Every year, countless pedestrians across Colorado sustain serious injuries due to negligent drivers and poor road conditions. Such harm can result in weeks or months away from work, overwhelming medical expenses, and a long-term impact on your overall quality of life.
Whether the situation took place on a busy street, like West Colfax Avenue in Denver, near the University of Colorado on Broadway in Boulder, or along Academy Boulevard in Colorado Springs, the pain and sudden disruption that follows after is very real.
Affected individuals should not have to go through the aftermath alone. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Colorado personal injury lawyers are readily available to help victims manage their pedestrian accident case and pursue the fair settlement they deserve. To book a FREE consultation, we invite you to connect with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or quick online contact form.
Committed to Protecting Your Rights
Individuals who are harmed due to unsafe road conditions or negligent drivers tend to find themselves suddenly facing uncertainty and unanswered questions. A pedestrian accident claim may require thorough review of the facts presented, especially how traffic laws applied at the time of the incident and what duties were owed by the property owner or driver involved.
At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Colorado team can step in to evaluate whether the opposing side failed to act with reasonable care, and we will closely assess accident reports to help establish what actually happened. Each and every detail matters when building a strong foundation for a legal claim, specifically when liability is being disputed or is unclear. Our role is to provide guidance and advocacy at a critical moment, ensuring injured victims receive the support they need to move forward.
What Do the Numbers Say About Pedestrian Accidents in Colorado?
According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), 127 pedestrians were killed in 2025. This is about double the number of deaths from just 10 years ago. More than 70% of pedestrian fatalities happened after dark. Furthermore, deaths rose 98.4% from 2015 to 2025. Between this timeframe, the five counties with the highest numbers reported were:
- Denver (140)
- Adams (99)
- El Paso (83)
- Arapahoe (79)
- Jefferson (58)
Pedestrian fatalities now account for almost a fifth of all traffic deaths in Colorado, with 2025 emerging as one of the deadliest years on record.
What Leads to Most Pedestrian Accidents?
Most causes of pedestrian accidents come from driver negligence and failures to follow traffic laws. Below are some notable factors that may contribute to these types of incidents:
- Distracted driving: This is when distracted drivers divert their attention to phones and navigation systems rather than the road.
- Failure to obey stop signs: Right-of-way is not properly given at intersections or crossing points where stopping is required.
- Disregard of traffic control signals: Drivers fail to comply with or misread street lights or signals, creating dangerous conflicts at intersections.
- Drunk driving: Impairment reduces judgement and slows reaction time, heavily increasing the risk of a serious
- Unsafe behavior near bike lanes: Caution is not exercised in areas that are shared with cyclists and other road users.
- Speeding and reckless driving: Excessive speed or aggressive maneuvers lessen reaction time and may increase crash severity.
- Failure to follow traffic laws: Road rules made to create a safe environment is ignored or not properly observed.
These conditions often lead to injuries and damages. When such cases arise, a personal injury lawyer can help determine liability and protect your legal rights.
What Are the Most Common Injuries from Pedestrian Accidents?
A pedestrian accident injury can be anything from mild to catastrophic injuries depending on the intensity of the impact. Since pedestrians have inadequate protection, even low-speed collisions may result in significant harm. Common outcomes include the following:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
In addition to physical harm, many affected individuals may also experience psychological injuries, which can include emotional distress, like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Who Is Responsible When a Pedestrian Is Hit in Colorado?
Determining responsibility after a pedestrian accident will depend on the facts of the incident and whether each side happened to obey traffic laws at the time of impact. In Colorado, fault is not automatically placed on one person, and liability can be shared based on each party’s actions.
The state follows a modified comparative negligence rule (C.R.S. § 13-21-111). This means that an injured victim may still be able to recover compensation even if they were partially at fault as long as their share of accountability does not go over the legal threshold set. This approach is part of Colorado’s comparative negligence law, which lessens compensation in accordance to percentage of fault.
Since these cases can be difficult and fact-specific, a pedestrian accident attorney can help investigate matters pertaining to the situation, determine how fault may be allocated, and seek compensation from the at fault party.
What Should You Do Immediately After Being Hit by a Car?
If you are involved in a collision with a motor vehicle, especially while walking on busy Colorado roadways such as West Colfax Ave and the 30th Street and Colorado Ave corridor, taking the following steps right away can help protect your health and any potential legal claim arising from traffic accidents in high-traffic areas:
- Seek medical attention immediately: Get checked as soon as you can even if injuries are not obvious at the accident scene.
- Contact emergency services: Report the incident so police and medical personnel can arrive and assist affected individuals.
- Gather information: Exchange details with the driver and gather witness information when safe to do so.
- Acquire documentation: Take photos of the accident scene, like road conditions, crosswalks, and vehicle damage, if possible. You should also request a copy of the police report to use as evidence if you plan on pursuing a pedestrian accident claim.
- Contact a Colorado pedestrian accident lawyer: Speaking with a legal professional can help you understand your rights, gather critical evidence, and determine whether you may have a claim for compensation.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim After a Pedestrian Accident in Colorado?
The time limit to file a claim is tied to when the accident occurred, and missing that window will bar you from recovering compensation altogether. In Colorado, injury victims will be given three years from the initial date of the incident to pursue legal action.
Keep in mind that delaying action can make it more difficult to acquire evidence. Waiting too long may also affect the ability to fully support your claim or to identify all responsible parties. In such cases, speaking with a Colorado pedestrian accident attorney early in the legal process can help ensure deadlines are met and the case is thoroughly assessed.
What Damages Can You Recover After Being Hit by a Car?
Car accidents involving pedestrians may involve recoverable damages for both financial losses and emotional impact. These can be categorized into economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are referred to as measurable financial losses, like:
- Medical bills: Emergency care, surgical procedures, rehabilitation, and future medical treatment.
- Lost income: Missed wages during recovery, loss of benefits, and diminished future earning capacity.
- Out-of-pocket expenses: Transportation to medical appointments, equipment to help treat conditions, and other-injury related costs.
Non-economic damages refer to the personal and emotional effect the incident had on you. This includes:
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, or trauma following the incident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: A reduced ability to engage in daily activities or hobbies.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain resulting from the injuries and treatment process.
Injured in a Pedestrian Accident? Our Colorado Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help
Getting hit by a vehicle can drastically turn your life upside down within an instant. Injured pedestrians are often left dealing with a pileup of medical bills, lost wages, and insurance companies that do not always have their best interests in mind. Managing such a case under Colorado’s personal injury laws on your own can make an already difficult situation even more stressful.
At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Colorado pedestrian accident attorneys are here to help you pursue fair compensation. Our team will work on a contingency basis so there is no cost to you unless we recover on your behalf. Get in touch with us today for a FREE case review by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our easy online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Pedestrian Accident Claims
Does It Matter If You Were Jaywalking When the Accident Happened?
If you were jaywalking when the accident happened, you will not be automatically barred from recovering damages. Under Colorado’s comparative fault rule, you may still be entitled to compensation as long as you were less than 50% responsible for the situation. However, keep in mind that your recovery will be lessened by your percentage of fault.
Drivers must yield to pedestrians at marked crosswalks under C.R.S. § 42-4-802. Although C.R.S. § 42-4-805 outlines pedestrian responsibilities for crossing at designated points, it does not eradicate a driver’s duty of care entirely. When it comes to busy corridors, like West Colfax Ave. and Federal Blvd. in Denver, Broadway and Arapahoe Avenue in Boulder, and Academy Boulevard in Colorado Springs, oncoming traffic moves quickly and drivers are expected to stay alert for people who are in or near a pedestrian crossing regardless of whether it is marked or not.
The full circumstances of the situation, such as speed, visibility, and reaction time, are what will determine how fault is assigned.
Can You Sue If a Loved One Was Killed in a Pedestrian Accident?
Under Colorado’s wrongful death statute (C.R.S. § 13-21-202), who may file a claim depends on how much time has passed since the death. During the first year, the surviving spouse has the exclusive right to bring a wrongful death case. If there is no surviving spouse, the deceased’s heirs or designated beneficiary may file the claim. In the second year, the right to file expands to include the surviving spouse, children, or designated beneficiary, who may bring the action individually or jointly. If there is no surviving spouse or children, the parents of the deceased may pursue the claim.
Recoverable damages in such a case may include:
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship
- Funeral and burial expenses
Wrongful death claims are generally subject to a two-year statute of limitations so be sure to act quickly to protect your family’s rights.
What Happens If the Driver Fled the Scene?
When a driver flees the scene of a pedestrian accident, the injured person still has options. Under C.R.S. § 10-4-609, Colorado insurers must offer uninsured motorist coverage. A hit-and-run driver is usually treated the same as an uninsured driver, meaning that the affected individual may be able to file a personal injury claim through their own policy for losses incurred.
The incident should also be reported to law enforcement right away. A police report is typically required when filing a UM claim and can aid investigators identifying the fleeing driver. Surveillance footage and witness accounts can be used to track down the responsible party.
We would also like to note that if the case involves hit-and-run vehicular homicide, the statute of limitations will extend to four years under Colorado law (C.R.S. § 13-80-102(2)).
What If You Were Hit by a Vehicle in a Parking Lot?
Parking lot accidents are more common than you think. Injuries sustained in such cases can be just as serious as those that take place on streets or highways. Drivers still owe a duty of care to pedestrians in these spaces (C.R.S. § 42-4-1402). Depending on the factors involved, injuries sustained may give rise. to claims against the negligent motorist, and in some cases, the property owner, as well if poor lighting or inadequate signage played a role.
Should You See a Doctor Even If You Feel Fine After an Accident?
You should see a doctor right away even if you feel fine after the incident. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain immediately after a collision, and serious conditions, like internal bleeding or spinal damage, may not be felt or noticed until hours or days later.
Seeking prompt medical attention also protects your legal claim. Insurance companies will often try to use gaps in treatments to argue that the injuries sustained were not as serious as initially claimed or were unrelated to the situation.
A documented evaluation can create a record that links your injuries to the incident, which can be important when it comes to seeking compensation.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Colorado?
For victims of pedestrian accidents looking to seek compensation, hiring a lawyer does not require any money upfront. Most legal experts in Colorado work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless your case results in a recovery. Some law firms may still bill for case expenses, like filing costs or expert witnesses regardless of what the outcome is, so it is worth asking for clarification before moving forward with the legal process.