Denver Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrians may sometimes be partially to blame for an accident, but more often than not, the crash is the result of negligent or reckless behavior on the part of the driver.

Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents are:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs – Drivers who are abusing alcohol or drugs have slower reflexes and impaired judgment, making it more difficult for them to see a pedestrian in their path and react appropriately. In Denver, DUI-linked crashes are common at 20th and I‑25, and targeted enforcement helped reduce serious crashes in this area.
• Distracted driving – Distractions take a driver’s attention away from the road in front of them, making it harder for them to see and avoid pedestrians in their path. Talking on the phone, sending a text message, eating or drinking, and adjusting the music are all common forms of distracted driving.
• Fatigued driving – Drivers need to be alert and engaged while driving to avoid causing an accident, but far too many drivers push the limits and drive when they should be resting. Fatigued drivers can’t react to sudden obstacles as quickly as well-rested drivers. Extreme fatigue can lead a driver to fall asleep at the wheel, putting themselves and everyone around them at risk.
• Speeding or other aggressive driving behavior – Speeding through a busy street makes it much more difficult for drivers to see and avoid nearby pedestrians. Speeding also exacerbates injuries when accidents occur, as cars hit with greater force when they’re moving faster. Other reckless driving behaviors, such as aggressive lane changes, failure to use turn signals, and running red lights, also put pedestrians at risk. High-injury corridors, such as Colfax and Federal, remain areas of heightened risk for speeding and aggressive driving.
• Inclement weather – Rain, snow, fog, and other types of bad weather create hazards for pedestrians on the road and require drivers to take additional precautions. Driving in such conditions makes it the driver’s responsibility to slow down to a safe speed so that they can react if a pedestrian crosses their path.
• Defective road design – A lack of proper signage, poorly designed crosswalks and intersections, and other issues can make it harder for drivers to see and avoid nearby pedestrians. Wide arterial roads with few pedestrian controls have led to improvements, such as bulb-outs, beacons, and safer signals.