Dedicated Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Salt Lake City, Utah

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Pedestrian accidents are a devastating reality in Utah and can occur anywhere—from crosswalks and school zones to residential neighborhoods and high-traffic areas like downtown Salt Lake City. According to the Utah Department of Public Safety Highway Safety Office, last year alone, there were 833 pedestrian-involved accidents throughout the state, resulting in hundreds of catastrophic injuries and 45 fatalities. With its bustling streets, busy intersections, and growing population, Salt Lake City sees a significant share of these incidents.

At Swenson & Shelley, our Salt Lake County personal injury lawyers understand the life-changing impact of pedestrian accidents on victims and their families. These accidents often lead to severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are committed to providing compassionate and aggressive representation, ensuring that negligent drivers and other responsible parties are held accountable. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve, starting with a free consultation so you can focus on recovery.

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Pedestrian Accidents in Salt Lake City, Utah

Who Can Be Held Liable for Pedestrian Accidents in Salt Lake City, Utah?

Pedestrian accidents often result in devastating injuries, leaving victims and their families searching for answers about who can be held accountable. Determining liability is crucial for securing compensation and ensuring justice.

Several parties may share responsibility for pedestrian accidents in Salt Lake City, depending on the incident’s circumstances, which may include:

Negligent Drivers

Drivers are frequently at fault in pedestrian accidents, especially when they fail to exercise caution in areas with heavy foot traffic.

Examples of Driver Negligence:

Distracted driving, such as texting or using a GPS.
Speeding, particularly in residential neighborhoods or school zones.
Failing to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Drivers are legally responsible for sharing the road and protecting pedestrians. When they breach this duty, they may be held liable for the injuries they cause.

Government Entities

City or state governments may also bear responsibility if dangerous road conditions or poorly maintained infrastructure contribute to an accident.

Examples of Government Negligence:

Broken or malfunctioning traffic signals or pedestrian crossing lights.
Poorly designed intersections that lack safe crossing areas.
Failing to repair uneven sidewalks, potholes, or other hazards.

Municipalities are responsible for maintaining safe roads and walkways. Victims may file claims against government entities, though these claims often involve strict deadlines and procedural requirements.

Property Owners

Private property owners may be liable if their negligence creates unsafe pedestrian conditions.

Examples of Property Owner Negligence:

Allowing obstructions, like overgrown vegetation, to block sidewalks or crosswalks.
Failing to address hazardous conditions on their property that spill into pedestrian areas.
Neglecting to secure construction zones that encroach on sidewalks or roads.

Property owners have a duty to ensure their premises do not endanger pedestrians. When they fail to do so, they can be held accountable.

Third Parties

Other parties, cyclists, e-scooter riders, or delivery drivers, may also contribute to pedestrian accidents.

Examples of Third-Party Negligence:

Cyclists or scooter riders failing to yield to pedestrians.
Delivery drivers parking improperly, forcing pedestrians into traffic.
Reckless or careless actions by individuals in shared pedestrian spaces.

When third parties cause or contribute to an accident, they may share liability and be required to compensate victims for their injuries.

Identifying all liable parties is essential for recovering the full compensation victims deserve, including:

Medical Expenses: Covering hospital stays, surgeries, and ongoing treatment.
Lost Income: Reimbursing wages lost during recovery and accounting for reduced earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering: Addressing the physical and emotional toll of the accident.
Wrongful Death Damages: Providing financial relief to families who have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident.

Determining liability in a pedestrian accident can be complex, but Swenson & Shelley is here to help. Contact our skilled pedestrian accident attorneys in Salt Lake City today for a free consultation. Let us fight to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.

Why Salt Lake City Pedestrian Accident Injuries are Often Catastrophic and Require Legal Help

Pedestrian accidents frequently lead to catastrophic injuries because pedestrians are entirely unprotected when struck by vehicles, bicycles, or other hazards. Unlike drivers or passengers in cars, pedestrians lack seat belts, airbags, or structural barriers to shield them from impact, leaving them vulnerable to severe trauma.

These injuries often result in long-term consequences that necessitate extensive medical care, financial compensation, and experienced legal representation to navigate the complexities of a claim.

Unprotected Impact with Vehicles and Surroundings

When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the sheer force of the collision can cause devastating injuries. Secondary impacts with the pavement or nearby objects compound the severity.

Pedestrians are at risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, fractures, and internal damage, especially when struck at higher speeds.

Even low-speed collisions can cause severe injuries, particularly for children and older adults, whose bodies are less able to absorb impact forces.

Prolonged Medical and Financial Challenges

Catastrophic pedestrian accident injuries often result in:

Long-Term or Permanent Disabilities: Conditions like paralysis, amputations, or cognitive impairments can require lifelong care.
Extensive Rehabilitation Costs: Victims frequently need ongoing physical therapy, occupational therapy, or surgeries to recover.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Time away from work or inability to return to prior employment creates significant financial strain.

Without adequate compensation, victims and their families may struggle to manage these mounting expenses.

The Psychological Toll of Catastrophic Injuries

Pedestrian accidents can also result in emotional trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Victims may fear crossing streets or experience difficulty returning to everyday life, further underscoring the need for comprehensive compensation.

Why Legal Help Is Essential After a Salt Lake City Pedestrian Accident

Given the devastating nature of pedestrian accident injuries, pursuing a claim often involves:

Determining Liability: Identifying all responsible parties, such as negligent drivers, government entities, or property owners.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurers often attempt to minimize payouts, making skilled negotiation critical.
Pursuing Maximum Compensation: Accounting for immediate and long-term expenses, including medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

Our experienced Salt Lake City pedestrian accident lawyers ensure that victims receive fair treatment and do not settle for less than they deserve.

We Also Focus on the Following Areas in Salt Lake City:

Contact Our Leading Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Salt Lake City, Utah

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Salt Lake City, don’t wait to seek help. Let Swenson & Shelley handle the legal details so you can focus on healing. Call us today at 801-447-5464 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. During this consultation, you can learn immediately whether your claim is eligible to proceed with legal action.

Accident Victims Deserve The Relentless Pursuit of Justice™ that our firm can bring.