What to Do Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident in Provo
Hit by a vehicle in Provo? This guide explains what to do immediately after a pedestrian accident to protect your health, rights, and injury claim.
Being hit by a vehicle while walking is one of the most traumatic experiences anyone can go through. In Provo, where busy intersections and fast-moving traffic meet foot traffic daily, pedestrian accidents happen more often than many realize. If you or someone you love has just been injured in this type of accident, the moments that follow are critical, not only for your health but also for any future legal action.
Here’s what you should do immediately after a pedestrian accident in Provo to protect yourself physically, emotionally, and legally.
1. Prioritize Your Safety and Get Medical Help
The shock of being hit can mask injuries. Even if you’re able to stand or walk, you may still have internal injuries, head trauma, or soft tissue damage. Call 911 or ask someone nearby to call if you’re unable. Paramedics can assess your condition and take you to the hospital if needed.
Getting medical attention right away also creates a crucial medical record that links your injuries directly to the accident, something that may be vital if you need to file a claim.
2. Stay at the Scene and Document Everything
If you’re able, try to stay at the scene until emergency services arrive. While waiting:
- Get the driver’s contact and insurance information
- Take photos of the scene, including crosswalks, traffic signals, your injuries, the vehicle, and weather or road conditions
- Write down everything you remember, like how fast the vehicle was going, what direction it came from, and what you were doing when the impact occurred.
- Talk to witnesses and ask for their names and contact info
These details may fade quickly. The more you document now, the better.
3. File a Police Report
Even if the driver apologizes or offers to “work it out privately,” you need a police report. This formal record of the incident will be key when dealing with insurance companies or pursuing legal action. Be honest, clear, and avoid speculating about fault. Stick to the facts as you experienced them.
4. Don’t Talk to the Driver’s Insurance Company Yet
Insurance adjusters may call you within hours of the crash. Their goal is to minimize the amount the company pays, not to help you recover fully. Be polite, but don’t give a recorded statement or accept a quick settlement until you’ve spoken with a personal injury attorney.
What you say early on could be used against you later. A lawyer can deal with the insurer on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected.
5. Understand Utah’s Laws on Pedestrian Accidents
Utah is a comparative fault state, which means both the pedestrian’s and the driver’s actions will be evaluated to determine liability. For example, if you were crossing outside of a crosswalk, the driver’s insurance company might argue that you share some blame.
However, you can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 50% at fault, though your award may be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility.
This is why it’s so important to have legal support. An experienced Provo personal injury attorney can help demonstrate that the driver, not you, was primarily responsible.
6. Keep Records of Everything
From the moment the accident happens, keep track of everything related to your recovery:
- ER visits and follow-up appointments
- Medications and medical expenses
- Missed work or lost income
- Receipts for transportation or other related costs
- Journals or notes on how the injury is affecting your daily life
These records help build a strong case for the damages you’ve suffered, both financially and emotionally.
7. Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer as Soon as Possible
Time matters. Evidence disappears, witnesses become harder to reach, and deadlines approach fast. In Utah, you typically have four years to file a personal injury claim, but it’s best to start far sooner.
A lawyer specialized in pedestrian accidents can:
- Launch an immediate investigation
- Work with medical experts to prove the extent of your injuries
- Handle communication with insurers
- Help you pursue compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more
The sooner you get legal support, the better your chances of recovering fully.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents (And Why They Matter)
Pedestrians are vulnerable in a crash. Without the protection of a vehicle, even low-speed collisions can cause serious or life-altering harm. Understanding the types of injuries you may be facing can help you communicate more effectively with doctors and make sure your legal claim reflects the true extent of your losses.
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These can range from concussions to long-term cognitive impairment. Symptoms may not appear immediately, which is why prompt medical attention is critical.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the back or neck can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, or even paralysis.
- Broken Bones: Fractures to legs, arms, ribs, or hips are frequent in pedestrian accidents and often require surgery or extended rehabilitation.
- Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding or organ damage may not be visible but can be life-threatening if left untreated.
- Soft Tissue Damage: Torn ligaments, bruising, and muscle injuries may seem “minor,” but they can still impact your ability to work or enjoy daily life.
These injuries don’t just affect your health, they affect your livelihood, relationships, and future. That’s why it’s essential to pursue a legal claim that accounts for both immediate costs and long-term consequences.
An experienced personal injury attorney can work with medical professionals to fully understand your diagnosis and make sure the full impact of your injuries is documented and compensated.
Don’t Face it Alone
Experiencing a pedestrian accident can be both physically and emotionally taxing. Alongside the pain, you’ll have to handle insurance claims, medical decisions, and legal concerns.
Understanding the appropriate steps to follow immediately after the accident can minimize confusion and establish a solid basis for a fair recovery. And that is why having the right legal team by your side to help you navigate this entire process is essential.
If you sustain injuries from a pedestrian accident in Provo, do not tackle it alone.
