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Why Choose Matlin Injury Law for Your Pedestrian Accident Case?
Choosing legal representation is a critical step in your recovery process, and Matlin Injury Law provides dedicated advocacy for injury victims in Castle Rock and throughout Colorado through a client-focused, results-driven approach. Our local knowledge of Castle Rock and Douglas County includes an understanding of specific traffic patterns and safety data, including the fact that 82% of killed or seriously injured (KSI) crashes occur on just 10% of the town’s streets, as well as ongoing initiatives like the Transportation Safety Action Plan, allowing us to build cases with precision and context. We prioritize clear communication and personalized attention, giving you direct access to your attorney, Brian S. Matlin, so you are never treated like just another case, while our experience handling severe trauma injury claims is reflected in significant recoveries such as a $1,500,000 and an $800,000 motor vehicle accident settlement. To keep justice accessible, we operate on a contingency-fee basis, typically 33% to 40% depending on the case, meaning you owe no legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
Dedicated Legal Representation for Pedestrian Injury Victims in Castle Rock
Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users. In 2023, Colorado saw 135 pedestrian fatalities, accounting for 19% of all traffic deaths. This represents a 150% increase over the last decade. When a vehicle strikes a person, the resulting injuries are almost always severe. Our legal services help those who have been injured due to the negligence of others. This includes victims of distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence.
Legal intervention is often necessary because insurance companies frequently attempt to minimize payouts or shift blame onto the pedestrian. We work to protect your rights. Our attorneys work to see that the full extent of your injuries and losses is accurately represented and pursued. Understanding how to file a personal injury claim is essential to protecting your interests.
How Matlin Injury Law Manages Your Pedestrian Accident
Claim
Successfully resolving a pedestrian accident claim requires a thorough and proactive approach. When you partner with Matlin Injury Law, we take over the heavy lifting so you can focus on your health. Our personal injury lawyers have extensive experience with pedestrian accident claims.
Our process includes:
Investigation: We gather evidence from the scene, including police reports, witness statements, and available surveillance or dashcam footage. Proper documentation is critical to building a strong case.
Proving Negligence: We work to establish that the driver’s actions—such as running a red light or texting—directly caused the accident. Negligence claims require clear evidence of driver fault.
Colorado Traffic Laws: We apply specific state and local statutes to support your case. We address any attempts by the defense to claim you were at fault. Our knowledge of Colorado accident laws strengthens your position.
Insurance Negotiations: We handle all communications with insurance adjusters. This protects you from tactics designed to lower your settlement. Understanding insurance claim processes helps you avoid costly mistakes.
Evaluating the Strength of Your Castle Rock Pedestrian Accident Claim
We evaluate the strength of your case by looking at several key factors:
Severity of Injuries: Claims involving long-term or permanent injuries typically have higher valuations. Serious injury cases often result in larger settlements.
Clarity of Liability: If there is clear evidence that the driver was at fault, the case is stronger. Determining fault is essential to your claim’s success.
Available Documentation: Immediate medical records and a detailed police report are essential components of a successful claim. Proper documentation strengthens your position significantly.
Matlin Injury Law supports our clients by coordinating with medical professionals to document the full scope of their injuries. We provide steady legal guidance through every phase of the litigation or settlement process. Our personal injury representation ensures your rights are protected.
FAQs
What are the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Castle Rock?
Most pedestrian accidents in the Castle Rock area occur due to driver negligence. Common factors include:
Distracted Driving: Drivers looking at phones or navigation systems instead of the road. Texting while driving significantly increases accident risk.
Failure to Yield: Drivers failing to stop for pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks.
Speeding: Higher speeds reduce a driver’s reaction time and increase the severity of an impact. Speed-related accidents often result in catastrophic injuries.
Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug use significantly impairs a driver’s judgment and coordination. Drunk driving accidents are a leading cause of pedestrian fatalities.
Who is legally responsible if I was hit while crossing outside of a crosswalk?
Liability is not always clear. While pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to vehicles when crossing outside of crosswalks (C.R.S. § 42-4-803), drivers still have a legal obligation under C.R.S. § 42-4-807. They must exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian on any roadway. This includes sounding the horn when necessary. Drivers must also exercise proper precaution when observing children or incapacitated persons. Even if you were crossing outside of a designated crosswalk, the driver may still be held responsible if they had the opportunity to avoid the collision but failed to do so. Understanding liability in pedestrian accidents is crucial for your case.
How does Colorado's "duty of care" apply to drivers and pedestrians?
In Colorado, both drivers and pedestrians owe a “duty of care” to others on the road. Drivers must operate their vehicles safely and remain vigilant. Pedestrians also have statutory duties, such as obeying “Walk” and “Don’t Walk” signals (C.R.S. § 42-4-802). They must use sidewalks when provided. If no sidewalk is available, they must walk on the left facing traffic (C.R.S. § 42-4-805). When a driver breaches their duty and causes an injury, they can be held liable for damages. For more information on Colorado traffic laws, consult with our team.
What types of compensation can I recover after a pedestrian accident?
Victims of pedestrian accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
Medical Expenses: Coverage for emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, and ongoing physical therapy. Medical malpractice claims may also apply if negligent care occurred.
Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to your injuries.
Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or working at all. Catastrophic injury claims often involve this type of damage.
Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. Understanding types of damages in personal injury claims helps you understand your potential recovery.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Colorado?
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for pedestrian accidents involving a motor vehicle is three years from the date of the accident (C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(n)(I)). This is an exception to the general two-year personal injury limit. It applies because the incident arises out of the use or operation of a motor vehicle. It is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your right to file a claim. Time limits for filing are strictly enforced in Colorado courts.
What happens if the driver who hit me fled the scene (Hit and Run)?
Hit-and-run accidents are particularly distressing. In Colorado, an unidentified driver is legally treated as an “uninsured motorist.” If the driver cannot be located, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage (C.R.S. § 10-4-609). This can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We can help you explore all available avenues for recovery in these situations. Hit-and-run accident claims require immediate action.
Will I have to go to trial to get a fair settlement?
Most personal injury cases are settled out of court. However, we prepare every case as if it might go to trial. This thorough preparation often encourages insurance companies to offer a fairer settlement to avoid the risks of a courtroom battle. Understanding settlement processes helps you make informed decisions.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes. Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule (C.R.S. § 13-21-111). As long as you are less than 50% responsible for the accident, you can still recover damages. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found 50% or more at fault, you are barred from recovery. Partial fault claims require experienced legal representation.
How do I know if I actually have a case worth pursuing?
The best way to determine the viability of your claim is through a professional evaluation. During a free consultation, we will review the facts of your accident and provide an honest assessment of your legal options. Free consultations help you understand your rights without obligation.
Contact a Castle Rock Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. Matlin Injury Law is committed to helping the Castle Rock community pursue justice and fair compensation. Our Castle Rock car accident lawyers are ready to assist you.
Take the first step toward recovery today. Call Matlin Injury Law at (303) 854-6078 or contact us online to schedule your free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Our Locations:
Littleton Personal Injury Lawyer: 26 W Dry Creek Cir #600, Littleton, CO 80120
Colorado Springs Personal Injury Lawyer: 1826 E Platte Avenue, Unit B3, Colorado Springs, CO 80909
