Aurora Pedestrian Accidents

In 2023 alone, 263 non-motorists were hit by cars in Aurora, Colorado, including 172 pedestrians. Although these collisions are often called “accidents,” they typically result from preventable factors, including driver negligence.

Pedestrians hit by negligent drivers have rights. Under Colorado law, all vehicle owners must carry liability insurance. This means an Aurora pedestrian hit by car drivers can file an insurance claim against the owner’s liability policy.

The seasoned team at Bachus & Schanker has represented accident victims against negligent drivers and their insurers since 1996. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial trauma that happens when you or a loved one gets hit by a vehicle. Our Aurora pedestrian accident attorneys can fight for full compensation for your losses.

Bachus & Schanker Wins – Over $1 Billion Recovered

What Is A Pedestrian Accident Claim?

Colorado law requires people and businesses to compensate victims for their negligent acts. If a driver causes a pedestrian accident in Aurora, Colorado, due to negligence, they and their auto insurer become legally liable for the injured person’s losses.

A pedestrian accident case typically starts with an insurance claim against the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy. The state requires at least $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person and up to $50,000 per accident. This coverage pays for the victim’s medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

However, your Aurora pedestrian accident attorney must prove the driver’s negligence to win a pedestrian accident claim. Negligence means the driver failed to exercise reasonable care, and their failure caused the accident. A Colorado pedestrian accident lawyer from Bachus & Schanker can review the cause of your accident and defend your right to pursue compensation.

What Are Common Causes Of Aurora Pedestrian Accidents?

Negligence often involves a traffic violation. When a driver breaks traffic laws, such as those requiring them to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks, such actions typically fall under negligence.

Drivers can also commit negligence by doing something legal but unreasonably dangerous. For example, Colorado has no laws against eating while driving. However, eating a sandwich while driving may expose other road users, including pedestrians, to an unreasonable risk of injury. As a result, this legal activity may still support a negligence claim.

The following causes of pedestrian accidents may constitute driver negligence:

  • Distracted driving
  • Exercising improper surveillance
  • Failing to yield to pedestrians at intersections or crosswalks
  • Disobeying stop signs or traffic lights
  • Aggressive driving

The Aurora pedestrian accident attorneys at Bachus & Schanker can listen to your side of the story to identify all possible grounds for proving driver negligence.

Common Injuries From Aurora, Colorado, Pedestrian Accidents

The compensation you can seek for your accident will depend on the type of injury you suffered. Pedestrian accidents can be especially dangerous because pedestrians have no protection in a crash. 

Some of the most common injuries in pedestrian collisions include:

  • Bone fractures
  • Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains
  • Brain injuries when the head strikes the road
  • Crushing injuries from the weight of the vehicle
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries from fractured or dislocated vertebrae

These injuries can result in significant physical disabilities and mental trauma. An Aurora pedestrian accident attorney from Bachus & Schanker can gather your medical records so your claim seeks compensation for all the injuries you suffered.

What Damages Can You Recover In A Pedestrian Accident Case?

Colorado law allows accident victims to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages account for the financial impact of your injuries. The following losses can qualify as economic:

  • Past and future medical bills
  • Out-of-pocket expenses for health insurance copays
  • Lost income for time off to recover or receive treatment
  • Diminished future income resulting from long-term or permanent disabilities

A pedestrian accident can also significantly reduce a victim’s quality of life by impacting their ability to perform necessary or enjoyable activities. As a result, your happiness and enjoyment of life may diminish. 

Examples of non-economic losses can include:

  • Physical pain
  • Mental anguish and emotional distress
  • Disability
  • Dismemberment, if you lost a body part
  • Disfigurement, if you suffered permanent scars

The compensation you can seek will depend heavily on the severity and duration of your injuries. For example, severe or permanent injuries usually justify greater compensation.

How Our Attorneys at Bachus & Schanker Can Help You

Insurance companies have an economic incentive to fight claims. Thus, you need accident lawyers in Colorado who will stand up for your right to full and fair injury compensation.

Bachus & Schanker advocate for accident victims to receive the necessary resources to move forward. As the victim of a tragic loss, one of our founding attorneys sought to establish a firm that understands the frustration and pain you experience in dealing with the legal system and stands by your side as you navigate it.

Pedestrian Car Accident FAQs

We typically file an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer unless the driver is self-insured. The insurer will investigate the claim and decide whether to accept liability. If the insurer accepts the claim, we can negotiate for a fair settlement. If the insurer denies the claim, we can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

Pedestrian accident cases often settle before reaching trial. Even if we file a lawsuit after a claim denial, insurers keep the door open to a settlement.

Sources:

Colorado Crash Data Dashboard. (2024).
Colorado Department of Regulatory Activities. (2024).
Mandatory Automobile Insurance in Colorado. (2024).

You Deserve Fair Compensation

Don’t let the insurance companies intimidate you into accepting less than you deserve. We’re ready to fight for you.

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Written and Legally Reviewed By: Kyle Bachus

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Kyle is a member of the Colorado Bar associations and has served on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association for more than twenty years in total. Over the years, Kyle has achieved justice for many clients. He has served on numerous committees and repeatedly won recognition from his peers at both the state and national level. He is proud of the role he has played in the passage of state and national legislation to protect consumers and is a frequent speaker and guest lecturer.