A Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Help Your Case
Pedestrian accidents are usually some of the most complex personal injury claims. Fatalities are higher, medical attention is more intense, and insurance companies will try to get you to take their first low offer.
The Advocates know this because we have years of experience working with thousands of clients across Utah.
As personal injury attorneys, our priority is always being upfront with anyone who needs our help. That is why you can come to us for a free consultation about your case. We want to offer sound legal advice and cannot do that without first hearing your story.
Give us a call, reach out online, or stop by our American Fork office. We will help you navigate Utah law and overcome your pedestrian accident.
$2.5 Million
Head-on Car Crash
$1.3 Million
Side Impact Auto Accident
$1.0 Million
Side Impact Car Crash
$1.1 Million
Semi-Truck Auto Accident
$1.2 Million
Multiple Vehicle Collision
A Team of Pedestrian Accident Professionals Assigned to Your Case
For nearly 30 years, The Advocates have helped thousands of personal injury victims receive fair compensation and care they deserve after their accidents, and we are prepared to do the same for you. We can help you:
- Understand the claims process
- Investigate your accident
- Negotiate with insurance adjusters
- Obtain a settlement or judgment against the at fault party
"Hiring The Advocates was the best move I could have made after my accident. They were very professional and made me feel confident my case would go smoothly. They really put me at ease. I would recommend them to anyone!" - Robert S.
When Should I Hire a Pedestrian Injury Attorney?
Auto accidents involving pedestrians can lead to catastrophic outcomes. People walking do not have the same protections as drivers in a car accident and will probably need a larger settlement to properly compensate for their damages.
Have you been hit by a car? Leave your personal injury claim to The Advocates. Our pedestrian accident attorneys have decades of experience getting victims the outcome they deserve.
You could live in Salt Lake City, American Fork, Ogden, Lehi, Sandy, Orem, Spanish Fork, or Pleasant Grove. You could get struck by a car on Main Street or in the middle of nowhere—no matter where you are, The Advocates are ready to take on and win your personal injury case.
You deserve it. You deserve an Advocate.
Navigating Utah Pedestrian Law
Pedestrians’ rights and duties
Utah law lays out guidelines for what pedestrians can and cannot do. Here are the most important things to know:
- Pedestrians must obey traffic-control devices unless directed by a peace officer.
- Pedestrians must not suddenly enter the path of vehicles that are too close to create a hazard.
- Pedestrians must yield when crossing at locations other than crosswalks.
- People with physical disabilities can use pedestrian vehicles such as scooters on sidewalks and in pedestrian areas without vehicle registration or licenses.
Common causes of pedestrian accidents
A pedestrian is involved in an accident every six and a half days in Utah. Do not be, nor cause, one of these accidents. When driving, you have a responsibility to focus on nothing but the road.
Here are the most common causes of pedestrian accidents:
- Distracted driving: Nowadays, many things can distract you, from cellphones to wildlife. When driving or walking, focus on the task at hand, which is getting safely from point A to point B.
- Speeding: Speeding is a common violation in Utah—the most common, in fact. If you are speeding and hit a pedestrian, you will likely be assigned most of the blame for the accident.
- Impaired driving: On average, 41 people die in Utah each year from drinking and driving accidents. These accidents are 100% preventable: Never drink and drive. This also applies to pedestrians. Walking along a road and drinking can be just as dangerous as driving.
- Poor visibility: Bad winter weather, impending night, low light conditions, and sun glare can prevent motorists from seeing pedestrians, even in obvious crossing places such as crosswalks.
Common pedestrian accident injuries
Pedestrian accident victims often have much more serious injuries than those in other personal injury cases. Pedestrians are more vulnerable due to a lack of protection, such as airbags or seat belts. These are the most common injuries pedestrians face, from least to most serious:
- Abrasions and scrapes
- Sprains and strains
- Broken bones
- Pelvic injuries
- Organ damage
- Psychological injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Paralysis
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Personal Injury Law and Pedestrian Accident Data
Locations of pedestrians at time of accidents
- Marked Crosswalk at Intersection (44%)
- In Roadway (no crosswalk or intersection) (24%)
- Sidewalk (8%)
- Unmarked Crosswalk at Intersection (7%)
- Midblock Crosswalk (4%)
Leading contributing factors of drivers in pedestrian crashes
- Failed to Yield the Right of Way (47%)
- Hit and Run (17%)
- Failed to keep in proper lane (3.2%)
- Improper turn (3.1%)
- Reckless/aggressive (2.2%)
Statute of limitations for personal injury claim
If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, you generally have four years from the accident date to file a claim. That is a long time, but it is recommended that you move quickly with your claim.
For property damage, you have three years to file a claim.
If someone dies from being struck by a motor vehicle, you have two years to file a wrongful death claim.
Responsibility for the pedestrian accident must be established before any claim can begin. Utah uses modified comparative negligence for personal injury and property damage lawsuits.
Fault is assigned as a percentage. You cannot file a claim if you are more than 50% responsible for the accident.
You might be assigned 30% of the blame. If your fault is under 50%, you can still file a claim, but your final settlement will be reduced by the percentage of your fault—in this example, the compensation you receive from the accident will be 70% of the final settlement.
What pedestrians should do after an accident
- Ensure you and any family members are out of danger.
- Call emergency services. Even if you do not think you are hurt, get medical attention.
- Exchange contact information with the driver involved and with any witnesses.
- Tell the police the facts of the accident and get a copy of the police report.
- Keep records of every single communication and medical bill related to the accident. Write detailed notes on every aspect of the scene.
- Notify your insurance provider, even if you are not at fault.
- Consult a pedestrian accident attorney.
- Do not make statements admitting fault to the driver or their insurance company. Everything you say and do will be used against you.