Being involved in a pedestrian accident can be a terrifying experience. If you’ve been hit by a car as a pedestrian in Colorado, you may be feeling confused, overwhelmed, and uncertain about what steps to take next. These feelings are natural, and you are not alone. It’s important to know that you don’t have to face this situation by yourself. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, guiding you through the process of protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
Accidents like this can leave you with physical injuries and emotional stress, but taking the right actions immediately after the accident can greatly impact the outcome of your case. In this guide, we will walk you through the key steps you should take if you’ve been hit by a car in Colorado, helping you understand what needs to be done to protect your health, your legal rights, and your future.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
The first and most important thing to do after a pedestrian accident is to seek medical attention. Whether you feel injured or not, it’s critical to have a doctor evaluate your condition. Injuries from pedestrian accidents may not always be immediately obvious, and internal injuries or soft tissue damage can sometimes take days or even weeks to show symptoms. Getting checked by a healthcare professional right away can not only help prevent further harm to your body, but it also creates a record of your injuries, which is essential for your legal case.
Even if you feel fine, it’s always safer to get checked out. Sometimes, adrenaline can mask pain or discomfort, and your injuries may become worse if left untreated. Additionally, your medical records will be an important piece of evidence when pursuing a claim for compensation.
Report the Accident to the Authorities
After you’ve received medical care or while waiting for an ambulance to arrive, you should report the accident to the police. In Colorado, a police report can be crucial to proving who was at fault in the accident. The officer will document the details of the crash, gather witness statements, and create a report that will serve as an important part of your case.
In some cases, the driver might try to leave the scene, which is why it’s vital to report the incident immediately. Hit-and-run accidents are unfortunately common, and having an official police report can increase the chances of locating the driver and holding them accountable.
Gather Evidence from the Scene
If you are physically able to do so, try to gather evidence from the accident scene. This can include taking photos of the location, the car involved, and any visible injuries you have. If there are any witnesses around, ask for their contact information and any statements they may have about what they saw.
The more information you collect, the stronger your case will be. This evidence can also help investigators determine fault in the accident. The driver might have been speeding, distracted, or driving under the influence. The more proof you have about the circumstances of the accident, the better the chances of holding the responsible party accountable.
Do Not Speak with the Insurance Company Without Legal Guidance
After a pedestrian accident, you might receive calls from insurance companies, both your own and the driver’s. It is important to remember that insurance companies are focused on paying out as little as possible. They may offer you a quick settlement, but accepting it without consulting an attorney can be a big mistake. The settlement might not cover all of your medical expenses, lost wages, or long-term care needs.
It’s important to speak with an attorney before engaging in any conversations with insurance companies. A lawyer will help ensure that your rights are protected and that you are not taken advantage of during the claims process. They will also be able to guide you in dealing with the insurance company and negotiating for a fair settlement.
Document Your Injuries and Treatment
Keeping a detailed record of your injuries and medical treatments is crucial in building your case. This documentation can include doctor’s visits, medications, therapies, and any other medical treatments you receive as a result of the accident. Be sure to keep all medical bills and records of any physical therapy or ongoing treatments.
This will not only help you recover the full amount of compensation for your injuries, but it will also show how the accident has impacted your life. The longer you wait to document your injuries, the harder it may be to link your current condition to the accident. The sooner you begin documenting, the stronger your case will be.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
When you are ready to pursue legal action, the next step is to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who understands pedestrian accident cases in Colorado. A skilled lawyer will be able to assess the details of your case and advise you on your legal options. They will gather all the evidence necessary, work with medical professionals, and negotiate with insurance companies to help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Having legal support is essential to ensuring that you are not taken advantage of during the legal process. A lawyer can also help you navigate complex insurance issues, medical claims, and possible court proceedings. With the help of a trusted attorney, you can focus on healing while they handle the legal aspects of your case.
File a Claim or Lawsuit to Pursue Compensation
Once you’ve consulted with a lawyer, they may suggest filing a claim or lawsuit to pursue compensation. Depending on the circumstances of your case, this could involve negotiating with the insurance company, filing a claim for damages, or even taking the matter to court if necessary. Your lawyer will help you determine the best course of action based on the specifics of the accident.
In Colorado, pedestrians have the right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by the accident. Your lawyer will help calculate the total amount you are entitled to and fight to ensure you receive the compensation you need to recover and move forward.
Understand the Time Limits for Filing a Claim
In Colorado, there are time limits known as statutes of limitations that govern how long you have to file a personal injury claim. For pedestrian accidents, you generally have up to three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, there are certain exceptions and nuances that could impact the timing of your case. It’s important to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines.
Failing to meet the filing deadline could result in your case being dismissed, leaving you without the opportunity to seek compensation. That’s why it’s crucial to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are preserved.
If you’ve been hit by a car as a pedestrian in Colorado, it’s important to know that you don’t have to go through this challenging time alone. The steps you take immediately after the accident can greatly impact the outcome of your case. By following the advice outlined in this guide and working with an experienced personal injury lawyer, you can protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
At the Law Firm of Mark S. Hanchey, we are here to help you every step of the way. We understand the pain and confusion that comes with a pedestrian accident, and we are committed to helping you get the best possible result for your case. If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident, don’t hesitate to contact us. Let us fight for your rights and ensure that you get the justice you deserve.