When a pedestrian gets hit by a vehicle or cyclist, the result can be serious injuries, emotional distress, and heavy financial burdens. That’s why having our Boulder pedestrian accident lawyer from Levine Law by your side can help you throughout the process of seeking compensation from those responsible. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, we’re here to help you recover.
About Pedestrian Accidents in Boulder
A pedestrian accident happens when a person on foot is struck by a motor vehicle, bicycle, or other transportation. These accidents can be as minor as a scraped knee or as severe as life-threatening injuries or even fatalities.
In Boulder, pedestrian accidents are common in certain areas, with the numbers painting a worrying picture. Accidents frequently occur in the urban parts of Boulder, such as downtown, on hiking trails, and near tourist spots.
Evenings between 5 and 10 p.m. tend to see the most pedestrian accidents. This can be a tough time for families as they deal with the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath.
Frequent Locations for Pedestrian Accidents in Boulder
Certain areas in Boulder are more prone to pedestrian accidents. Some of these locations include:
Intersections
Busy intersections, like those along Canyon Boulevard, often have a lot of accidents because drivers may be speeding or not paying close attention. It can be especially dangerous when cars try to rush through lights.
Crosswalks
Even marked crosswalks can be risky, particularly near schools or shopping centers where lots of people walk. Drivers sometimes fail to yield, putting pedestrians in harm’s way.
City Streets and Downtown Areas
Downtown Boulder is a busy place, especially on weekends, making accidents more likely. The combination of cars, bikes, and pedestrians can create dangerous situations when people aren’t paying attention.
Parking Lots and Garages
Accidents in parking lots and garages happen when drivers don’t see pedestrians walking by, especially when backing up. People may not expect cars to be moving quickly in these areas, which increases the risk.
Recreational Areas
Parks like Chautauqua and Boulder Creek Path are popular with walkers and cyclists, but accidents still happen here due to crowded paths and speeding bikers. It’s easy to let your guard down in a peaceful setting.
School Zones
The areas around schools are particularly risky during pick-up and drop-off times. The mix of kids, cars, and rushed parents can lead to accidents, especially in the mornings when people are in a hurry.
Public Transportation Stops
Bus stops, especially near popular areas like Pearl Street, are frequent spots for pedestrian accidents. People getting on and off buses aren’t always noticed by passing drivers.
Construction Zones
Construction zones are tricky because traffic patterns and sidewalks can change quickly. With new pathways and barriers, pedestrians can easily end up in unexpected or unsafe areas.
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Main Causes of Most Pedestrian Accidents in Boulder
There are many reasons why car accidents with pedestrians happen, including:
- Failure to Yield: Drivers sometimes don’t stop for pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections.
- Speeding: When drivers go too fast, they don’t have enough time to react to people walking nearby.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug-impaired drivers are a major cause of pedestrian accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting or fiddling with their GPS often take their eyes off the road, increasing the chance of hitting a pedestrian.
- Poor Visibility: Bad weather, darkness, and poorly lit streets make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians.
- Pedestrian Negligence: Sometimes pedestrians themselves contribute to accidents by jaywalking or ignoring traffic signals.
- Infrastructure Issues: Lack of proper signage, poorly designed crosswalks, and pedestrian-unfriendly road designs can lead to accidents.
Common Injuries in Boulder Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents often lead to a wide range of injuries, including:
- Head Injuries: These range from concussions to more severe brain injuries that can lead to long-term problems.
- Bone Fractures: Broken legs, arms, or hips are common and often require surgery or extensive rehabilitation.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Injuries like muscle sprains or ligament damage can cause ongoing pain and limited movement.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly altering a person’s life.
- Internal Injuries: Organ damage or internal bleeding can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Legal Considerations for Pedestrian Accident Victims in Boulder
When you’re involved in a pedestrian accident, understanding the legal issues around negligence and liability is crucial. In most cases, drivers have a duty of care to pedestrians, meaning they need to take reasonable steps to avoid causing harm. When they fail to do so by speeding, being distracted, or failing to yield, this is considered a breach of duty.
For an accident victim to receive compensation, it must be proven that the driver’s actions directly caused the injuries, known as causation, and that those injuries resulted in damages.
Comparative Negligence in Colorado
Colorado operates under a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation for an accident as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. If you are found to be partially responsible for the accident, the amount of compensation you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
The Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accident Claims in Colorado
Colorado law requires that pedestrian accident victims file a personal injury claim within two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to seek compensation, no matter how strong your case might be.
Importance of Evidence and Medical Attention After a Pedestrian Accident
Gathering evidence is key to building a strong case. This can include witness statements, police reports, and even surveillance footage from nearby businesses. Additionally, seeking medical attention right after the accident ensures that your injuries are properly documented, which will be important when filing a claim.
Compensation for Boulder Pedestrian Accident Victims
Pedestrian accident victims in Boulder may be entitled to different types of compensation:
- Economic damages: This includes costs such as medical bills, lost wages from missed work, and rehabilitation expenses.
- Non-economic damages: These cover things like the loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, if the driver was extremely reckless, a court may award punitive damages to further penalize them.
The Legal Process After a Pedestrian Accident
The legal process after a pedestrian accident typically follows these steps:
Filing a Claim
This involves collecting and submitting evidence, including any medical records, to the responsible party’s insurance company.
Negotiating with Insurance
Your Boulder pedestrian accident injury lawyer will communicate with the insurance adjusters to try to get a fair settlement.
Litigation and Court Proceedings
If the insurance company refuses to settle, your pedestrian accident lawyer near me in Boulder, CO, may file a lawsuit on your behalf.
Discovery and Trial
Both sides exchange evidence, and if the case isn’t settled during discovery, it may go to trial where a judge or jury will decide the outcome.
Challenges Pedestrian Accident Victims Face
Victims of pedestrian accidents may face several challenges when trying to get compensation, including:
- Insurance Tactics: Insurance companies may delay the process or try to offer low settlement amounts.
- Contributory Negligence: The driver may try to argue that you were at fault, which could reduce the compensation you’re eligible to receive.
- Disputes Over Compensation: Non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, can be harder to quantify and often lead to disputes.
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Why Hire Levine Law for Your Boulder Pedestrian Accident Case?
If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a pedestrian accident, having the right lawyer by your side can make a huge difference. At Levine Law, we know these cases can be complicated, and we’re dedicated to helping you get the compensation you deserve. Our experienced Boulder pedestrian injury lawyer has handled many cases like yours and knows how to fight for the best outcome.
We’ll work hard to ensure you receive the full amount you’re entitled to, covering everything from medical bills to lost wages. From filing paperwork to representing you in court, we handle all the legal details so you can focus on improving. Most importantly, we understand this is a tough time for you and your family, and we’re here to support you with care and compassion.
Contact Our Boulder Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
When you’re ready to seek justice after a pedestrian accident, contact us for a free consultation. Whether you’re looking for the best pedestrian accident lawyer in Boulder or need a pedestrian accident attorney in Boulder, CO, we are here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Reach out to Levine Law and let our top-rated pedestrian accident attorney in Boulder fight for your rights. With our no-win, no-fee pedestrian accident lawyer in Boulder, CO, you only pay if we win your case. Contact our law firm now to get started.
