Statistics released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety show that 6,283 pedestrians were killed in U.S. traffic collisions in a single recent year. In Colorado alone, there were 76 pedestrian fatalities in accidents that year, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. In many cases, these preventable tragedies occurred because drivers were simply not paying attention.
If you were injured in a Denver pedestrian accident, you have the right to hold the at-fault driver accountable by pursuing compensation in a personal injury claim. The pedestrian accident attorneys at Olson Personal Injury Lawyers want to help. Contact us now for a free consultation to learn more about your legal rights and the options that are available to you.
Common Types of Pedestrian Accidents
There are many types of pedestrian accidents. A few examples of some of the most common types of pedestrian accidents include:
- Crosswalk accidents
Many pedestrian accidents occur because drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians navigating intersections in crosswalks. - Left-turn accidents
Left-hand turns require drivers to make much wider arcs than right-hand turns. If drivers turning left are more focused on navigating intersections than looking out for pedestrians, devastating collisions can result. - Right-on-red accidents
Drivers who are attempting to turn right on a red light may concentrate on looking for traffic approaching from the left, and fail to see a pedestrian approaching from the right. - Backing up accidents
Drivers who back out of parking spots or driveways without checking behind them can strike pedestrians with the rear end of their vehicle. - Off-road accidents
In some cases, particularly negligent drivers may veer entirely off-road and collide with people on sidewalks or other pedestrian paths. These drivers are usually impaired by alcohol or distracted. - School bus accidents
Drivers are usually required to stop when passengers are entering or exiting stopped school buses and other commercial buses. When those drivers are negligent, they may be responsible for striking pedestrians. - Food truck accidents
Food trucks and ice cream trucks tend to attract pedestrians, especially children, so drivers have to be extra vigilant around these vehicles to avoid causing pedestrian accidents. - Work zone accidents
Workers are responsible for reducing their speed if they have to drive through residential areas and may collide with nearby pedestrians if they are negligent.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Every pedestrian accident is different. It’s possible for one or several factors to contribute to the ultimate cause of a pedestrian collision. However, some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Denver involve:
- Failure to yield proper right-of-way
Drivers barrel through crosswalks when pedestrians have the right of way or those who pass other vehicles stopped at crosswalks to allow pedestrians to cross. - Running red lights or stop signs
Drivers who run red lights or stop signs are far more likely to collide with pedestrians who have the legal right-of-way at intersections. - Distracted driving
If drivers are texting, eating, or otherwise distracted behind the wheel, their negligence may prevent them from recognizing pedestrians near the road or crossing at intersections. - Driving under the influence
Drivers who are drunk or high may have trouble gauging their own speed and distance, making them more likely to collide with nearby pedestrians. - Speeding
When drivers exceed posted speed limits or drive too fast for conditions, they may not have enough time to slow or stop to avoid colliding with pedestrians on or near the roadway. - Negligent right or left turns
Drivers who are focused solely on navigating intersections for right or left turns may be responsible for pedestrian accidents if they are negligent in failing to check for crossing pedestrians. - Negligent backing up maneuvers
When drivers fail to check behind their vehicle before they back up, they can collide with pedestrians crossing behind driveways or parking spots.
Who Is at Risk for Pedestrian Accidents?
According to data published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the IIHS, the following groups of people are at the greatest risk for pedestrian accidents:
- Alcohol-impaired pedestrians
33 percent of fatal pedestrian accidents involved pedestrians with blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) exceeding 0.08. - Older adult pedestrians
The rates of pedestrian fatalities are highest among people aged 70 and older, and pedestrians aged 65 and older accounted for 20 percent of all pedestrian deaths in one recent year. - Child pedestrians
20 percent of children under the age of 15 who were killed in traffic collisions were pedestrians. - Male pedestrians
69 percent of the pedestrians who were killed in traffic collisions were male. - Pedestrians in urban areas
81 percent of the pedestrian deaths happened in urban environments. - Pedestrians walking at night
50 percent of pedestrian accident fatalities occurred between the hours of 6 p.m. and midnight.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
If you were hit by a car as a pedestrian, there are several important steps you can take to protect your health, your legal rights, and your financial interests, including:
- Collecting information from drivers and witnesses
Ask any drivers involved for their contact and insurance details, and request contact information from any passengers or eyewitnesses who were present. - Taking photographs
Take pictures of the accident scene and any visible injuries you sustained as a result of the crash. - Seeking medical attention
Even if your injuries only feel minor, don’t “tough it out.” Visit a healthcare provider for a full exam to make sure seemingly minor injuries don’t become major problems. This also creates a permanent record of your health. - Following through on your doctor’s advice
To give yourself the best chance at recovery, follow through on any treatment plans prescribed by your physician. This will also demonstrate that you are taking your health seriously if you end up filing a claim for compensation. - Avoiding social media posts
Do not discuss the details of your accident with others, and especially avoid posting on social media if you think you may have grounds for an injury claim. Even innocent, off-hand comments may be twisted and used against you in any subsequent investigations. - Keeping a journal
Record how you’re feeling, physically and emotionally, after the accident. Your journal could be used to show the impact of the injuries on your daily life. - Contacting a qualified pedestrian accident attorney
Even if you only plan to pursue compensation through an insurance claim, it’s a good idea to contact an experienced attorney to learn more about your legal rights in a free consultation.
The Olson Personal Injury Lawyers team has taken an oath and makes a promise to their clients that they will do anything within their power to help them heal, to help them understand, and to help them feel heard. The team has come to know that is what is most important for their clients is that they feel heard, that they are not treated as a number, and that they feel taken care of. That’s what the team at Olson Personal Injury Lawyers does. There is a personal connection between the firm at their clients.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
At Olson Personal Injury Lawyers, our focus is on you. We understand that a pedestrian accident may leave you too hurt to invest the time, research, and energy needed to pursue a successful personal injury claim. That’s where our dedicated legal team comes in. To learn more, call our office at (720) 730-4325 or visit our contact page for a free consultation and case review. Our clients are our number one priority. We have set up our processes so that you can conduct all calls, consultations and sign all necessary documentation remotely and virtually from the safety of your own home. Let us help you.
Our effective advocacy has recovered millions of dollars in rightful compensation for Denver-area residents who have been injured through no fault of their own. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you.
