Colorado Springs Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

What Is a Pedestrian Accident and How Do They Happen?

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Colorado Springs

• Drivers Failing to Yield at Crosswalks: Colorado law requires drivers to yield the right of way to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks. Yet many drivers in Colorado Springs rush through intersections, ignore pedestrian signals, or stop only partially, creating highly dangerous situations.
• Distracted Driving: Texting, adjusting music, or checking GPS directions while behind the wheel diverts a driver's attention. In Colorado Springs’ denser neighborhoods and commercial corridors, a split second of distraction can mean disaster for pedestrians.
• Speeding in Residential or School Zones: Speed limits exist to protect both drivers and pedestrians, but many motorists disregard them, especially in neighborhoods like Briargate, Old Colorado City, and the areas surrounding Doherty High School and Palmer High School. Excessive speed makes it harder to stop in time when someone is crossing the street.
• Driving Under the Influence: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a persistent and deadly problem throughout Colorado Springs. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times and poor judgment, making them far more likely to strike a pedestrian.
• Poor Visibility: Pedestrian accidents often occur during early morning or evening hours when visibility is limited. Fog, rain, snow, and insufficient street lighting, particularly in rural or poorly maintained areas of Colorado Springs, can obscure a pedestrian from a driver’s view.
• Failure to Obey Traffic Signals or Stop Signs: Drivers who run red lights or roll through stop signs put pedestrians in direct danger. In Colorado Springs, where there are numerous T-intersections and multi-lane turn lanes, these behaviors are a growing concern.

Where Are Pedestrian Accidents Most Common in Colorado Springs?

High-Risk Locations in Colorado Springs:

1. Downtown Colorado Springs

• Day and Night Risk: These streets remain busy well into the evening, with nightlife and entertainment drawing both pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
• Tourism Impact: With visitors unfamiliar with the area, the risk of jaywalking, last-minute lane changes, and unexpected stops increases.

2. Near Schools and Parks

• Children at Risk: Young children often don’t fully understand traffic dangers, making school zones especially vulnerable.
• Limited Crossing Infrastructure: Many park-adjacent roads lack pedestrian-activated signals or raised crosswalks, which puts people at greater risk.

3. Academy Boulevard

• Wide Roadways: Multiple lanes can confuse or trap slower pedestrians in the middle of the street.
• Commercial Density: High turnover of drivers entering/exiting gas stations, restaurants, and stores increases the likelihood of pedestrian conflict.

4. Cimarron Street and I-25 Interchange

• Frequent Lane Changes: Drivers often shift lanes quickly in this area, reducing their awareness of pedestrians.
• Poor Lighting: This interchange is known for insufficient nighttime visibility and unclear pedestrian access.

5. Residential Neighborhoods

• Speeding: Drivers may ignore lower speed limits in less-patrolled areas.
• Reversing Vehicles: Backing out of driveways without checking for sidewalk traffic is a common cause of residential pedestrian injuries.

Common Injuries in Colorado Springs Pedestrian Accidents

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries can cause memory loss, confusion, cognitive decline, or permanent disability.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These may result in partial or complete paralysis and often require lifelong care.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: Victims commonly suffer shattered limbs, pelvis fractures, and rib injuries.
• Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage: High-impact collisions can cause internal trauma, which may not be immediately visible.
• Lacerations and Road Rash: Deep cuts and abrasions can cause permanent scarring and require skin grafts or plastic surgery.
• Psychological Injuries: Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are frequent among pedestrian accident victims.

Who Can Be Liable in a Colorado Springs Pedestrian Accident?

Potentially liable parties include:

• The driver: If they were distracted, speeding, intoxicated, or failed to yield.
• The vehicle owner: If someone else was driving their vehicle negligently.
• Employers: If the accident involved a commercial vehicle or on-duty driver.
• Local government or property owners: If poor roadway design, broken traffic signals, or lack of crosswalks contributed to the accident.
• Manufacturers: If a vehicle defect caused the crash (e.g., brake failure, acceleration issues).

Related:  Can Pedestrians Be at Fault in an Accident in Colorado?

How Can an Attorney Help After a Pedestrian Accident?

• Investigating the accident thoroughly
• Identifying all sources of liability
• Gathering medical records and documentation of damages
• Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
• Filing a personal injury lawsuit if a fair settlement can’t be reached

What Compensation May Be Available After a Pedestrian Accident in Colorado Springs?

Medical Expenses

• Immediate expenses may include ambulance fees, trauma care, X-rays, MRIs, and emergency surgery.
• Ongoing care may involve physical therapy, occupational therapy, follow-up appointments, orthopedic equipment, or home modifications (such as wheelchair ramps or hospital beds).
• Future medical needs are also compensable if your injuries require prolonged or lifelong care.

Lost Wages and Loss of Future Earning Capacity

• Many Colorado Springs residents work physically demanding jobs, and even a moderate injury could make it impossible to return to the same line of work.
• Severe injuries like spinal trauma or brain injuries can lead to full disability, eliminating earning potential altogether.

Pain and Suffering

• Whether it's broken bones, chronic back pain, or the pain of surgical recovery, these injuries affect your quality of life.
• In Colorado Springs, victims of pedestrian accidents often face prolonged physical recovery due to the severity of vehicle-on-pedestrian collisions.

Mental Anguish and Emotional Distress

• You may experience anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or sleep disturbances following the incident.
• Survivors sometimes avoid walking in public or crossing streets, impacting their sense of independence and mobility.

Permanent Disability or Disfigurement

• Many Colorado Springs pedestrian accident victims suffer injuries that will affect them for the rest of their lives.
• Disfigurement damages reflect the physical alteration of your appearance and the emotional distress that comes with it.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

• If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, like hiking in Garden of the Gods, biking in Palmer Park, or playing with your children, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of enjoyment of life.
• This is particularly relevant for active individuals who face long-term limitations due to someone else’s negligence.

Wrongful Death Damages (If a Loved One Was Killed)

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred prior to death
• Loss of the deceased’s income and financial support
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support

Colorado Springs Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accident Claims

• If the accident involved a government vehicle or occurred on public property (such as city-maintained sidewalks, intersections, or municipal buses), you may have as little as 180 days to provide formal notice of your claim under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act (CGIA).
• Delaying your claim, even if you believe your injuries are minor ,can hurt your ability to recover compensation later on.

• Auto accidents
• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Insurance bad faith
• Slip and fall accidents
• Premises liability
• And more

Contact Pribila and Fields After a Colorado Springs Pedestrian Accident