Utah Crosswalk Accident Attorney

Walking should be a safe mode of transportation, but when drivers are negligent, crosswalks can turn into danger zones and accident scenes. At ReshLaw Accident & Injury, we are dedicated to representing pedestrians who have been injured in crosswalk accidents. We have the experience and knowledge necessary to navigate complex legal procedures. This allows us to fight for the compensation you deserve. Trust a Utah crosswalk  accident lawyer to handle your crosswalk case.

We fight for all victims of car accidents, and that includes pedestrians in crosswalks. Our Utah pedestrian accident attorneys have a tremendous amount of experience representing pedestrians who have been injured in crosswalk collisions. We can secure compensation in your crosswalk  accident case to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Learn more about our services below. Then, contact us to schedule a consultation with our pedestrian and car accident lawyer.

Proven Utah Crosswalk Accident Attorney Ready to Assist You

Facing a pedestrian crosswalk accident can be overwhelming, but you don't have to go through it alone. A pedestrian accident attorney from ReshLaw Accident & Injury can fight for you. Here's how our firm can assist you:

1. Legal Advice and Guidance Throughout the Claims Process: We'll explain every step in plain language so you know what to expect. Our team will answer your questions and guide you in making informed decisions about your case.
2. Investigation and Evidence Collection To Support the Case: Gathering evidence is crucial in a crosswalk accident case. Our firm will investigate the accident, speak with witnesses, and gather documentation to build a robust case on your behalf.
3. Negotiating With Insurance Companies for Fair Compensation: Insurance companies often aim to settle for the least amount possible. We'll negotiate aggressively to ensure you get fair compensation for your pedestrian accident injuries and losses.
4. Representation in Court if the Case Goes to Trial: If a fair settlement can't be reached, our experienced trial attorney will be ready to represent you in court, advocating for your rights and interests.

We fight for all pedestrian accident victims. Give us a call to schedule a free consultation.

Statistics on Crosswalk Accidents in Utah

Pedestrian accidents are unfortunately all too common in Utah. According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, there were over 780 pedestrian accidents in the state in 2021, resulting in 45 fatalities and numerous injuries. 52% of drivers in pedestrian-motor-vehicle crashes were under 40 years old. 51% of pedestrians in crashes were under 25 years old. These statistics highlight the importance of pedestrian safety and the need for effective legal representation when accidents occur.

Pedestrian Laws to Know According to a Utah Pedestrian Accident Attorney

In Utah, both drivers and pedestrians have specific rights and obligations when it comes to road-sharing. Some key laws to be aware of include:

• Pedestrians have the right-of-way at marked crosswalks and intersections without traffic signals, provided they follow traffic signals and signs.
• Drivers must yield to pedestrians on sidewalks when entering or exiting driveways, alleys, or parking lots.
• It is illegal for drivers to overtake or pass a vehicle that has stopped for a pedestrian at a crosswalk.

Understanding these laws can help protect your rights in the event of a pedestrian accident.

Most Prevalent Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Utah

A pedestrian accident can happen in Utah at just about any time. Our proficient pedestrian accident lawyers can help you with your accident claim, but understanding how a pedestrian accident might occur is crucial.

Driver Negligence

Many pedestrian accidents occur due to driver negligence, such as not giving the road adequate attention, texting while driving, or not looking out for pedestrians in crosswalks. A Utah pedestrian accident lawyer from our team can examine and appraise your case to see if you deserve compensation.

Failure to Yield to Pedestrians at a Crosswalk

Drivers who do not give the right-of-way to pedestrians at an intersection or in a crosswalk can cause serious accidents, as pedestrians have minimal to zero protection against the impact of a vehicle.

About 44% of pedestrian accidents occur at marked crosswalks in Utah, and 7% occur at unmarked crosswalks in Utah. An "unmarked crosswalk" typically refers to a crosswalk not visually indicated by painted lines on the road. In Utah, like in many other jurisdictions, an unmarked crosswalk is still a valid pedestrian crossing area at an intersection or junction, even though no painted lines are present. In an unmarked crosswalk, pedestrians still have the right-of-way, and vehicles are expected to yield to pedestrians who are crossing the road.

In Utah, two types of crosswalks tell drivers how they should behave. For maximum protection, “zebra-style” crosswalks instruct drivers to wait until pedestrians have completely crossed the road before they are allowed to continue. The zebra crosswalk is always used in school zones to protect students and crossing guards. In addition to school zones, zebra crosswalks are also found in busier city areas with a high volume of traffic.

Parallel crosswalks tell drivers that they can keep driving once the pedestrian is a safe distance away, even if the pedestrian is still crossing. Once they have passed the car, it is safe for the driver to continue. This is the most common crosswalk at a four-way stop or in areas with a lot of walkers.

A crosswalk accident can result in serious injuries and major medical bills. At ReshLaw Accident & Injury, our team specializes in crosswalk accidents. We have handled dozens of crosswalk accidents over the years and understand the subtle nuances that make a difference in crosswalk accident cases. Our crosswalk accident lawyers are here to help you.

Most Common Causes of Crosswalk Accidents in Utah

Several factors contribute to crosswalk accidents. Understanding these causes can help identify who is at fault and what actions led to the accident.

Distracted Driving

Drivers texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying attention to the road can easily miss seeing a pedestrian in a crosswalk. This kind of negligence leads to a significant number of pedestrian accidents.

Speeding

When drivers speed, they have less time to react if a pedestrian steps into the crosswalk. High-speed impacts are also more likely to result in severe injuries or fatalities.

Failure To Yield

Drivers are required by law to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Regrettably, not all drivers adhere to this rule, and their failure to yield is a common cause of crosswalk accidents.

Types of Injuries Sustained by Pedestrians

Pedestrians involved in crosswalk accidents face a unique set of risks. The inadequate protection compared to vehicle occupants may lead to life-threatening injuries. Here are some of the most common types of injuries sustained:

• Fractures: The impact of a vehicle can easily break bones. Some fractures are minor and require a cast and some healing time. Others are major ones that necessitate surgery and extensive physical therapy.
• Internal Injuries: The strength of a collision can lead to damage to internal organs. These injuries are often severe and require immediate medical attention.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): TBIs can occur if pedestrians hit their heads on the vehicle or the ground. These injuries can lead to long-term cognitive issues, personality changes, and other serious complications.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal trauma can result in partial or complete paralysis. This life-altering injury often necessitates long-term care and assistance.
• Lacerations and Abrasions: While they may seem less severe, deep cuts or scrapes can lead to significant blood loss, infection, and scarring.
• Neck and Back Injuries: Whiplash and other neck or back injuries can cause chronic pain and limit mobility.
• Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, being hit by a car can cause significant psychological distress, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.
• Fatal Injuries: Unfortunately, some crosswalk accidents result in fatalities. In these cases, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim.

Navigating the aftermath of a crosswalk accident can be incredibly challenging, especially when dealing with serious injuries. Get medical attention right away following an accident, and consider contacting an experienced pedestrian crosswalk accident attorney to safeguard your rights and seek the rightful compensation you deserve.

Steps To Take After a Crosswalk Accident

Knowing what to do after a crosswalk accident can safeguard your rights and strengthen your claim. Both pedestrians and drivers must follow these steps:

1. Immediate Actions for Pedestrians: If you're a pedestrian involved in a crosswalk accident, your primary priority should be seeking medical attention. Even if you think you're okay, some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Documenting your injuries early on can also provide valuable evidence for your claim.
2. What Drivers Should Do at the Scene: If you're a driver involved in a crosswalk accident, stop immediately and check on the pedestrian. Call 911 if they're injured. Don't leave the scene before law enforcement arrives—it's the law.
3. Contacting Law Enforcement and Emergency Services: Regardless of the extent of the injuries, it's important to call law enforcement to the scene. An official police report can provide crucial information for your claim.

The Legal Process for Crosswalk Accident Claims

Navigating the legal process for a crosswalk accident claim can be complex. Here's a broad outline of the steps involved:

1. Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit: After your initial consultation with our firm, we'll help you file a personal injury legal action against the at-fault driver. This lawsuit is the official start of your claim.
2. Pre-Trial Proceedings and Discovery: During this phase, both sides exchange evidence, take depositions, and file motions. We'll represent your interests throughout these proceedings, protecting your rights.
3. Courtroom Procedures and Trial Representation: If your Case goes to trial, we'll present your case in court, arguing for your right to compensation.

Establishing Liability in Crosswalk Accident Cases

Determining who is at fault in a crosswalk accident involves looking at a number of factors:

Determining Negligence of the Driver

In many crosswalk accidents, the driver is at fault. This can be due to a number of reasons, such as distracted driving, speeding, or failure to yield to the pedestrian.

Factors That Contribute to Pedestrian Fault

However, pedestrians can also contribute to accidents. For example, if a pedestrian darts into the street without giving drivers enough time to react, they may bear some responsibility for the accident. Talking to an experienced pedestrian accident attorney is important to determine if it is a “dart” case.

Comparative Negligence Laws in Utah

In Utah, the legal system operates under a rule known as modified comparative negligence. Under this rule, you can still receive compensation for your injuries after an accident, even if you share some responsibility for what happened. But, the amount you receive will be lessened by the degree to which you were at fault. However, if you are deemed 50% or more at fault for an accident, you cannot recover. This is why speaking with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney before speaking with an insurance company is important. 

Dealing With Insurance Companies

After a crosswalk accident, you'll likely need to deal with insurance companies. This can be a challenging process:

1. Challenges When Negotiating With Insurance Providers: Insurance companies are profit-driven businesses looking to protect their bottom line. This often means they try to minimize the amount they pay out on settlements.
2. Strategies To Handle Insurance Adjusters: It's important to avoid providing detailed statements or signing any documents without first speaking with an attorney. Insurance adjusters can use this information to limit your claim.
3. Protecting Victims From Unfair Settlement Offers: Our firm will thoroughly evaluate any settlement offers to ensure fair compensation for injuries and losses. We have settled thousands of similar cases and draw from a huge sample to determine the value of your claim. 

Statute of Limitations on a Utah Crosswalk Accident Injury Claim

In Utah, you generally have four years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. This deadline, known as the statute of limitations, is crucial to your claim. You may lose your right to seek compensation if you miss this deadline.

Damages You May Receive From a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Utah

If you've been involved in a pedestrian accident, it's important to understand the types of damages or compensation; you might be able to receive. These damages are usually divided into economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages relate to the tangible financial losses incurred due to the accident. They're usually simple to calculate because they have clear dollar amounts associated with them. These may include:

• Medical Expenses: This covers immediate medical care following the accident and future medical costs associated with ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and any necessary medical equipment.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries caused you to miss work, you could be compensated for the income you lost during that time.
• Lost Earning Capacity: If your injuries impair your ability to work in the future, you could be compensated for the potential income you would have earned.
• Property Damage: If your personal property, like a cellphone or a bike, was damaged in the accident, you could be compensated for its repair or replacement cost.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are less tangible and can be more challenging to quantify. They relate to the physical and emotional pain endured as a result of the accident. Examples of non-economic damages include:

• Pain and Suffering: This covers the physical pain and discomfort that results from your injuries.
• Emotional Distress: Accidents can lead to psychological effects like anxiety, depression, and stress. Compensation for emotional distress aims to alleviate these mental health impacts.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries hinder you from enjoying day-to-day activities or hobbies that you used to participate in, you may be compensated for this loss.
• Loss of Consortium: This relates to the accident's impact on your relationship with your spouse or family members.

Securing just compensation can be intricate and taxing, especially when dealing with insurance companies on legal topics. The ReshLaw Accident & Injury team is here to help you navigate this process, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve. With our dedicated legal assistance, you don't have to face these challenges alone.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Utah Crosswalk Accident Attorney at ReshLaw Accident & Injury

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crosswalk accident, don't wait to seek legal help. Pedestrian versus car accidents can happen at any time, and our personal injury team is here to help you. We are well-versed in Utah Law and can use that to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

At ReshLaw Accident & Injury, we fight for you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and to get “A Resh Perspective” regarding your accident with our experienced Utah crosswalk pedestrian accident attorney. We're ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Give us a call to schedule an appointment today.