Four boys were crossing the street at the crosswalk in Taylorsville, Utah, at 5400 South and 1500 West earlier today, February 3, 2009, when a boy in the group, a 17-year old Taylorsville High School student, was hit by a car. According to KSL News, witnesses said that the boys were running across the street against the light when this happened. The injured Taylorsville High School student was taken to the Intermountain Medical Center with a diagnosis of a serious traumatic brain injury. A head injury of this type is very serious. Sadly, it is likely that this injury will forever change this young man’s life. Our best wishes to him and his family and others who will support him.
In reviewing the comments on this story, it seems there is confusion as to what a driver’s responsibility is as they approach a crosswalk. The law states that a motorist must yield to those who are in a crosswalk – whether their light is red or green. Although there are no facts that suggest that the driver of the striking vehicle was negligent in causing this pedestrian accident to happen, it is not entirely clear that the driver is without fault. According to the report, there are conflicting stories as to whether the boys’ light was green or not. We do know that an investigation is ongoing by the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office, so we will therefore withhold any assessment of blame until all the facts are in.
I will say, however, that there are certain benefits that the injured boy is entitled to in this case, including an amount for medical bills, household services provided to him by others, and if the lad worked, modest lost wage benefits.
Published by: Ron Kramer
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