Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Serving Longmont, CO
Few things create more stress and unpleasantness in a person’s life than being involved in a pedestrian accident. Being the victim of someone else’s negligence is unfair, and any injuries you sustain as a result can flip your world upside down. In addition to the considerable physical and emotional toll a pedestrian accident can place upon you, your financial situation will likely suffer.
Contacting a Longmont pedestrian accident lawyer at Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C., can help relieve the burdens placed upon you by this tragic event. No amount of money can make injuries disappear or bring a loved one back from the dead. However, a seasoned Longmont pedestrian accident attorney can help relieve some of the stresses caused by the accident, help you get compensation, and get your life on track.
Are Pedestrian Accidents Common in Colorado?
Whether cars, trucks, or buses, vehicles are our main method of transportation. Motorcycles and bicycles are popular as well. But all this traffic on the roads can pose a danger to pedestrians.
Pedestrian accidents plague Colorado roads. The Colorado Department of Transportation reported that in the first half of 2023, 51 pedestrians were killed in Colorado, a 14% increase from the same period in the previous year.
What to Do If You’ve Been Hit by a Vehicle
If you are the victim of a pedestrian accident, we know it can be traumatizing. However, there are some steps to take in the aftermath.
Get to Safety
After an accident, you and any loved ones should get to safety. Make sure you are out of the way of oncoming traffic, such as on the side of the road or the sidewalk.
Call 911
Once you are in a safe location, call 911. The most important thing is the health of you and your family. Carefully check for any injuries. Be seen by the paramedics as soon as they arrive on the scene. Even if you don’t see any visible injuries, you should be examined by the paramedics or your primary care doctor. Some injuries, such as an organ tear or bleeding, may be internal. It’s essential to make sure you and your loved ones are okay. This medical documentation is also the start of evidence to prove your injuries and the financial cost of their treatment.
Gather Information
Any information that can help recreate the accident scene and reveal the other party’s negligence is imperative. Get the names and contact information of the other parties involved in the accident. Witnesses are important as well. If you can, get the names and contact details of any people who may have witnessed the accident. Also, try to take photos of the accident scene if you are able, including pictures of any injuries, vehicles involved, and the state of the infrastructure. Our pedestrian accident attorneys in Longmont will use this information to build your case.
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents?
Common causes of pedestrian accidents include negligent actions, such as:
- Distracted driving,
- Speeding,
- Failure to stop when required, and
- Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Poor weather conditions can also contribute to pedestrian accidents. For example, fog may impair a truck driver’s ability to see the pedestrian crossing the street.
Our pedestrian accident attorneys can help you and your loved ones hold negligent parties accountable and get the compensation you deserve.
What If the Pedestrian Is Also at Fault for the Accident?
Colorado law states that contributory negligence does not prevent recovery in a personal injury case. Colorado is a modified contributory negligence state. Therefore, if the pedestrian’s fault for the accident is 49% or less, they are entitled to recover. However, the pedestrian’s compensation will be reduced by their portion of the fault. For example, suppose a pedestrian did not look before crossing the street and was hit by a car. The car’s driver was intoxicated. The pedestrian suffered $500,000 in damages. If it turns out the driver was 80% at fault for the accident and the pedestrian was 20% at fault, the pedestrian can recover $400,000 in damages.
However, if a pedestrian’s fault is 50% or more, they cannot recover damages.
What Compensation Is Available for a Pedestrian Accident
Colorado law permits victims of pedestrian accidents to receive the following compensation:
- Medical expenses,
- Lost income,
- Pain and suffering,
- Emotional distress,
- Loss of consortium, and
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive damages may also be available in Colorado. These damages punish the negligent party and deter future bad conduct. They are not meant to make the victim whole. However, these damages are fairly rare and reserved for the most egregious cases.
Contact Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C., for a Free Consultation
Our pedestrian accident lawyers in Longmont have over 100 years of combined legal experience. We will stay with you every step of the way. Our team can help you with the following:
- Collecting information about the parties involved,
- Obtaining the accident’s police report,
- Investigating how the accident happened,
- Examining documents,
- Calculating potential damages,
- Preparing court filings, and
- Representing you at trial, if necessary.
Our team will represent your best interests from start to finish. You have enough to worry about. Focus on healing and your family. We are fully committed to giving you the best representation possible. Don’t go through this horrible experience alone. Contact us now for a free case evaluation.