Denver Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Traffic accidents are scary, no matter what kind of vehicle you are in. However, if you are in no vehicle, they are the scariest of all. Pedestrians are small and can be difficult to see if a driver is attempting to multitask or is otherwise distracted. And when pedestrian accidents happen, they often result in serious injuries for the pedestrian in particular. When you are involved in such a traumatic situation, it can be difficult to know where to turn for support with your case. When your injuries have been taken care of, contact an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer like the one at Fuller Personal Injury Law. We will work with you to make sure you get the compensation you are owed.
What Kinds of Injuries are Associated With Pedestrian Accidents?
Due to the unprotected nature of pedestrians, when compared to car accidents and even bicycles, victims of pedestrian accidents can suffer severe injuries even at relatively low speeds. No matter what way you look at it, the human body can just not compete with the size, speed, and power of a moving vehicle, and the results are often catastrophic. Severe physical injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident may leave a person paralyzed for the rest of their life, severely disabled, or in need of intensive rehabilitation and therapy for the rest of their life. The dramatic changes to their life may cause them to lose their ability to work or to struggle with everyday tasks that they used to complete independently. This can be critically damaging to one’s sense of purpose and self-esteem: often, people facing this difficult road often develop depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. No two accidents are the same, and pedestrian accident victims are often looking at vastly different injuries and recovery times. Recovery isn’t a sprint or a contest, so pedestrian accident injuries should not all be treated the same in terms of compensation either.
While not an exhaustive list, pedestrian accident cases often include injuries like the following:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Loss of Limb and Paralysis
- Broken Bones
- Ruptured Organs and Internal Injuries
- Severe Scarring and Disfigurement
- Death
- Fear of Leaving the House or Fear of Traffic
- Anxiety and Depression
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Loss of Wages or Ability to Work
- Change in Overall Temperament
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Colorado?
It is important to remember that, while you do have some time following an accident to focus on treatment and documenting your injuries, you don’t want to wait too long to file your claim. Even with the assistance of a highly trained pedestrian accident lawyer, building a solid case with detailed evidence takes time. On average, most pedestrian accidents have a period of 3 years before the case can no longer be filed. However, most pedestrian accident attorneys will prefer to have as much time as possible to build your case. If you have questions about this filing period or about case timelines, contact our office at your earliest convenience.
I’ve Been Involved in a Pedestrian Accident. What Should I Do?
If you have been involved in an accident while walking on the sidewalk or crossing the road, it’s important to stay calm. It is likely that you could still be shaken up from the accident itself and may not realize the extent of your injuries yet; even if you don’t feel that you have been injured badly, always get checked after an accident by your primary medical care provider. If you find yourself in a pedestrian accident situation, remember the following:
- If you or someone else at the scene is seriously injured, request emergency medical services by calling 911. Assist emergency dispatch by giving the location of the accident and by providing information about the injuries present at the scene.
- If you are taken away from the scene of the accident by emergency medical services, focus on recovery first and foremost while you are cared for. You may contact an accident lawyer or your insurance company once your condition is stable.
- If your injuries are not serious enough to go to the hospital, don’t offer an apology to the driver, and don’t discuss who was “at fault. ”Any statements made like this, while seemingly coming from a good place, could affect your claim.
- If you have your phone with you, take pictures of the scene of the accident. These pictures include the layout of the accident scene, any injuries you may have, and more. Don’t also forget to collect the full names, contact information, and insurance information of the other individuals involved in the accident.
- If there are other witnesses at the scene of the accident, also collect their full names and contact information if they are willing to supply them. Sometimes, witness reports can become a little vague and anonymous because report writers tend to focus on the involved parties. If you are able to contact witnesses again later, you and your attorney will be able to build a more detailed, solid case.
When all of these things are accomplished, and your condition is stable, consider contacting a knowledgeable pedestrian accident attorney for assistance with your case. It is highly recommended that you do not speak with an adjuster from your insurance company or to anyone from the other party’s insurance company. Contact us as soon as possible if you are interested in filing a pedestrian accident claim.
My Loved One Passed Away as a Result of a Pedestrian Accident. Can we Still File a Claim?
Generally, immediate family members of the deceased person can now file a civil action wrongful death lawsuit for pedestrian fatalities as a result of driver negligence. While historically, there had to be criminal filings involved to get injury compensation, these used not to be as accessible if the victim died. Now there are many more options for grieving families to recover damages, funeral and burial expenses, and more. If you believe your situation fits the description of a wrongful death accident claim, contact a knowledgeable Colorado wrongful death lawyer to make sure your claims are in line with state law. Our office can help you make sure that your filings are in line with other wrongful death cases of this nature. For more information, please visit our page dedicated to wrongful death claims.
Can Fuller Personal Injury Law Help Me With My Pedestrian Accident Case?
Yes, we can. If you have been injured in a serious pedestrian accident, do not hesitate to contact a qualified pedestrian accident attorney for support in your case. Too many times have we seen accident victims struggle against the claims process alone because they don’t think their case is big enough to need a lawyer. But the fact of the matter is this: every case feels monumental to the victim, and the support they receive can have a major impact on the rest of their life. Our experienced personal injury attorney has handled many different types of accident cases throughout Colorado, including pedestrian accident claims, and is prepared to fight for you and your family. Our office is located in Denver, but we can be reached both online and over the phone.
For a free consultation, contact our law firm at 303-597-4500.