Average Settlement for Getting Hit By A Car in Colorado

Being struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian is a traumatic experience that can result in severe injuries, substantial medical bills, and significant life disruptions. Understanding your legal rights and the compensation process is essential for pedestrians injured in Colorado. This educational guide provides important information about typical settlements, injury types, and the legal framework that affects pedestrian accident victims.

Settlement Ranges and Determining Factors

The average settlement for pedestrians hit by cars in Colorado typically ranges from $15,000 for minor injuries to over $200,000 for severe injuries, with catastrophic cases potentially reaching into the millions. Understanding these key factors helps pedestrians set realistic expectations:

• Injury severity: More serious injuries typically result in higher settlements
• Medical expenses: Both current and projected future medical costs, including rehabilitation
• Lost income: Compensation for missed work and potential future earnings impact
• Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort and emotional trauma from the accident
• Permanent disability: Long-term or lifelong impairments resulting from the accident
• Liability considerations: Degree of fault assigned to each party under Colorado law
• Insurance coverage limits: The at-fault driver’s policy maximums can cap recovery

Each case is unique, and settlements depend on the specific circumstances and evidence.

Colorado’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rules Explained

Colorado follows a “modified comparative negligence” system that directly impacts pedestrian accident claims:

• You can recover damages even if you were partially at fault (such as crossing outside a crosswalk)
• Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault (e.g., if you’re 20% at fault, you receive 80% of the damages)
• If you’re found more than 50% responsible, you cannot recover compensation

This system makes properly establishing liability crucial to maximizing your potential settlement. Understanding these rules helps pedestrians anticipate how their actions might affect their claim.

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries and Their Impact

Pedestrians lack the protection vehicles provide, often resulting in severe injuries. Understanding these common injury types helps victims recognize their potential long-term needs:

1. Traumatic brain injuries: Range from mild concussions to severe brain damage with lifelong effects
2. Spinal cord injuries: Can result in partial or complete paralysis requiring lifetime care
3. Multiple fractures: Commonly in legs, arms, hips, and ribs, potentially requiring surgical repair
4. Internal organ damage: Hidden injuries that may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening
5. Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears that can cause chronic pain and mobility issues
6. Road rash: Severe abrasions from contact with pavement that can lead to infection and scarring
7. Psychological trauma: PTSD, anxiety, and depression following the accident

Proper documentation of all injuries, including psychological impact, is essential for fair compensation.

Understanding Your Rights as an Injured Pedestrian

As a pedestrian hit by a car in Colorado, you have several important rights:

• Right to seek medical treatment and have reasonable costs covered
• Right to compensation for lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Right to payment for pain and suffering and reduced quality of life
• Right to pursue compensation even if you lack health insurance
• Right to representation by an attorney of your choice

The Claims Process for Pedestrian Accidents

Successfully navigating a pedestrian accident claim involves several steps:

1. Reporting the accident to police and obtaining an official report
2. Seeking immediate medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries
3. Documenting everything related to the accident and your injuries
4. Notifying insurance companies of the incident (but limiting what you share)
5. Avoiding recorded statements or quick settlement offers
6. Consulting with a personal injury attorney experienced in pedestrian cases

Maximizing Your Pedestrian Accident Settlement

Working with an experienced personal injury attorney provides several advantages:

• Professional evaluation of your claim’s true value
• Expert negotiation with insurance adjusters
• Access to accident reconstruction specialists and medical experts
• Thorough investigation and evidence gathering
• Protection from common insurance company tactics
• Readiness to take your case to trial if necessary

The Kennedy Injury Lawyers Advantage for Pedestrian Accident Cases

Choosing legal representation after being hit by a car, experience and dedication matter.

• Direct representation by Benjamin Kennedy, a nationally recognized pedestrian accident attorney
• Proud member of the Million Dollar Settlement Club, reflecting our record of exceptional results
• Boutique law firm approach ensuring personalized attention and strategic case management
• Specialized focus on pedestrian accidents with in-depth understanding of these unique cases
• Access to premier accident reconstruction experts who can establish exactly what happened
• No recovery, no fee promise that aligns our interests with your successful outcome

As a boutique firm, we deliberately limit our caseload to ensure each client receives the focused attention their case deserves. This approach has helped us secure membership in the exclusive Million Dollar Settlement Club through consistent, exceptional results.

Kennedy Injury Lawyers’ Pedestrian Accident Success Stories

Our track record speaks to our effectiveness in pedestrian accident cases:

• $1.8 million settlement for a pedestrian who suffered traumatic brain injury in a crosswalk accident
• $950,000 recovery for a client who required multiple surgeries after being struck in a parking lot
• $675,000 settlement for a pedestrian who sustained multiple fractures when hit by a distracted driver

These outcomes demonstrate why Kennedy Injury Lawyers has earned its reputation as one of Colorado’s premier personal injury boutique law firms.

Contact Kennedy Injury Lawyers Today

If you’ve been hit by a car in Colorado, don’t navigate the complex claims process alone. Benjamin Kennedy and our team at Kennedy Injury Lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you’re facing and are committed to helping you seek fair compensation.

Contact our boutique law firm today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Remember, Colorado has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, so prompt action is essential to protecting your rights.