Utah Personal Injury Law Firm Blog

Canadian Woman Killed in Utah Pedestrian verses Auto Accident On February 25, 2010, Patricia Prokopetz of Alberta, Canada, died after being hit by a car on I-15 near Willard Bay. The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Patricia Prokopetz and her husband had traveled to Utah so that Mr. Prokopetz could receive medical treatments for he aggravated diabetes. On this tragic Thursday, Patricia decided to take a photograph of Willard bay. The couple pulled over so Patricia attempted to run across the free way for a better shot. She was struck by a minivan traveling in the far left fast lane. Although Patricia was airlifted to the hospital, the injuries she sustained in this tragic Utah pedestrian verses auto accident were too great. She died from her traumatic injuries at the hospital. Fortunately, no one was hurt in the minivan. My heart goes out to the family and friends of Patricia Prokopetz. This was a tragic and preventable accident that will no doubt have lasting effects on the loved ones of the victim as well as the occupants of the minivan, who were not responsible for causing this fatal Utah Car accident. Utah Pedestrian Accident Statistics The Utah Department of Health has created a special task force called Violence & Injury Prevention Program (VIPP) to research what kind of injuries and accidents Utah resident are more susceptible to become involved in and why these types of accidents occur. By analyzing thier data and findings, VIPP creates and implements safety programs that aim to promote education, awareness and safety for the inhabitants and visitors of our lovely state of Utah. In 2004, the Salt Lake City/Ogden area was ranked as the 31st most dangerous metro area nationwide for pedestrian safety by the Surface Transportation Policy Project (STPP). This report generated great public concern and compelled Utah government officials to create safety committees specifically designated to the safety of pedestrians, children, bicyclists, motorcyclists and other groups prone to auto accidents. According to the most recent data provided by VIPP, pedestrians in Utah are just not that safe: • In Utah, on average, 40 pedestrian are killed each year • Each year, 1,055 pedestrians are struck by a car • 50% of these pedestrian verse car accidents involve persons under the age of 19 • 60% of pedestrians hit by cars are male Informative Resources • Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center • Zero Fatalities • Heads Up Utah Campaign An Experienced Attorney Can Help You The Salt Lake City pedestrian injury attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm closely work with their clients affected by Utah accidents to help insure that they receive fair compensation for their injuries. We know the true value of your case and we understand that you should not have to bear the cost of someone’s negligence. If you or someone you love has suffered through a Salt Lake City Utah pedestrian injury and you feel it is the result of the negligence of another, we urge you to contact the Christensen Law Firm at 801-506-0800 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal rights.