Denver Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Denver, Colorado locals are known for active lifestyles, and honestly, how could they not, with scenic beauty nearly everywhere the eyes land? Breathtaking mountain peaks and forests surround an exciting metropolis. Unfortunately,
Man on pedestrian crossing in autumn, in danger of being hit by car
his perfect balance of city and nature is also the site of far too many pedestrian accidents. 2023 saw a record high for pedestrian accidents and fatalities.
If you or a family member was injured in a pedestrian accident in Denver, call The Frickey Law Firm for a free consultation of your case or call us at 303-237-7373.
Pedestrian Safety Tips in Denver
Prevention is paramount. We have listed a few crucial safety tips for you and your loved ones to practice when taking the pedestrian role in Denver.
Use Crosswalks
Always check for and use marked crosswalks. Sometimes, taking a shortcut may seem more accessible or efficient than veering slightly out of our way to the crosswalk. However, your life and the lives of your loved ones are priceless. Further, in the unfortunate event of an accident, the responsibility for the crash will lie solely with the driver.
Stay Visible
Wear bright or reflective clothing even during the day, especially at dusk. You may leave the house intending to take a walk or go out for a run. However, often, with our gorgeous Denver weather, it’s easy to say yes to an after-dinner stroll. Keeping a bright top or jacket in your bag or car can also provide an added layer of safety.
Cross Safely
Even when at a crosswalk or intersection, taking a couple of extra seconds to make eye contact with a driver or identify vehicles that have not yet come to a stop can save your life. Always be on the lookout for potential hazards.
What causes pedestrian accidents?
Humming urban areas and charming neighborhoods make for abundant pedestrian activity, and more foot traffic increases the opportunity and risk of accidents. Nevertheless, the surge in pedestrian calamities is greatly attributed to several factors, including the persistence of distracted driving. Further explanations for these horrible accidents are individuals engaging in driving while under the influence or intoxicated, failing to yield, and other forms of negligent and reckless driving.
Legal Framework in Colorado
Educating yourself in the state’s pedestrian and traffic laws and rights is essential for pedestrians and drivers alike.
Colorado’s Right of Way
Pedestrians have the right of way in marked crosswalks, and drivers must yield. Failure to adhere to this rule can result in fines and liability for forthcoming accidents. Further, being vigilant and yielding to pedestrians or cyclists is good practice.
Sidewalk Regulations
Pedestrians are expected to utilize sidewalks whenever possible. Without a sidewalk, it is best practice to walk along the left side of the road, facing traffic.
Crosswalk Etiquette
No, we are not referring to no elbows on the table and covering your mouth when you sneeze etiquette, but rather some pretty life-saving etiquette to keep in mind. Crossing outside designated crosswalks, or “jaywalking,” is a traffic offense that endangers your livelihood and those around you when a vehicle, motorcycle, or bike has to swerve to avoid hitting you.
Compensation and Liability
Following a pedestrian accident, you must be cognizant of the intricacies of compensation and liability. The rights and avenues available to you as a pedestrian in Colorado include, but are not limited to, the following:
Knowing Your Pedestrian Rights
As a pedestrian in Denver, as long as you are crossing with the light you have the right of way in crosswalks and intersections when traffic signals indicate it’s safe to cross the roadway. These rights are fundamental and highlight the responsibility of drivers to yield and take precautions to ensure the safety of all present pedestrians.
Establishing Negligence in a Pedestrian Accident
Both pedestrians and drivers can share the responsibility of exercisi
ng reasonable care to avoid accidents. While pedestrians must use crosswalks and obey traffic signals, drivers must yield to pedestrians at any marked crosswalks, stop signs, and intersections. If a driver fails to yield to a pedestrian’s right of way and an accident results, they may be liable for any injuries or damages.
To win in a negligence claim against a motorist, a pedestrian in Colorado must prove by a preponderance of the evidence (a legal standard that means more likely than not) that the motorist failed to drive as a reasonably prudent driver under the circumstances. Examples of actions that can constitute a breach of a motorist’s duty of care include failing to yield, reckless driving, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, unsafe lane changes, and running a red light.
Then, the pedestrian must prove the driver’s negligence was the direct and proximate cause of the accident, which resulted in damages to the pedestrian.
Pedestrian Accident Compensation
As a pedestrian who has suffered injuries due to the recklessness of a driver or any other related party, you are entitled to pursue compensation for the physical injuries you have sustained. Such compensation usually covers other damages such as medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Seeking complete recompense is necessary, as falling short can lead to financial debt and crisis.
Following an accident, the medical bills from emergency visits, hospital stays, therapy, and rehabilitation can surge. Further, you may need to make certain adjustments to your home to accommodate any temporary or permanent disability stemming from the accident. With all these elements and circumstances in mind, acquiring the legal guidance of a Colorado pedestrian accident attorney specializing in pedestrian advocacy and personal injury law is wise.
Contributory Negligence Considerations
There are some instances in which both pedestrians and motorists may have contributed to an accident. Colorado follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you are found to be partially at fault, you may respectively and proportionately reduce your compensation. However, you would still be entitled to seek compensation. Comprehending the nuances of contributory negligence, as well as the accident details and all applicable pedestrian and traffic laws, is imperative to determine the potential outcome of your case.
Why Legal Assistance Matters
The path to recovery may seem daunting, like navigating a new neighborhood, but this is where the significance of legal help shines. When employing a pedestrian accident attorney, you have a seasoned guide, someone well-versed in the twists and turns of pedestrian accident cases. Your health comes first, and when the body and mind need to heal following a traumatic accident like a pedestrian accident, it’s critical to minimize stress. Frickey Law can take on the battle of getting you comprehensive compensation and protecting your rights so you can prioritize your physical and emotional well-being in the days and weeks following the accident.
Like a detective piecing together clues, pedestrian accident lawyers meticulously comb through the accident’s different aspects and vantage points. At The Frickey Law, we bring expertise to decipher liability, understand the choreography of events, and gather evidence that fortifies your case. Further, our primary goals are to ensure liability is placed on the appropriate party and maximize your compensation. Our Denver pedestrian accident lawyers act as advocates, tirelessly working to secure compensation beyond medical expenses, accounting for lost wages, loss of potential future earning capacity, and the emotional turmoil endured.
Your Denver Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Your journey to justice after a pedestrian accident in Denver begins with The Frickey Law Firm. Our seasoned team, specializing in personal injury law, is committed to explaining the legal process while taking on its strain and stress. We will navigate the complexities of your case, going beyond ensuring you know your rights and helping you wield them—our mission is to empower you while securing the compensation you deserve for your recovery. The biggest tip to obtaining compensation and closure following a pedestrian accident is to avoid procrastination. Begin your path to justice and recovery today by contacting The Frickey Law Firm for a free consultation of your case or call us at 303-237-7373.