Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Greeley
In general, walking is a safe and healthy means of transportation. Not only can you get your steps in and stay active, but there are fewer hazards to look out for. You should be careful of a dip in the sidewalk, make sure you don’t bump into other walkers, and look both ways before you cross the road, but there isn’t much more to it. It seems to be low risk. However, in Greeley, pedestrians face the unfortunate reality of a pedestrian accident. You may need the help of a Greeley pedestrian accident lawyer from our firm.
If you’ve been injured by a careless driver while you were walking, the Greeley personal injury attorneys of The Wilhite Law Firm can help. Call us at 970-782-2392 or contact us online for a free consultation to learn what we can do for you. Your initial consultation is free, and we offer free consultations to discuss attorney fees, which are typically handled on a contingency basis. We are a trusted team of pedestrian accident attorneys serving Greeley, Colorado.
Why Should You Hire a Greeley Pedestrian Accident Attorney?
Pedestrian accidents can lead to severe injuries, life-threatening conditions, and, in some cases, even fatalities. The physical, emotional, and financial toll this incident can take on a person is often overwhelming. At The Wilhite Law Firm, our dedicated pedestrian accident lawyers in Greeley are committed to helping victims through the legal process of fighting for fair compensation. As a trusted pedestrian accident attorney in Greeley, Colorado, we have the expertise and local knowledge to advocate for your rights.
Our firm offers comprehensive legal services in Greeley, Colorado, including representation for pedestrian accidents and premises liability cases. Our experienced Greeley personal injury lawyers dedicated to helping injury victims recover compensation for their losses.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Greeley
A pedestrian accident is tragic, and often, it is not due to a pedestrian jaywalking but instead to driver negligence. The most common causes of these kinds of accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Poor weather conditions
Every driver has a duty of care to pedestrians, meaning that they must do their best to keep pedestrians who are crossing the road safe from collisions with their vehicle. Following Colorado traffic laws is essential for drivers to fulfill this duty, as these laws are designed to protect pedestrians and prevent accidents. Understanding the common causes of pedestrian accidents is essential in determining who was at fault for the accident that harmed you. This can help you and your pedestrian accident attorney in Greeley establish liability and pursue a successful claim. Proving someone else’s negligence is important for establishing liability in pedestrian accident cases, as it shows that another party’s actions or failure to act directly caused your injuries.
Driver Negligence
Negligence occurs when the driver breaches that duty. For instance, if a driver is distracted on their phone and doesn’t notice a pedestrian in the crosswalk, they are likely to collide with that walker. That accident is a direct result of driver negligence.
Poor weather conditions might seem like they don’t belong on this list of driver negligence. After all, how can the driver control the skid in their car when there’s ice on the road, or be expected to see through the fog to find the pedestrians crossing the road? However, the driver must consider their behavior in poor weather conditions. Perhaps they assumed they were alone on the road and sped through that fog, causing a high-speed collision with a hidden pedestrian. This is still negligence on the driver’s part because it is the driver’s responsibility to adjust their behavior on the road to keep those around them safe and reduce the risk of an accident.
Common Injuries from a Pedestrian Accident
When a pedestrian is struck by a car, they are especially vulnerable. Injuries are often life-altering, resulting in permanent disabilities and adverse effects on the victim’s life. Serious injuries often require extensive medical records to document the extent of harm. Some of the most common injuries include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A head injury is one of the most dangerous injuries a victim can suffer. TBIs range from mild concussions to permanent brain damage. They can affect memory, motor skills, speech, and the victim’s personality.
Spinal Cord Injuries
This injury can cause temporary or permanent paralysis. Depending on the severity of the injury, this can lead to lifelong care necessities and significantly reduce the victim’s independence.
Broken Bones
Because pedestrians lack protection, they are at high risk of fractures and broken bones. These are especially common in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Depending on the severity of the damage, these injuries can require surgery, physical therapy, and a significant amount of recovery time.
Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage
These injuries are especially dangerous because they are not always immediately apparent. Sometimes, they can take hours or even days to present symptoms. They are life-threatening and require emergency medical attention.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Torn ligaments, bruises, and deep lacerations can lead to chronic pain and scarring. They can affect mobility and comfort, reducing a victim’s quality of life.
Emotional Trauma
Victims of pedestrian accidents often leave with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. These invisible injuries can be just as debilitating as the more physically apparent injuries.
If you’re suffering from an injury caused by a pedestrian accident after being hit by a vehicle, seek medical attention immediately. Not only is it important to make sure you have a chance at full recovery, but it’s essential to get medical documentation in place so that your lawyer can establish a clear connection between the accident and your injuries. Legal professionals can help injury victims file a personal injury claim and use medical records to support their case, ensuring the best chance for fair compensation.
Your Rights as a Pedestrian in Colorado
After a car strikes you in the crosswalk, you might wonder about your legal rights. The good news is that Colorado law provides you with protection. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and exercise caution to avoid collisions. Even with a broken traffic signal, it’s the driver’s responsibility to stop for a pedestrian. If a driver ignores these laws, they can be held liable for damages done, including any compensation the victim might be entitled to.
You have the right to file a claim and seek monetary compensation for the misconduct that left you injured. However, it’s important that you do your best to act quickly. Under Colorado’s statute, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits gives injured people three years from the date of the motor vehicle crash to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. Personal injury lawsuits must be filed within this timeframe to seek justice and recover damages. There are exceptions to this law. Some of them extend the timeframe, and some of them shorten the timeframe. It’s important to engage a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible so they can provide legal representation and safeguard your right to compensation.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If you’ve been the victim of a pedestrian accident, you could be eligible for compensation for a variety of accident-related losses. Our firm is committed to helping clients pursue compensation and recover full and fair compensation for all losses, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the process. Ultimately, the money you can claim depends on the details of your case, which is why it’s essential to speak to a pedestrian accident lawyer with experience in this kind of case. They’ll be able to accurately assess the value of your case. You could be eligible for compensation for these damages:
Medical Expenses
This includes coverage for past and future medical bills for hospital services, rehabilitation, and any ongoing medical care.
Lost Wages
Reimbursement for wages you have lost due to being unable to work, having to work less, or having to work a lower-paying job while recovering can be part of what you’re eligible for.
Pain and Suffering
Although physical pain and emotional distress are intangible, they are personal losses that have significant value.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
In some cases, you may lose the ability to partake in activities you once enjoyed. For instance, if you have a spinal injury and have become paralyzed, you may be unable to participate in your favorite sport. We’ll assign a dollar value to this loss and add it to your claim.
Property Damage
If your personal property, such as a bicycle, phone, or other belongings, was damaged in the accident, you may be able to recover compensation for these losses.
Wrongful Death
In worst-case scenarios, the victim may have passed away, leaving surviving family members with funeral costs, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support. Family members can seek compensation for these losses through a wrongful death claim or lawsuit.
After a pedestrian accident, insurance companies and insurance adjusters involved may make a settlement offer as part of the insurance claims process. It is important to carefully evaluate the insurance company’s settlement offer to determine if it truly provides full and fair compensation for your injuries, medical bills, property damage, and other losses. Many personal injury claims are resolved through negotiations with insurance companies. But, accepting an initial offer without proper review can result in less than you deserve. Our firm can help you recover compensation and pursue compensation for all damages by guiding you through the insurance claims process and advocating for your best interests.
Why Choose The Wilhite Law Firm for Your Pedestrian Accident Case?
What should I do if I hit a pedestrian or if I was hit by a car as a pedestrian in Colorado? At The Wilhite Law Firm, we understand the local laws. Our law firm has extensive experience handling pedestrian accident cases in Greeley. We’ll listen to the details of your case and investigate the scene to build a legal strategy tailored to your unique situation. Additionally, we have the track record you want on your side. Our dedicated personal injury attorney and legal team are committed to seeking justice for injury victims and maximizing the compensation you deserve.
Injured by a careless driver while you were walking in Greeley? Contact The Wilhite Law Firm today at 970-782-2392 to schedule a free consultation. Our team is here to fight for you, and if we don’t get compensation for you, you won’t owe any legal fees.