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Longmont Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrian Accident Claims in Colorado
Pedestrians are a common and welcome sight in many Colorado cities. Yet, the state may be becoming a more dangerous place for people who get around on two feet. In 2018, 90 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in Colorado—a 40% increase from 2015.
At The Law Offices of Edward Smith, our Longmont pedestrian accident lawyer has over 30 of experience helping accident victims across Colorado win the compensation they deserve following a traffic accident. If you or a loved one was hit by a car or other motor vehicle while walking, you may be able to receive compensation that will pay for your medical bills, physical therapy, lost wages from missed work, and more. We will evaluate your case during a free, no-obligation consultation with founding attorney Edward Smith.
Call or Text Edward Right Now for a Free, Immediate Consultation at (303) 682-2944 or message us online here.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Most pedestrian accidents are the fault of a motorist. People driving cars tend to look out for hazards in the road and from other drivers, so they are not always anticipating a person at a crosswalk or otherwise near or on the road.
The most common causes of pedestrian accidents are:
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When a driver fails to check for pedestrians in a crosswalk or intersection while passing through or turning
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When a driver fails to stop at a traffic signal or sign
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Distracted driving, such as texting or eating while driving
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Reckless driving, such as speeding or driving while under the influence (DUI)
In cases such as the above, it is generally straightforward to prove that the motorist was liable for the accident. Simply being hit by a car while crossing a street does not guarantee that you can make a personal injury claim, however—you must prove that the driver who hit you was negligent and that your yourself were at little or no fault in the accident. If you cross a road at an intersection while a “Don’t walk” sign is being displayed, for instance, the fault will most likely fall to you and not on the driver who hit you.
Should I Seek Medical Attention After an Accident?
Always seek medical attention after an accident. Because pedestrians don’t have the protection of airbags and a chassis like motorists do, they tend to suffer the most serious injuries in traffic accidents.
Common injuries that pedestrians suffer include:
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Traumatic brain injury
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Broken bones
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Internal injuries
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Spinal cord injury
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Fractures
It is vital that you visit a doctor shortly after your accident even if you feel fine and don’t have any obvious injuries like cuts or bruises. Injuries involving head trauma and other internal damage may not manifest until days or weeks after the accident. Instead of waiting and perhaps suffering more than necessary, it’s best to head to a doctor right away just in case.
Seeking medical attention has an added benefit as well. Having a traceable paper trail documenting your health after an accident will strengthen your personal injury claim. If you don’t visit a doctor after your accident and get a diagnosis, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may use this information against you to argue you are lying about your injuries. Having medical records on file adds to your credibility.
Can a Pedestrian Be at Fault in a Car Pedestrian Accident?
A pedestrian can be either partially or fully at fault for a car pedestrian accident despite the fact that motor vehicles must always yield to pedestrians while they are in the road. This is because pedestrians still have a responsibility to ensure they are following traffic laws. Some of the most common situations
where a pedestrian can be found at fault are:
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A pedestrian was crossing against the traffic signal
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A pedestrian was crossing the road outside a crosswalk
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A pedestrian was walking where pedestrian access is clearly not allowed
There are many factors that need to be considered when it comes to pedestrian accident liability. If you have been injured, contact Longmont pedestrian accident attorneys today to learn how we can help you.
To learn more about those we’ve helped in the past, check out our case results. Call or Text Edward Right Now for a Free, Immediate Consultation at (303) 682-2944 or message us online here.
A Longmont Lawyer You Can Trust
Attorney Edward Smith and our firm are based in Longmont, but we represent clients across the entire state. If you have been injured by a motorist in Colorado, our pedestrian accident lawyer can help. Edward Smith is a compassionate and personable attorney who will pursue damages that are in your best interests and no one else’s. We strive to always be available for our clients and never keep them in the dark about the details of their case. Every single decision we make will be run by you first, but we won’t overburden you with details while you focus on your recovery. Your health and well-being are our primary concern and our goal is getting you the compensation you need for your recovery as efficiently and effectively as possible.