Pedestrian accidents commonly result in severe and fatal injuries. About 14 percent of traffic fatalities per year in Colorado are pedestrians, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. That equates to about 90 pedestrians per year.
The Frickey Law Firm’s pedestrian accident lawyers have the experience and drive to fight for pedestrian victims. We will analyze the details of the accident to get to the bottom of who is liable for your injuries and how we can help you regain your life.
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrian accident cases are often the result of driver negligence. Whether a driver fails to see a pedestrian, follow a traffic sign, or is distracted, these accidents can cause life-altering injuries for the pedestrian victims. Some examples of driver negligence include:
- Drug or alcohol impairment
- Speeding
- Failure to heed a traffic sign
- Cell phone use
- Excessively loud music
- Careless driving
Drivers have an obligation to avoid injuring others on the road, and this includes pedestrians. In some cases, even if you were jaywalking, the driver may be held liable. Our lawyers will evaluate the cause of your accident to determine what compensation you are owed.
Pedestrian Accident Prevention Methods for Drivers
Drivers must commit to awareness and alertness in order to avoid causing severe or fatal injuries to pedestrians. Drivers can do their part to prevent these tragic incidents by:
- Focusing on driving – Spacing out, thinking about unrelated things, getting lost in music, and daydreaming while driving puts others at risk.
- Stopping bad habits that take attention off the road – Cell phone use, makeup application, and even eating can decrease a driver’s ability to avoid accidents.
- Being extra vigilant in pedestrian zones – Travel with extreme care in highly foot-trafficked areas like schools, neighborhoods, parks, and event venues. Maintain slow, safe speeds, so you can see pedestrians and stop quickly if needed.
- Driving sober – Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can slow or impede your decision making, make you drowsy, and endanger others on the road.
- Considering the weather – Heavy rain, ice, or snow can cause pedestrians to be less aware of traffic. They often unconsciously look down, focusing on the ground as they walk. When there is inclement weather, give pedestrians extra time and space.
- Following traffic signs and lights – Heeding stop signs, yield signs, pedestrian crossing signs, and other traffic signs can help you avoid an accident.
Pedestrian Accident Prevention Methods for Pedestrians
Pedestrians can take measures to protect themselves from negligent drivers. There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of being hit, including:
- Crossing at designated crosswalks – Drivers may be more likely to look for and notice pedestrians in these areas.
- Looking in both directions – Look both ways, then look both ways again to make sure there’s no oncoming traffic.
- Utilizing pedestrian walkways – When possible, stay on sidewalks and paths rather than walking on the road.
- Not using headphones – Don’t rely on your eyes alone to ensure safe passage. Your ears can hear motorists approaching, even if your visual check doesn’t pick them up.
- Not assuming a driver sees you – Just because an approaching vehicle is slowing down, the driver may not actually see you and plan to stop.
Call Us for a Free No-Obligation Case Review in Denver
Insurance companies are notorious for offering paltry settlements to accident victims. Often, the stress and strain of being injured and facing medical bills will cause an injury victim to accept an unfairly low settlement.
Before you accept a settlement offer, contact us for a free consultation in the greater Denver, Lakewood, and Boulder areas. We will review your case at no cost and discuss your best options for getting the compensation you deserve. Call us at 303-237-7373.