Centennial, a vibrant city in Colorado, boasts a thriving community and a picturesque landscape. Despite these appealing qualities, the city is not immune to the unfortunate reality of pedestrian accidents. Pedestrian incidents account for many road accidents in the United States.
As per National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 6,205 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2019 alone. When such an accident occurs, a pedestrian accident lawyer in Centennial, CO, can offer legal options to seek justice, and compensation for the victims.
So, in this post, we will show you what legal options are available to you after a pedestrian accident in Centennial, CO. We will show you how to find the right pedestrian accident lawyer in the city. Let’s get into it.
Knowing Your Rights as a Pedestrian in Centennial
Of course, this is the best place to start. Centennial adheres to Colorado state laws regarding pedestrian rights and responsibilities. And as a pedestrian, you need to understand your right when it comes to a thing like this.
The Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) 42-4-801 to 42-4-815 provides comprehensive guidelines that govern pedestrian safety and traffic regulations. Key provisions include:
- Right of way: Pedestrians have the right to cross the street within a marked or unmarked crosswalk. However, they must exercise due care and not abruptly enter the path of oncoming vehicles.
- Sidewalks: They must utilize sidewalks where available. If no sidewalk exists, they must walk on the left side of the road or the shoulder, facing oncoming traffic.
- Traffic signals: They must also obey traffic signals and only cross the street when given the signal to do so.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Comprehending the common causes of pedestrian accidents in Centennial is essential in seeking justice. Some of the most frequent reasons for these incidents include:
- Distracted driving: Activities like texting, talking on the phone, or using other electronic gadgets while driving can lead to inattention and cause accidents.
- Speeding: Exceeding the speed limitation or driving too fast for the road conditions increases the risk of striking pedestrians.
- Failing to yield: Drivers who do not yield the right of way at crosswalks or intersections put pedestrians in harm’s way.
- Impaired driving: Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs impairs a driver’s ability to react to pedestrians and traffic signals.
Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim in Centennial, CO
After a pedestrian accident, the victims are most times entitled to compensation for their injuries, damages, and losses. To pursue a personal injury claim in Centennial, the injured party must establish the following:
- Duty of care: It is the defendant’s responsibility to operate their vehicle safely and responsibly in order to prevent pedestrian injuries.
- Breach of duty: They breached this duty of care by acting negligently or recklessly.
- Causation: Their breach of duty directly caused the pedestrian’s injuries.
- Damages: The pedestrian suffered measurable damages, such as medical costs and bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Securing the Services of a Skilled Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
When seeking justice after a pedestrian accident in Centennial, securing the services of a reputable pedestrian accident lawyer is crucial. The right attorney will comprehensively understand Colorado’s pedestrian laws and personal injury statutes.
They can assist with collecting evidence, dealing with insurance companies, and representing in court, if necessary. A skilled solicitor will also be able to assess the specific circumstances of the accident and provide advice.
This may include pursuing a claim against multiple parties, such as the driver, the municipality, or even the manufacturer of a defective vehicle component.
Prioritizing Pedestrian Safety and Legal Rights
Centennial, CO, with its picturesque landscape and thriving community, is not exempt from the risks associated with pedestrian accidents. Ensuring pedestrian safety and protecting their legal rights is paramount in maintaining the city’s quality of life.
Knowing the available legal options is essential in obtaining justice and fair compensation in the unfortunate event of a pedestrian accident. A pedestrian accident lawyer in Centennial, CO, can provide invaluable advice and representation throughout the process, ensuring that the victim’s rights are upheld and the responsible parties are held accountable.
