Utah Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Utah Pedestrian Accident Statistics

When are pedestrian accidents most likely to occur?

• Fatal pedestrian accidents are most likely to occur in the hours between 6:00 am and 9:00 am
• Nearly half of pedestrian deaths occur in Salt Lake County
• Around 40% of pedestrians involved in accidents are in a marked crosswalk at the time of the crash

Utah pedestrian accident statistics

• 16% of all fatal accidents in Utah involve a pedestrian
• 2% of all pedestrian accidents in Utah involve alcohol
• Since 2018, an average of 43 people have been killed in pedestrian accidents each year
• Pedestrians account for only 1% of people involved in accidents, but 15-20% of accident fatalities 

Common causes of pedestrian accidents

• Distracted driving: Motorists become much more dangerous and unpredictable when texting or talking on the phone
• Alcohol or drugs: Pedestrian accidents are far more likely to happen when the driver or pedestrian is under the influence
• Poor visibility: Walking on poorly lit roads, especially without reflective clothing, makes it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians
• Failure to yield the right-of-way: If motorists or pedestrians are unfamiliar with the traffic laws in the area, they may enter intersections when it is not safe to do so, endangering those around them
• Bad weather: When conditions are rainy or icy, it is easy for drivers to lose control and swerve out of their lane

Common pedestrian accident injuries 

Depending on the nature of your accident and the protective gear you were wearing at the time, pedestrian accident injuries can range from minor scratches to life-threatening conditions. Some common types of pedestrian injuries are:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken or missing teeth
• Broken bones
• Joint dislocation
• Ligament tears or strains
• Lacerations and bruising

Utah Pedestrian Safety Guidelines

• Use sidewalks whenever available
• Walk against traffic when no sidewalk is present
• When walking at night, wear bright, reflective clothing
• Know and follow the rules of the road
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Walk in pairs or groups if possible
• Be predictable

Utah Pedestrian Laws 

What is a “pedestrian” under Utah law?

Utah code defines a pedestrian as a person traveling on foot or by wheelchair. People traveling on other wheeled devices, such as skateboards or scooters, are not pedestrians under the law.

Where are pedestrians allowed to cross the street?

The best places for pedestrians to cross the street include:

• Marked crosswalks
• Unmarked crosswalks
• Pedestrian bridges and tunnels

When a pedestrian is crossing the street at a crosswalk, marked or unmarked, motor vehicles must yield the right-of-way. If a pedestrian crosses at an area where there is not a crosswalk, the pedestrian must yield to motor vehicles.
Pedestrians may not cross between intersections controlled by traffic control signals. Local governments may designate other areas where pedestrians are prohibited from crossing the street.

Do pedestrians have to obey stop lights and stop signs?

Pedestrians must follow traffic signals and signs that specifically relate to pedestrians. 
If no pedestrian signal is present at an intersection ruled by stop lights, the pedestrian may cross the street (within a crosswalk) when traffic traveling in the same direction has a green light. Vehicles making turns at that intersection must yield to the pedestrian.

Where should pedestrians walk when there is no sidewalk?

Pedestrians are required to use sidewalks whenever they are present. If no sidewalk is available, pedestrians should walk on the shoulder, as far off the roadway as is safe and practical. Pedestrians walking on the shoulder should walk against traffic (typically on the left side of the road).
Pedestrians who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs may not walk on the shoulder of the road; they may only use sidewalks.
Pedestrians are not permitted to walk along limited-access roads, such as interstate freeways, except in an emergency.

What is the statute of limitations for pedestrian accidents?

In every personal injury case, there is a time limit for plaintiffs to file a claim. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations. After the statute of limitations is up, you will no longer be able to file a pedestrian accident claim.
In Utah, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 4 years. However, you should begin your case much sooner than that. Personal injury cases can take months or even years to settle. Additionally, the longer you wait to file, the harder it will be to gather evidence from your accident.
As soon as you believe you have a case, you should contact a pedestrian accident lawyer. Your attorney will begin building your case immediately, giving you the best chance at receiving a settlement.