Pedestrian Accidents in Denver, Colorado
A pedestrian accident occurs when a person on foot is struck by a motor vehicle, bicycle, or other moving object. These accidents often happen suddenly, leaving victims with little chance to react or avoid harm. In a city like Denver, where residents frequently walk to work, school, restaurants, or entertainment venues, the risk of pedestrian accidents is especially high. Even with improved crosswalks and traffic signals, negligence by drivers and unsafe roadway designs continue to put walkers in danger.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Denver
- Distracted driving: Drivers texting, eating, adjusting radios, or using GPS often fail to notice pedestrians in crosswalks or entering intersections. In downtown Denver, where foot traffic is heavy, distracted driving is one of the most common causes of pedestrian collisions.
- Failure to yield: Many Denver pedestrian accidents occur at intersections when motorists ignore crosswalk laws or make unsafe left or right turns. Colorado law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, but violations remain a frequent cause of serious injuries.
- Speeding: Higher speeds dramatically reduce a driver’s reaction time and increase the force of impact. A collision at 20 miles per hour may cause injuries, but at 40 miles per hour or higher, the crash is far more likely to be fatal. Speeding is particularly dangerous on Denver’s busy arterial roads, such as Colfax Avenue and Federal Boulevard.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol and drug use continue to be leading causes of fatal pedestrian crashes in Denver. Impaired drivers are more likely to miss signals, misjudge distances, and fail to stop in time.
- Poor visibility: Many pedestrian accidents happen at night, in poorly lit intersections, or during inclement weather. Pedestrians wearing dark clothing or walking in areas without adequate lighting are especially at risk.
- Unsafe road design: Lack of marked crosswalks, faded paint, short signal times, or missing pedestrian islands create unsafe conditions. In Denver, ongoing construction and roadwork can also contribute to accidents by eliminating safe walking routes.
Where Pedestrian Accidents Commonly Happen in Denver
- Busy intersections: Downtown Denver intersections, where heavy traffic meets high pedestrian volume, are hotspots for accidents.
- School zones: Children crossing streets near schools are particularly vulnerable, especially when drivers fail to slow down or respect flashing school signals.
- Residential neighborhoods: Driveways, alleyways, and side streets in Denver’s neighborhoods can be dangerous when drivers back out without checking for pedestrians.
- Parking lots: Crowded shopping centers and garages often see accidents when drivers back out or speed through lanes without watching for foot traffic.
- High-speed roads without crosswalks: On major Denver roads where crosswalks are sparse, pedestrians may attempt to cross mid-block. Without proper signals, these crossings are especially hazardous.
Each of these scenarios demonstrates how negligence, whether by careless drivers, businesses, or even city planners, plays a central role in many Denver pedestrian accidents.
Common Injuries in Denver Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents almost always result in serious injuries because walkers have no physical protection when struck by vehicles. The human body simply cannot withstand the impact of a car or truck, even at relatively low speeds. Victims often face months or years of recovery, significant medical expenses, and lasting changes to their daily lives.
Typical Injuries Include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Pedestrians may suffer concussions, skull fractures, or brain hemorrhages. These injuries can result in long-term cognitive impairments, including memory loss, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating. TBIs are among the most life-altering injuries sustained in Denver pedestrian accidents.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The force of impact can damage vertebrae or sever nerves, causing partial or complete paralysis. Even less severe spinal injuries can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and a lifetime of medical care.
- Broken Bones: Arms, legs, ribs, hips, and pelvis are particularly vulnerable when pedestrians are struck and thrown to the ground. Some fractures require surgical repair with plates or rods, followed by extended rehabilitation.
- Internal Organ Damage: Blunt-force trauma from a vehicle can cause internal bleeding or damage to vital organs such as the liver, spleen, or lungs. These injuries may not be immediately visible but can quickly become life-threatening without emergency treatment.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Torn ligaments, whiplash, severe bruising, and muscle damage are common. While some soft tissue injuries heal over time, others can cause chronic pain and reduced flexibility.
- Psychological Injuries: Many victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression after being struck by a vehicle. Emotional injuries can affect sleep, relationships, and a victim’s ability to feel safe walking again in Denver.
These injuries often require not just emergency medical care but also long-term treatment and rehabilitation. A skilled Denver pedestrian accident attorney ensures that both the immediate and future costs of these injuries are fully accounted for in any claim for compensation.
Determining Liability in a Denver Pedestrian Accident
Determining liability is one of the most critical aspects of a pedestrian accident case. In Denver, drivers are most often held responsible when their negligence directly causes pedestrian injuries. However, liability can sometimes be shared between multiple parties depending on how the accident occurred. A thorough investigation is necessary to determine who is legally responsible and to what extent.
Who May Be Liable in Denver Pedestrian Accidents?
- Drivers: Motorists who speed, drive distracted, fail to yield, or run red lights are frequently at fault in pedestrian collisions. Because Denver has so many busy intersections and crosswalks, these types of driver errors are among the leading causes of accidents.
- Trucking companies: If a commercial driver strikes a pedestrian due to fatigue, poor training, or ignored safety regulations, the trucking company itself may share liability. Large trucks and buses pose extreme dangers in Denver’s urban areas.
- Property owners: Businesses and property owners who allow unsafe conditions, like obstructed sidewalks, overgrown landscaping, or poorly designed parking lot exits, may share responsibility if those hazards contribute to an accident.
- Government entities: The City and County of Denver can be held liable when poor lighting, defective traffic signals, or dangerous crosswalk designs create unsafe conditions for pedestrians. Claims against government agencies are subject to specific deadlines and legal requirements.
Can Pedestrians Ever Be Held Liable?
Yes, pedestrians can sometimes share responsibility for accidents. Common examples include:
- Crossing outside of a designated crosswalk or intersection.
- Entering the roadway against a “Don’t Walk” signal.
- Walking while distracted by a phone, headphones, or other devices.
Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that pedestrians can still recover compensation if they are less than 50% at fault. However, their compensation will be reduced by the percentage of their fault. An experienced Denver pedestrian accident attorney can help ensure that victims are not unfairly blamed or denied compensation.
Jaywalking and Pedestrian Accidents in Denver, Colorado
Jaywalking, or crossing outside of a designated crosswalk or ignoring pedestrian signals, is a common issue in pedestrian accident cases. In Denver, jaywalking is illegal, but the law does not automatically assign full fault to the pedestrian if an accident occurs.
Drivers still have a duty to act with reasonable care and take steps to avoid hitting pedestrians. For example, even if a pedestrian crosses mid-block, a driver who is speeding, intoxicated, or looking at their phone may still be primarily liable for the crash.
In practice, insurance companies often point to jaywalking as a way to shift blame onto the pedestrian and minimize payouts. That’s why it’s essential to work with a skilled Denver pedestrian accident lawyer who can present evidence of driver negligence, such as speeding, distraction, or impairment. These factors often outweigh claims of jaywalking when assigning fault.
How Can Bell & Pollock Help After a Denver Pedestrian Accident?
At Bell & Pollock, we understand how life-changing pedestrian accidents can be. Victims and their families are often left with enormous financial strain, physical pain, and emotional distress. Our Denver pedestrian accident attorneys provide compassionate support and aggressive representation to help victims recover.
How We Build Strong Pedestrian Accident Cases:
- Investigating the accident scene and gathering surveillance footage, photos, and witness statements.
- Reviewing police reports and medical records to build a clear timeline and establish fault.
- Working with accident reconstruction experts who can explain exactly how the crash occurred and who was responsible.
- Consulting with medical professionals to assess current injuries and long-term medical needs.
- Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies that often attempt to downplay injuries or argue that the pedestrian was at fault.
Compensation Available in a Denver Pedestrian Accident Case
Victims of pedestrian accidents in Denver may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: From emergency room visits and surgeries to physical therapy, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost Wages and Future Earnings: Recovery for time missed at work and diminished ability to earn income in the future.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for personal belongings damaged during the accident, such as phones, glasses, or clothing.
- Wrongful Death Damages: Funeral costs, loss of companionship, and financial support for families who lose loved ones in fatal pedestrian crashes.
With Bell & Pollock on your side, you can focus on recovery while we fight tirelessly for the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Bell & Pollock?
If you’re searching for a Denver pedestrian accident attorney, you want a firm that offers both compassion and strength in the courtroom. That’s why so many injured victims and their families choose Bell & Pollock.
Proven Results
Our firm has secured substantial verdicts and settlements in auto accident cases. While many of these cases involve cars and trucks, the strategies we use, such as thorough investigations, strong negotiations, and aggressive trial advocacy, translate directly to pedestrian accident claims. Insurance companies know our reputation, and that often works to our clients’ advantage.
Personalized Service
We believe no client should ever feel like just another case number. At Bell & Pollock, you’ll work directly with an attorney who listens to your concerns, explains the process clearly, and keeps you updated every step of the way. Our goal is to make you feel supported and confident throughout your case.
Local Knowledge
As long-time Denver personal injury attorneys, we know the city’s roads, crosswalks, and intersections where pedestrian accidents are most likely to occur. We also understand the strategies used by local insurance defense attorneys, giving us an edge in negotiations and at trial.
At Bell & Pollock, we combine compassion for our clients with relentless advocacy for justice.
Additional Legal Services
In addition to representing victims of pedestrian accidents, Bell & Pollock offers comprehensive legal services for a wide range of personal injury cases in Denver and throughout Colorado. Our attorneys bring the same dedication, experience, and determination to every case we handle.
We also represent clients in cases involving:
No matter how your injury occurred, Bell & Pollock is committed to protecting your rights, pursuing justice, and helping you secure the financial recovery you need to rebuild your life.
Contact Bell & Pollock Today After a Denver Pedestrian Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Denver, don’t wait to seek legal help. Every day of delay makes it harder to gather evidence and protect your rights.
