionals to support your recovery if needed. 

By handling the legal side of things, we give you the time and space you need to focus on healing, regaining your stability, and getting your life back on track. We are here to support you and ensure you get the help you need during this challenging time.

Frequently Asked Questions for Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Ogden