Pedestrian accidents are some of the most serious motor vehicle accidents on Colorado roads. When a person is hit by a car, SUV, truck, motorcycle, or rideshare vehicle, the injuries are often severe and life-changing. Unlike drivers, pedestrians have little protection in a collision, which means even low-speed crashes can lead to devastating injuries.
At Beem & Isley, P.C., our Denver pedestrian accident attorneys help injured victims and families across Colorado pursue compensation after serious accidents caused by negligent drivers. Whether you were hit while walking in a crosswalk, crossing a parking lot, riding a bicycle, or walking near traffic, our legal team is here to help you understand your rights and pursue the financial recovery you deserve.
Pedestrian accident claims are often more complicated than people expect. Insurance companies may try to blame the pedestrian, minimize injuries, or argue that the driver could not avoid the collision. Our attorneys investigate these accidents carefully and work to hold negligent drivers accountable.
Most Dangerous Intersections In Denver For Pedestrians
Denver’s bustling streets, while a testament to the city’s vibrant urban life, also present significant risks to pedestrians. Recent studies have highlighted Colorado’s concerning status as the state with the highest percentage of pedestrian deaths occurring at intersections nationwide.
As the city grows and evolves, certain crossroads have emerged as particularly hazardous. Some of the most dangerous intersections for pedestrians are:
- Colorado Boulevard and East Colfax Avenue: This is the most risky, with 44 reported accidents in a recent year. This intersection’s combination of heavy traffic, complex turning patterns and high pedestrian volume creates a perfect storm for accidents. Nearby businesses and transit stops contribute to constant foot traffic, exacerbating the risk.
- West Alameda Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive: This intersection follows closely with 27 recorded crashes. A mix of high-speed traffic and challenging visibility makes this junction particularly hazardous. The intersection of roads with differing speed limits and nearby highway off-ramps further complicates the traffic flow.
- West Colfax Avenue and Speer Boulevard: This meeting point of two of Denver’s busiest streets is notorious for its complexity. Multiple lanes and turn options can confuse drivers. The area’s popularity for entertainment and business also brings in substantial pedestrian traffic, especially during evenings and weekends. The contrast between Speer’s high-speed traffic and Colfax’s dense foot traffic creates a particularly risky scenario.
- West Alameda Avenue and South Federal Boulevard: A mix of commercial and residential traffic, coupled with the proximity to shopping centers and transit stops, this intersection can lead to unpredictable traffic patterns and increased pedestrian presence.
These intersections exemplify the broader pedestrian safety challenges facing Denver and Colorado as a whole. While each location has its unique set of risk factors, it is crucial to remember that driver negligence often plays a significant role in accidents.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents happen for many different reasons, but distracted and inattentive driving remains one of the leading causes throughout Denver and Colorado. Drivers often focus only on surrounding vehicles and fail to notice people walking near intersections, parking lots, sidewalks, or residential streets. In busy urban areas, a single moment of distraction can result in catastrophic injuries.
Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Texting while driving
- Speeding
- Failure to yield at crosswalks
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Unsafe left-hand turns
- Poor nighttime visibility
- Aggressive driving
- Backing-up accidents in parking lots
- Driver fatigue
- Failure to check blind spots
Many pedestrian accidents also involve rideshare vehicles, delivery drivers, commercial vehicles, and public transportation.
Injuries Commonly Seen in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Pedestrian injuries are frequently catastrophic because the human body absorbs the full impact of the collision. Victims may require emergency surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment for months or even years after the accident.
Many people who survive a pedestrian accident face long-term physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial stress. We regularly help clients suffering from injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Hip injuries
- Leg and knee injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Neck and back injuries
- Road rash and abrasions
- Nerve damage
- Crush injuries
- Amputations
- Permanent disabilities
Some injuries may not fully appear immediately after the crash. Symptoms involving brain injuries, soft tissue damage, and internal trauma can worsen over time, which is why seeking immediate medical care is extremely important after any pedestrian accident.
Bicycle and Scooter Accidents in Denver
Many pedestrian accident cases also involve bicycles, electric scooters, e-bikes, and other micromobility devices. Denver has seen a major increase in scooter and bicycle traffic in recent years, especially in downtown areas and around college campuses.
Unfortunately, drivers often fail to share the road safely with cyclists and scooter riders.
What Types Of Damage Can A Victim Recover?
In a pedestrian injury accident and in any type of personal injury case, the potential for recovery can cover several economic damages, including:
- Initial hospital bills
- Ambulance rides
- Surgery
- Wage replacement
- Long-term injury rehab
But that is not the last of it. You may also have the opportunity to recover such damages, which are called noneconomic damages. Noneconomic damages are harder to calculate. Did your accident make looking at a crosswalk a serious mental challenge? Do you continue to suffer the pain of your injuries long after the accident ended? Your pain and suffering, as well as your mental anguish, are hard to quantify. But it is still worth something. Another noneconomic damage you may recover is punitive damages, which seek to punish the inattentive other party for the pain and suffering caused to you.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Pedestrian Accident?
Determining liability in a pedestrian accident is not always straightforward. While many cases involve negligent drivers, other parties may also share responsibility depending on the circumstances.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- Negligent drivers
- Commercial trucking companies
- Delivery companies
- Employers
- Rideshare drivers
- Vehicle owners
- Government entities responsible for unsafe roads
- Property owners with dangerous conditions near walkways
Colorado follows a comparative negligence system. This means an injured pedestrian may still recover compensation even if they were partially responsible for the accident, as long as they were not more than 50% at fault.
How Long Does Someone Have To File A Claim In Colorado?
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for a pedestrian accident injury is three years from the day of the accident. If you do not file within that time, you may lose the opportunity to recover. This is why filing a claim and seeking immediate treatment is vital.
However, not every injury is immediately noticeable. Some injuries are more subtle, and it takes time for the symptoms and consequences to show up. In those cases, even if the statute of limitation has run out, you may have an opportunity to file a lawsuit.
Reach Out For A Free Consultation
Being struck by a car is painful and stressful, and you don’t deserve to live with that suffering. You need help, and we’re here to help you. Reach out to our firm today by calling (303) 894-8100 or sending an email using this form.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents in Colorado
What should I do if I was hit by a car while walking in Denver?
Seek medical attention immediately and report the accident to police. If possible, document the scene and speak with a pedestrian accident attorney before talking extensively with insurance companies.
Can a pedestrian be partially at fault for an accident?
Yes. Colorado follows comparative negligence laws, meaning compensation may still be available if the pedestrian was less than 50% responsible for the accident.
How much is a pedestrian accident case worth?
Every case is different. Compensation depends on factors such as injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, long-term disability, and pain and suffering.
What if the driver fled the scene?
Hit-and-run pedestrian accidents may still involve insurance coverage through uninsured motorist protection or other legal options.
Do I need a lawyer after a pedestrian accident?
Serious pedestrian accident claims often involve significant medical expenses and disputes with insurance companies. An attorney can help investigate the crash, protect evidence, and pursue compensation on your behalf
