A teenage Salt Lake City girl was seriously injured in a pedestrian accident involving a Unified Police officer last week. The Salt Lake City Police Department said that the accident is under investigation.

According to officials, the 13-year-old girl was walking with friends on a poorly-lit street in a residential area in Millcreek around 9:20 p.m. when the accident occurred. Apparently, the girl was hit by the police officer when she attempted to cross a street to meet her father who was waiting in a car.

Police officials said the UPD officer did not see the girl in the street until it was too late, and they suspect that the girl did not see the officer's vehicle either. It is unknown if the girl's father saw the accident unfold.

The 13-year-old was immediately taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital, where she stayed for at least three days with serious injuries. The extent of her injuries has not been released, although officials said that they appeared non-life threatening.

Pedestrian accidents are all too common in the Salt Lake City area. Oftentimes, pedestrian accidents are caused because of someone else's negligence or carelessness, which even police officers can be guilty of.

The investigation will likely determine if negligence or carelessness on behalf of the police officer contributed to the accident. If so, the girl could potentially have a personal injury claim against the Unified Police Department.

With a personal injury lawsuit, it is possible for a victim to be compensated for both monetary and non-monetary damages suffered as a result of the accident. This can include compensation for past and future medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Sources: Utah News, "Girl remains in hospital after struck by UPD vehicle," Bob Mims, Jan. 29, 2012; ABC 4, "Teenage girl injured after being struck by UPD vehicle," Jan. 27, 2012