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. These 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 attorneys are committed to helping victims through the legal process of fighting for fair compensation.

If you’ve been injured by a careless driver while you were walking in Greeley, the pedestrian accident lawyers 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. 

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. 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.

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 attorney establish liability and pursue a successful claim. 

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. 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. 

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. Colorado’s statute of limitations allows injured people three years from the date of the motor vehicle crash that harmed them to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. 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 lawyer as soon as possible so they can 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. 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:

• Medical Expenses: This includes coverage for past and future 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.
• 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. 

Why Choose The Wilhite Law Firm for Your Pedestrian Accident Case?

At The Wilhite Law Firm, we understand the local laws. We have 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. We have the track record you want on your side.

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.