We’ve just published a guide on Colorado’s laws governing right of way for pedestrians and drivers. Head on over there for the full story on how to pursue a lawsuit if it happened to you, as well as rules in urban spots like Denver and Boulder and some great resources on pedestrian accident data.
Know this: pedestrian accidents are on the rise.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported in August 2016 that pedestrian fatalities increased by 466 (a 9.5-percent increase), and are at their highest number since 1996. Nationwide, 5,376 pedestrians died as a result of a traffic crash, and 70,000 were injured (up 7.7%).
StreetsBlog Denver says that most Denver pedestrian accidents occur on 4 streets referred to as “urban highways”: Colfax, Federal, Sheridan, and Colorado.
There are several things you can do if you are hurt in a Colorado pedestrian accident that can increase your odds for compensation in a lawsuit:
- Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries.
It is important for you to be evaluated by a physician as soon as possible – both for your own health and for potentially filing a lawsuit later. The sooner you are evaluated by a healthcare professional, the more likely you can recover damages for your injuries. - Write down everything that you recall about the pedestrian accident.
Note what time of day it was, how much traffic, if it was day or night, and exactly what occurred. Did the vehicle fail to yield to you in a crosswalk? Also write down every detail about the injuries and pain. - Detail any conversations that you had with witnesses to the pedestrian accident.
Be sure to get their name, address and telephone number. - Obtain a copy of the police report.
The police do not always respond to every vehicle accident, but they should for a pedestrian accident.
If you have serious injuries and intend to sue for compensation, remember that the statute of limitations for personal injury cases involving motor vehicles is three years in Colorado.
Some people injured in accidents make the mistake of waiting too long before they decide to file. After all, it will probably be a long time until you feel like filing a lawsuit.
Your attorney will need to do extensive research (discovery) on the case, so it is imperative that you leave ample time for this discovery process to occur.
See our guide to how long a personal injury lawsuit can take.