Wheat Ridge Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Most of the pedestrians walking through the busiest areas of Wheat Ridge, CO, are able to reach their destinations safely by paying attention to their surroundings and using caution when crossing streets. Unfortunately, not all drivers in the area respect the pedestrians around them or operate their vehicles with the appropriate level of caution and care. When a motor vehicle driver hits a pedestrian, the victim is likely to sustain life-changing injuries and a host of economic damages.
Experienced Legal Representation for a Wheat Ridge Pedestrian Accident Case
If you or a loved one recently sustained injuries from a negligent driver, a Wheat Ridge pedestrian accident attorney can provide the legal counsel and ongoing support you need to hold them appropriately accountable for your damages. The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal has years of experience helping clients through personal injury cases in Wheat Ridge, and we have successfully handled many past pedestrian accident claims.
Time is a critical concern for any accident victim, especially when they must file a civil suit for damages to recover from their experience. The sooner you secure legal representation, the sooner you can begin building a strong case against the driver who hit you. When you choose the Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal to handle your case, you will have a compassionate and responsive legal advocate ready to guide you through every phase of your recovery process.
How to Hold a Defendant Accountable for a Pedestrian Accident in Wheat Ridge
Most of the pedestrian accidents reported in Wheat Ridge, CO result from negligence or drivers’ failure to exercise appropriate care when driving near pedestrians. It’s possible for a pedestrian accident to occur from distracted driving, a moving violation, or speeding, and the first step in recovering from this type of accident is proving the defendant’s negligence.
Your Wheat Ridge pedestrian accident attorney will be invaluable for proving who caused your accident, how they caused it, and what another reasonable person in the same situation likely would have done to avoid causing injury. In the event the defendant caused the accident through intentional misconduct, such as fleeing the scene of a crime they just committed or driving under the influence, the state will likely file criminal charges against them, and the criminal case will unfold alongside your civil suit.
Regardless of how clear the fault is for your accident, you can recover your losses to the fullest extent possible when you have an experienced attorney representing you. The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal can find physical evidence from the scene of the accident, locate witnesses who can testify in support of your claim, and even call upon expert witnesses to provide valuable professional insights into the most complex details of your case.
Common Injuries From Pedestrian Accidents
Whenever a car hits a pedestrian, the pedestrian not only suffers injuries from the primary impact of the vehicle but also the impact of hitting the ground. In addition, pedestrians may also become pinned between vehicles and trees, other vehicles, or other surfaces. Crushing injuries, severe bone fractures, facial injuries, and traumatic brain injuries are just a few commonly reported injuries from these accidents.
The injuries a pedestrian suffered will create a compounding economic problem for them and their family. Unfortunately, expensive medical bills and the inability to work compel some victims to accept lowball settlement offers out of desperation. Others are unaware of their rights and have no idea how they can recover from their losses, especially when they do not remember how their accident happened and/or if the at-fault driver fled the scene.
The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal can help our clients firmly establish fault for their recent accidents, determine the full range of the damages they can seek in their personal injury claims in Colorado, and help our clients reach favorable results in all the recovery efforts they pursue. We take time to learn a client’s story, assess the details of their accident to learn exactly how it occurred, and we develop detailed legal strategies in each of our cases. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to a personal injury case, and having legal counsel you can trust is an invaluable asset no matter what your case entails.
Compensation for an Injured Pedestrian in Wheat Ridge
When you know another party is responsible for your personal injury, it is natural to wonder how much compensation you could potentially secure if you win your civil claim against them. State law allows the plaintiff to claim the full amount of financial losses the defendant caused, which in most cases include medical expenses, lost income, and property damage. They also can claim future economic damages, such as lost earning potential, when their injury prevents them from returning to their job and the ongoing cost of medical care needed for severe injuries.
Beyond these economic damages, state law permits the plaintiff to seek up to $250,000 in pain and suffering compensation. This cap increases to $500,000 when the defendant’s liability is proven with clear and convincing evidence. Therefore, if you want the best chance of securing as much of a recovery as the law allows, it is imperative to start building your personal injury case as soon as possible after your accident with the help of a Wheat Ridge pedestrian accident attorney.
Many variables may influence the final outcome of your pedestrian accident case. For example, if the defendant committed some illegal misconduct that led to your injury, they could face punitive damages and criminal penalties if convicted. On the other hand, if you bear partial responsibility for the accident, the state’s comparative negligence law could diminish your final case award to reflect your shared fault. Ultimately, whatever your case entails, the Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal is ready to develop a completely individualized legal strategy on your behalf that seeks maximum compensation for your damages.
Pedestrian Personal Injury Law FAQs
Q: Can a Pedestrian Be at Fault for an Accident?
A: When a driver hits a pedestrian, the driver is almost always at fault, but it is possible for a pedestrian to cause an accident and face liability for the resulting damage. For example, jaywalking may be seen as harmless, but walking directly in front of an oncoming driver can easily create a situation where the driver cannot stop in time to avoid hitting them. It’s also possible for a pedestrian’s negligence to cause a driver to swerve to avoid them, crashing into other vehicles.
Q: What Happens When a Pedestrian Bears Partial Liability?
A: Colorado enforces a modified comparative negligence law with a fault threshold of 50% for the plaintiff. This means that as long as the plaintiff is less than 50% responsible for the accident, they can still claim compensation. Their fault percentage will be the amount taken from their final case award to reflect their shared liability. If their fault exceeds 50%, they lose the right to claim damages, and the defendant may countersue them.
Q: Can a Driver Go to Jail for Hitting a Pedestrian?
A: When a driver hits or kills a pedestrian due to negligence, they could face a personal injury suit or wrongful death claim, but criminal charges are only likely if they were egregiously negligent or if they acted with willful intent to do harm. It’s also possible for the at-fault driver to go to jail if they caused the accident by breaking the law, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. An experienced Wheat Ridge pedestrian accident attorney can help their client understand how a defendant’s intentional misconduct may influence their case proceedings.
Q: How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Wheat Ridge Pedestrian Accident Attorney?
A: If you are already struggling with the financial effects of your recent accident, it is understandable to worry about the potential cost of hiring legal counsel. The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal addresses this concern by using a contingency fee agreement, meaning we take no upfront legal fees, and our client only pays us once we win their case. In addition, our contingency fee will be a predetermined percentage of your case award, so there are no surprises when it comes to the final outcome of your case.
Q: How Soon Should I Talk to a Lawyer After a Pedestrian Accident?
A: Swift legal recourse offers you the best chance of recovering as fully as state law allows from your recent pedestrian accident. Address your immediate medical concerns, and once your condition is stable, reach out to a Wheat Ridge pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible to start building your personal injury case.
The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal wants to help you face your impending civil suit with confidence and peace of mind. We know the stress and uncertainty that any personal injury can cause the victim and their family, especially one as potentially damaging as a pedestrian accident. If you are ready to discuss your options for legal recourse with a Wheat Ridge pedestrian accident attorney, contact our team today to schedule a free case evaluation and learn how we can empower your recovery efforts.