In the blink of an eye, a vehicle can hit a pedestrian and cause serious injury. These accidents are often avoidable and can affect a victim’s entire life. If you or a loved one has been wrongfully hurt as a pedestrian, reach out to a pedestrian accident lawyer in Kearns to pursue a claim and the resources you need to help you throughout the difficult journey of recovery.
Siegfried & Jensen can come to you when you’ve been injured and speak with you about your legal options. While you focus on recovering, a Kearns personal injury lawyer from our team can represent you and handle your case so you can get maximum compensation. We’ve been helping clients like you for 35 years and can get favorable results to ease your burden.
Factors That Contribute to Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can happen all too easily when drivers fail to pay attention or use extra caution when pedestrians are around. Even going slowly, motorists can still cause serious harm to these vulnerable road users. In areas with a high density of pedestrians, the risk of an accident increases. Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Speeding, aggressive, and/or reckless driving
- Distractions and mobile phone use
- Fatigue
- Intoxication
- Reduced visibility
- Inclement weather
- Areas not designed well for pedestrian safety
- Unfamiliarity with pedestrian traffic flow
Given pedestrians and their risk of accidents, it is important for both motorists and pedestrians to be vigilant at all times so as to prevent an accident that could cause injury or death. If you have been the victim of a motorist’s negligence, a Kearns pedestrian accident lawyer can help you handle the claim and insurance process.
For a free legal consultation with a pedestrian accident lawyer serving Kearns, call (801) 266-0999
Pedestrians Suffer Severe Injuries When Hit by Vehicles in Kearns
When a car strikes a pedestrian, it transfers a significant amount of force and energy. Pedestrians have nothing to protect them from this impact, and often suffer the initial collision and a secondary impact with the road. Additionally, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also shows that vehicle height compounds the dangers of speed for pedestrians. Resulting injuries can include:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Sprains and strains
- Whiplash
- Head trauma
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Bruised and damaged organs
- Death
These injuries can be severe and also cause serious complications for victims. Prompt medical treatment should be sought immediately to determine the scope of your injuries and make sure no additional damage is done. There are many injuries that do not show up right away, so a professional medical analysis is essential. Keep thorough records of your care throughout your recovery journey.
Kearns Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near Me (801) 266-0999
A Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Kearns Can Discuss Your Legal Options With You
It is important to understand legal options for a pedestrian after a car crash. First and foremost, it is essential to get medical care and report the accident to the police. These steps, and taking the time to gather evidence and hire a lawyer, can help ensure you are prepared for filing a claim to recover your losses. In Utah, you may have a couple of options for legal recourse.
First, Utah is a no-fault state when it comes to vehicle-related collisions. Claims are generally filed with your insurance company and allow you to recover a couple of key losses. You may also be able to file a claim with the motorist’s insurance if your coverage was insufficient. If your injuries and losses are severe enough, you may also be able to sue the other driver.
It’s important to be aware that when filing a lawsuit, the driver’s actions and fault must be established as part of the process. This means showing that the driver was supposed to show you a duty of care by being cautious and avoiding accidents, but they breached that duty by acting negligently. Therefore, their actions caused the accident and your damages, and you can hold them liable for compensation.
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Your Options for Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident in Kearns
When you first file a no-fault claim under your PIP policy, you may be eligible for a limited scope of compensation. Under Utah Code 31A-22-307, this primarily focuses on your medical expenses and lost wages. If the accident resulted in death, then it may also cover a portion of the funeral and burial costs, as well. However, this may not be enough to cover the full extent of your losses.
Under Utah Code 31A-22-309, you may file an at-fault claim and recover additional losses if the accident resulted in broken bones, dismemberment, permanent disability, permanent disfigurement, death, or your medical expenses exceed $3,000. Given the expenses associated with pedestrian accidents, you may be entitled to recover more compensation.
In an at-fault claim, you may be able to recover additional medical expenses and lost wages, as well as damaged property and pain and suffering losses. A pedestrian accident attorney in Kearns can provide clarity in your case about what you may be entitled to pursue and how much your case may be worth. However, in both types of claims, Siegfried & Jensen can conduct negotiations for you.
Monitor Time Limits for Filing a Claim
After you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you generally have four years from the time of the accident to file a claim, per Utah Code § 78B-2-307. While this time can help you recover and gather evidence, the sooner you can file a claim, the stronger your case can be. Over time, memories fade, evidence deteriorates, and time can slip by faster than it may seem.
Protect your ability to recover compensation by hiring a lawyer as soon as possible. Some claims may have a shorter statute of limitations, and we can assess your case for deadlines and take the appropriate steps.
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Siegfried & Jensen Guides You Through the Legal Process
Pedestrian accidents are highly traumatic events, and Siegfried & Jensen handle your case with the compassion and care you deserve throughout this difficult time.
The Kearns pedestrian accident attorney representing you takes the time to understand your situation and remains by your side throughout your case. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about how we can serve you.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form