Paying attention is vital to a driver’s ability to react to unexpected situations and obstacles. It is easy to forget that seconds matter when it comes to avoiding crashes and causing unnecessary injuries and deaths. This is particularly the case in pedestrian accidents where the victims do not enjoy the safety of the cabin of a vehicle. Fortunately, not all pedestrians suffer fatal injuries, but in most cases, their lives never should have been in jeopardy in the first place.
Most accidents that occur here in Colorado or elsewhere are preventable if drivers keep their attention on the road. An unlucky pedestrian found this out the hard way recently after suffering serious injuries. Responding officers report that the victim was legally crossing the road at the time of the crash.
The driver of the vehicle turning left failed in his or her duty to pay attention and watch for pedestrians. Even though Colorado Springs police do not believe that driver was impaired or speeding at the time of the accident, the investigation remains ongoing. More than likely, a decision regarding whether to file criminal charges in connection with the incident will not happen until the conclusion of the investigation.
Even if authorities do not believe the driver’s actions were criminal, that does not mean the victim cannot pursue his or her own justice in a Colorado civil court. Recovering from serious injuries can take a toll on a person’s body, mind and finances. Filing a personal injury claim will not heal a body or mind, but it could help eliminate at least some of the financial burden caused by pedestrian accidents.