Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Colorado

Overall, the most common reason for a daytime pedestrian collision is distracted driving. According to the CDC, distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road. Texting is a leading form of distracted driving, but it can also include eating, adjusting the radio, or interacting with passengers. 

Outside of distracted driving, some other common causes of pedestrian accidents include: 

• Excessive speeding 
• Driving under the influence 
• Reckless driving 
• Passing a stopped bus
• Rolling stops 
• Failing to stop at an intersection

There could also be instances where poor road or weather conditions contribute to a pedestrian accident. For example, ice patches may cause a car to spin out and hit someone walking on the sidewalk.

Types of Pedestrian Accidents in Colorado 

Auto accidents involving pedestrians can happen for a variety of reasons in Colorado. Some of the most common accident types include: 

• Crosswalk collisions: Most pedestrians who are hit in crosswalks are often struck by vehicles making left-hand turns or by distracted drivers. Even though pedestrians do have the right of way at designated intersections, you should always be cautious and assume that oncoming traffic will not stop for you. Always make sure it is safe before stepping into the road. 
• Parking lot accidents: Drivers pulling in or backing out of spaces sometimes fail to ensure it is clear and end up hitting pedestrians. When you walk in a parking lot, always stay alert, avoid using your phone, and never walk between parked vehicles or empty spaces. 
• Hit-and-run accidents: These accidents can happen anywhere and are usually the result of the driver being distracted or driving recklessly. If they were distracted by their cell phone, they might not even have realized they hit a pedestrian. Reckless drivers may leave the accident scene out of fear. Whenever you are walking, be alert. 

Remember, there might be times when you, as the pedestrian, are responsible for a driver hitting you. Darting out into the road, crossing against a walk signal, or being distracted when crossing the road may result in you being partially or entirely liable for an accident. 

Common Injuries Resulting from Pedestrian Accidents 

Since pedestrians do not have any protection, they are more likely to sustain severe injuries in an accident. Some common injuries accident victims sustain are: 

• Broken bones
• Head trauma
• Back or spine injuries
• Soft tissue damage
• Internal bleeding 
• Cuts and bruises
• Foot and leg injuries 

Most accidents involve injuries to the feet, ankles, knees, and legs, but these are the most treatable. Head injuries are the most fatal. It is possible to survive a traumatic head injury, but victims typically require lifelong medical care and treatment because of further complications resulting from the injury. 

Steps to Take Following a Pedestrian Accident in Colorado 

The immediate aftermath of a pedestrian accident may be disorienting and overwhelming, but the steps you take will be vital to your injury case. At the accident scene, call 911 and try moving to a safe location, if possible. This will help prevent another car from striking you. Once you can, report the collision to the police and get the emergency medical care you need. 

While you wait for the police and ambulance to arrive, take photos. Be sure to include any physical injuries you sustained, the accident scene, and the surrounding area. Photos are the best way to show an accurate picture of how the accident occurred and who is at fault. 

If emergency medical care is not necessary, once officers clear the scene, you should seek medical attention for any injuries. Even if you feel fine, having a doctor conduct an examination will not hurt. Some symptoms may not appear until days after the accident, or you might be suffering from internal injuries only a doctor can diagnose. Additionally, the longer you wait to see a doctor, the harder it is to prove that your injuries resulted from the accident. 

What Compensation Can I Receive for My Injuries? 

The compensation you may receive for your pedestrian accident injuries will depend on the extent and type of your injuries. After thoroughly reviewing the collision and circumstances surrounding the case, a Colorado personal injury attorney may be able to secure funds for the following losses: 

• Medical and therapy bills 
• Property damage
• Lost wages
• Scars or disfigurement
• In-home rehabilitation 
• Pain and suffering 

One thing you should never do after an accident is put trust in the insurance company. It is still a business with goals to maximize profits whenever possible. Unfortunately, that means using tactics to reduce or deny your claim. Retaining an attorney is the best way to ensure you receive a fair and proper settlement to cover your accident-related expenses.  

Skilled Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Colorado 

When you need to recover damages from a pedestrian accident because of a negligent driver, contact the attorneys at the Mintz Law Firm. We dedicate ourselves to fighting for victims of automobile accidents and are passionate about achieving justice for all our clients. 
Our attorneys will stop at nothing to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call (303) 462-2999 or complete our contact form.