Boulder pedestrian accident lawyers at Eddington Law provide experienced representation for pedestrians injured by negligent drivers. Colorado pedestrian deaths reached an all-time in 2024 with 131 people killed—a disturbing continuation of a decade-long upward trend. Colorado has the highest rate of pedestrian deaths occurring at intersections in the entire country at 32%, compared to 17% nationally. Boulder’s walkable downtown, Pearl Street Mall, University Hill neighborhood, and University of Colorado campus generate heavy foot traffic that increases pedestrian-vehicle conflict. Our family-owned firm with 35+ years of experience wants to be your Boulder Pedestrian Accident lawyer when you need an advocate on your side.
Fighting for Pedestrians in Colorado’s Most Walkable City
Boulder has cultivated a reputation as one of Colorado’s most pedestrian-friendly communities. The famous Pearl Street Mall offers four blocks of pedestrian-only shopping and dining. Downtown Boulder’s compact development encourages walking. The University of Colorado campus and surrounding Hill neighborhood see thousands of students and staff walking daily. Boulder Creek Path and extensive trail systems provide off-street pedestrian routes throughout the city.
Yet despite this pedestrian-friendly environment, the risks facing people on foot remain serious. Colorado pedestrian deaths reached an all-time high last year with 131 people killed—the overwhelming majority at night. This continues a disturbing decade-long trend that has seen pedestrian fatalities climb steadily. Perhaps most alarming, Colorado has the highest rate of pedestrian deaths occurring at intersections in the entire country—32% compared to 17% nationally.
At Eddington Law, our pedestrian accident lawyers understand the devastating consequences when drivers fail to yield to people on foot. We fight to hold negligent drivers accountable and secure maximum compensation for injured pedestrians.
High-Risk Pedestrian Areas in Boulder
Understanding where pedestrian accidents occur helps explain the dangers facing those on foot.
Pearl Street Mall and Downtown
While Pearl Street Mall itself is pedestrian-only, the surrounding streets see heavy vehicle traffic as visitors search for parking and access downtown businesses. The intersections at the ends of the mall and along adjacent streets like 13th Street, 15th Street, Broadway, and Canyon Boulevard see pedestrians crossing to access shops, restaurants, and the historic district. The Dushanbe Tea House and other attractions draw visitors who may be unfamiliar with local traffic patterns.
University Hill (The Hill)
The Hill neighborhood across from the University of Colorado campus has a heavy student population and active nightlife. The mix of bars, restaurants, and student housing generates significant pedestrian traffic, particularly during evening hours. The intersection of Broadway and College Avenue and the streets surrounding campus see constant foot traffic.
University of Colorado Campus
With approximately 35,000 students plus faculty and staff, the CU campus generates massive pedestrian traffic. Students walk between classes, residence halls, and off-campus housing. Regent Drive, Broadway, and other streets bordering campus see heavy pedestrian crossing activity. Game days at Folsom Field create pedestrian surges that challenge traffic management.
Major Arterial Crossings
Pedestrians crossing Boulder’s major arterials—28th Street, Broadway, Arapahoe Avenue, Baseline Road—face significant risk. These multi-lane roads with higher speed limits give drivers less time to react to pedestrians. Despite crosswalks and signals, pedestrian accidents at these locations remain too common.
Common Causes of Boulder Pedestrian Accidents
Several factors contribute to pedestrian accidents in Boulder and throughout Colorado.
Distracted Driving
Drivers using phones, navigation systems, and in-car entertainment fail to notice pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections. Colorado’s new Hands-Free Law addresses this by prohibiting handheld phone use while driving.
Failure to Yield
Colorado State Patrol data shows that 25 of 36 pedestrian or cyclist crashes in a recent year resulted from drivers failing to yield at crosswalks. Drivers turning right on red or making left turns frequently fail to check for pedestrians in crosswalks.
Impaired Driving
Nearly a third of fatal crashes during summer months in Colorado involve impaired drivers. Impaired driving affects reaction time and judgment, making pedestrian detection less likely.
Speed
Higher vehicle speeds dramatically reduce a pedestrian’s chance of survival in a collision. A pedestrian struck at 40 mph has only a 10% chance of survival, compared to 90% at 20 mph.
Poor Visibility
Most pedestrian fatalities occur at night when visibility is reduced. Poor lighting, dark clothing, and driver inattention combine to create deadly conditions.
Colorado’s Intersection Problem
The statistics are stark: Colorado leads the nation in pedestrian deaths at intersections. Of 433 pedestrian deaths recorded between 2017 and 2021, 138 occurred at intersections—nearly 32%. Nationwide, only 17% of pedestrian deaths occur at intersections.
This means Colorado pedestrians face elevated risk precisely where they expect protection—at marked crosswalks and signalized intersections. Factors contributing to this problem include driver failure to yield to pedestrians with the right of way, right turn on red without checking for pedestrians, left turning vehicles crossing pedestrian paths, inadequate signal timing for pedestrian crossing, and poor intersection design.
Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrians have no protection when struck by vehicles, making injuries typically severe.
Traumatic brain injuries occur even when pedestrians are struck at relatively low speeds. Bone fractures, particularly to legs, hips, and arms, are common as pedestrians are struck and thrown. Spinal cord injuries can result in permanent paralysis. Internal injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
Colorado Pedestrian Laws
Colorado law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and exercise due care to avoid collisions with pedestrians. Pedestrians have the right of way in marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections. Drivers must stop and remain stopped for pedestrians crossing the roadway.
Colorado’s comparative negligence system allows pedestrian accident victims to recover compensation even when partially at fault, provided they bear less than 50% responsibility.
Compensation for Injured Pedestrians
Pedestrian accident victims may recover substantial compensation including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in catastrophic cases, lifetime care costs. Given the severity of typical pedestrian injuries, damages often reach significant amounts.
Contact Boulder Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today
If you have been injured as a pedestrian in Boulder or anywhere in Boulder County, the attorneys at Eddington Law are ready to fight for your rights. Evidence in pedestrian accident cases—including surveillance video, witness memories, and physical evidence—deteriorates quickly.
Contact us today for a free consultation. There are no fees unless we win your case. Let our family fight for your family.