Whether you are out taking a stroll through your community or a walk in a busy downtown area, we have all been pedestrians on busy roadways at some point in our lives. Although we all assume general safety during these situations, based on traffic and pedestrian laws in Utah, it remains a very unfortunate fact that pedestrians are hurt and killed in motor vehicle-related accidents each year. Sadly, many of these accidents could have been avoided had drivers paid more attention behind the wheel.
Each year, over 1,000 pedestrians in injured in accidents involving motor vehicles on roadways in Utah. The human body is no match for motor vehicles weighing several thousand pounds. In situations where drivers are speeding, there is a serious risk of victims sustaining serious and catastrophic injuries.
Personal injury attorneys at Siegfried & Jensen understand the devastating impact pedestrian accidents can have on the lives of those involved. We work diligently to help those injured in pedestrian accidents where another party may be held liable. Fortunately, there are a few proactive measures we, as pedestrians, can implement to reduce the possibility of becoming victims here in Utah.
Remain Visible At All Times
Drivers are able to see what lies ahead of them. Unfortunately, inclement weather and dark travel times make it more difficult for drivers to see people in roadways before it is too late. For this reason, it is imperative for pedestrians to remain visible and easily seen by drivers. This is especially true for pedestrians walking around at night or on busy streets.
Similarly to bicyclists, it is crucial for pedestrians to use lit or reflective clothing at night time. This will ensure drivers can see you on the roadways. If you do not have this type of clothing, consider carrying a flashlight with you. Not only does a flashlight help drivers on the road see you, but it also helps you see objects and vehicles around as well.
In addition to staying lit and visible on roadways, it is imperative to use only established crosswalks to cross busy streets. If you do not cross at a defined location, you are at risk of sustaining injuries in a motor vehicle accident while assuming liability for your reckless behavior.
Stay Aware Of Your Surroundings
As a pedestrian in the roadway, it is imperative to remain aware of all the things you are doing as well as what is going on around you. Failure to do so can lead to serious injury to you and, in some cases, can cause liability concerns when others are injured. It is crucial to consider the following:
Remain aware of traffic signs: Traffic signs and other signals are in place to keep you safe. It is crucial to listen to them at all times.
Listen to what is going on around you: It is crucial for you to listen to noises outside. Do not use headphones while walking down the street. As humans, we do not have the ability to see everything going on in a 360-degree range of vision. Instead, it is important to be able to hear vehicles moving around you at all times.
Always Look For Traffic Before Entering Roadways: It is necessary to look both ways when crossing the streets. Although it may seem sort of cliché, it is a lifesaving habit to get into. Vehicles come from multiple ways, so it is crucial to look at them all before venturing into the road.
It is crucial for you to practice all of these safety habits to ensure you remain safe out on roads with motor vehicles. If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, contact a Utah personal injury attorney at Siegfried & Jensen to see what legal options are available for you.
Avoid Dangerous Activities
One of the best ways for pedestrians to remain safe on roadways across Utah is by not engaging in reckless or dangerous behaviors. Pedestrians should avoid walking on the streets whenever possible. There are marked sidewalks on every road that provide a safe location for pedestrians to travel with minimal risks. Going outside of the defined area is potentially dangerous.
Furthermore, it is crucial to walk facing traffic. This allows drivers to see you more easily. It also enables you to see oncoming traffic and recognize potential dangers ahead of time. Finally, never assume you are completely safe from dangers as a pedestrian. Although you can take several precautions while traveling on foot, you cannot control or predict the behaviors of others. It is crucial to stay alert and recognize potentially dangerous drivers before they have a major impact on your life.
If you are ever injured in a pedestrian accident, it is imperative to contact a skilled Utah pedestrian accident attorney. You may be entitled to compensation for injuries and damages sustained in your accident.
A Utah Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, caused by a negligent or reckless driver, it is crucial to contact a Utah personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Since 1990, car accident attorneys at Siegfried & Jensen have helped accident victims get the compensation and justice, they deserve for their injuries and damages.
We have helped over 35,000 accident victims collect compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and various other damages related to their incidents. Our knowledgeable attorneys work on behalf of injured clients to negotiate fair and full settlements. Victims who hire our law firm to represent them can rest assured knowing their best interest is protected while they focus on recovering from their injuries.
The best way to protect communities throughout Utah is by holding wrongdoers accountable for their actions. If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, contact Siegfried & Jensen at (801) 845-9000 to schedule a free case evaluation as soon as possible. You can come into any of our four conveniently located offices throughout Utah to see what legal options are available for you.
Content checked by personal injury attorney Todd Bradford. I worked for a small law firm in Utah County, where I handled various types of cases. My main focus was personal injury and I decided that is what I enjoyed doing the most. I rejoined Siegfried and Jensen in 2012 where my focus is solely on helping personal injury clients. I take pride in helping personal injury clients and enjoy serving them. If you need an attorney for auto accidents or injuries of any kind in Salt Lake City, UT, Ogden, UT, Spokane, WA, or Boise, ID, contact us.
