What Happens If I Get Hit by a Car While Walking?

Being hit by a car while walking is a terrifying, life-altering event. Pedestrians often suffer severe injuries, leaving victims and their families overwhelmed with questions about what to do next. In this guide, we address what happens if you get hit by a car while walking in Colorado, providing critical steps to protect your rights and secure fair compensation for your losses.

What to Do If You Get Hit by a Car While Walking

If you’ve been hit by a car as a pedestrian, taking the proper steps can make a significant difference in your recovery—both physically and legally. Here’s what you should do immediately after the accident.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if your injuries seem minor, seek medical care right away. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussions, may not be immediately apparent. Medical records also serve as critical evidence if you pursue a personal injury claim.

Call 911 and Report the Accident

Report the accident to local authorities. A police report is vital in documenting what happened and identifying who may be at fault. Be sure to describe the incident accurately, but avoid speculating about fault or making statements others can misconstrue as an admission.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, some injuries—such as concussions or internal trauma—may not show symptoms right away. Getting immediate medical treatment will safeguard your health and create a record of your injuries for your claim.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

If you can, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to personal property. Collect contact information from witnesses and the driver involved.

Avoid Discussing Fault

Do not admit fault or discuss blame at the scene or with insurance adjusters. Leave this to your attorney.

Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters Alone

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Before giving a statement or signing any documents, it’s best to consult an experienced personal injury attorney.

Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

Colorado’s laws can be complex, and navigating the claims process alone can lead to missed opportunities for fair compensation. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you understand your rights, investigate the accident, and negotiate for the compensation you deserve. At Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C., we have decades of experience helping clients in situations like yours. We can help guide you through the process and fight for a just settlement.

How do I Preserve My Claim After a Pedestrian Accident?

Preserving your claim involves taking the following actions to protect your legal rights and ensure you can recover compensation:

• Document everything. Keep detailed records of medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to the accident. These documents will be critical in calculating your damages.
• Follow medical advice. Failing to follow through with medical treatment could weaken your case. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as claimed if you delay or skip appointments.
• Avoid posting on social media. Do not share information about your accident, and refrain from discussing it or your injuries on social media. Anything you post online can be used against you. 

Once you take these actions, consult an experienced attorney. A skilled advocate at Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C., can handle insurance company negotiations, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. 

How Do Colorado Laws Affect My Claim?

If you are hit by a car while walking, you must act quickly to protect your legal claim, as evidence can disappear, and Colorado deadlines for filing claims can expire. Additionally, you must demonstrate that the driver’s negligence is at least 50% responsible for the accident to receive compensation. Colorado follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning you can recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, the percentage of your fault will reduce your compensation. For example, if insurers find you are 20% at fault and your damages equal $40,000, they will reduce your settlement by 20% or $8,000. A skilled attorney at Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C. can explain your rights, help you establish negligence, and safeguard your claim, ensuring you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.

I Got Hit by a Car While Walking—What Happens Next?

Here’s what to know if you’re thinking, “I got hit by a car while walking—what happens now?” After your accident, police, insurance companies, and your legal representative will investigate to determine fault. During this time, you can focus on recovering while one of our experienced attorneys gathers medical records to establish your injuries and build a case on your behalf.

In Colorado, the at-fault driver’s insurance is generally responsible for covering your damages. However, their adjusters often try to minimize payouts. We will work with them to counter lowball offers and negotiate a settlement that covers the following:

• Medical expenses—including hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and future medical care;
• Lost wages—compensation for time missed at work and loss of earning capacity;
• Pain and suffering—damages for emotional distress, trauma, and reduced quality of life; and
• Property damage—reimbursement for personal belongings damaged in the accident.

While you focus on healing, an experienced Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C. personal injury attorney will fight to ensure your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation.

Hit by a Car While Walking? Contact Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C. Today

If a vehicle hit you or someone you love while walking, you don’t have to face this difficult time alone. At Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C., we understand a pedestrian accident’s profound impact on your life. With over 100 years of combined experience, our attorneys fight tooth and nail to secure just compensation for our clients. We’ve recovered over $230 million in verdicts and settlements and are proud to be members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. 

Whether your case involves a severe injury or a loved one’s wrongful death, we are here to help you every step of the way. Our team offers free consultations and works on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover a settlement. Call us today to talk to an advocate and take the first step toward rebuilding your life.