Walking in Fort Collins should be safe, but pedestrian accidents continue to plague our community with devastating consequences.
When you or a loved one is struck by a vehicle while walking, your entire world can change in an instant.
Severe injuries from pedestrian accidents can leave you facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and pain that may last a lifetime.
The physical trauma is only the beginning – broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and internal bleeding are common when the human body collides with thousands of pounds of moving metal.
Without an experienced pedestrian accident attorney on your side, insurance companies will try to minimize your claim or deny it altogether.
They know that pedestrians are vulnerable and often don’t understand their rights after an accident.
Many victims accept far less compensation than they deserve because they don’t realize the full extent of their damages or the long-term costs of their injuries.
The consequences of inadequate compensation can be financially catastrophic.
Medical treatment for serious pedestrian injuries can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, and rehabilitation may take years.
If you’re unable to work due to your injuries, the loss of income compounds the financial burden on your family.
Meanwhile, the at-fault driver’s insurance company has teams of lawyers working to protect their interests – you need an experienced pedestrian accident attorney fighting for yours.
Common Types of Fort Collins Pedestrian Accidents
Crosswalk Collisions
Most pedestrian accidents in Fort Collins occur at marked pedestrian crossings, particularly during left-hand turns when drivers fail to yield right-of-way.
Even when pedestrians follow traffic signals and cross legally, distracted drivers talking on phones or texting often strike them.
These accidents frequently happen in busy areas near Colorado State University and downtown Fort Collins where foot traffic is heavy.
Intersection Accidents
Major Fort Collins intersections like Harmony and Lemay or College and Prospect see numerous pedestrian accidents each year.
Drivers running red lights or making illegal turns strike pedestrians who are crossing with the walk signal.
Poor lighting and inadequate signal timing contribute to these dangerous situations, especially during evening hours.
Parking Lot Accidents
Shopping centers and business parking lots throughout Fort Collins are common sites for pedestrian accidents.
Drivers backing out of parking spaces often fail to see pedestrians walking behind their vehicles.
These low-speed collisions may seem minor but can still cause serious injuries to unsuspecting pedestrians.
School Zone Accidents
Areas around Fort Collins schools present unique dangers for child pedestrians.
Drivers failing to reduce speed in school zones or ignoring school bus signals put children at extreme risk.
These accidents often occur during pickup and dropoff times when traffic and pedestrian activity are at their peak.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Tragically, many pedestrian accidents in Fort Collins involve drivers who flee the scene.
These incidents often happen at night when visibility is poor and drivers may be impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Hit-and-run accidents leave victims without immediate help and can complicate the legal process of recovering compensation.
Common Injuries From Pedestrian Accidents and Their Consequences
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Head injuries are among the most serious consequences of pedestrian accidents in Fort Collins.
When pedestrians are struck by vehicles, they often hit their heads on the car’s hood, windshield, or pavement.
Traumatic brain injuries can cause permanent cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes, and physical disabilities.
The lifetime cost of treating a severe traumatic brain injury can exceed two million dollars.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The force of a vehicle impact can damage the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis.
Spinal cord injuries often require immediate emergency surgery and months of intensive rehabilitation.
These life-altering injuries can cost over one million dollars in the first year alone, with ongoing expenses exceeding one hundred thousand dollars annually.
Many victims require lifelong assistance with basic daily activities and specialized medical equipment.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Pedestrian accidents frequently result in multiple bone fractures throughout the body.
Common fractures include broken legs, arms, ribs, pelvis, and facial bones.
Compound fractures, where bone pierces through the skin, require immediate surgical intervention and carry high infection risks.
Some fractures never heal properly, leaving victims with permanent disabilities and chronic pain.
Internal Injuries
The blunt force trauma from vehicle impacts can cause internal bleeding and organ damage.
These injuries are particularly dangerous because symptoms may not appear immediately after the accident.
Delayed treatment of internal injuries can lead to life-threatening complications or death.
Emergency surgery is often required to repair damaged organs and stop internal bleeding.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Muscles, tendons, and ligaments throughout the body can be severely damaged in pedestrian accidents.
While often considered “minor” injuries, soft tissue damage can cause debilitating pain and limit mobility for months.
Many victims require extensive physical therapy and may never regain full range of motion.
Some soft tissue injuries require surgical repair and leave permanent scarring.
Why Pedestrian Accident Victims Often Don't Get the Compensation They Deserve
Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies immediately begin working to minimize payouts after pedestrian accidents.
They often pressure victims into giving recorded statements before they understand the full extent of their injuries.
Insurance adjusters are trained to find any reason to reduce or deny claims, including blaming the pedestrian for the accident.
Without an experienced personal injury lawyer, victims often accept settlement offers that are a fraction of what their cases are actually worth.
Delayed Injury Symptoms
Many serious injuries from pedestrian accidents don’t manifest symptoms immediately.
Traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and spinal damage may not be apparent for hours or days after the accident.
By the time victims realize the severity of their injuries, they may have already given statements or signed documents that hurt their cases.
Insurance companies use these delays to argue that injuries weren’t caused by the accident.
Complex Liability Issues
Determining fault in pedestrian accidents requires thorough investigation and legal knowledge.
Insurance companies often try to shift blame to pedestrians by claiming they were jaywalking or not paying attention.
Colorado’s comparative negligence laws can reduce compensation if pedestrians are found partially at fault.
Without experienced legal representation, victims may accept blame they don’t deserve and lose significant compensation.
Inadequate Understanding of Damages
Most pedestrian accident victims don’t understand the full scope of damages they can recover.
Beyond immediate medical bills, victims may be entitled to compensation for future medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and disability costs.
The long-term financial impact of serious injuries often exceeds hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Insurance companies rely on victims’ lack of knowledge to settle claims for far less than their true value.
How Our Fort Collins Pedestrian Accident Attorney, Who Has Won Over $15 Million For Injured Victims, Can Help You Get the Compensation You Are Entitled to
Immediate Accident Investigation
We immediately dispatch investigators to the accident scene to preserve crucial evidence before it disappears.
Our team photographs the scene, interviews witnesses, and works with accident reconstruction experts to determine exactly what happened.
We obtain police reports, traffic camera footage, and cell phone records to build the strongest possible case.
This thorough investigation helps establish liability and prevents insurance companies from disputing the facts.
Comprehensive Medical Documentation
We work closely with your medical providers to ensure all injuries are properly documented and treated.
Our skilled attorneys at Allen Accident Law understand which medical tests and specialists are needed to identify hidden injuries like traumatic brain injuries.
We help coordinate your medical care to ensure you receive the best possible treatment while building your legal case.
Proper medical documentation is essential for recovering full compensation for both current and future medical needs.
Aggressive Negotiation with Insurance Companies
With over 32 years of experience, including representing insurance companies, Doug Allen knows their tactics inside and out.
We handle all communication with insurance companies to prevent them from taking advantage of you.
Our proven track record of securing higher settlements motivates insurance companies to make fair offers quickly.
We won’t accept lowball settlement offers and will fight for every dollar you deserve.
Thorough Damage Calculation
We work with economic experts and life care planners to calculate the full extent of your damages.
This includes current and future medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
For permanent injuries, we calculate lifetime care costs and the impact on your ability to work and enjoy life.
Our comprehensive approach ensures no aspect of your damages is overlooked or undervalued.
Trial Preparation and Litigation
While 99% of our cases settle without going to court, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial.
This preparation includes deposing witnesses, consulting with expert witnesses, and building compelling evidence.
Insurance companies know we’re prepared to take cases to trial, which motivates them to make fair settlement offers.
If necessary, we’ll present your case to a jury to secure the full compensation you deserve.
Specialized Knowledge of Pedestrian Accident Law
We focus exclusively on traffic-related injury cases, including pedestrian accidents.
This specialization gives us deep knowledge of Colorado pedestrian laws and how they apply to your case.
We understand the unique medical and legal issues involved in pedestrian accident cases.
Our specialized focus allows us to achieve better results than general practice attorneys.
No Upfront Costs
We handle all pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.
This arrangement allows you to access top-quality legal representation regardless of your financial situation.
We advance all costs for investigation, medical records, expert witnesses, and litigation expenses.
You can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal and financial aspects of your case.
We Serve All Accident Victims In Fort Collins
Testimonials
Trusted Accident Injury Attorney in Colorado
See How Doug Allen Has Delivered Life-Changing Results for Clients in Colorado.
EXCELLENTTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A lot of experience and knowledge.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Doug Allen is a highly dedicated attorney who personally manages each case with attention to detail and integrity—never passing the buck or relying on paralegals. We've had the privilege of helping his clients get the treatment they need, and it's clear he always puts their well-being first.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Doug helped greatly in my motorcycle crashTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mr. Allen helped me when a car turned left in front of my motorcycle. I broke my femur and Doug settled my case for $300,000. That was the at-fault drivers insurance policy limits. I can’t be more happy with Mr. Allen’s hard work and incredible recovery in my case. And I never had to go to CourtTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Douglas did a wonderful job on my truck accident case. He’s the best!!! Get him if you canTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Douglas Allen helped me out in my car accident case while I was in Colorado. A lady on her cell phone slammed into the back of my car and I suffered various injuries. Mr. Allen was on top of everything from the very beginning. He got me a great settlement and I was very happy. I highly recommend him if you are in a car accident.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was riding my motorcycle and a car crashed into me and caused serious injuries. Doug got me a very high settlement for my motorcycle crash. Much more than I expected. He also came to my house a few times to see how I was doing. I do not know many personal injury attorneys that would go above and beyond like Doug.
FAQs About Pedestrian Accident Injury Claims In Fort Collins
Seek immediate medical attention even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, as some symptoms may not appear right away. Call the police to report the car accident and obtain a copy of the police report. If possible, gather contact information from witnesses and take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any vehicle damage.
Colorado has a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents. However, it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible because crucial evidence can disappear quickly and insurance companies often try to settle cases for less financial compensation when victims wait too long to seek legal help.
Yes, Colorado personal injury law follows a modified comparative negligence rule that allows you to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as your fault doesn’t exceed 50%. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, which is why having an experienced attorney to minimize any claims of contributory negligence is crucial.
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care, disability costs, pain and suffering, and property damage. In cases involving permanent injuries, compensation can also include loss of earning capacity and lifetime care costs. Punitive damages may be available in cases involving particularly reckless behavior.
The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your ability to work and enjoy life, the amount of medical treatment required, and the degree of fault of the other party. Serious pedestrian accidents involving permanent injuries can be worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
Most pedestrian accident personal injury cases settle out of court through negotiations with insurance companies. However, having an attorney who is prepared to take your case to trial if necessary often results in higher settlement offers from insurance companies who want to avoid the cost and uncertainty of a trial.
Colorado requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, but some drivers don’t these obey traffic laws. If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage or other sources. An experienced attorney can help identify all potential sources of compensation.
Proving liability requires thorough investigation including witness statements, police reports, traffic camera footage, cell phone records, and accident reconstruction analysis. We work with experts to demonstrate how the accident occurred and why the driver was at fault, while also minimizing any claims that the pedestrian contributed to the accident.
Insurance companies often claim pedestrians were jaywalking to reduce their liability, even when this isn’t true. Colorado law requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians regardless of where they’re walking. An experienced attorney can investigate the facts and challenge false claims about jaywalking.
The timeline varies depending on the severity of your injuries and the complexity of your case. Simple cases may settle within a few months, while complex cases involving severe injuries may take a year or more. It’s important not to settle too quickly before you understand the full extent of your injuries and their long-term impact.
You should avoid giving detailed statements to insurance companies without consulting an attorney first. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions designed to minimize your claim or get you to accept blame for the accident. Having an attorney handle communications with insurance companies protects your rights and interests.
We can help you find medical providers who will treat your injuries on a lien basis, meaning they’ll wait for payment until your case is resolved. We also work to ensure your health insurance pays for treatment when appropriate and help you understand your options for obtaining necessary medical care.
Yes, family members may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, loss of companionship, and other damages. Colorado law specifies which family members can file wrongful death claims and what damages they may recover.
Keep all medical records and bills related to your injuries, document your pain and recovery process, and preserve any clothing or personal items damaged in the accident. Take photos of your injuries as they heal and keep a journal documenting how the accident has impacted your daily life and ability to work.
Pain and suffering damages are calculated based on the severity and duration of the suffered injuries, emotional distress, and the impact on your quality of life. Factors include the type of injuries, the length of recovery time, whether you have permanent disabilities, and how the injuries affect your ability to enjoy activities you previously enjoyed.
Contact Us For a Free Consultation Today and Get the Full and Fair Compensation You Deserve
Every day you wait to contact an attorney gives insurance companies more time to build a case against you.
Critical evidence disappears quickly, and witnesses’ memories fade with each passing day.
The insurance company has already assigned a team of lawyers to minimize your claim – you need an experienced advocate fighting for your rights.
Doug Allen has recovered millions of dollars in settlements for pedestrian accident victims throughout Northern Colorado.
With over 32 years of experience and a proven track record of achieving higher settlements than other attorneys, Doug Allen knows how to get results.
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you for someone else’s negligence during this difficult time.
Call Doug Allen today at (970) 232-0774 for your free consultation and let us start fighting for the compensation you deserve.