According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2015, there were 5,376 pedestrians killed in the U.S. Of these deaths, 26% occurred between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Believe it or not, 71% of the total pedestrian fatalities were NOT at intersections.

Hit-and-run accidents are also increasing in many major cities throughout the country. Though Los Angeles is still the hit-and-run capital of the world, these accidents are moving eastward, even in Colorado Springs.

If a vehicle driver hits a pedestrian, there are a number of criminal consequences. It does, however, depend slightly on the circumstances. Let’s look a few of said consequences in Colorado:

• Hit-and-run: If a driver accidentally strikes a pedestrian and then flees the scene, he or she will face criminal charges, sometimes even a felony arrest leading to a prison sentence.
• DUI: If a driver is under the influence of alcohol when he or she hits a pedestrian, the driver will usually receive a DUI arrest and jail time.
• Vehicular (or involuntary) manslaughter: If a pedestrian dies as a result of a traffic accident, the driver may face criminal charges if he was driving recklessly, intoxicated, or distracted.

In a regular traffic accident, the negligent driver also faces civil consequences:

• A personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim: A driver who hits and injures a pedestrian will most likely face a personal injury claim made by the injured party. The purpose of this claim is to recover compensation for losses caused by the accident, such as: medical bills, lost wages, changes in living circumstances, etc.
• A wrongful death lawsuit: Pedestrian deaths account for 10% of all vehicle-related deaths. If your loved one has been killed in a pedestrian–vehicle accident, you and your family are allowed to bring a civil lawsuit against the responsible driver to recover funeral costs, medical bills, and loss of companionship from the deceased person.

These accidents can be very traumatic for the people involved. If you have been injured in a Colorado Springs pedestrian accident, or a loved one has been injured or killed in one, you need to talk to an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. Here at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., we know how to handle cases of wrongful death and personal injury. Contact us today at (719) 475-2555 so that we can explain your options. We are dedicated to helping you recover the compensation that you and your family deserve.

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But complacency is the reason parking lot accidents have the potential to be extremely dangerous.

Parking lot accidents often create more difficulties for drivers, law enforcement, insurance companies, and, most particularly, victims when it comes to trying to resolve who was at fault and how to get compensation. While the laws that govern right-of-way are established on Colorado roadways, the rules are less clear in parking lots.

If you have been injured in a parking lot accident in Colorado Springs, the best thing you can do is contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., can work with you to assess your situation and build a winning case so you receive the compensation you deserve.

The Most Common Parking Lot Accidents

Roads and intersections tend to be uniform, but there is great diversity in the way parking lots are designed. However, certain types of accidents occur frequently.

One common situation is when two cars back into each other at the same time. This typically happens when two drivers are backing out of parking spaces opposite each other into the same lane of travel. Neither is able to see the other and a collision ensues. In such a case, likely both drivers would be at fault.

It is also common for one car to back out of a parking spot into a car that’s moving through the traffic lane. Generally, the driver of the car already moving does not have time to react. Another almost identical situation involves a car pulling forward rather than reversing from a parking spot. Likewise, any oncoming car is unable to react in time before colliding. While it might be tempting to place more blame on the driver who’s pulling out of a parking spot, the drivers may be equally at fault. In general, a car already in the traffic lane has right-of-way over a car pulling out of a parking space, but it is incumbent on that driver to ensure the way is clear before proceeding.

Another scenario involves two cars that collide as they enter the same parking space. This generally happens because both drivers feel they have the right to the space and neither is willing to yield. Fault is not generally determined by who reached the spot first, but by who was turning right into the space versus who was turning left, across traffic. As with an intersection, the driver turning across traffic must yield to oncoming vehicles.

Finally, we often see accidents that involve one car stopping suddenly, whether for a stop sign, another vehicle, or a pedestrian, and the car behind rear-ending it. In this situation, the fault will almost certainly lie with the second vehicle. Drivers need to leave ample following space to avoid collisions if the car in front of them must stop suddenly.

Pedestrians Are at Risk, Too

While minor car collisions happen frequently in parking lots, the real danger is to pedestrians. The spaces are often tight, and drivers may be focused on looking for a space or distracted by a device of some kind. It’s typical for drivers to think it’s all right to check their phone or fiddle with their radio before they get onto the actual roads, not realizing driving in parking lots requires just as much focus.

Parking lots have plenty of sharp turns, narrow lanes, and tight corners. It can be very difficult for drivers to spot pedestrians among all the cars, or while backing up. Studies actually have found that parking lots may be one of the most dangerous places for pedestrians. According to AAA Mid-Atlantic, in 2013, 30% of pedestrian accidents in the region took place in parking lots.

Being hit by a car, even if it isn’t moving quickly, can cause devastating injuries for a pedestrian. Unfortunately, no matter how cautious you are, there’s nothing you can do if an inattentive driver comes barreling into you. That’s why victims need to have strong and aggressive representation to fight for the compensation they are entitled to.

If you or a loved one was injured while walking in a parking lot, do not assume the insurance company will have your best interests at heart. You need an experienced Colorado Springs car accident attorney that will advocate on your behalf every step of the way. Schedule a free consultation by contacting The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., at (719) 475-2555 today.

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Parking lots are a dangerous place for pedestrians. Vehicles typically do not move quickly in parking lots, but it doesn’t take much for a serious injury to occur. When a driver fails to look for pedestrians before pulling out or into a spot or fails to yield the right of way, it can result in bone fractures, traumatic brain injuries, sprains, strains or other devastating injuries.

Drivers who cause injuries in Colorado can face traffic citations or even criminal charges. A criminal conviction for careless driving won’t automatically result in financial compensation for the injured victim of the accident. Pedestrians struck by careless drivers in Colorado can seek compensation by filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider or by filing a lawsuit against the driver.

A civil lawsuit is different than a criminal case in that the injured victim must prove that the driver’s negligence contributed to the crash. A Colorado Springs personal injury attorney can help you strengthen your case and pursue the compensation you need and rightfully deserve. You may be able to receive financial support for medical bills, time away from work, pain and suffering, future medical expenses, and other related damages.

Contact The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. to discuss your situation. You can reach us at (719) 475-2555.

Source: http://fox21news.com/2015/12/18/pedestrian-seriously-injured-in-crash-in-parking-lot/

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Alarming Stats About Pedestrian Accidents

Accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians aren’t as rare as you might think. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4,378 pedestrians are killed each year after being struck by vehicles in the U.S. In 2008, 69,000 pedestrians were injured by vehicles in this country. Those statistics add up to one pedestrian injury every eight minutes and one pedestrian fatality every two hours. The CDC also states that in 48 percent of vehicle/pedestrian deaths, alcohol is a factor—for either the driver or the pedestrian.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian, there’s a good chance you could be entitled to compensation for any of the following:

• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages due to time off from work
• Physical therapy expenses

To find out if you are eligible for such damages, you will need to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. The skilled Colorado Springs attorneys at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. have been representing injured pedestrians and their families for many years. Let us examine your case and advise you of your best legal options. Call our offices today for a free consultation. Dial (719) 475-2555.

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The student was transported to an area hospital, but the severity of the injuries is not known. The investigation is ongoing.

School zones can be extremely dangerous for all pedestrians. There are several tips both children and motorists can and should take in order to prevent tragic collisions:

• Always use sidewalks and crosswalks while walking to school.
• Walk with other children. Motorists often stop for large groups of children.
• Always look both ways before crossing the street and never enter streets from between parked cars.
• Watch your speed when you are driving through a school zone.
• Always obey traffic laws.
• Never pass vehicles or change lanes while driving in a school zone.
• Do not make U-turns.
• Do not drive while texting or talking on the phone.

Pedestrian accidents often result in major injuries or fatalities. Common injuries suffered in pedestrian accidents include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord trauma, bone fractures, and internal injuries.

If your loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, the experienced Colorado Springs pedestrian injury attorneys at The Bussey Law Firm P.C. who can help you better understand your legal rights and options. Please contact us at (719) 475-2555 to schedule a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation.

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According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, marked crosswalks are often more dangerous than unmarked crosswalks because pedestrians expect motorists to stop for them in a marked crosswalk. They are especially hazardous on busy roadways with elevated speed limits. Therefore, to avoid being struck by a car, you should not only obey the law, but also use caution when crossing the street.

Before stepping on the roadway, stop at the curb and look both ways. Look to the left, right and left again and continuing scanning the roadway for approaching vehicles as you cross. It often helps to make eye contact with drivers as well.

Under Colorado Springs law:

• Pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked crosswalks or unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
• Pedestrians must obey traffic signals.
• Pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to vehicles when attempting to cross outside of a crosswalk.
• No pedestrian shall suddenly enter the roadway in front of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.

If you have been injured in a Colorado Springs pedestrian accident, financial support may be available for your medical bills, loss of wages and other damages. The experienced Colorado Springs personal injury attorneys at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. know how to hold careless drivers accountable for their actions. We will fight to get you the support and compensation you need. Please contact us at (719) 475-2555 for a free consultation and case evaluation.

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