Longmont can be a great place for individuals to walk around and enjoy nature. Unfortunately, walking can quickly turn dangerous when a driver acts negligently and fails to use caution to protect those around them.

If you have been hit by a driver while walking, you could be facing devastating injuries and extensive medical bills. You deserve fair compensation from the at-fault driver. A Longmont pedestrian accident lawyer could gather evidence that demonstrates the extent of your injuries and work to hold the negligent party accountable. Discuss your case with a skilled attorney today.

Demonstrating Fault After a Pedestrian Accident

All motorists, regardless of the exact type of vehicle, must take appropriate steps to protect others while behind the wheel. A driver that fails to take these reasonable steps can be held accountable for injuries that result from their negligence.

Even with this in mind, injured pedestrians still carry the burden of showing that a driver was to blame for the collision. This requires an in-depth understanding of the law and the ability to gather and compile evidence from the incident. A Longmont attorney has the experience needed to establish a driver’s fault in a pedestrian accident.

The Role of Comparative Negligence

A key law that has a major impact on many pedestrian accident cases is the concept called modified comparative negligence. According to Colorado Revised Statute § 13-21-111, courts must evaluate the actions of both the injured pedestrian and the motorist to determine how much blame each party holds in the incident.

If a court finds that a pedestrian was more than half to blame for the collision, that court cannot award any compensation. Jaywalking is an example of a situation where a pedestrian could be found partly liable. A pedestrian that was less than 50 percent at fault for an accident could still recover damages, but the court would reduce their award according to their percentage of fault. A Longmont pedestrian accident attorney could help to prove that a driver was solely responsible for the crash.

Potential Compensation for Injured Pedestrians

Pedestrian incidents can change someone’s life in many ways. Naturally, the main concern in these incidents is usually the resulting physical injuries. These may be as minor as cuts and scrapes or may result in more serious injuries, such as broken bones. The most severe examples can result in permanent injuries that will never fully heal, such as brain or spinal cord damage.

At-fault drivers must provide compensation for the full extent of a pedestrian’s losses. This can include the costs of medical care necessary to treat physical injuries. However, it may also include compensation for lost quality of life, emotional trauma, and missing income. A Longmont attorney could help an injured pedestrian pursue compensation for their physical and emotional losses after a collision.

A Longmont Pedestrian Accident Attorney Could Help

Being struck by a vehicle can upturn your life. You may be suffering from physical injuries that require extensive medical care and rehabilitation. The event may also leave you with emotional trauma or keep you off the job.

If a negligent driver caused the crash that left you with injuries, they are responsible for compensating your losses. A Longmont pedestrian could help you through this legal process. An attorney could handle every detail involved in gathering evidence, dealing with the insurance companies, and pursuing the payments that you need to set things right. Contact us today to get started on your case.