Tips for Getting the Care You Need After a Pedestrian or Bicycle Accident in Colorado

 Posted on December 27, 2019 in Personal Injury

After being involved in a traffic accident as a pedestrian or bicyclist, the physical repercussions can be life-altering. Due to pedestrians having less protection than a car or truck, they often see the worst injuries, and in some cases, those injuries can prove fatal. Getting hit by a car and suffering serious physical injuries is traumatic on its own, but an accident can also result in a great deal of mental anguish for a victim. After an accident with a motor vehicle, a pedestrian may need to make extra efforts in healing his or her mind and body. 

How Many Pedestrians Have Died?

Last year, 90 pedestrians were killed as the result of traffic accidents in Colorado. As of September 2019, 37 people were killed this year in pedestrian accidents. Everyone is a pedestrian at some point in their lives, and there are things pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers can do to contribute to everyone’s safety. Keeping people on foot safe can be as easy as following the law and traffic signs. Either party can contribute to an accident, and the party who was ultimately at fault may be held legally responsible for the other parties' injuries and damages.

Recovering From Accident-Related Injuries

Even though efforts have been made to improve roadway safety, accidents still occur. Being hit by a car can take a severe emotional and physical toll, so it is important to seek out care after a traffic accident. The following tips may help in your recovery after getting hit by a car as a pedestrian or bicyclist: 

• Seek help: After any kind of trauma, people can develop emotional disorders like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Even if you are lucky enough to be spared from serious physical injuries, you may still be emotionally traumatized from the ordeal. PTSD can cause flashbacks, uncontrollable thoughts about the accident, and nightmares. Speaking with a family member or trusted friend is a good start, but it is a good idea to seek professional help, such as a therapist. Even if you are not having symptoms of mental illness after a pedestrian accident, it is still helpful to talk to a counselor for help with any lingering trauma.

• Return to normal: Physical injuries can cause discomfort to you as a pedestrian accident victim, and they may alter the way you live. Whether you have been temporarily or permanently injured, it is best to try to get back to your regular routines as soon as possible. Healing will take time, but doing things you are used to after experiencing trauma will help you move forward and regain a sense of normalcy.

Contact a Fort Collins Personal Injury Attorney

After being struck by a car, you may feel uncertain about your future. If a car or truck driver was responsible for your pedestrian or bike accident, you may be eligible for compensation for the pain and suffering you have experienced because of their negligence. If you are struggling after a vehicle collision, contact an experienced Larimer County pedestrian and bike accident lawyer as soon as possible to learn about your options for seeking damages. Call our office today at 970-225-2190 to schedule your free consultation. 

Sources:

https://familydoctor.org/post-traumatic-stress-after-a-traffic-accident/

https://www.codot.gov/programs/bikeped/information-for-pedestrians