There are a variety of different ways to utilize Colorado roadways. While most people think of cars, pedestrians should also feel safe using the roadways, whether walking on the shoulder, crosswalks or sidewalks. Unfortunately, auto-pedestrian accidents often result in serious harm — even death — to those on foot.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, approximately 5,000 pedestrians are killed each year in accidents involving a motor vehicle. In 2012, 76,000 pedestrians were injured as a result of a collision involving a truck or car. These accidents often leave victims and surviving loved one struggling with medical expenses and the loss of wages.
Fortunately, they have the option of seeking damages in a civil court. To be awarded damages, a plaintiff must prove that a defendant breached a legal duty owed to the plaintiff due to negligence. It must additionally be proved that as a result of that breach, the plaintiff suffered an injury or harm.
Often people in Colorado who are injured in an accident or who have lost a loved one due to a driver’s negligence are left facing many stresses in life. Medical bills and funeral expenses, in combination with lost wages, can easily become overwhelming. Successfully presented lawsuits following auto-pedestrian accidents likely do little to relieve the emotional and physical distress victims face, but they can help them with their finances, allowing them to focus on their recovery. An attorney with experience with such cases can help these victims fully understand their legal options and choose the most appropriate course.
Source: FindLaw, “Pedestrian Accidents Overview“, Accessed on March 2, 2017
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