Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Fort Collins
Motorists must obey traffic laws and drive carefully to avoid collisions. However, drivers often fail to notice or yield to pedestrians. This negligence can result in devastating accidents. If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, you might face growing medical bills, missed time at work, and other crash-related losses. However, you don’t have to go through this challenging time alone.
The Wilhite Law Firm will aggressively advocate for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries. For over 40 years, our skilled attorneys have helped injured Coloradans seek the justice and financial relief they need. We provide compassionate service, allowing our clients to focus on healing while we handle all the legal details. Contact The Wilhite Law Firm today for a free consultation with a Fort Collins pedestrian accident lawyer.
What Are Some Common Causes of Fort Collins Pedestrian Accidents?
Various factors can contribute to pedestrian accidents, but the most common causes of these crashes include:
- Distracted driving – Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or fiddling with control knobs are less attentive to the road and might not notice pedestrians in time to avoid crashing.
- Speeding – Drivers exceeding posted speed limits or going too fast for the conditions have more difficulty stopping in time to avoid hitting pedestrians.
- Failure to yield – Drivers often fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, especially at crosswalks and intersections, leading to devastating accidents.
- Impaired driving – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs reduces a driver’s reaction time, impairs judgment, and increases the likelihood of pedestrian crashes.
- Left-turn accidents – Pedestrians are more likely to get hit by vehicles turning left than those turning right. This is because the driver often looks for a break in oncoming traffic to complete the turn.
- Backing-up accidents – Drivers backing out of driveways or parking spaces might not see pedestrians behind them, especially if the pedestrian is a smaller adult or child.
- Infrastructure issues – Poorly designed roadways, lack of proper crosswalks, and inadequate lighting can all contribute to and worsen pedestrian accidents.
What Are the Most Common Injuries in Fort Collins Pedestrian Accidents?
Given the vulnerability of pedestrians compared to vehicle occupants, pedestrian accident injuries tend to be particularly severe.
Here’s a list of common types of injuries pedestrians suffer in collisions:
- Severe cuts and bruises
- Bone fractures
- Concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and other head injuries
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Amputations
- Dislocations
- Sprains and strains
- Crush injuries
- Facial and dental injuries
- Eye injuries and vision loss
- Ear injuries and hearing loss
- Road rash and burns
- Psychological injuries
Does Colorado Have Laws to Protect Pedestrians in an Accident?
Colorado pedestrian traffic laws aim to keep both pedestrians and motorists safe. Contact our Fort Collins pedestrian accident lawyer today.
Here are some essential traffic laws that apply to pedestrians and the drivers who operate near them in Colorado:
- Crosswalks – Pedestrians should cross the street at marked crosswalks or intersections whenever possible. Motorists may not pass cars stopped at crosswalks for pedestrians.
- Walking on the roadway – When sidewalks are available, pedestrians should not walk along or on the adjacent road. If sidewalks are unavailable, pedestrians should walk on the left-hand side of the road or its shoulder, facing oncoming traffic.
- Yielding to pedestrians – When traffic control signals are not in place or operating, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing within crosswalks.
- Due care – Drivers must exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians at all times, sound their horns when necessary, and take extra caution at night.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Pedestrian Accident?
While drivers are often at fault in pedestrian accidents, other parties might share responsibility.
Liable parties in a pedestrian accident injury case could include:
- The vehicle driver
- The vehicle owner
- The driver’s employer
- A local government entity
- A construction or work crew
- A vehicle or parts manufacturer
- A car mechanic
- A property owner
What Should I Do If I Have Been in a Pedestrian Accident?
If you get hurt in a traffic accident as a pedestrian, it’s essential to act quickly and carefully to protect your health and legal rights.
Here’s what you should do after you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident:
- Seek immediate medical care, even if your injuries seem minor.
- Follow medical advice and attend follow-up appointments.
- Save evidence, including clothing and personal items from the accident.
- Collect driver and witness contact information.
- Avoid making definitive statements or admitting fault.
- Document the scene with photos or videos, if possible.
- Get a copy of the police report.
- Start a personal journal documenting your injuries and recovery.
- Inform your own insurance company about the accident.
- Avoid speaking to the at-fault party’s insurance company without a lawyer.
- Secure legal representation from a trusted local injury attorney.
- Keep all medical bills, receipts, and accident-related expenses.
- Don’t share anything about the accident on social media.
- Contact a Fort Collins pedestrian accident attorney.
Can I Be Compensated for My Injuries?
With a successful pedestrian accident injury case, you could recover monetary compensation for the following types of losses:
- Past and future medical costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Lost income from missed time at work
- Losses in future earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and lower quality of life
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit for My Injuries?
Generally, you have a three-year window from the date of a pedestrian accident to file a lawsuit. However, the timeframe to file a suit might be shorter if your claim is against a city, county, or state government agency or one of its employees. Given the limited time to take legal action, you should contact an attorney immediately after a Fort Collins pedestrian accident. If you miss the filing deadline, you could lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries in civil court.
Contact a Fort Collins Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident, you deserve compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. The Wilhite Law Firm will aggressively advocate for your rights and help you seek the financial relief you need. Contact our Fort Collins pedestrian accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
