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Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Salt Lake City
Many pedestrians fail to realize just how dangerous traveling by foot can be, even if they are abiding by the law. Walking on the sidewalk, crossing legally at a crosswalk, or even walking from the grocery store to your car can result in serious, life-threatening injuries. Pedestrian accident lawyers in Salt Lake City have seen injuries caused by cars swerving out of nowhere, backing up quickly, or blowing through a stop sign or stoplight in a matter of seconds. Because of how common pedestrian injuries are, it is imperative that people who frequently travel by walking, running, or jogging be aware of the injuries that can occur and what to do next if this happens.
Table Of Contents:
Pedestrian Rights in an Accident
A pedestrian who is injured in a collision with a car may benefit from consulting our pedestrian accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT relies on at Rasmussen & Miner. Though the driver might have been clearly at fault for the accident, it’s commonly the case that the at-fault party will deny liability. They do not deny it was their fault, their insurance company might, particularly if the pedestrian suffered serious injuries as their damages will be costly. Even if the insurance carrier does the right thing by offering a settlement, our Salt Lake City pedestrian accident lawyer has seen many instances of when the offer is far less than what the victim will pay for medical treatment. And a settlement rarely takes into account all of the victim’s damages. In their pain and confusion, it’s easy for the victim to get taken advantage of by the insurance carrier whose real concern is to maximize profits and minimize losses. At Rasmussen & Miner, we stand by our clients and protect their right to receive the maximum possible amount of compensation for their losses. Please call us to find out how we can help you too. We offer accident victims a free consultation with our pedestrian accident lawyer in Salt Lake City UT to discuss their case.
Your Right to Fair Compensation
When a pedestrian seeks compensation from the at-fault driver without the help of a pedestrian accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT residents trust, they may not realize which of their damages are eligible for compensation. One thing is for sure, the insurance company probably won’t tell you, either. However, Rasmussen & Miner has handled thousands of cases involving clients who were injured by negligent or careless individuals. Our pedestrian accident lawyer in Salt Lake City UT has a deep understanding of the damages suffered by a client and will make sure that all damages will be considered and included in the claim. For instance, did you know that you can claim applicable future damages as well? More on this later.
Determination of Liability
It’s a sad fact, but many insurance companies will take advantage of claimants when possible in an effort to save them money. Our pedestrian accident lawyer in Salt Lake City UT is aggressive when seeking full compensation from insurance carriers on behalf of our clients. When an insurance company deals with a claimant’s lawyer rather than directly with the claimant, they tend to be more reasonable. This is in large part because a personal injury lawyer knows the law and what damages are compensable. When Rasmussen & Miner represents you, you can feel confident that your best interests will be protected. This extends to your personal injury lawyer providing proof and the necessary documentation with your claim to present a strong case for why you deserve the amount of compensation detailed in that claim.
Recoverable Damages
As mentioned, our pedestrian accident lawyer in Salt Lake City UT will itemize all of your accident-related damages, including future ones. This might include the percentage of your salary or hourly wages that you cannot earn until you have recovered sufficiently to return to work. It will also include all medical costs, including possible future surgeries and medication needs. A full accounting will be included in your claim against the at-fault driver.
If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian by a vehicle, or because of a property defect, you may wish to consult a pedestrian accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT residents respect. Over 76,000 Americans are injured in a pedestrian accident each year, and nearly 5,000 people are injured fatally. This equates to almost one pedestrian death every two hours, and an injury every seven minutes. Unfortunately, these injuries are often not the fault of the pedestrian, but rather a car or obstacle.
At the law firm of Rasmussen & Miner, we are well-versed in the legalities surrounding personal injury, negligence, wrongful death, and the laws that protect pedestrians. Through thoughtful representation and the utmost support, we are prepared to fight for the compensation our clients deserve.
The Primary Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
A vast majority of pedestrian accidents are caused by the driver of a vehicle. Some of the most common errors that contribute to a pedestrian-vehicle accident may include:
- Inexperienced or new drivers
- Failure to appropriately scan for hazards
- Driving too fast for road conditions
- Distracted driving (i.e. applying makeup or talking on the phone)
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Failing to stop at intersections
- Making illegal u-turns
- Ignoring crosswalks or pedestrian right-of-ways
- Loss of Control
- Parking Lot, and
- Crosswalk Accidents
Loss Of Control.
This type of accident happens after the driver of a vehicle loses control and manages to hit or sideswipe a person walking on the sidewalk. Salt Lake City, Utah pedestrian accident lawyers know these are extremely dangerous because a pedestrian can easily become trapped underneath the vehicle.
Parking Lot.
This type of accidents happens when a vehicle strikes a pedestrian in a parking lot, usually while they are pulling into or backing out of a parking spot.
Crosswalk Accidents.
These accidents occur when a pedestrian is legally in the right of way as they cross a crosswalk and a vehicle (illegally) does not give the pedestrian the right of way, thus, hitting them.
If you believe your pain and suffering is the result of any of these circumstances, contact a pedestrian accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT offers.
Pedestrian Personal Injuries
Being involved in a pedestrian accident—especially as the pedestrian—can be terrifying because you typically have nothing around to protect you. Because of this accident, Salt Lake City, UT pedestrian accident lawyers have seen common injuries that can occur. These are:
Soft Tissue Injuries.
These are some of the most common pedestrian personal injuries and usually present as bruises, tears, sprains, and lacerations. Although they are mild injuries, seeking medical attention is still needed for treatment and can even leave the victim with permanent scarring.
Fractures.
If a vehicle hit you, bone fractures are also a possibility. Again, while a medical professional can treat a fracture, the pain can still be severe and even permanent if there are any medical complications.
Traumatic Brain Injuries.
TBI’s can take on many forms and present with physical damage and unseen damage. There are minor TBI’s (like concussions), or severe TBI’s that can result in permanent damage to the brain and body, sometimes even resulting in death.
Amputation.
In severe cases, an automobile accident can cause the accidental amputation of a pedestrian’s limb. In some cases, a severed body part can be re-attached. In others, however, it will end up being a lifelong disability.
FAQs
What To Do After You Were Injured As a Pedestrian?
An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer from Salt Lake City, UT knows that these types of injuries can be extremely serious, and seeking medical attention is one of the most important things you can do immediately following an accident. If you have any question on filing a personal injury claim after your accident or would like to speak with a pedestrian accident lawyer residents of Salt Lake City, UT trust to be compassionate about your injuries and fight for your rights, call the law office of Rasmussen & Miner today.
What compensation may be available?
A pedestrian accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT hires may assess each and every factor of your case, and take into consideration your injuries to establish a fair and just monetary amount. Although every claim is unique, you may be able to recover damages for the following:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages and earning potential
- Property damage
- Incidental expenses
An experienced Salt Lake City UT pedestrian accident lawyer should work hard to maximize your damage recovery and relieve you of as much financial burden as possible. As a result, you may begin to focus on complete healing and recovery.
When should I contact a pedestrian accident lawyer in Salt Lake City UT?
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, it may be prudent to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. By delaying, you risk potential evidence being damaged or destroyed, increased difficulty contacting witnesses, or insurance companies attempting to take advantage of you.
There is often a statute of limitations associated with these types of claims — without adhering to them, your case could be thrown out of court. As soon as you find a pedestrian accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT relies on, an investigation can be dutifully performed. Expeditious action may be taken to preserve evidence and further secure your claim.
If I Wasn’t in a Crosswalk, Do I Still Have a Case?
It’s possible. Pedestrians are expected to use a crosswalk when crossing the street. However, even if you were illegally crossing the street when the accident occurred, the driver still had a duty of care to pedestrians. If the driver was speeding or distracted by something during the accident, he or she can still be held liable.
If I Don’t Feel Too Badly Hurt, Should I Still See a Doctor?
Definitely. Pedestrians are more likely to suffer serious injuries in accidents because they don’t have the protection of a vehicle. The adrenaline you feel immediately after the accident might mask the pain for several days. It is important to seek immediate medical attention regardless of how you feel initially. A doctor will evaluate your injuries and recommend the appropriate treatment.
As a Pedestrian, How Can I Avoid Accidents?
Although accidents aren’t always preventable, pedestrians can do their part to reduce their risk of getting hit. For example, you should obey all traffic signals and look both ways before crossing the street. If you’re walking at night, it may be helpful to wear bright clothes so that drivers can see you better.
How Soon Do I Have to File an Injury Claim?
If you were injured by a motorist in a pedestrian accident in Utah, you have up to four years to file an injury claim. Although that might seem like a long time, you shouldn’t procrastinate. Consult a pedestrian accident lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT as soon as possible about your case.
What Should I Bring to My Consultation with a Lawyer?
It’s a good idea to bring any documents that pertain to your case, such as a police report, witness contact information and medical records. If you took photos of the accident scene, bring those along as well. The more information your lawyer has to go on, the better he or she can help you.
What Happens if the Driver Who Hit Me Didn’t Have Insurance?
Discovering that the driver who hit you doesn’t carry insurance can indeed be frustrating. However, you still may be able to recover compensation if you have uninsured motorist coverage. You can recover the same types of damages as you would in a typical injury claim, such as medical bills, lost wages and emotional distress.
How to Respond if Hit By a Car?
A pedestrian accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT locals recommend can clarify your legal options if you were hit by a car while walking. It is beneficial to understand your rights as a pedestrian. Many people use walking as a way to save money, to travel from one location to another, as recreation, or as exercise. Unfortunately, many people sustain serious injuries because of negligent drivers. It may require the assistance of a pedestrian accident lawyer in Salt Lake City UT to obtain compensation from the at-fault driver.
Here we provide you with information of what to do if you are ever hit by a car. Whether you are an occasional or a frequent walker, this information might be helpful to you or someone you know.
What to Do at the Scene of a Pedestrian Accident?
Try to remain calm and call 9-1-1 if you are ever hit by a car. Even if you don’t think you have sustained serious injuries, that may change as the hours pass and your body slowly recovers from a state of shock. An experienced Salt Lake City pedestrian accident lawyer has seen this many times.
#1 – Call Law Enforcement Immediately
Do not leave the scene until a police officer has arrived and has written down your testimony of what happened.
#2 – Get the Driver’s Contact Information
Write down their name, address, phone number, license plate number, insurance provider, and driver’s license information. A pedestrian accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT community members rely on will need this information if you hire them to help you get compensation from the driver.
#3 – Request an Ambulance
You may have sustained mild to life-threatening injuries due to being hit by a moving vehicle. Do not hesitate to call for an ambulance, even just to have your vitals checked and receive assurance that you are safe to continue on your way.
#4 – Gather Witness Information
If there are people nearby who saw the incident happen, ask them for their contact information as you may need to later get their testimony of what happened. If your accident goes to court, it can be helpful to have people who can speak up on your behalf about what happened. Also, if you hire a pedestrian accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT victims trust, he or she will need contact information for any witnesses.
#5 – Talk to Your Insurance Company
If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, your insurance provider may be able to assist in paying for your medical bills. However, your rates may go increase as a result. The person who hit you should be held accountable for your damages rather than your own insurance company. If this was a hit and run, notify the police. If you have a vehicle description and at least a partial license plate, call a pedestrian accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT residents choose for assistance. It’s possible that the lawyer may be able to use the information you provide them as a means to track down the at-fault driver.
Your Right of Way
It is common knowledge that pedestrians usually have the right of way when it comes to crossing streets. However, if a pedestrian has intentionally stopped or halted traffic unnecessarily, the accident may not be considered entirely the driver’s fault. If you are hit because you are disturbing vehicle lanes with intent to disrupt, you are acting in a potentially negligent manner. In some cities, bicyclists must refrain from riding on the sidewalk for pedestrian safety. If they collide with you, they can be held just as accountable as a driver of a motor vehicle.
Hopefully you do not ever find yourself in a situation where you are injured due to being hit by a vehicle. If it does happen, you can respond in a quick and responsible way. Your health is the number one priority, and making sure you are okay first should be taken very seriously.
Contact Rasmussen & Miner Today
After you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be pressured by other parties involved, or their insurance companies, to discuss the incident in detail. You may also be asked to sign documents or make “under-the-table” negotiations. It is your right to say no, and contact a lawyer first. That being said, if you’ve already given a statement to the insurance company or another party, you may still be able to file a claim. No matter what your situation may be, all you need to do is make a call to find out more.
If you were injured in an accident with a negligent driver, call Rasmussen & Miner right away. Our pedestrian accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT trusts will consult with you at no charge to review your case.
If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian, and would like to discuss your case with a pedestrian accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT residents trust, call (801) 363-8500.
Thank you to Rasmussen & Miner for their experienced knowledge in pedestrian accident law. Call them at (801) 683-9944 to speak with a trusted pedestrian accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT offers.