Pedestrian crosswalks are designed to provide a safe and secure pathway for people to cross the road. Unfortunately, accidents may still happen, resulting in injuries, and sometimes, even fatalities. If you’re a pedestrian who has been injured while using a crosswalk in Utah, it’s essential to know what actions to take.
In this article, we will share some essential steps that you should follow if you find yourself in this situation.
Table of Contents
1. Seek Medical Attention
If you’ve been injured while using a pedestrian crosswalk in Utah, the first and most crucial thing you need to do is seek medical attention. Even if you don’t think your injuries are severe, it’s still a good idea to get checked out by a professional to rule out any unseen or underlying injuries.
It’s also essential to document all your injuries and medical treatments as this will be used as evidence in your potential personal injury case.
2. Report the Accident
It’s crucial to report the accident to the police. You should call the local police department and ask them to come to the scene of the accident. If you’re not able to do that yourself, you should ask someone nearby to call and report it.
When the police arrive, they’ll ask you for details about the accident, so be sure to provide as much information as possible. It’s also a good idea to take pictures of the accident scene and any visible injuries you may have sustained.
3. Get Contact Information from Witnesses
If there were witnesses to the accident, be sure to get their contact information. They may be able to provide valuable information about how the accident occurred, which could be used in your claim.
4. Do NOT Speak with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies will often contact you after an accident to get a statement about what happened. It’s critical not to communicate with them until you have spoken with a personal injury attorney. Insurance companies are known to try and settle for as little as possible, and they may use any statements you make against you to lower their payout.
5. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Contacting a personal injury lawyer is essential if you’ve been injured while using a pedestrian crosswalk in Utah. A lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal system and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Your lawyer will help you with the following:
- Gathering evidence to strengthen your case
- Communicating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Negotiating for a settlement
- Representing you in court (if necessary)
It’s important to remember that the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Utah is four years from the date of the accident. So, it’s essential to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
6. Follow your Doctor’s Orders
Injuries sustained from accidents can take some time to heal. It’s crucial to follow your doctor’s orders to ensure that you recover fully.
This may include attending physical therapy sessions, taking prescribed medication, and avoiding certain activities to prevent further injuries. Not following your doctor’s orders could harm your personal injury case as insurance companies may use this lapse in treatment against you.
Conclusion
In summary, if you’re injured while using a pedestrian crosswalk in Utah, it’s vital to seek medical attention, report the accident, get contact information from witnesses, not speak with insurance companies, contact a personal injury lawyer, and follow your doctor’s orders.
By taking these steps, you’ll get the help you need to recover and receive fair compensation for your injuries. Remember, accidents can happen, but taking the right actions can make all the difference.