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STEVE RAY LAW, PLLC

PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Serving Fort Collins and Northern Colorado

Fort Collins has earned a reputation for being one of the most progressive cities in the U.S. when it comes to accommodating pedestrians. Since 1996, the city has operated under a comprehensive Pedestrian Plan.

Unfortunately, accidents involving careless or reckless motorists still happen in the city and other areas of Northern Colorado. These accidents can result in severe and often fatal injuries.

Attorney Steve Ray knows there is nothing more serious and frightening than being a pedestrian who is struck by a motor vehicle. Our law firm serves as a “Pathfinder for Injured People.” If you are a pedestrian who has been hit by a car, our goal is to find the way to legal relief for you and your family. We’d be happy to provide you with a free consultation for your case — simply reach out to us.

If you are planning to take legal action against a car driver who harmed you as a pedestrian, we want you to consider the following:

Pedestrians Have Rights on Colorado Roads

Under Colorado law, car drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians who are crossing at designated intersections. So, if you are a pedestrian crossing at a stop sign or stoplight, the car must yield to you before going through or turning at the intersection.

If a car driver does not yield the right-of-way and hurts you, then you may be able to take legal action against that driver for all of the injuries and losses you have suffered.

Evidence that can help to establish that you had the right-of-way may include the fact that you were following a “walk” pedestrian signal at the time of the accident.

In many cases, drivers may fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians because they were engaged in wrongful conduct. For instance, the car driver may have been:

  • Speeding
  • Talking on a cell phone or texting while driving
  • Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs
  • Driving while fatigued.

At Steve Ray Law, PLLC in Fort Collins, our role will be to find out how these and other factors contributed to your accident by turning to police reports, witness statements, cell phone records, red light cameras and other evidence.

In addition to being struck by vehicles in crosswalks, pedestrians are also frequently injured in accidents that occur in parking lots. If a driver backed out of a spot without looking for a pedestrian or drove too fast through the lot, the driver should be held accountable.

Can a Pedestrian Who Was Partially At Fault Recover Compensation?

Insurance companies will try to minimize the amount they need to pay to a pedestrian who was injured by one of their insured drivers. They will often try to blame the pedestrian.

Under Colorado’s “modified comparative fault” system, a person bringing a personal injury claim can be barred from recovering if their fault in an accident is found to be equal to or greater than the fault of the other party (or parties) involved.

So, in a pedestrian accident case, the insurer may contend that you were at fault because you entered the road when you should not have or did not use a designated crosswalk.

In these situations, it is important to work with an attorney who is familiar with insurance company tactics and who will fight for the financial compensation you deserve.

Contact a Lawyer Serving Fort Collins and Northern Colorado Pedestrian Accident Victims

When you come to Steve Ray Law, PLLC, you will speak with a seasoned attorney with more than 35 years of experience in the area of personal injury law. Our firm knows the steps that need to be taken to protect your rights and to pursue full and fair compensation for you.

We will take the time to listen to your case and explain your rights and options. Get started today by contacting us and scheduling a free legal consultation in Northern Colorado.

For More Information:

  • Pedestrians, Traffic Safety Facts, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  • Motorcycle Safety, Governors Highway Safety Association
  • Pedestrian Plan, City of Fort Collins
  • Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety, Governors Highway Safety Association