Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Boulder

Boulder, Colorado, has hundreds of miles of sidewalks, walking-only pathways, and natural hiking trails. Its infrastructure makes the city quite friendly to pedestrians, but it does not eliminate all the risks they face.

The financial burden of the injuries sustained in a collision with a car or truck can be immense. Thankfully, Edward Smith, your pedestrian accident lawyer in Boulder, can assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.

How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents in Boulder?

Pedestrians Are at Risk in Boulder

Between 2018 and 2020, 139 pedestrian-involved crashes occurred within the city, representing approximately two percent of all traffic accidents during that time frame. Of these, 27 resulted in severe injuries. Therefore, on average, there were approximately five pedestrian wrecks per month and a severe accident once every other month. The vast majority of these collisions occurred in marked crosswalks, though lanes of travel, sidewalks, and parking lots have also been the site of pedestrian accidents. As a matter of fact, eight of those 27 severe pedestrian crashes involved someone who was struck in a lane of travel meant for vehicles.

Elements of a Pedestrian Injury Claim

Just being hit by a vehicle does not automatically entitle you to monetary damages. Your ability to recover compensation through an insurance claim, settlement, or trial verdict hinges on proving that each of the following factors is more likely true than not:

The Vehicle’s Operator Was Driving Negligently

Negligent driving behaviors are those that an objective and reasonably careful driver would avoid committing, such as:

• Speeding or going too fast for current road conditions
• Running red lights or ignoring stop signs
• Failing to check if crosswalks are clear before making a turn
• Paying attention to a cell phone or other distraction
• Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.

Whether a driver’s conduct rises to the level of negligence is ultimately determined by considering many circumstances, including the driver’s age, experience, medical conditions, and other personal characteristics. In cases of drunk driving, a Boulder drunk driving accident lawyer can help determine the impact of these factors on the driver’s behavior and liability.

Negligent driving behaviors are those that a reasonably careful driver would avoid.

The Driver’s Negligence Caused Your Injuries

The driver’s behavior behind the wheel must be the primary cause of the collision and your resulting injuries. If you would have sustained harm regardless of the driver’s actions, then you may not be able to recover any compensation.

You Sustained Compensable Injuries

To be entitled to compensation, you must have suffered a loss that can, in fact, be compensated. Such losses can include economic damages like medical bills, lost wages, and decreased future earning potential. At the same time, they may also include non-economic damages, such as mental suffering, reduced quality of life, and the effects of emotional disturbances like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

How Your Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Boulder Can Help You

The Benefits of Retaining Experienced Counsel

Hiring a knowledgeable Boulder pedestrian accident attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. Once hired, they will investigate the circumstances that led to your crash and gather evidence to prove fault. They will also collect documentation of your losses so that you can seek an appropriate amount of damages.

It is not uncommon for an at-fault driver’s insurance company to attempt to settle with you. With the right attorney by your side, you will understand the full value of your case and avoid accepting any lowball offers. They’ll help you negotiate a settlement that meets your needs, not the goals of the insurance company.

However, not every claim gets settled. Victims who need monetary damages but cannot settle their claims will need to take their cases to trial. There, an experienced Boulder pedestrian accident lawyer’s knowledge of the law and legal procedures will prove most valuable. If your situation also involves slip and fall injuries a Boulder slip and fall attorney may be able to assist with those claims as well.

Do not trust your case to an inexperienced or ill-prepared attorney. Call The Law Offices of Edward Smith at (303) 682-2944 for assistance.

Why Choose Us?

Attorney Edward Smith has over 30 years of experience in personal injury law and handles each case he takes on from start to finish. As a former insurance defense lawyer, he knows the tricks insurance companies use to minimize their losses and how to counter them. Above all, Edward Smith is committed to his clients’ welfare, even visiting them at home or in the hospital when needed.

FAQs

Being hurt by a car or truck while walking can turn your life upside down, leaving you with numerous questions about your rights and next steps. If you have been struck by a truck, consulting a truck accident attorney in Boulder can help clarify your legal options and next steps. Some of the most common questions Edward Smith has received from injured pedestrians include the following:

What is the first thing I should do after a pedestrian accident?

If you get hit by a car or truck while on foot, seek immediate medical attention. Doing so ensures that any injuries, no matter how severe, receive prompt treatment. From there, contact a pedestrian accident lawyer in Boulder to discuss your next steps.

How quickly must I file a claim to seek compensation?

Colorado only gives crash victims three years from the date of their accident to file a claim and seek damages. Afterward, the expired statute of limitations could prevent you from receiving any compensation, no matter how serious your injuries were.

Can I receive compensation if I was also careless?

Under Colorado’s comparative negligence law, you can recover compensation so long as your negligence is not equal to or greater than the other party’s. If you are found to be 50 percent or more responsible for your accident, you cannot recover any damages.

How long will it take to get compensation?

The time it takes your case to resolve depends on several factors, including how strong the evidence is in your favor and how well-documented your injuries are. For those dealing with brain injuries, a skilled Boulder brain injury lawyer can help move your case toward a successful resolution more quickly than you might be able to on your own.

Working with an experienced and qualified Boulder pedestrian injury lawyer ensures you receive accurate answers to your most pressing questions and concerns.

Reach Out to The Law Offices of Edward Smith Today

Boulder pedestrians who are struck by motorists have rights, including the ability to seek financial compensation for their injuries. As important as it is to file a claim, it is equally important to ensure you are fairly compensated for your economic and non-economic losses. Attorney Edward Smith is an experienced Boulder pedestrian accident attorney who is committed to helping his clients receive the justice they deserve.

Get started with your pedestrian accident claim today by calling The Law Offices of Edward Smith at (303) 682-2944.

ATTORNEY EDWARD SMITH

Edward Smith is a personal injury attorney with 30 years of experience. He provides one-on-one attention to his clients, personally handling every case from start to finish. Before founding his law firm, he worked as a defense attorney for insurance companies, giving him unique insight into their tactics. Specializing in personal injury cases, Edward offers free consultations and even visits clients at home or in the hospital when needed. He is known for his responsiveness, dedication, and commitment to maximizing his clients’ claims. [ ATTORNEY BIO ]