Longmont Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Longmont, CO, is a beautiful city with plenty of pedestrian-friendly areas that has everyone out and about. From the St. Vrain Greenway to the Longmont Recreation Center, there are plenty of places to enjoy a leisurely stroll or even go for a run. But unfortunately, even the safest pedestrian can be involved in an accident.
With so much unpredictability on the roads, it’s important to know what to do if you or someone you are with has been struck by a car and sustains injuries. Working with Longmont pedestrian accident attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve to cover things like medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Proudly Representing Longmont Personal Injury Cases
At the law firm of Jeremy Rosenthal, our Longmont, CO, personal injury lawyer team is proud to represent pedestrian accident claims. We’ve spent years developing a reputation as one of the leading pedestrian accident and wrongful death law firms in the state and have helped countless people get the compensation they need to move on with their lives. If you’ve been hit by an automobile while walking, jogging, or running, we want to help you too. Connect with us to learn how we can serve as your advocate throughout the process.
What to Do If You’ve Been Struck by a Car
When an accident happens, it’s important to stay calm and think clearly. If you can, move to the side of the road or walkway to get out of the way of oncoming traffic. Once you’re in a safe location, check yourself and anyone else involved for injuries. If anyone has experienced serious injuries, call 911 immediately. If you’re able, get the driver’s name, contact information, and insurance information. You should also try to get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
Once you leave the scene and receive any medical care you may need, it’s time to take care of the legal responsibilities. This is where working with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can be extremely beneficial. Your attorney will handle all the paperwork and contact insurance companies on your behalf so that you can focus on your recovery.
What Compensation Can I Receive After a Pedestrian Accident?
In Colorado, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for covering the damages caused by the accident. For example, if you were walking and were hit by a moving vehicle, you may be entitled to receive compensation for:
- Medical bills: This includes hospitalization, surgeries, doctor’s visits, physical therapy, and any other medical treatment related to the accident.
- Property damage: If any personal belongings were damaged in the accident, you might be able to receive reimbursement for repairs or replacement costs.
- Lost wages: If you missed the time you normally would spend at work because of your injuries, you are able to advance a request to be refunded for the loss of income that you did not intend to miss.
- Pain and suffering: You may also be able to receive compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by the accident. This can be shown by presenting evidence of the accident’s impact on your life, such as testimony from family and friends or journal entries detailing your struggles.
How Do Pedestrians in Longmont Get Hit?
There are a number of different ways that a pedestrian can get hit by an automobile. The most common include:
- Getting hit by a distracted driver: With so many people using phones and other devices while driving, unfocused driving has become a serious problem on the roads. If a driver is not paying attention to the road, it increases the chance that they may be looking down and not see a pedestrian in time to avoid an accident.
- Getting hit by a speeding driver: Speed is a factor in many accidents, and pedestrian accidents are no exception. When a vehicle is moving above the legal limit, the driver has less time to react to hazards on the road, including pedestrians.
- Getting hit by a drunk driver: Drunk driving is a serious offense in Colorado, and for good reason. Alcohol impairs a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making it more likely that they will be involved in an accident or not have time to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
- Getting hit by a driver who runs a red light: Running a red light is not only illegal, but it’s also extremely dangerous. When a driver refuses to stop at a red light, they increase the chances of hitting a pedestrian who is crossing the street or walking in the crosswalk when it’s their turn to walk.
- Lack of visibility: Poor lighting or weather conditions can make it more difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, especially at night. If a driver can’t see a pedestrian, they may not have time to avoid an accident as they would if the pedestrian was wearing a reflector or was more visible. In these instances, the driver and pedestrian can both be held partially responsible for the accident, depending on the circumstances.
Tips for Avoiding Pedestrian Accidents
There are a number of steps that both pedestrians and drivers can take to avoid accidents. Pedestrians should always:
- Make sure to cross at clearly designated crosswalks and intersections whenever possible.
- Look both ways before crossing the street, even if the light is in their favor.
- Wear bright or light-colored clothing, especially when walking at night.
- Carry a flashlight when walking at night.
- Pay attention to their direct surroundings and avoid unnecessary distractions, such as using your phone, listening to music, or talking to someone.
Drivers should:
- Obey all Longmont traffic laws, including speed limits, stop signs, and yield signs.
- Pay attention to the road and avoid distractions, such as using your phone, eating, or talking to passengers.
- Be especially cautious when driving in areas where pedestrians are more likely to be, such as near schools, parks, and playgrounds.
- Yield to every pedestrian who is crossing the street, even if they are not in a designated crosswalk.
- Slow down or stop completely if necessary to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
- Use extra caution when driving at night or in poor weather conditions.
Pedestrian Accident FAQs
Q: Can I Claim Compensation for a Pedestrian Accident?
A: Yes. Accidents happen, but if you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident that was not your fault, you can receive compensation for your injuries. The law is designed to ensure victims are fairly compensated for any losses that were incurred because of an accident they did not cause, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Q: What Happens If a Pedestrian Caused an Accident?
A: If a pedestrian caused an accident, then the tables may be turned, and the pedestrian may be held liable for any damages that resulted from the accident. This is especially true if the pedestrian was not following the law or was acting in a way that was likely to cause an accident. For example, if a pedestrian was jaywalking in an area with a high volume of traffic and was hit by an auto, the pedestrian would likely be held at least partially responsible for the accident.
Q: What Are Best Practices for Working With a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
A: Some crucial best practices to keep in mind when working with a pedestrian accident lawyer include being honest about what happened and not trying to hide anything that could make you look at fault, keeping all evidence related to the accident, including photos, videos, and medical records, and not giving a recorded statement to the insurance company without consulting your lawyer first. Following these best practices will give your lawyer the strongest possible case to get you the compensation you need and deserve.
Q: How Much Does a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Cost?
A: This question is always tough to answer without knowing the specific details of your case. However, most pedestrian accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. If they do win, their fee will be a percentage of the total settlement or verdict. For example, if you are awarded a $100,000 settlement, and your lawyer’s contingency fee is 30%, then your lawyer would receive $30,000. Other times, lawyers may charge an hourly rate, which would be paid regardless of whether or not you win your case. In either case, discuss fees with your lawyer before hiring them to avoid financial surprises down the road.
Contact the Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal Today
Pedestrian accidents are all too common and can often be devastating. Seek legal help today to ensure you are fairly compensated for your injuries. No one should have to go on this journey alone, and the knowledgeable pedestrian accident lawyers at the Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal can help. We have a reputation for putting our clients first and working night and day to get them the best possible outcome that satisfies all their needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. You will quickly see in our first interaction what sets us apart from the rest.