Pedestrian Fatalities Hit All-Time High in Colorado

Colorado Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Unfortunately, traffic accidents are common in Colorado. In 2021, there were 638 fatal traffic accidents that resulted in 691 deaths statewide. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado hit its highest level of pedestrian fatalities in 2022. There were 111 pedestrian deaths on Colorado roads that year. Pedestrian deaths represent 15% of the state’s total traffic fatalities. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), Colorado’s pedestrian fatality rate per 100,000 people is 1.22.

According to recent data, there has already been a 14% increase in pedestrian fatalities in 2023 from 2022. So far, there have been over 51 pedestrian deaths on Colorado roads in 2023. The counties that have seen the most pedestrian injuries and fatalities include Denver, Jefferson, Arapahoe, El Paso, Adams, and Larimer.

CDOT partnered with local businesses along South Pearl Street in Denver to bring an important message regarding pedestrian safety. Neon LED signs were installed in storefront windows in shops along South Pearl Street to remind everyone to be vigilant and aware of pedestrians, especially during low visibility hours. According to CDOT, 69% of pedestrian deaths occurred during low visibility hours in 2021.

Pedestrian Safety Tips

More pedestrian accidents occur in Colorado during a period known as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer”. This period is the 3 months between Memorial Day and Labor Day. It’s important to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, whether walking or driving. Consider these important pedestrian safety tips.

Use Designated Crosswalks and Signals

Always use designated crosswalks or intersections. Pedestrian signals are designed to provide a safe path for pedestrians and indicate when it’s safe to cross. Wait for the signal to turn green and for vehicles to come to a complete stop before you start walking.

Stay Visible and Alert

Make yourself visible to drivers by wearing bright or reflective clothing, especially when walking at night or in low-light conditions. Stay focused and avoid distractions such as texting, eating, or listening to loud music while crossing the street.

Look Both Ways Before Crossing

Before stepping onto the road, remember to look left, then right, and then left again. This practice can help you assess traffic coming from all directions. Ensure you cross when it’s clear and safe to do so. Even if you have the right of way, it’s essential to make sure that motorists stop before you proceed.

Make Eye Contact with Drivers

When crossing in front of a vehicle, try to make eye contact with the driver, nod, or raise an open palm hand to signal your intentions. This way, you can confirm that the driver sees you. It’s best not to assume that drivers will automatically notice you and yield. It’s best to communicate your intentions by making eye contact and ensuring the driver stops before you start to cross.

Walk on Sidewalks and Pathways

Whenever possible, use sidewalks and pedestrian crosswalks whenever they are available. If there are no available sidewalks, walk facing oncoming traffic so you can see the vehicles that are approaching.

Avoid Distractions

Put away your cell phone, headphones, or any other distractions that might take your focus away from your surroundings. Being fully aware of your environment allows you to anticipate potential hazards.

Teach Children About Road Safety

If you’re walking with children, take the time to teach them traffic safety rules. Explain the importance of looking both ways before crossing and the significance of using crosswalks. Hold their hands when crossing the street and demonstrate how to safely cross the street. CDOT has programs dedicated to supporting pedestrian safety for K-8 children. These programs include the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program and Revitalizing Main Streets (RMS) program.

Be Cautious in Parking Lots and Garage Structures

Parking lots can be hazardous for pedestrians. Stay vigilant, walk along designated walkways, and make sure drivers see you before you cross. Pedestrian accidents in parking lots and parking garage structures result in thousands of injuries and hundreds of deaths each year.

Distracted driving unfortunately occurs more commonly than we may think. A poll conducted by the National Safety Council (NSC) revealed that 66% of drivers across the United States said they have made phone calls, programmed GPS systems (63%) and texted (56%) while driving in a parking lot.

Actions to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Colorado

1. Get to Safety

If you’re able to move, carefully make your way to the sidewalk or a safe area away from traffic. This will help prevent further injuries and keep you out of harm’s way. Assess your condition before attempting to move. If you’re seriously injured, it’s best to wait for medical help to arrive.

2. Call 911

Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency assistance. Inform the operator about the location of the accident, the number of vehicles and pedestrians involved, and any visible injuries. Promptly reporting the accident ensures that medical professionals and law enforcement can arrive at the scene as soon as possible and provide necessary aid.

3. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it’s crucial to seek medical attention after a pedestrian accident. Some injuries might not be immediately apparent, and getting checked by a healthcare professional ensures that any hidden injuries are identified and treated promptly. Ensure you get medical documentation as it is crucial evidence when a victim pursues a pedestrian accident claim.

4. Collect Contact Information

Ensure you get the contact information of all the parties involved including:

• Full name
• Address
• Phone number
• Insurance company
• License plate
• Driver’s license

5. Gather Evidence

Write down your recollection of the accident while the details are fresh in your memory. Include factors such as the time, date, weather conditions, and what you were doing just before the accident occurred. Use your phone to take clear photos and videos of the accident scene.

Capture the positions of vehicles involved, any road signs or signals, and any relevant road conditions. Photograph your injuries and the injuries of any other pedestrians involved. These visual records provide tangible evidence of the accident and can be instrumental when building your case.

6. Talk to Eyewitnesses

If there were bystanders who witnessed the accident, try to obtain their contact information. Eyewitness testimonies can greatly strengthen your case and provide a more comprehensive picture of how the accident occurred.

7. Document Your Injuries

Keep track of your medical treatment, doctor visits, and any prescribed medications related to the accident. Documenting your injuries and the associated expenses can be crucial when seeking compensation for medical bills and other damages. This information will help establish a clear link between the accident and your injuries.

8. Consult with a Colorado Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified pedestrian accident attorney in Colorado. An experienced personal injury lawyer can provide legal guidance, assess the strength of your case, and help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims. Colorado pedestrian accident attorneys will work to protect your rights and fight for maximum compensation.

The Statute of Limitations in Colorado

In Colorado, the statute of limitations for pedestrian accident cases is generally two years from the date of the injury. This means that if you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you have a limited window of time to file a lawsuit.

Failing to file within this time frame may result in the court dismissing your case. It’s essential to consult with pedestrian accident attorneys as soon as possible after the injury to ensure you meet the necessary deadlines and resolve your case in a timely manner.

Damages You Can Pursue in a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit

In a pedestrian accident lawsuit, you can pursue various types of damages to compensate for the physical, emotional, and financial hardships you’ve experienced due to the accident.

• Medical Expenses – Damages can cover all medical costs associated with the accident, including ambulance fees, hospitalization, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatments.
• Lost Wages – If the accident caused you to miss work, you can seek compensation for lost wages. This includes not only the income you would have earned during the recovery period but also potential future earnings if your injuries impact your ability to work in the long term.
• Pain and Suffering – Non-economic damages like pain, suffering, and emotional distress are also compensable.
• Property Damage – If your personal belongings were damaged in the accident, such as clothing or electronic devices, you can seek compensation for the cost of repair or replacement.
• Rehabilitation – In cases where long-term injuries require ongoing rehabilitation, physical therapy, or counseling, you can pursue damages to cover these expenses.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life – If the accident has negatively impacted your ability to enjoy life’s activities, hobbies, or personal pursuits, you may be eligible for compensation for this loss.

Contact a Colorado Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

If you were injured in a Colorado pedestrian accident, caused by another person’s negligence, you may be able to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. We service Denver and the greater area including Aurora, Castle Rock, Boulder, Lakewood, Colorado Springs, Centennial, Arvada, Fort Collins, Westminster, and more.

At Alpha Accident Lawyers, our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers are dedicated to helping injured victims obtain justice. We maintain a 99% success rate and have a proven record of recovering the maximum compensation. We will deal with the insurance company on your behalf and help you hold the responsible party liable. Call our law firm today to schedule a free consultation.
 
START YOUR FREE CONSULTATION