Being hit by a vehicle while walking can turn your world upside down. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident, understanding your rights and legal options is essential. Schedule your free consultation today at 801-500-4000.
Pedestrian Accidents Are More Common Than You Think
Walking should be one of the safest ways to get around, but unfortunately, pedestrian accidents happen far too often in Utah. Whether you’re crossing the street, walking through a parking lot, or simply navigating your neighborhood, a careless driver can change your life in seconds.
According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, there were over 800 pedestrian-related crashes in a recent year alone, resulting in nearly 50 fatalities and hundreds of serious injuries. These numbers highlight just how vulnerable pedestrians are and how important it is to hold negligent drivers accountable.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Most pedestrian accidents are caused by driver inattention or recklessness. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Distracted driving, especially texting while driving
- Failure to yield at crosswalks or intersections
- Speeding, especially in residential or school zones
- Impaired driving from alcohol or drugs
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Poor visibility due to lighting or weather conditions
Even at low speeds, a pedestrian struck by a vehicle can suffer devastating injuries. These incidents are often entirely preventable and typically the result of someone not following basic traffic laws.
Injuries Pedestrians Commonly Suffer
Unlike motorists, pedestrians have no physical protection when a crash happens. As a result, even a “minor” collision can lead to life-altering consequences. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Broken bones and complex fractures
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Lacerations and road rash
- Amputations
- Emotional trauma, including PTSD or anxiety
Recovery can be long, painful, and expensive, especially if the victim is unable to work or requires ongoing care.
Utah Laws That Protect Pedestrians
Utah law requires drivers to exercise caution and yield to pedestrians in most situations, particularly in:
- Marked and unmarked crosswalks
- School zones
- Areas with pedestrian signals
Utah also has specific laws to address distracted and impaired driving, two major contributors to pedestrian injuries.
Importantly, Utah is a modified comparative negligence state. This means that if a pedestrian is found less than 50% at fault, they can still recover damages. However, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. If they are found 50% or more at fault, they may be barred from recovering compensation altogether.
That’s why legal representation is so important. Insurance companies often try to place blame on the pedestrian, even when the driver was clearly at fault.
How Insurance Companies Complicate Pedestrian Claims
It might seem obvious that a driver who hits a pedestrian should be responsible for their injuries. But insurers don’t always make it that simple.
Insurance companies may:
- Argue that the pedestrian was jaywalking or not paying attention
- Claim the injuries are less serious than reported
- Offer quick, low settlements before medical needs are fully known
- Delay or deny valid claims without proper justification
It’s incredibly difficult to take on these powerful companies alone, especially while you’re trying to heal.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
If you’re able to take action after the crash, here are some steps that can strengthen your claim:
- Call 911 and ensure a police report is filed
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel okay
- Document the scene, including photos of where and how the accident occurred
- Gather contact info from witnesses and the driver
- Avoid giving detailed statements to the driver’s insurance
- Keep a record of your medical treatment and how the injuries are affecting your life
Even if you weren’t able to gather all this information at the time, an attorney can often help track it down.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Pedestrian accident victims in Utah may be eligible for a wide range of compensation, including:
- Medical bills (emergency care, surgery, rehab, ongoing care)
- Lost wages and loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In tragic cases where a loved one is lost, families may also pursue a wrongful death claim to cover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support.
Why Legal Support Matters
Even when it might seem clear where the fault lies, getting fair compensation is rarely easy. Pedestrian accident cases often involve complex questions about liability, comparative fault, and insurance coverage. A skilled pedestrian accident attorney can:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of the crash
- Consult with accident reconstruction experts
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- File a lawsuit if needed to protect your rights
- Help you avoid common pitfalls that could hurt your case
We understand how overwhelming this process can be, especially while you’re dealing with pain, uncertainty, and medical bills. You don’t have to face it alone.
We’re Here to Help You Move Forward
Being injured in a pedestrian accident is deeply traumatic, not just physically, but emotionally and financially. Whether you’re the injured party or the loved one of someone who was hurt or killed, you deserve support, clarity, and justice.
At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we’ve helped countless Utah families recover after devastating pedestrian crashes. Our team knows the law, understands the insurance system, and has a long track record of success. We treat every case with the compassion and professionalism it deserves.
Call us at 801-500-4000 to schedule your free consultation today. Let’s talk about how we can help you seek justice and move forward with confidence.
