What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Colorado?

 Posted on July 16, 2019 in Personal Injury

Getting hit by a car as a pedestrian can be a dangerous and traumatic experience. A person walking down the street has little protection against a car or truck, and the results are often fatal. Colorado is a “fault state.” This means that whoever is responsible for an accident pays damages to the other party. Sometimes, the fault of an accident is clear. For example, if a drunk driver goes through a red light and hits a pedestrian who is crossing the street at a crosswalk during the appropriate time, the driver will be at fault. However, if a pedestrian was crossing the street at the wrong time or place, and the driver was distracted, fault in an accident can be more difficult to determine. If both parties are determined to be equally at fault, no party may collect damages.

No one plans on getting hit by a car while out for a stroll, but knowing what to do after an accident can not only help you address your physical injuries, it can help protect your ability to recover financial compensation. 

Steps to Take Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident

1. Move out of harm’s way. Getting hit by a car can be alarming, but the first step is to get out of the way of moving traffic. If you are able, walk to the shoulder of the road or another safe area. Not moving to safety puts you in immediate danger if the driver of another oncoming vehicle does not see you sitting or standing in the road.

2. Call 911. When authorities arrive on the scene, they will take your statement and that of anyone else who was involved. When you are asked about what happened, give honest answers. If you are confused about the timeline of the accident, let the police know, and do not make up answers. An ambulance will be dispatched if you or anyone else needs medical assistance. 

3. Gather information. If the driver or drivers involved in the accident are still on the scene, talk to them. Even if you only have minor scrapes, you will want to get their phone number and insurance company information. The adrenaline of getting hit by a car may prevent you from immediately recognizing a more serious injury. If more serious physical trauma is discovered later, seeking compensation for your injuries will be more difficult if you do not have the other party’s contact information or insurance coverage details.  

Contact a Fort Collins Personal Injury Lawyer

If you are hit by a car as a pedestrian and suffer injuries as a result, it can affect you physically and emotionally. Depending on who is at fault, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills or lost wages if you cannot work. An experienced Larimer County pedestrian accident attorney will help establish liability for your injury and advocate for you to receive the financial compensation you deserve. Call Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. at 970-225-2190 today to schedule a free consultation.

Sources: https://www.citylab.com/life/2015/05/what-to-do-when-youre-hit-by-a-car/393809/

https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2017-title-13.pdf 

https://www.courts.state.co.us/userfiles/file/Court_Probation/Supreme_Court/Committees/Civil_Jury_Instructions_Committee/2018/Chapter%206.pdf