Colorado Springs Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Who Can Stand Up For Your Rights
We can demand the money you deserve if you were hit by a car
Pedestrian accidents often involve serious injuries. Because pedestrians do not have any protection around them, people crossing the street or walking alongside a road often sustain severe injuries when a vehicle strikes them. When this happens, it’s critical that injury victims take immediate steps to protect their health and their rights.
Colorado Springs pedestrian accident attorney Stephen A. Longo knows how to handle complicated legal cases if you were hit by a car. The founder of The Longo Firm, LLC, he has the knowledge and the expertise you need to deal with any legal challenge you might encounter after your accident. Whether it’s helping you fill out forms, deal with insurance companies or negotiate the best possible settlement offer, you can count on us when it matters most.
We do things differently at our law firm. You’ll notice the difference the first time you deal with us. When you call our firm, Colorado Springs pedestrian accident attorney Longo will personally answer the phone or call you right back. If you ever have a question about your case, you can contact him directly on his personal phone. We believe we should be accessible on your terms. Your best interests always come first here.
FAQs About Pedestrian Accidents
- What should pedestrians hit by a car do?
- What are common causes of pedestrian accidents?
- What are common injuries?
- What if the driver denies causing my pedestrian accident?
- How much is my pedestrian injury claim worth?
- Can I be compensated for pain and suffering for my pedestrian accident?
- How long does it take to settle a pedestrian accident?
- Can I sue the driver who caused my pedestrian accident?
- Should I file a pedestrian accident lawsuit?
What should pedestrians hit by a car do?
Being hit by a car – especially as a pedestrian – can be chaotic, overwhelming and frightening. Knowing what steps to take can protect your health and your legal rights. If you are safely able to do so, take the following steps as soon as possible after your Colorado pedestrian accident:
- Call 911 right away and make sure the police respond to the scene.
- Stay at the scene and wait for the police so an official accident report can be written.
- Get medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine at first. Some injuries take time to reveal themselves.
- Collect the driver’s contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance details.
- Get names and phone numbers of any witnesses who saw what happened.
- Take photos of the scene, the vehicle, your injuries, and anything else that may be evidence.
- Do not admit fault or make statements to the driver’s insurance company.
- Contact a pedestrian accident lawyer right away to protect your rights.
These steps can make a big difference in your case. Insurance companies often look for any reason to deny your claim or pay you less than you deserve. By taking action early and carefully documenting everything, you put yourself in a stronger position to demand the money you deserve. A pedestrian injury lawyer can guide you through every step in the legal process.
What are common causes of pedestrian accidents?
Pedestrian accidents happen for many reasons. They often occur because a driver was behaving in a reckless or negligent manner. Common causes of car accidents involving pedestrians include:
- Distracted drivers, including texting drivers, who are not paying attention and hit a pedestrian in a crosswalk, sidewalk or walking alongside the road.
- Speeding drivers who don’t have enough time to stop and avoid hitting a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
- Aggressive drivers who don’t give pedestrians enough space alongside a road or in a crosswalk.
- Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs who fall asleep or lose control the vehicle, resulting in a pedestrian accident.
- Drivers who fail to yield, perhaps due to reckless or distracted driving.
Whatever the circumstances of your accident, make sure you get immediate medical care, including going to an emergency room if necessary for medical treatment. Then talk to a pedestrian accident lawyer right away to learn more about your rights and the legal options available to you.
What are common injuries?
Injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident can often be very serious. Common injuries include:
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), skull fractures and concussions.
- Broken bones and fractures, including broken arms and legs.
- Back injuries and other types of spinal cord injuries, including paralysis.
- Neck injuries, including fractured vertebrae and other serious injuries.
Pedestrian injuries often require extensive medical treatment. Make sure you get the medical care you need right away. Many injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents can be life-threatening if they’re not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner.
What if the driver denies causing my pedestrian accident?
Don’t be surprised if the driver who caused your accident denies doing anything wrong. They might even try to claim that you somehow caused the accident by darting out into the road or doing something else that didn’t happen.
When this occurs, you might be tempted to contact the driver directly or their insurance company. It is important to not do so since anything you say or provide in writing could be used as evidence to reduce or deny your injury claim.
Insurance companies often try this approach, hoping injured pedestrians will back down and not pursue an injury claim. When this happens, it’s critical that injured pedestrians have a lawyer who knows how to build a strong legal case in support of their accident claim. Otherwise, you might not get the money you rightfully deserve.
How much is my pedestrian accident claim worth?
Like other injury claims, injured pedestrians should be compensated for all their injury-related expenses. As a result, a pedestrian injury claim might be worth thousands of dollars or significantly more. The difference depends on many different factors, including the severity of someone’s injury and the length of their recovery.
The bottom line is you should be paid for all past, present and future anticipated expenses, including:
- All medical treatment, including emergency medical care, surgical procedures, physical therapy, in-home care and follow-up surgery in many cases.
- Home modifications due to a permanent disability.
- Replacement income if you can’t work while recovering from your injury.
- Lost future income if you cannot return to work due to your injury.
The stakes are high after your accident. The insurance company for the at-fault driver knows this. That’s why they often do everything they can to pay you as little as possible. Your pedestrian accident lawyer can demand the money you deserve and hold them accountable for the driver’s actions. Remember, you didn’t do anything wrong. You shouldn’t have to pay for a driver’s reckless behavior.
Can I be compensated for pain and suffering for my pedestrian accident?
Yes, if you were hit by a car in Colorado, you may be able to receive compensation for pain and suffering resulting from your pedestrian accident. These damages (compensation for losses) cover the physical pain and the emotional toll caused by your injuries.
Money for pain and suffering is different from medical bills or lost wages because it reflects how your life has been affected on a personal level. Specifically, compensation for pain and suffering is considered non-economic damages. That’s because there is no specific financial impact for pain and suffering as there is for medical expenses or lost income.
Insurance companies often downplay or question pain and suffering compensation. That is why having a lawyer is so important. A pedestrian injury attorney can present evidence of your struggles, whether through medical records, personal testimony, or expert opinions, and make sure this part of your claim is taken seriously.
How long does it take to settle a pedestrian accident?
The time it takes to settle a pedestrian accident claim can vary widely from one case to another. Some claims may be resolved within a few months, while others can take a year or longer. The timeline often depends on how complex the accident is and how serious the injuries are.
Insurance companies also often cause delays, hoping you will accept less money. They may refuse to increase their settlement offer for your pedestrian injury claim. They also often negotiate in bad faith or try to shift the blame away from their policyholder and onto you.
Working with an aggressive, experienced pedestrian injury lawyer can keep the process moving and prevent unnecessary delays. Your attorney can push back against stall tactics and gather the evidence needed for a strong claim. While every case is different, having an experienced lawyer can give you a better idea of what to expect and when you might see results.
Can I sue the driver who caused my pedestrian accident?
Yes, you can file a pedestrian injury lawsuit against the driver who caused your pedestrian accident in Colorado. Filing a lawsuit may be necessary if the driver’s insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement. It is often one of the most effective ways to hold the at-fault driver accountable.
A lawsuit allows you to pursue money for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related costs. In cases involving serious or permanent injuries, a lawsuit may be the only way to secure enough compensation to cover future needs. Suing also puts legal pressure on the insurance company to take your claim seriously and resume negotiations.
It is important to act within Colorado’s statute of limitations, which is generally three years from the date of your pedestrian accident. A lawyer can explain how this deadline applies to your case and file all necessary documents on time. Filing a lawsuit against the driver is a big step, but it may be the right choice to protect your financial future.
Should I file a pedestrian accident lawsuit?
Deciding whether to file a pedestrian injury lawsuit after being hit by a car is not an easy choice. That’s why it’s important to carefully consider all your options. Some claims can be settled directly with the driver’s insurance company. In other cases, a lawsuit may be necessary to obtain all the compensation you rightfully deserve.
In particular, you may want to file a lawsuit if the insurance company denies your claim, offers a low settlement, or refuses to cover all your expenses. A lawsuit also makes sense if you have severe injuries that require long-term medical care or affect your ability to work in the future. Filing a lawsuit gives you the chance to present your case in court if a fair agreement cannot be reached.
Still not sure what to do? Talk with a Colorado pedestrian accident lawyer. Your attorney can explain your options, evaluate the strength of your case, and guide you through each step. Filing a lawsuit is not always required, but it is an important tool for making sure you are treated fairly and receive the compensation you need and deserve.
Demand the money you deserve. Contact our law firm.
The clock is ticking after your pedestrian accident. Often, you only have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit or take legal action in most states. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations. In Colorado, for example, you only have three years from the date of your pedestrian accident to take legal action.
Three years might seem like a long time, but the longer you wait, the harder it often becomes to find the evidence you need to build a strong legal case. Evidence can disappear over time. Memories fade. Witnesses move away.
We understand the urgency of your legal matter. That’s why attorney Longo wants to get right to work on your accident investigation. He knows what evidence to look for, what questions to ask and how to compile information into a compelling case. Demand the compensation you deserve. Contact us and schedule your free case evaluation. We handle pedestrian accident claims throughout Colorado and Arizona.