Pedestrian Accidents
When a car, motorcycle, or other motorized vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the results can be devastating. Pedestrians have little to protect them from the impact of these vehicles, and often suffer serious injuries. Many do not survive; those who do often require ongoing medical care for the rest of their lives. In addition to suffering physically and emotionally, victims also suffer financially. Medical bills and lost wages add up quickly, making victims feel hopeless.
If you sustained injuries in a car versus pedestrian crash in Colorado Springs, contact a pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident. At Sears & Associates, P.C., we can help you evaluate your legal options and file for compensation after an injury accident. Call our Colorado Springs office today at 719-471-1984 to schedule a time to meet with one of our personal injury lawyers.
How common are pedestrian accidents in Colorado?
Unfortunately, even with state-run programs like Share the Road and the Safe Routes to School Program, Colorado pedestrian and cyclist deaths are on the rise, according to the Colorado Springs Gazette. The newspaper reported on statistics supplied by the Colorado Department of Transportation that showed an 11 percent increase in overall traffic deaths during 2016. More than 15 cyclists died in 2016, while 84 pedestrians lost their lives on Colorado roads.
Many of these deaths were the fault of motorists who acted carelessly or negligently. Some of the most common causes of car versus pedestrian crashes and fatalities include:
- Distracted or texting drivers
- Drunk drivers
- Speeding motorists and motorcyclists
- Backing out of driveways or parking spaces without looking
- Failure to yield when turning
- Ignoring crosswalk laws
Who is liable for my car versus pedestrian crash injuries?
In many cases, the driver of the car is at-fault in a Colorado Springs pedestrian accident. Colorado law [§ 42-4-802] requires all cars, trucks, and motorcycles to yield the right-of-way to anyone in or approaching their half of the crosswalk. This means a driver turning right at an intersection must wait to turn until a pedestrian in the crosswalk has crossed onto the other half of the roadway.
Unfortunately, drivers rarely wait until the pedestrian is out of the crosswalk before making a turn. In other cases, they refuse to yield right-of-way entirely.
Drivers must also wait for cars that have stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross. If a driver overtakes a car stopped for a pedestrian, he has broken the law and will be liable for any injuries that occur.
How can I collect compensation for my pedestrian accident injuries in Colorado Springs?
If a careless or negligent driver caused your pedestrian accident, you can hold him responsible for the financial burden of your injuries. Give us a call, and we can file an insurance claim based on the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy.
We can handle all communication with the driver’s insurance company, helping take the stress off of you and ensuring your rights remain intact. This is especially important because many insurance companies use questionable tactics to get accident victims to “admit” fault or accept liability after a Colorado Springs pedestrian accident.
We can collect the police report and eyewitness statements, request copies of your medical records, and take other steps to build a strong case in your favor. This helps us negotiate a higher settlement with the insurance company, getting you the maximum payout for your losses.
Occasionally, an auto insurance company refuses to negotiate with us or denies a claim outright. When this occurs, we can weigh your options. In most cases, we have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation from a negligent driver.
How much can I recover in my Colorado Springs pedestrian accident case?
The value of your pedestrian accident claim depends greatly on the circumstances of your case. When the at-fault driver pilots a large truck or SUV, or is driving excessively fast, you may sustain devastating injuries and require around-the-clock nursing care for decades to come. In a low-speed crash, your injuries could be minor and only keep you out of work for a few days.
Some of the most common pedestrian accident injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Injuries to the limbs
When we sign on to represent you, we analyze all aspects of your case and collect evidence to support all your accident-related damages. From there, we can estimate your losses and request enough compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, ongoing care costs, and pain and suffering.
Get help from a Colorado Springs pedestrian accident lawyer today.
If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a Colorado Springs pedestrian accident, you need to discuss your case with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney as soon as possible. This is the best way to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
At Sears & Associates, P.C., we take care of your insurance claim so you can focus on getting better. We use our decades of experience dealing with accidents and insurers to get you the compensation you need and deserve. Call our Colorado Springs office today at 719-471-1984 to schedule a time to talk to one of our pedestrian accident attorneys.
