When motor vehicles and pedestrians collide, the consequences can be devastating. The injuries a pedestrian could suffer after being struck by a car or truck could result in life-long injuries or even death. According to multi-year data compiled by the Colorado Department of Transportation, there were 90 fatalities in Colorado pedestrian accidents last year.
If you suffered an injury as a pedestrian, a personal injury attorney could provide you with a better understanding of the compensation you may be owed. Through a lawsuit, you could recover the monetary compensation you need while holding the negligent driver accountable. For more information, contact a Fort Collins pedestrian accident lawyer.
Damages Available in a Fort Collins Pedestrian Accident
If a plaintiff’s claim is successful, they could recover several types of damages from the responsible party. These damages frequently relate to the bodily injuries suffered in the accident. However, a plaintiff has the right to seek compensation for any damages sustained in the pedestrian accident. It is up to a Fort Collins pedestrian accident attorney to identify the potential damages their client could recover through litigation. Common types of damages awarded in a pedestrian accident include:
Medical Bills
Medical bills are often the most significant part of an injury claim. These damages can include the costs incurred immediately after an accident like emergency room bills. They can also include long-term costs like physical therapy expenses.
Lost Wages
When a pedestrian suffers a severe injury, these injuries could cause the pedestrian to miss a significant amount of work. A plaintiff can pursue compensation for any paychecks missed due to a pedestrian accident. When the effects of an injury are permanent, a plaintiff may also seek compensation for the diminished future earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
The physical pain experienced by an injury victim in a pedestrian accident can lead to monetary recovery as well. While measuring the value of a plaintiff’s physical pain presents challenges, expert witnesses could analyze and testify what fair compensation for that suffering would be.
Comparative Negligence in a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit
A plaintiff in a pedestrian accident lawsuit may not be able to recover the full amount of their damages if they were partially responsible for the accident.
Colorado statute establishes that a plaintiff may recover damages as long as they are less than 50% at fault for the accident. If a jury determines the plaintiff was partially at-fault, it will reduce the total amount of damages awarded to the plaintiff in proportion to their level of fault.
Call a Fort Collins Pedestrian Accident Attorney Right Away
Any pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle is lucky to be alive. To recover from your injuries, it may be in your best interest to let the experienced legal counsel at Mac Hester Law take the lead on your injury claim. With the help of a Fort Collins pedestrian accident lawyer, you could pursue the monetary damages you need to fund your recovery. Call right away to schedule an initial consultation.