Can You Sue If You Get Hit by a Car as a Pedestrian?

Key Takeaways

• Pedestrians hit by a car in Colorado can pursue an insurance claim or file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
• Colorado’s three-year statute of limitations generally applies to motor vehicle injury claims.
• You can still recover damages if your fault is below 50 percent under Colorado’s comparative negligence rule.
• Recoverable compensation may include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Speeding sharply raises pedestrian fatality risk, according to CDOT campaign data.

A car crossing a Loveland intersection reaches speeds that can end a pedestrian’s ability to walk, work, or care for a family in a fraction of a second. Cannon Law hears this story often, someone crosses legally, or simply steps off a curb, and ends up in an emergency room while the driver walks away with a dented bumper. If you were struck while walking, can you sue if you get hit by a car? Yes, you can sue if you are hit by a car as a pedestrian. You can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering by filing a personal injury claim against the driver’s insurance, or by pursuing a direct lawsuit if the driver is found negligent. A Loveland Pedestrian Accident Lawyer can help you decide which path fits your case.

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When Can a Pedestrian Sue After Being Hit by a Car?

A pedestrian can generally sue when a driver’s carelessness caused the crash, whether that means speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield at a crosswalk. Once negligence exists, you can pursue compensation through the driver’s insurance company or, if a fair settlement never comes, through a lawsuit.

Colorado’s three-year statute of limitations generally governs motor vehicle injury claims, including pedestrian cases. Missing that deadline can end your right to recover, regardless of injury severity.

Who May Be Liable for a Pedestrian Accident in Colorado?

The driver who struck you is usually the primary target of a claim, but liability does not always stop there. A commercial driver’s employer may share responsibility if the crash happened on the job, and a government entity may bear fault if a broken signal or poorly maintained crosswalk contributed to the crash. Our attorneys investigate every angle before determining who should answer for your injuries.

What Compensation Can Pedestrians Recover After an Accident?

Colorado law allows injured pedestrians to pursue both the bills already paid and losses that are harder to put a number on.

• Medical Expenses: Emergency care, surgery, and ongoing rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages: Income missed while recovering from your injuries.
• Pain and Suffering: Physical discomfort and disruption to daily life.
• Emotional Distress: Anxiety or trauma connected to the crash.
• Wrongful Death Damages: Funeral costs and lost financial support.

The real answer to can you sue if you get hit by a car for full value depends on your medical records and available insurance coverage. Our team can review your case and outline what it may realistically be worth.

Can You Recover Compensation if You Were Partially at Fault?

Yes, in most situations. Under Colorado’s comparative negligence law, an injured pedestrian can recover damages as long as their fault stays below 50 percent, though the award is reduced by that percentage. A pedestrian found 20 percent at fault, for example, would see their recovery reduced by that same share.

What Evidence Helps Build a Strong Pedestrian Injury Claim

A strong claim rests on evidence gathered quickly, before memories fade and footage disappears.

• Police Report: Initial fault findings, citations, and witness names.
• Photographs: Vehicle position, crosswalk markings, and visible injuries.
• Witness Statements: Accounts collected before people leave the scene.
• Medical Records: A documented link between the crash and your injuries.

Preserving this record early can determine whether can you sue if you get hit by a car turns into a real recovery. Our attorneys move quickly to lock this evidence down.

Common Driver Mistakes That Lead to Pedestrian Accidents

Most pedestrian accidents trace back to a handful of preventable driver behaviors.

• Distracted Driving: Texting or phone use behind the wheel.
• Failure to Yield: Ignoring a pedestrian’s right of way at a crosswalk.
• Speeding: Cutting reaction time and raising the odds of a fatal outcome.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drugs slowing judgment and reaction time.

According to CDOT’s pedestrian safety campaign, a pedestrian’s risk of death rises from 10 percent at 23 mph to 75 percent at 50 mph. When speed or inattention causes a crash, can you sue if you get hit by a car becomes a real starting point for our attorneys to build your case.

What to Do After Being Hit by a Car

Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor, since some conditions do not surface right away. Call police to the scene, photograph the vehicle and roadway, and collect witness information before people leave. Avoid discussing fault with the driver or giving a recorded statement to an adjuster before speaking with an attorney.

In addition to Loveland, our firm represents injured pedestrians throughout Greeley, Longmont, and Fort Collins.

Learn Your Options With a Loveland Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Recovering from a pedestrian accident is hard enough without fighting an insurance company alone. Cannon Law investigates the crash, identifies every liable party, and pursues the compensation Colorado law allows. Call (970) 471-7170 today for a free consultation with a Loveland pedestrian accident lawyer and find out what your claim may be worth.

Sam Cannon

Sam Cannon is a dedicated personal injury attorney representing individuals against large corporations and insurance companies. As the founder of Cannon Law, he has built his practice around advocating for injured individuals in complex cases, including traumatic brain injuries, carbon monoxide poisoning claims, and insurance bad faith disputes.

Years of Experience: 10+ years
Colorado Registration Status: Active and authorized to practice law
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Get a free consultation Call us (970) 471-7170