Colorado is a beautiful state with stunning infrastructure for physically active individuals. Bike lanes, sidewalks, and footpaths are abundant! With so much pedestrian traffic, accidents are more common than ever.
Colorado has seen a major uptick in pedestrian traffic on foot, bicycles, and more in recent years. These accidents can be life-changing, often resulting in serious injuries or even death. Injuries from pedestrian accidents can be catastrophic and are usually very expensive to recover from. Pain, suffering, loss of wages, and costly medical expenses can feel overwhelming.
If you have been hit by a car on a bike or on foot in Colorado, there are laws in place to protect you! Personal injury attorneys can help you access the compensation you need to get your life back. In Colorado, law-abiding pedestrians usually have the right of way. Before accepting a settlement, contact a skilled pedestrian accident to ensure that you are being compensated for your pain, suffering, and expenses, fairly.
For a free legal consultation with a Personal Injury lawyer serving Colorado, call 303-777-1000
Tell us about your caseWere You Injured in a Pedestrian Accident in Colorado? Our Team is Here for You!
If you have been hit by a motor vehicle while riding a bike or on foot, contact one of our skilled personal injury lawyers today! Our team has years of experience assisting those who are the victims of pedestrian accidents.
For a free pedestrian accident consultation, call 720-464-3600 now. Or, follow the provided link and fill out an online case form any time. A member of our personal injury representation team will get back to you shortly and help you decide if you have a case! Matlin Injury Law is here to ensure that injured pedestrian victims get the compensation that they are entitled to in Colorado.
What are some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents?
Pedestrian accidents can be caused by numerous factors. Whether drivers are distracted, impaired, or simply impatient, these types of accidents can be catastrophic. In Colorado, driver negligence is the leading cause of pedestrian accidents. Driver negligence occurs when a driver neglects his duty to use appropriate levels of care and caution to avoid injuring others while on the road.
Top causes of pedestrian accidents include speeding, texting while driving, intoxication, disregard for traffic signals, and carelessness. Pedestrian accidents can occur in any kind of weather. When the weather is nice, more pedestrians are out and about. This can lead to more instances of pedestrian accidents. When weather conditions are poor, it may be more difficult for drivers to see pedestrians.
According to national statistics, more than half of all combined pedestrian accidents occurred at or near intersections. Drivers making left turns or trying to speed through crosswalks can create dangerous conditions and lead to fatal accidents.
Top Pedestrian Accident Causes
- Distracted Drivers
- Intoxicated Drivers
- Impatient Drivers
- Recklessness
- Negligence
- Poor Visibility
- Road Construction
- Vehicles Making Left Turns
- Disregard for Traffic Laws, Crosswalks, or Signals
Pedestrian Accident Statistics in the US
You may be surprised to know that there are more than 76,000 pedestrian accidents every year in the United States. Pedestrian accidents made up more than 3% of accident reports in 2018. In 2020 alone, more than 6,000 pedestrians were killed by drivers in the United States.
Which injuries are most commonly sustained from pedestrian accidents?
Injuries sustained from pedestrian accidents can be mild, severe, catastrophic, or deadly. The most common injuries seen from pedestrian collisions tend to be traumatic brain injuries, followed by musculoskeletal injuries. Chest and abdominal injuries are also a common occurrence. After that, injuries to the upper and lower legs, knees, and lower extremities are most common.
All of these injuries can have life-altering implications. Broken legs can mean lengthy recovery periods and create an inability to work and earn income. Abdominal injuries also have longer recovery times and may have impacts that last much longer than the damage sustained from initial injuries. The same goes for traumatic brain injuries. Head injuries like this can have effects that impair individuals for a lifetime.
Most Common Injuries Sustained from Pedestrian Accidents:
- Head injuries
- Skeletal injuries
- Broken lower extremities
- Knee injuries
- Hip injuries
- Abdominal and internal injuries
What pedestrian accident injuries tend to be the most severe, catastrophic, or traumatic?
The most severe injuries from pedestrian accidents are often to the head and neck. Traumatic brain injuries can lead to comas or death. Neck and spine injuries can cause physical paralysis and neurological damage. However, internal injuries can also be catastrophic. Since automobiles are so much larger than individual pedestrians, the damage to the automobile is often negligible. However, the damage to the person may be incalculable.
Colorado Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near Me 303-777-1000
Tell us about your caseWhat should you do if you are a pedestrian who has been in an accident with an automobile?
If you have been hit by a motor vehicle as a pedestrian, there are a few things that you can do to protect your interests. Understandably, you will feel shaken and may be injured. As such, the first thing that you should do is seek medical attention. Call 911 immediately or ask any bystanders or witnesses to call 911 on your behalf. As you wait for medical attention, you should try to document the accident scene and get the contact information of witnesses.
Also, be sure to note the license plate number of the vehicle that hit you or ask someone to get a picture of the license plate for you. This will be critical if you find yourself in a hit-and-run type of pedestrian accident. It may also be wise to accept a ride in an ambulance. Even if you feel your injuries are mild, it is important to be evaluated by a medical professional. Injuries to the head, abdomen and various types of internal injuries can be severe. However, these injuries often have side effects that take time to show.
After seeking medical attention, document your injuries. Taking photos of your injuries as they progress may be prudent. Keep track of your medical expenses as well. Ask a friend or family member to assist you if needed.
Then, contact a qualified Colorado personal injury pedestrian accident attorney. Your attorney will represent your interests and advise you on how best to handle your unique situation. This is an important step to take before speaking with anyone about your accident, including insurance agents. Avoid giving away too much information, as it may be used against you. This includes posting on social media or taking any kind of responsibility for the accident. If you are unsure what to do at any stage after being hit by a vehicle, contact us. Our skilled personal injury attorneys will be able to walk you through each step of the legal reporting process. That way, you can focus on recovering.
If You Are the Victim of a Pedestrian Accident:
- Call 911 or ask someone to call 911 for you.
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine.
- Gather the contact information of witnesses or ask someone to collect this information for you.
- If possible, document the evidence at the scene.
- Get the license plate of the driver who hit you.
- Keep track of your medical bills and save any photos of your injuries.
- Be careful what you say after an accident and avoid using social media.
- Call a qualified Colorado personal injury attorney to protect your interests.
Should I get a lawyer if I am the victim of a pedestrian accident?
Yes, we highly recommend retaining a personal injury attorney to represent your interests and protect your rights after being injured in a pedestrian accident. Victims of pedestrian accidents involving automobiles have many resources available in Colorado. Our team will work hard to ensure that you have access to these resources. We will do everything we can to make sure that your case has a fair outcome and that you receive the compensation you are owed.
What insurance policies do drivers in Colorado have to carry?
In Colorado, the minimum mandated insurance for bodily injury or death to any single person is $25,000. Then, $50,000 for bodily injury or death must also be carried for all persons in a single accident. Also, drivers must have $15,000 of property damage from any single accident. To put it simply, all Colorado drivers must have a specified amount of liability insurance if they injure another person or damage their property.
Do insurance companies pay for pedestrian injuries from being hit by a car?
If an automobile hits a pedestrian in the state of Colorado, the driver of that automobile must compensate the pedestrian if they are found to be at fault. The amount and type of compensation available to the victim will depend on the insurance of both parties. Damages may also vary based on the extent of the injuries and who is judged to be at fault.
Although Colorado used to be a no-fault state, it has been an at-fault state since 2003. In an at-fault state, the driver who caused the accident has to use their own insurance to pay the bills of the victim. In pedestrian accidents, the driver is often found to be the party at-fault. This is because drivers have a greater burden of care. This means that it is up to an automobile operator not to injure pedestrians as they drive.
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Tell us about your caseWhat are Colorado’s pedestrian accident reporting requirements
If you have been involved in an accident in Colorado, you usually have up to three years to make claims or file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. However, this timeline is dependent on many factors. The state’s statute of limitations must be considered. If an accident occurred on government property or was caused by a government vehicle, you may have less time to file claims against the state. To find out how long you have to begin making claims or file a lawsuit against a driver that hit you with their vehicle, contact our personal injury attorney team.
Who can be held liable for a pedestrian accident in Colorado and how does right of way work?
Since the average vehicle weighs about 4,000 pounds and the average person weighs less than 200, it makes sense that Colorado’s laws protect pedestrians. The Colorado state law maintains that drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians. Additionally, cars must also yield to pedestrians that are using crosswalks legally. These laws apply to all stop signs and flashing red lights, regardless of whether or not the traffic signals are working or missing.
Additionally, if a vehicle has stopped to allow a pedestrian to pass, any vehicles that are behind the initial stopped vehicle may not pass or go around. Pedestrians hold the right away in the state of Colorado. However, pedestrians must also abide by the law. In short, if you are jaywalking and a vehicle hits you, you may be found at fault or partially at fault.
Things can get complex quickly when extenuating circumstances like construction zones or intoxication are involved. This is why it is important to contact a personal injury attorney right away if you have been hit by a vehicle in Colorado. What you say may be used against you if your case goes to court. Let an attorney give you advice on how to handle complex pedestrian accidents.
Right Of Way Laws in Colorado
Since pedestrians have the right-of-way in the state of Colorado, vehicles must yield to pedestrians under various circumstances. Pedestrians have the undisputed right-of-way at every crosswalk, intersection, or marked pedestrian crossing.
What are comparative fault laws and how do they apply to pedestrians and foot traffic in Colorado?
Comparative fault laws determine which party is at fault when an accident occurs. If a victim is determined to be at fault (completely or partially) the other party may not be required to pay out damages. This is why it is critical to be careful what you say if you have been involved in a pedestrian accident. It is always better to be safe than sorry, so contact an attorney before giving an official statement to anyone.
What is the process of determining liability in a pedestrian accident?
The process of determining liability for pedestrian accidents involves examining the circumstances surrounding the collision and placing fault on the appropriate parties involved. How fast was the vehicle going? Was the pedestrian crossing at an appropriately marked intersection? Was the driver of the automobile intoxicated? Was the pedestrian distracted, on the phone, or jaywalking? All of these factors will be considered when determining liability. The person at-fault will be liable for damages to the other party.
How long do you have to file a claim or lawsuit after being hit by a car in Colorado?
If you have been hit by a car in Colorado, it is best to contact an attorney and begin the process of filing claims as soon as possible. With that being said, you may have up to three years to file a claim. This timeline may be shorter in some circumstances. Call us to find out if you have time left to file claims after your pedestrian accident.
What kinds of compensation are available for victims of pedestrian accidents in Colorado?
In a Colorado pedestrian accident case, compensation will be awarded for economic damages. These damages may include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, future lost wages, or the loss of earning capacity. Additionally, non-economic damages may also be awarded to the climate.
Compensation for damages may aid victims with:
- Medical costs
- Loss of earned income
- Loss of ability to earn income
- Economic damages
- Non-economic damages
- Pain and suffering
- Aftercare
- Other damages related to a Pedestrian accident
Why choose Matlin Injury Law after a pedestrian accident?
If you are the victim of a pedestrian accident, we can help you get your life back. Pedestrian accidents should always be taken seriously. After all, walkers, runners, bikers, and other pedestrians should feel safe as they enjoy the abundant resources of our beautiful state!
We understand that being hit by a car can completely change your life. Your injuries may be devastating, and your recovery time can cause significant financial and physical impairments. You should not suffer in silence. Our team will do everything we can to ensure that victims receive fair compensation. We will work with you through every step of the legal process and represent you with tenacity in court. Our attorneys will not be paid until you are!
Our pedestrian accident lawyers proudly serve the Parker, Colorado area, and greater Douglas County. If you aren’t sure if our team can help, simply call us. We will review your case for free and treat you with professional consideration and compassion.
Call Our Pedestrian Accident Injury and Claims Lawyers Now
If you have been hit by a car in Colorado? If you have been in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to more compensation than you realize. The state of Colorado takes pedestrian accidents seriously. The negligent party must be held responsible for the financial losses, pain, and suffering inflicted on a pedestrian victim.
We urge you to contact our team as soon as possible after your accident so that we can begin fighting for your rights as soon as possible. No matter where you are in the course of your pedestrian accident case, our lawyers may be able to assist you. However, the sooner you contact our team, the better. In fact, we may even be able to assist you while you are still in the hospital.
With Matlin Injury Law in your corner, you can trust that your pedestrian accident case will be handled by professionals who comprehensively understand the personal injury laws in Colorado. We will take every action to make the legal processes surrounding your pedestrian accident case painless as possible for you. Contact us now!
Reach Skilled Lawyers for Colorado Pedestrian Accidents at (720) 464-3600.
Call or text 303-777-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
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