Boulder Pedestrian Accident Attorney
The city of Boulder attracts many visitors and full-time residents alike who have grown to love the area and call it home. There is much to explore between the Flatirons, the University of Colorado, and all the great shops and restaurants along Pearl Street. With all the foot traffic in and around Boulder, pedestrian accidents are bound to happen from time to time. Whether you were struck by a motor vehicle while crossing the street or walking in a crosswalk, or a cyclist hit you while out on a hike, you may be wondering what your legal options are and if you should consult with a Boulder pedestrian accident attorney.
At the Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal, we have experience handling all types of pedestrian accident cases. We know what legal tasks are involved in getting our clients the compensation they deserve. We are experts in the Boulder traffic laws, and we know how to investigate these types of accidents to determine exactly what happened and who is at fault. Personal injury lawsuits are all we do. We are not a traditional general practice law firm, so you can be confident that your case has the level of precise knowledge and expertise that it deserves.
What Are Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Boulder, CO?
There are many different reasons why pedestrian accidents happen throughout Boulder, CO. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted drivers. With the prevalence of cell phones and other distractions, it is not uncommon for drivers to have a moment where their eyes are off the road, even for a second. When drivers do not closely pay attention to their direct surroundings, they are more likely to cause driving errors that result in hitting a pedestrian.
- Speeding. Speed limits are in place to stabilize traffic flow and prevent accidents caused by drivers going too fast for conditions. When drivers speed, they not only put themselves at risk but also everyone else around them. This is when we see some of the most serious pedestrian injuries because there is simply less time for drivers to react when speeding.
- Driving under the influence. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is never a good idea. When someone drives while intoxicated, they are more likely to cause an accident because they are impaired. This is especially dangerous when pedestrians are involved because they are more vulnerable than people in cars and are less likely to be able to get out of the way in time.
What Are the Most Common Injuries Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents?
The severity of injuries in pedestrian accidents can range from minor to life-threatening. Some common injuries in these types of cases include:
- Head injuries. Head injuries are some of the most serious types of injuries because they can cause long-term damage or even be fatal. This is why it is always recommended to wear a helmet when bicycling, skateboarding, or participating in any other activity where there is a risk of head injury. However, the average pedestrian does not have the same level of protection and is more likely to suffer a serious head injury if hit by a car.
- Broken bones. Broken bones are also common in pedestrian accidents. Because pedestrians are not surrounded by a metal frame like people in cars, they are more likely to suffer broken bones or fractures if hit by a car.
- Soft tissue injuries. Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and contusions, are also common in pedestrian accidents. These injuries can be extremely painful and may require extensive medical treatment.
- Brain injuries. A blow to the head can cause a brain injury, which can have a lasting impact on your life. These types of injuries can result in some of the most serious pedestrian accident cases, from mild concussions that resolve in a short time to more severe traumatic brain injuries that are long-term.
What Can I Be Compensated for If I Am Injured in a Pedestrian Accident?
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, there are many repercussions that you may face that qualify you for compensation — these include:
- Medical bills. One of the most common types of compensation in pedestrian accident cases is medical bills. This can include both current and future medical expenses related to your accident. Some of the most common medical expenses include ambulance fees, hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitative care that may be required.
- Lost wages. Sometimes the injuries that result from pedestrian accidents can be so severe that they prevent you from being able to work. If you are unable to work, you may be entitled to compensation for the wages that you have lost. This can include both past wages lost and future wages that cannot be earned.
- Pain and suffering. Pain and suffering is a type of emotional distress that can be caused by pedestrian accidents. This includes some of the most common resulting illnesses such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. To resolve a pain and suffering pedestrian accident claim, a dollar amount is typically assigned to the injuries suffered.
- Loss of consortium. When a pedestrian accident results in the death of a loved one, the surviving family members can advance a wrongful death lawsuit. As part of this lawsuit, they may be able to seek compensation for the loss of consortium. This type of compensation is meant to compensate for their loss of companionship, love, and affection.
- Punitive damages. The court has the power to also award punitive damages. These types of damages punish the person responsible for the accident in an attempt to stop them from wanting to repeat a similar behavior in the future.
Do I Need a Boulder Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
The role of a pedestrian accident lawyer is specifically designed to help pedestrian accident victims. These lawyers can help you by:
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, the first thing that your Boulder personal injury lawyer will do is file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. This type of lawsuit will seek damages from the person or persons responsible for your accident.
- Gathering evidence. To prove that you were injured in a pedestrian accident, your lawyer will need to gather evidence. This can include things like medical records, eyewitness statements, and photos of the scene of the accident.
- Handling communications. After a pedestrian accident, you will likely have to communicate with a number of different people, including the insurance companies. Your lawyer can handle all of these communications for you so that you can focus on your recovery.
- Negotiating a settlement. In many cases, pedestrian accident cases are settled out of court. Your lawyer can spend time creatively negotiating with the insurance companies on your behalf to try to reach a fair settlement.
- Taking your case to trial. If time has passed and a settlement cannot be reached, your case will go to trial. Your lawyer will proudly represent you and your position in court and work to get you the best possible outcome.
FAQs About Boulder Pedestrian Accidents
Can I claim compensation for a pedestrian accident in Boulder, CO?
Yes, if you were injured in a pedestrian accident and it was not your fault, then you have grounds to seek compensation. You can recover damages for unexpected financial repercussions, including medical bills and lost wages. The extent of your injuries and the specific circumstances of your accident will ultimately determine how much compensation you may be entitled to.
What happens if you hit a pedestrian in Boulder, Colorado?
If you hit a pedestrian with your vehicle in Colorado, you may be held liable for any injuries or damages that result. An investigation will seek to determine who was at fault for the accident. If it is determined that you were at fault, the legal consequences will range from a traffic ticket to a felony charge, depending on the severity of the accident and the extent of damage that the pedestrian experienced.
Can a driver claim against a pedestrian in Boulder, CO?
In some cases, a driver may be able to claim against a pedestrian if the pedestrian was at fault for the accident. For example, if the pedestrian was jaywalking or crossing the street outside of a crosswalk, the driver may not be held liable for any injuries or damages that result. Or, if the pedestrian was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident, the driver may be able to claim that the pedestrian was at fault.
What is the most common cause of injury to pedestrians?
The most common cause of injury to pedestrians is getting hit by a car. This can happen when a pedestrian is crossing the street, walking on the sidewalk, or even standing on the side of the road. Many times, these forms of accidents are caused by drivers who are not paying attention to their surroundings or who are not following the rules of the road. Being struck by a vehicle can result in serious injuries, including broken bones, internal bleeding, and traumatic brain injury.
Contact Our Boulder Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is important to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. At the Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal, our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers will break down what you need to know and do every step of the way. We will fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to get started.