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Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Salt Lake City UT
Choosing a pedestrian accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT has to offer is not always easy. When searching for representation, you may find general practice lawyers, personal injury lawyers, and those who have experience handling pedestrian accidents. If you’ve experienced an accident as a pedestrian, the latter may be most suited to your needs.
At Rasmussen & Miner, we understand how overwhelming a pedestrian accident can be, and we know that getting back on your feet is of the utmost importance. Our lawyers want to help victims recover from injuries and enjoy life without any financial or emotional stress. To do this, we aim to get maximum compensation for any damages incurred as a result of an unexpected accident. If you’d like to share your story with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Salt Lake City UT, please call us now.
Pedestrian Accidents
Every year, there are more than 6,000 pedestrians killed in accidents across the country. Thousands of more victims survive their injuries, but are left with long-term or permanent disabilities. A pedestrian accident attorney can help a victim get the financial compensation they deserve for the losses their injuries cause them to suffer. One of the most important steps to being successful at a pedestrian accident case is determining who is at fault for the accident – the driver of the vehicle or the pedestrian. The following are some of the more common causes of pedestrian accidents our law firm sees in the cases we handle.
Speeding
When a pedestrian has been injured in an accident, one of the first factors a pedestrian accident attorney will try to determine is how fast was the driver traveling. The speed of the driver is one of the most critical pieces of evidence that can prove the fault of the accident lies with the driver and not the victim. The speed the driver was going also affects the severity of the victim’s injuries. Studies have shown that a pedestrian’s risk of suffering severe or catastrophic injuries spikes from 10 percent if the driver was traveling at 15 mph to 90 percent if the driver was traveling at 45 mph. A pedestrian has a 25 percent of dying if the vehicle that hits them is traveling 30 mph, jumping to a 90 percent chance of being killed if the vehicle is traveling 60 mph.
Distracted Walking and Distracted Driving
While much has been written about distracted driving accidents, there has also been a large number of pedestrian accidents caused by the pedestrian not paying attention while they are walking. Attorneys on both sides can request the cell phone records of the victim and the driver to determine if either one was engaged in a distracting activity on their phones at the time of the accident.
Alcohol
Unfortunately, alcohol use by the victim plays a big role in many pedestrian accidents that happen. In fact, according to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), of all pedestrian accident fatalities that occur each year, the pedestrian had alcohol in their system in 33 percent, compared to 13 percent of the drivers. Having alcohol in their system does not mean that a pedestrian will automatically be deemed at fault for the accident. There are other circumstances the court can consider, such as whether the driver of the vehicle was obeying all traffic laws at the time of the accident or if the driver had alcohol in their system.
Why Contact a Salt Lake City Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Technically, you have the legal right to file your own personal injury claim. However, these situations are often very complex and may require an in-depth understanding of various laws, regulations, and legal terminology. At Rasmussen & Miner, we serve people who have experienced serious injuries and are looking for a lawyer who can take care of their legal needs. By retaining a lawyer, you can feel confident in knowing that your case receives the attention it rightfully deserves.
What You Should Do After a Pedestrian Accident
Your first priority should be to seek out medical attention. From there, a police report may need to be filed. If possible, try to get the contact details of any witnesses. Additional information that could be useful to a lawyer also includes video or photographic footage. Once you’ve sought medical treatment, it may be advisable to contact a pedestrian accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT has to offer.
What You Should Not Do After a Pedestrian Accident
Although you should report your accident to the police, it is prudent that you do not make any further statements to private investigators, insurance collectors, or other unknown parties that you have not retained yourself. If any of these people contact you, you should let them know a pedestrian accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT offers will be in touch shortly. Do not provide any information, including your social security number, date of birth, license plate, etc.
What Type of Compensation Could Be Available
When you retain a pedestrian accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT trusts, he or she may examine your case and accumulate evidence to build upon any existing information. With this solid foundation, a lawyer can determine a fair numerical value to compensate you for things like:
- Previous, current, and prospective medical bills
- Lost wages and future lost wages
- Emotional grievance
- Punitive damages
- Wrongful death
Rasmussen & Miner: A Dedicated Salt Lake City UT Lawyer
A successful pedestrian accident lawyer such as Rasmussen & Miner may speak on your behalf, effectively representing you while protecting your rights. Through a dedicated focus on each client’s case, we work tirelessly to deliver the results you need to help you move forward. To schedule a free consultation with a pedestrian accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT offers, please call 801-363-8500.