Grand Junction Pedestrian Accidents Attorney
Grand Junction, and Colorado in general, has gorgeous scenery and wonderful downtown areas. Many in Grand Junction take advantage of this and make walking part of their daily routine and even their daily commutes. Approximately five percent of those who work outside of their home walk or bike to the office. In Boulder, that number is over 20 percent.
While walking is great for your health, both mind and body, pedestrians are extremely vulnerable to serious injury if struck by an automobile. In fact, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely to be killed in a crash than those in passenger vehicles. With nothing between the vehicle and your body, a pedestrian accident can be devastating – even when symptoms of serious injuries are not immediately present. If you or a loved one were seriously hurt in a pedestrian accident, the lawyers at Killian, Davis, Richter & Fredenburg, PC have had significant successes in handling Grand Junction pedestrian accident claims.
PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT STATISTICS
In 2013, 4,735 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the United States, that’s one every two hours. Historically, older adults are the most vulnerable to pedestrian accidents, but the truth is they can happen to anyone, no matter their age.
In Colorado, pedestrian deaths account for around 13 percent of the total motor vehicle fatalities each year. After reaching a high of 16 percent in 2012, it has hovered between 11 and 13 percent from 2013-2016. This year, the Colorado Department of Transportation has reported a preliminary total of 48 pedestrian fatalities – and counting.
Most pedestrian accidents occur in urban, non-intersection locations at night. However, nationally, almost half of pedestrian deaths happened due to the driver running a red light, and 14 percent of the drivers were found to be over the legal limit for alcohol.
Any death or serious injury in a pedestrian accident is tragic, but the cost to you or your loved ones is very troubling as well. When considering medical bills, lost wages and emotional suffering, the total lifetime cost for those in a pedestrian accident approaches $40 billion.
COLORADO PEDESTRIAN LAWS
Yielding the right-of-way to pedestrians is the duty of the driver in most situations. If someone tries to cross I-70 then they won’t have right-of-way, nor will it be the driver’s fault if he hits that person. But when there is a crosswalk present, the driver needs to yield when instructed by signs or lights. If there is a car stopped at a crosswalk, it is illegal to pass that car, as they may be allowing someone to cross. The driver must obey all signals and signs, and still have to yield when turning over a sidewalk into a garage or alleyway.
WHAT IF I’M IN A PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT?
If you’re ever in an accident as a pedestrian, seek medical attention immediately. This is important not only for your health, but also for getting the most compensation you can for your claim. If you don’t seek medical attention right away, the other person’s insurance might say that your injuries must not have been that bad, and therefore will offer a low settlement.
Unfortunately, pedestrians are the most likely victims of a hit and run; if it happens to you, talk to any potential witnesses to see if someone spotted a license plate number or even make and model details. If the person got away, you can still seek compensation for your injuries, even if it won’t come from the other person’s insurance. Your medical and auto insurance policies can provide coverage in this regard.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, the Grand Junction pedestrian accident attorneys at Killian, Davis, Richter & Fredenburg, PC has the expertise and experience to settle your claim. We offer free consultations, and don’t take a fee unless we win your case.