Every year, over 14% of all traffic fatalities in the United States involved the death of a pedestrian. That’s quite a frightening number.

Globally, between 20 and 50 million people suffer from non-fatal injuries related to pedestrian car accidents that often result in a disability.

Pedestrian accidents happen frequently. Unfortunately, pedestrian traffic laws are not common knowledge in the United States. It’s difficult to know right off the bat if a pedestrian accident was the fault of the pedestrian or the operator of the involved vehicle. It’s time to shed light on pedestrian accidents.

When people are involved in pedestrian accidents in Pueblo, Colorado, we suggest seeking out the counsel of a pedestrian accident lawyer. Our guide is a great way to get educated on your own, but pedestrian accident lawyers can look at your case and offer realistic and practical solutions.

When the Pedestrian is at Fault

There are a few situations that could prove problematic for pedestrians involved in an auto pedestrian accident. Pedestrians may also be found to be at “partial” fault depending on the situation.

• The pedestrian was under the influence of drugs or alcohol while walking down a street or freeway.
• A reliable witness stated to police, jurors, or insurance adjusters that the accident was the fault of the pedestrian.
• The pedestrian was jaywalking or crossing a street outside of the parameters of a crosswalk.
• There is proof that the pedestrian was walking on a road, highway, bridge or causeway where pedestrians are not allowed to be and there are plenty of signs to deter them.
• The pedestrian is a child and was improperly supervised by a parent or guardian.

It’s worth noting that if a pedestrian is found to be at fault for an accident, they will likely not be able to recover compensation for injuries incurred. The driver may also be able to sue the pedestrian for injuries to the driver or damage to the vehicle.

When the Pedestrian is Not at Fault

When it comes to a pedestrian accident case, there are more situations in which the driver is at fault rather than the pedestrian.

• A reliable witness stated to police, jurors, or insurance adjusters that the accident was the fault of the driver.
• There is proof that the driver was speeding.
• The driver is found to not have been abiding by “duty of care.” This is essentially the duty of the driver to drive slower and more carefully when pedestrians are present. Even if the speed limit is abided by, the driver may still be at fault for not driving even slower upon noticing a child running in the street.
• There is proof that the driver was driving recklessly.
• There is proof that the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• The driver left the scene immediately before calling the police, a.k.a. a “hit and run.”

If a driver is found to be at fault for the injuries of a pedestrian, the pedestrian may be able to sue for injuries. Most of the time insurance companies will not put up much of a fight but will probably try to make a very low initial offer in the settlement.

If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident involving a car, we understand your concern. The laws surrounding such incidents are not widely known. Hopefully, our guide can give you some insight into your options. If you happen to be in Westminster, Colorado, we suggest looking into a pedestrian accident attorney that can properly take on your case and offer insight that self-research cannot.  Contact Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden today for a no-obligation consultation today!

Reverence is often shown for the deceased, with ceremonies and tributes and such, depending on cultural practices. However, equal attention often needs to be given to the friends and family of the deceased, as they struggle to move on after losing someone they loved dearly.

When a wrongful death occurs, this pain can be felt even more acutely. Guilt, regret, and a lack of closure can haunt those that were close to the victim. According to Merriam Webster, wrongful death is defined as a death caused by the negligent, willful, or wrongful act, neglect, omission, or default of another. These can be caused by accidents, such as car accidents, or negligence in facilities such as nursing homes. While finding the right wrongful death lawyer is an important step to help seek justice for your loved one, below are other important ways to help loved one’s cope.  

Bond with Family And Friends

Isolation is all too common amongst those dealing with grief. Deviation from the normal can be difficult, and those affected can retreat into themselves, cutting off interactions with even the closest of friends. This, however, is detrimental to their mental health and only slows the grieving process.

Regular association with loved ones and friends, especially those who also had a close relationship with the deceased, can ease feelings of loneliness. This can also help close family members begin to establish new routines and traditions. During holidays, anniversaries, and birthdays, memories and emotions can be overwhelming, so additional support should be sought after and offered around these occasions.

Consider Grief Counseling or Therapy

Grief counseling is becoming an increasingly popular option for those beginning or struggling to work through their grieving periods. Between funeral arrangements, finding a wrongful death attorney, and legal matters, stress can become a roadblock to moving past the event.

Counseling and therapy can help loved ones deal with the stress that comes with these arrangements as well as feelings of regret, guilt, or depression. Discussing emotions that often cannot be shared with others can help the grieving person process and deal with those emotions more effectively. Therapists, psychiatrists, and counselors will also know how to help the affected parties implement healthy grieving habits and offer suggestions to ‘walk’ a person through the stages of grief.  

Honor Your Loved One’s Memory

While repression may be the first inclination of a grieving party, it’s not the healthiest option. Burying memories, items, and emotions related to the person you loved will only lengthen the grieving process and increase the pain of loss. Acknowledge the life that was lived and celebrate it.

Funerals, wakes, and viewings are traditional in some countries, but those are not the only ways to honor the memory of a loved one. Putting pictures in plain sight, commemorating special days such as anniversaries, and even speaking about the loved one to others honors their memory and gives value to their life. It will put emphasis on fond memories and help the bereaved become accustomed to remembering and discussing the past.

Seek Legal Advice 

                The wrongful death of a loved one is a painful experience. While no sum of money or court ruling will be able to regain that life that was lost, a wrongful death case can give solace and a sense of closure. A favorable ruling will give friends and family the ending that may be a crucial step to moving on. In Pueblo, Colorado, Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden is a leading law firm in delivering justice for wrongful death victims and their families. Contact us today for a personalized consultation about your case.