Pedestrian Accidents in Utah: How a Skilled Lawyer Can Protect Your Rights

Pedestrian accidents can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial scars. Whether you were struck while crossing at a crosswalk, walking near traffic, or navigating a busy intersection, the aftermath of a collision with a vehicle can be devastating. Unfortunately, these types of accidents are all too common in Utah, and pedestrians are often the most vulnerable parties involved.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to know that you have rights, and you don’t have to face the legal process alone. A knowledgeable Utah pedestrian accident lawyer can be a powerful ally, helping you pursue compensation, deal with insurance companies, and hold negligent drivers accountable.

The Growing Problem of Pedestrian Accidents in Utah

In recent years, pedestrian accidents have increased across Utah. Busy city streets, distracted drivers, poor visibility, and infrastructure not designed with pedestrian safety in mind all contribute to the growing number of serious injuries and fatalities.

According to data from the Utah Department of Public Safety, hundreds of pedestrians are injured every year in traffic crashes. Sadly, many of these victims suffer catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, or permanent disability.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Distracted driving (texting, using GPS, or other devices)

• Speeding or failing to yield at crosswalks

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

• Poor weather or visibility

• Negligent turning at intersections

No matter the cause, pedestrian accidents almost always involve a driver’s failure to exercise proper caution. When that happens, you deserve justice and compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Utah

The moments following a pedestrian accident can be confusing and traumatic. However, taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal claim. If you are physically able, try to:

• Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical help

• Get the driver’s information, including insurance and contact details

• Document the scene with photos or videos of the roadway, injuries, and vehicle

• Collect witness contact information

• Seek medical care, even if injuries seem minor

Even if you feel okay, injuries can worsen or become apparent in the days following the incident. Medical records are also essential when pursuing compensation for your injuries.

How a Utah Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help

Dealing with the legal aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, especially while you're trying to recover. Insurance companies may offer you a quick settlement that doesn’t begin to cover your long-term medical needs, lost income, or emotional distress.

Hiring an experienced Utah pedestrian accident lawyer ensures your rights are protected at every stage. Here’s how an attorney can help:

• Investigate the accident and gather crucial evidence

• Work with medical experts to determine the full extent of your injuries

• Handle all communication with the insurance company so you don’t have to

• Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement that includes both economic and non-economic damages

• Represent you in court if a trial becomes necessary

Personal injury lawyers in Utah understand the unique challenges faced by pedestrian accident victims and fight tirelessly to ensure they receive the compensation and justice they deserve.

Proving Liability in a Pedestrian Accident

In Utah, proving liability is key to a successful personal injury claim. While drivers are expected to yield to pedestrians in most situations, especially in marked crosswalks, insurance companies often try to shift blame onto the pedestrian. They may argue that the pedestrian was jaywalking, distracted, or entered traffic unexpectedly.

A skilled Utah pedestrian accident lawyer will investigate every detail of your case to prove negligence. This can involve:

• Reviewing police and accident reports

• Obtaining surveillance or traffic camera footage

• Interviewing eyewitnesses

• Working with accident reconstruction specialists

Utah also uses a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning if you are found to be partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you may not recover compensation at all. That’s why it’s essential to have a lawyer who can build a strong case in your favor.

Recovering Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident

A pedestrian accident can cause more than just physical pain, it can disrupt your entire life. A Utah pedestrian accident lawyer will help you pursue full and fair compensation, which may include:

• Medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, prescriptions)

• Lost wages and reduced earning potential

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Permanent disability or disfigurement

• Loss of enjoyment of life

If the at-fault driver was especially reckless, such as in cases involving DUI or hit-and-run behavior, your lawyer may also seek punitive damages to punish the wrongdoing and prevent similar incidents.

Wrongful Death Claims for Fatal Pedestrian Accidents

When a pedestrian accident results in the tragic loss of a loved one, the emotional toll is immeasurable. While no amount of money can bring someone back, a wrongful death claim can provide financial support and a sense of justice for surviving family members.

In Utah, certain close relatives of the deceased, such as a spouse, children, or parents, may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. A Utah pedestrian accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses

• Loss of financial support

• Loss of companionship and guidance

• Emotional pain and suffering

There are many ways that a family may need to be compensated after losing a loved one to a tragic pedestrian accident. A skilled attorney will leave no stone unturned when it comes to pursuing compensation.

Why Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Utah?

We know how devastating pedestrian accidents can be, and you need a lawyer that knows how to fight for the full compensation you need to rebuild your life.

A highly competent and skilled lawyer will offer all of the following:

• Free consultations to help you understand your options

• No fees unless your case is won; you don’t pay anything upfront

• Personalized attention from a legal team that treats you like family

• Proven results in complex personal injury and pedestrian accident cases

You deserve legal representation that takes the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing.

Speak With a Utah Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, or if you’ve lost a loved one due to a driver’s negligence, you have the right to pursue justice. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner you can begin building a strong claim and protecting your future.

Call Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks to schedule a free consultation with a trusted Utah pedestrian accident lawyer today.