Pedestrian Traffic Accidents in Utah: What To Know

Pedestrian traffic accidents in Utah are a serious concern for everyone on the road. Every year, many pedestrians are injured or killed in accidents involving motor vehicles. Understanding the risks and your rights is indispensable whether walking to work or crossing busy streets.

At ReshLaw Accident & Injury, our Utah pedestrian accident lawyers are dedicated to helping victims comprehend these incidents and providing legal assistance to those affected. That way, future pedestrian traffic fatalities can be avoided.

Utah's roads can be dangerous for pedestrians due to various factors. The high-speed limits in many areas and increasing distractions for drivers make walking near roads risky.

What Makes Pedestrian Traffic Accidents in Utah So Severe?

Pedestrian accidents in Utah are particularly severe. Pedestrians lack protection compared to vehicle occupants. When a vehicle collides with a pedestrian, the injuries can be serious or fatal. High-speed roads and distracted or reckless driving contribute to these accidents.

The effects on families and communities are deeply felt. Addressing these issues through improved legal accountability is essential.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration publishes information on motor vehicle crashes and pedestrian injuries. The numbers show that far too many pedestrians are hurt or killed every year in traffic incidents. For example, in 2022 alone, more than 7,500 pedestrians were killed nationally.

The lack of physical barriers between pedestrians and motor vehicles increases the risk of severe injuries. Urban areas, where traffic is denser and vehicles and pedestrians are in close proximity, see a higher rate of such incidents.

Pedestrian safety programs aim to reduce these risks. However, the effectiveness often depends on compliance with safety practices. Enforcing traffic laws is critical in reducing the severity of these accidents.

Legal Rights of Pedestrians in Utah

Pedestrians in Utah have specific rights that aim to protect them on the roads. Under Utah law, drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and at intersections. Pedestrians have the right to safe passage without the threat of negligent driving behaviors endangering them. Knowing these rights can empower pedestrians to protect themselves and take legal action if they violate them.

Furthermore, pedestrians hit by a vehicle can seek compensation for injuries and other damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our law office is experienced in addressing these claims and can help uphold your rights.

Educating yourself about these rights is the first step toward securing the protection and compensation you deserve.

Common Injuries Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents

• Traumatic Brain Injuries. These occur when the head strikes a vehicle or the road, often leading to long-term cognitive issues.
• Spinal cord injuries. These injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, greatly burdening the victim's quality of life.
• Broken bones. Fractures are common in pedestrian accidents, particularly in the legs, arms, and ribs, which can require lengthy recovery periods.
• Internal injuries. These injuries may not be immediately obvious but can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
• Lacerations and abrasions. Contact with the vehicle or road can cause severe skin injuries that may require surgical treatment.
• Psychological trauma. Many victims experience PTSD or other emotional disorders following an accident, harming their mental health.
• Fatal injuries. Unfortunately, many pedestrian accidents are fatal, leaving families to process the tragic loss of a loved one. There are too many pedestrians killed on our roads each year. We can help families pursue wrongful death claims.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Traffic Accidents

Many pedestrian accidents in Utah are preventable and often result from a few common causes. Distracted driving remains a leading factor, where drivers engaged with their phones or other devices fail to notice pedestrians.

Speeding and failing to adhere to traffic signs or signals also notably increase the risk of accidents. Environmental factors like poor lighting or bad weather conditions further complicate pedestrian safety.

Distracted Driving and Driver Negligence

Distracted driving is one of the top causes of pedestrian accidents. Particularly at intersections and crosswalks, drivers are less likely to see pedestrians when they are texting, talking on the phone, or engaged in other activities. Our firm focuses on holding such negligent drivers accountable and helping victims pursue damages for their injuries.

Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs severely impairs a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely. Drunk drivers have delayed reaction times and poor judgment, often leading to serious pedestrian accidents. Victims of these crashes can pursue claims for substantial compensation due to the reckless nature of the offense.

Tired Driving

Fatigue can be just as dangerous as intoxication behind the wheel. Tired drivers may fall asleep or lose concentration, leading to catastrophic accidents involving pedestrians. Drivers should recognize the signs of fatigue and stay off the road when feeling drowsy.

Poorly Marked Crosswalks

Many pedestrian accidents occur in poorly marked crosswalks where drivers fail to yield the right of way. Enhancing the visibility of crosswalks and enforcing speed limits in pedestrian-heavy areas can reduce these incidents. Our legal team works with local authorities to improve pedestrian safety infrastructure.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Speeding reduces a driver's ability to stop in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian. Reckless driving behaviors, such as ignoring traffic signals or weaving through traffic, also contribute to a huge number of pedestrian injuries and deaths each year.

Weather and Poor Visibility

Bad weather conditions like snow, fog, and rain can reduce visibility and make roads slick, increasing the likelihood of pedestrian accidents. Drivers must reduce their speed and alter their driving style to match weather conditions to keep pedestrians safe.

Lack of Car Maintenance

Poorly maintained vehicles can lead to accidents through no direct driver fault, such as brake failure or malfunctioning headlights. Regular vehicle maintenance is critical for preventing such issues. This goes a long way toward ensuring the safety of all road users.

What You Should Do After a Pedestrian Traffic Accident

1. Check for injuries. Immediately assess yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away.
2. Move to safety. If you can move, get to a safe location away from traffic.
3. Exchange information. If possible, get the contact and insurance information from the driver involved without discussing the fault.
4. Document the scene. Record the crash site, your injuries, and any relevant street signs or signals.
5. Gather witnesses. If there are witnesses, collect their contact information, as they may help support your claim.
6. Seek medical attention. Visit a doctor as soon as possible to assess your injuries professionally.
7. Contact a lawyer. Call a pedestrian accident lawyer who can advise you on your rights and help you initiate a claim.

How Do We Prove Driver Negligence in a Pedestrian Accident?

Proving driver negligence in a pedestrian accident involves establishing that the driver owed a duty of care to the pedestrian, breached that duty, and caused the accident.

We gather evidence, such as surveillance footage, witness statements, and police reports, to build a strong case. Demonstrating the driver's failure to observe traffic laws or pay attention to the road is crucial.

In addition, we work with accident reconstruction experts to provide a clear picture of how the accident occurred. Our legal team covers all facets of the accident, thoroughly investigating them to support your claim efficiently.

How We Maximize the Value of Your Claim

• Documenting all expenses. We compile all medical bills, repair costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident. This comprehensive documentation ensures that no financial consequence is overlooked.
• Assessing future needs. We work with medical experts to predict future medical care and costs, which can be significant, especially for severe injuries. Including future expenses ensures that your compensation covers long-term care.
• Quantifying non-economic damages. We also calculate damages for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental health issues, which are critical for a full recovery.
• Negotiating with insurers. Our experienced negotiators deal with insurance companies to ensure they offer a fair settlement covering financial expenses from the accident.
• Taking cases to trial if necessary. If a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached, we will take your case to trial to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Utah Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Consultation

At ReshLaw Accident & Injury, we know that traffic crashes lead to far too many pedestrian deaths every year. Pedestrian fatalities and injuries are a major focus of local authorities. When pedestrian crashes happen, we support victims and their families.

If you have suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident, call us today for a free consultation.