Pedestrians in and around Salt Lake City should never have to worry about being struck and injured by careless or negligent drivers. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are a regular occurrence in this area. At the Jardine Law Offices P.C., we are dedicated to helping victims of pedestrian accidents secure the compensation they deserve. Today, our Salt Lake City crosswalk accident attorneys want to discuss a recent tragic case because it highlights the dangers that pedestrians face each day.
What happened in this accident?
Earlier this month, a pedestrian accident took the life of one person in downtown Salt Lake City. The incident happened on December 7, 2019, at the intersection of 300 South 500 East at around 1:00 a.m.
Police say that two men were crossing the street in a pedestrian crosswalk when they were struck by a vehicle that was heading South on 500 East and was turning east onto 300 South. The two pedestrians who were struck by the vehicle were rushed to The University of Utah Hospital with serious injuries. One of the men died later that day.
Police say that there were three people inside the vehicle that struck the two men. Officers said that they noted a “strong odor of alcohol” on the driver. There was a heavy fog in the area that evening, but police said that “The pedestrian has the right of way.”
How often do pedestrian accidents occur in Utah?
During the latest reporting year in Utah, there were 772 pedestrians involved in motor vehicle crashes. Out of these incidents, 670 people were injured, and 42 people were killed. Nearly every reported pedestrian accident resulted in an injury or a fatality.
According to state data, the leading causes of pedestrian crashes include:
- Drivers failing to yield the right of way
- Hit and run incidents
- Failing to keep in the proper lane by the driver
- Improper turn
- Reckless and aggressive driving
During the latest reporting year in this state, there were 1,825 alcohol-related driver crashes. As we can see in the story above, impaired drivers pose a major threat to pedestrians. According to data from Utah officials, alcohol-related crashes were 6.7 times more likely to be fatal than any other crash.
Let us help you after a crash
If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a pedestrian crash due to the careless or negligent actions of a driver in Salt Lake City, secure legal assistance immediately. At the Jardine Law Offices P.C., our qualified and experienced team is going to get to work on your behalf. We will investigate the incident and work to secure the following compensation:
- Your medical expenses related to the crash
- Lost wages and benefits if you are unable to work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of personal enjoyment damages
- Possible punitive damages against a grossly negligent driver
When you need a Salt Lake City pedestrian accident attorney, you can contact us by clicking here or calling us at 801-350-3506 for a free consultation.