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Nelson Jones Legal — Utah Personal Injury Lawyers

Pedestrian Accidents

Hit While Walking? The Law Is on Your Side.

Drivers owe pedestrians the right of way. When they don't give it, the injuries are severe — and so is the accountability we pursue.

Bret Rawson

At Nelson Jones Utah Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the severe impact that pedestrian accidents can have on individuals and their families. Pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries or fatalities due to the vulnerability of individuals to motor vehicles.

Our dedicated team of Utah pedestrian accident lawyers is committed to helping victims and their families recover the compensation they deserve. We work through personal injury law with expertise, advocating passionately on your behalf.

Our approach combines aggressive legal representation with compassionate client care. We know that dealing with the aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, which is why we handle every aspect of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

From negotiating with insurance companies to litigating in court, we aim to secure the maximum possible compensation for your injuries and losses. Count on Nelson Jones Utah Personal Injury Lawyers, to provide the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.

Our Utah Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Helps You Pursue Compensation for Your Injuries

When you choose Nelson Jones Utah Personal Injury Lawyers, you select a firm prioritizing your well-being and financial recovery. Our Utah pedestrian accident lawyer thoroughly investigates each case, ensuring that all contributing factors are considered and responsible parties are held accountable. We strive to obtain comprehensive compensation that covers medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

We develop a tailored strategy that reflects the specifics of your situation. Our team is skilled in mediation and trial advocacy, which means we are prepared to go to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations. Our commitment to achieving the best possible outcome is unwavering as we work to ensure that your rights are protected and your recovery is prioritized.

personal injury

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can result in a range of severe injuries, which are often life-changing. The lack of protection pedestrians have compared to vehicle occupants means that injuries are typically more severe and can lead to long-term consequences. Some of the most common injuries our clients suffer include:

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most serious injuries that can occur in pedestrian accidents. These injuries can range from mild concussions with temporary effects to severe brain damage causing permanent disability. Our lawyers understand the complexities of TBIs and work with medical professionals to ensure that the full extent of your injuries is documented and adequately compensated.

Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries can have devastating consequences, including partial or total paralysis. These injuries often require long-term medical care and can significantly alter a victim's quality of life. Our firm is dedicated to securing settlements that cover all medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and necessary modifications to your home and lifestyle.

Broken Hip

A broken hip is a common injury, especially among older pedestrians who are more vulnerable to serious injuries from falls. Recovery from a hip fracture typically involves surgery and extensive physical therapy, and it may lead to long-term mobility issues.

Broken Femur

The femur is one of the strongest bones in the body, and a break usually results from high-impact collisions. Recovery from a broken femur is painful and prolonged, often requiring surgery and lengthy periods of rehabilitation.

Broken Arm

Broken arms are frequent in pedestrian accidents as victims instinctively reach out to break their fall. These injuries can range from simple fractures to complex breaks that require surgical intervention and prolonged physical therapy.

Internal Organ Damage

Internal injuries, such as organ damage, are less visible but can be life-threatening. Such injuries require immediate medical attention, and their effects can be long-lasting, impacting various aspects of a victim’s health and lifestyle.

car accident

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents are a serious concern and often result in severe injuries or fatalities. Understanding the common causes of these accidents is essential for both pedestrians and drivers to enhance road safety.

Here are some key factors that contribute to pedestrian accidents:

  • Distracted Driving: Many pedestrian accidents occur because drivers are not paying attention to the road. Texting, phone use, or other distractions can cause drivers to overlook pedestrians, especially in crosswalks or urban areas.

  • Failing to Yield at Crosswalks: Drivers who fail to observe crosswalk rules or ignore traffic signals are a significant risk to pedestrians. Even when pedestrians have the right of way, they must be cautious of drivers who might disregard stop signs or lights.

  • Speeding: Speeding reduces a driver's ability to stop quickly, crucial in preventing accidents, especially in pedestrian-heavy areas. High speeds also increase the severity of injuries and accidents that do occur.

  • Poor Visibility: Accidents are more likely to occur at night or in poor weather conditions when drivers have difficulty seeing pedestrians. Adequate street lighting and reflective clothing can help, but drivers must still exercise caution.

  • Alcohol and Drug Impairment: Impaired driving remains a leading cause of all road accidents, including pedestrian accidents. Alcohol and drugs severely impair judgment and reaction times, making roads much more dangerous for pedestrians.

Steps To Take After a Pedestrian Accident

If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, it’s crucial to take specific steps to ensure your safety, protect your rights, and facilitate any future legal or insurance claims.

Here are the key actions you should take immediately following the incident:

  • Check for Injuries: Immediately assess yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, stay calm and wait for emergency services to arrive.

  • Call 911: Always report the accident to the police, even if it seems minor. The police report will be vital in any legal action or insurance claim.

  • Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle positions, traffic signs, and your injuries, if visible. These can be crucial in establishing fault later.

  • Gather Witness Information: Get their contact information if there are any witnesses. Witness statements can be powerful in supporting your version of events.

  • Seek Medical Attention: Visit a doctor immediately, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent.

  • Report the Accident to Your Insurance: Notify your insurance company about the accident, but refrain from making detailed statements or accepting blame.

  • Consult with a Lawyer: Before talking to an insurance adjuster, discuss your case with a knowledgeable pedestrian accident lawyer to understand your rights and options.

pedestrian accidents

Understanding Pedestrian Rights in Utah

In Utah, pedestrians have specific rights that help protect them, especially in crosswalks and urban areas. However, understanding these rights and the corresponding responsibilities can be complex. Pedestrians must follow traffic signals and use crosswalks where available. At the same time, drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians.

Pedestrian laws are designed to reduce accidents and injuries. However, when these laws are ignored, the consequences can be severe. Our legal team can use these laws to help ensure that our clients receive just compensation for their injuries and losses. We advocate vigorously for our clients' rights, ensuring they are fully understood and upheld in every case.

Forms of Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident

If you’ve been involved in an accident, it’s important to understand the types of compensation you may be entitled to claim. Depending on the specifics of your case, you can seek various forms of compensation to cover the financial and emotional impacts of your injuries.

  • Medical Expenses: We can help you recover costs for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatment.

  • Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, compensation for lost wages can be claimed.

  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident is often recoverable.

  • Loss of Quality of Life: If the accident results in long-term impairments that affect your daily activities and enjoyment of life, you may be eligible for compensation.

  • Punitive Damages: In cases where the defendant's actions were reckless or malicious, punitive damages might be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.

Let Our Utah Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Fight for You

Contact our slip fall accident lawyer to schedule a free case consultation — Nelson Jones Legal, Utah attorneys

When you choose Nelson Jones Utah to handle your pedestrian accident case, you're gaining an advocate who understands the profound impact of your injuries and the complexities of Utah law. We handle every aspect of your case, from investigating the incident and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, representing you in court. We aim to secure the best possible outcome, allowing you to focus on recovery and rebuilding your life.

By entrusting your case to our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers, you benefit from a team committed to achieving justice for you. We utilize our extensive legal knowledge and resources to build a strong case, ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable. Let us take on the legal challenges while you focus on healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a pedestrian accident?

Immediately after a pedestrian accident, ensure your safety, call the police, and seek medical attention even if injuries are not apparent. Then, contact us to schedule your case consultation.

What if the driver who hit me fled the scene?

You may still have options for compensation through uninsured motorist coverage or a civil lawsuit. Let law enforcement pursue the driver, and schedule a case review with our team.

Should I talk to the insurance company after an accident?

Consult an attorney first, as insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts or deny claims. Do not accept the first settlement offer without talking to us first.

Contact Our Utah Pedestrian Accident Lawyer To Schedule a Case Consultation

If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, do not hesitate to contact Nelson Jones Utah Personal Injury Lawyers for a case consultation. Our Utah pedestrian accident lawyers are ready to help you understand your rights and options and will work to secure the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a case consultation.

Schedule a consultation to discuss your needs further.

Call (385) 275-6812 or fill out our online form below to get started.

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Consultations are free and confidential. Tell us what happened and we'll tell you where you stand.

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Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has the right of way at a Utah crosswalk?

Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. Pedestrians outside a crosswalk must yield, but a driver still has a duty to avoid a collision and to exercise due care.

Can I recover if I was partly at fault?

Yes. Utah uses modified comparative fault: you can recover as long as you are less than 50% at fault, with your award reduced by your share. Insurers routinely overstate pedestrian fault, which is why the investigation matters.

What if the driver had no insurance or fled?

Your own auto policy's uninsured motorist coverage typically applies to you as a pedestrian, and often covers hit-and-run collisions. Household policies may stack, so bring every policy in your home to the consultation.

Does my PIP coverage apply if I was walking?

Usually yes. Utah no-fault PIP benefits generally follow the injured person and can pay initial medical bills even when you were on foot rather than in your car.

What evidence matters most?

Signal timing data, nearby business and doorbell video, vehicle event data, crosswalk markings and lighting, and witness statements. Video is often overwritten within days, so early preservation letters are critical.

Where We Handle These Cases

Pedestrian injury claims across Utah

Nelson Jones handles pedestrian injury claims from our West Jordan office and in courthouses statewide. Choose your community below for local detail, or call (385) 275-6812 for a free, confidential review.

Also serving

Locally Owned. Utah Strong.

Utah pedestrian accident attorneys for crosswalk and roadway collisions.

Nelson Jones Legal represents Utahns in pedestrian injury claims from the Wasatch Front to Washington County. Our roots are here, our team lives here, and our courtrooms are the same ones you drive past on your way to work. When you hire us, you hire neighbors who know the local judges, insurance adjusters, and opposing counsel — and who treat your case with the seriousness it deserves.

We proudly serve clients across West Jordan, Salt Lake City, St. George, Sandy, Draper, Riverton, Herriman, Ogden, Provo, Layton, Davis County, Utah County, and Washington County. Whether you live in a small Davis County neighborhood or run a business along the St. George corridor, our attorneys travel to you when it matters and stand beside you in every courtroom we enter.