Walking should not be a risky endeavor. Like everyone else, you have the right to travel safely on foot. But when drivers are careless, things can take an unexpected turn for an unsuspecting pedestrian, leading to serious injuries, substantial financial losses, or worse. If you or a loved one are dealing with the aftermath of a Sandy, UT pedestrian accident, we understand your overwhelming struggle.

The Sandy pedestrian accident attorneys at London Harker Injury Lawyer can support your fight for justice and rightful compensation. We know all too well that insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible, even when you’ve been injured. With us on your side, you’ll have a formidable ally dedicated to recovering fair compensation for your injuries and their impact on your life. Our experienced attorneys know how to manage the complexities of the legal system and can build a strong case on your behalf. Call 77CARCRASH or complete our online contact form today for a complimentary case evaluation.

Why You Need a Lawyer After a Pedestrian Accident

In the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, it can be daunting to face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and insurance companies trying to push you into a quick settlement. This is where a seasoned pedestrian accident lawyer can be a real game-changer. Here’s why:

Understanding Complex Laws: The law can be intricate and difficult to comprehend. Our attorneys have years of training and experience in understanding and applying these laws, and we can use them to protect your rights.
Dealing with Insurance Companies: The Insurance companies will likely attempt to minimize your compensation, even when you’re in dire need. Our lawyers can negotiate with them on your behalf, making it harder for them to take advantage of your situation.
Assessing True Compensation Value: The impact of a pedestrian accident isn’t just physical. You also need to consider your emotional and financial losses. An attorney can help assess the full extent of your damages – from medical bills and lost income to pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other future expenses – to help you secure a fair settlement.
Building a Strong Case: If your case goes to trial, you’ll need a compelling case backed by solid evidence. Our skilled lawyers know how to gather and present evidence, interview witnesses, work with medical professionals, and handle the other tasks necessary to build a persuasive case.
No Recovery, No Fee: Our personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. This allows you to get the legal help you need without the added stress of attorney fees.

Common Causes of Sandy Pedestrian Accidents

Many pedestrian accidents in Sandy stem from drivers’ negligence. Understanding these common causes can help in determining who caused the accident and seeking justice for your injuries. Here are some of the most frequent causes:

Distracted Driving
This includes drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, or simply not paying enough attention to their surroundings.
Speeding
Drivers who exceed speed limits or drive too fast for conditions can struggle to stop in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
Impaired Driving
Alcohol or drug use significantly impairs a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely, often leading to severe accidents.
Failure to Yield
Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and unmarked intersections. Unfortunately, not all drivers respect this rule.
Aggressive Driving
Actions like improper lane changes, running red lights or stop signs, or driving too close to the sidewalk significantly increase a driver’s chances of causing a pedestrian crash.
Poor Visibility
Some accidents happen because drivers simply don’t see pedestrians. This can be due to poor lighting, inclement weather, or obstructions that block the driver’s view.

Who’s Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?

Utah law says cars must slow down or stop for pedestrians who are crossing at crosswalks and are on the vehicle’s half of the road. However, the law also says pedestrians should not leave the sidewalk and cross in front of a car if doing so would cause an “immediate hazard.”

The bottom line is that even if a pedestrian crosses the street outside a crosswalk and causes a hazard, drivers still must watch for and avoid hitting pedestrians. One of the jobs of a pedestrian accident lawyer is to look at the evidence and demonstrate that the driver caused the collision, even if the pedestrian did not follow the letter of the law.

It’s also worth noting that Utah uses a comparative negligence model in cases where multiple parties share fault for an accident. In short, this law means an injured pedestrian can recover compensation for an accident even if they contributed to it, as long as their portion of fault is less than 50 percent. If a pedestrian contributed to a crash but does not bear the majority of the blame, their compensation is reduced by their degree of fault. For example, a pedestrian who’s 20 percent liable for an accident would have their compensable losses reduced by 20 percent.

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

Your actions immediately following a pedestrian accident can have a substantial impact on a future personal injury case. Now that you’ve left the scene and sought medical attention, there are several steps you should take to protect your rights:

Follow Medical Advice: Make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions to the letter. Not only is this important for your recovery, but failing to follow medical advice gives insurance companies grounds to claim your injuries aren’t as severe as you say.
Document Everything: Keep a record of everything related to your accident and its aftermath, including medical records, receipts for any out-of-pocket costs, wage loss verification from your employer, and even a diary detailing your physical and emotional health following the accident.
Avoid Discussing the Accident: Be cautious about who you talk to and what you say about your accident. Aside from talking to your attorney and your doctor, you should avoid discussing the details of your accident, especially on social media. Remember, anything you post could be used against you.
Do Not Negotiate with the Insurance Company Alone: Insurance companies often attempt to get you to settle for less than what you’re entitled to. Avoid making statements to or negotiating with the insurance company without consulting your attorney.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Attorney: Engage an experienced attorney as soon as possible. They can guide you through the legal process, conduct a thorough investigation, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent you in court.

Compensation for Sandy Pedestrian Accidents

Being involved in a pedestrian accident can have a significant financial impact on the injured party, including expensive medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. It’s important to understand the types of compensation, or “damages,” you could recover in a personal injury case. They can broadly fall into three categories:

Economic Damages: This compensation covers the direct, out-of-pocket expenses related to your accident. They include medical expenses (past, ongoing, and future), lost wages if you cannot work, loss of earning capacity if your injuries limit your ability to work in the future, and any other costs with a precise dollar amount.
Non-Economic Damages: This compensation covers your intangible losses that don’t have a precise dollar value. They include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and, in some cases, loss of consortium, which relates to the impact of your injuries on your relationship with your spouse.
Punitive Damages: These are less common and are only available if you take your case to trial and win. That’s because the purpose of punitive damages is not to compensate you but instead to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. Furthermore, punitive damages are only available in cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious or malicious.

Calculating the full amount of compensation you qualify for after an accident can be complicated, but it’s a task our experienced attorneys are well-equipped for. We will work diligently to identify all the ways your accident has cost you and assess the extent of your losses.

Deadline to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit

According to Utah law, you typically have four years from the date of an accident to file a lawsuit against any liable parties. While four years might seem like plenty of time, starting the process as soon as possible is essential. Gathering evidence, speaking to witnesses, consulting medical professionals, and building a strong case takes time. The sooner you engage a lawyer, the more time they have to effectively prepare your case. It’s also crucial to know that if you miss this deadline, the court will likely refuse to hear your case, which would mean losing your right to pursue compensation in court.

Contact London Harker Injury Lawyer Today

Hiring an experienced pedestrian accident attorney is the key to unlocking the financial support you need. We understand the intricate legal landscape and how to deal with insurance companies aiming to minimize your compensation. Our seasoned attorneys can gather the necessary evidence and build a compelling case on your behalf. Call us today at 77CARCRASH or reach out online for a free initial consultation.

Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Sandy

Why You Need a Lawyer After a Pedestrian Accident

Common Causes of Sandy Pedestrian Accidents

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

Deadline to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit

London Harker Injury Law Sandy Office

London Harker Injury Law Provo Office