Walking should be safe. Whether you’re crossing the street at a marked crosswalk, navigating downtown Denver sidewalks, or walking through a parking lot, you have every right to expect drivers will exercise reasonable care. If that care is not adhere to, and you are injured, you need to choose a Denver Pedestrian Accident Lawyer to advocate for you.
Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents remain all too common in Denver, and when a vehicle strikes a person on foot, the results are often devastating.
Pedestrians have virtually no protection against multi-ton vehicles. What might be a “minor fender-bender” between two cars becomes a catastrophic event when it involves a pedestrian.
Broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and internal injuries are common. And ,tragically, many pedestrian accidents result in fatalities.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Denver, you need experienced legal representation to hold negligent drivers accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.
At Eddington Law, our attorneys have over 35 years of experience representing injured Coloradans, including pedestrians struck by negligent drivers.
We understand Colorado’s pedestrian right-of-way laws, know how to prove driver fault, and fight aggressively to ensure injured pedestrians receive full compensation—not diminished payouts based on victim-blaming tactics.
We believe pedestrians deserve safe streets. When drivers fail in their duty of care, we make them answer for it.
Why Choose Eddington Law As Your Denver Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
Pedestrian accident cases require attorneys who understand both pedestrian rights and the severity of injuries involved:
Over 35 Years Fighting for Injured Coloradans
Our attorneys have spent more than three decades representing accident victims throughout Denver and Colorado.
We’ve handled numerous pedestrian accident cases and understand the unique challenges these cases present, from proving fault to securing adequate compensation for life-altering injuries.
This experience means we know how to build compelling cases that hold drivers accountable and maximize recovery for injured pedestrians.
Understanding of Colorado Pedestrian Laws
Colorado law provides specific protections for pedestrians. We thoroughly understand:
- Right-of-way rules at crosswalks (marked and unmarked)
- Duties of drivers at intersections
- Pedestrian signals and crossing requirements
- Sidewalk and crosswalk regulations
- Parking lot pedestrian priority
- Local Denver pedestrian ordinances
This knowledge helps us prove when drivers violated the law and caused your injuries.
Knowledge of Common Driver Errors
We understand the typical mistakes drivers make that endanger pedestrians:
- Failing to yield at crosswalks
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Turning without checking for pedestrians
- Distracted driving
- Speeding in pedestrian areas
- Backing up without looking
- Failing to stop for school buses
Identifying these specific violations strengthens your case and establishes clear liability.
Experience with Catastrophic Injury Claims
Pedestrian accidents frequently result in severe, life-changing injuries requiring substantial compensation.
We work with medical experts, life care planners, and economists to fully document your injuries and future needs, ensuring we seek appropriate compensation for:
- Lifetime medical care
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost earning capacity
- Home modifications
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disabilities
Compassion for Victims and Families
We understand the trauma pedestrian accidents cause—not just physical injuries, but emotional and financial hardship.
As a family-owned firm, we provide compassionate support while aggressively pursuing justice.
When pedestrian accidents result in wrongful death, we help surviving family members seek compensation and accountability while treating them with the sensitivity and respect they deserve during an impossibly difficult time.
No Fees Unless We Win
After a pedestrian accident, medical bills create enormous financial stress.
We work on contingency. Which means you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
This means you can afford experienced legal representation regardless of your financial situation.
Personalized Service from a Family-Owned Firm
As a family-owned practice, we treat clients with genuine care and respect.
You’ll work directly with your attorney throughout the process, not be shuffled to paralegals or case managers.
We keep you informed, answer your questions, and ensure you feel supported during recovery.
Common Types of Pedestrian Accidents in Denver
Denver’s urban environment, busy intersections, and growing population create various pedestrian accident scenarios:
Crosswalk Accidents
The most common pedestrian accidents occur at crosswalks when:
- Drivers fail to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks
- Vehicles turn right or left without checking for crossing pedestrians
- Drivers run red lights or stop signs
- Multiple lanes create visibility issues (one car stops, another doesn’t)
Colorado law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks—violations establish clear liability.
Intersection Accidents
Even outside marked crosswalks, intersections are dangerous for pedestrians. Common scenarios include:
- Pedestrians crossing with the light struck by turning vehicles
- Drivers running red lights
- Right-on-red turns without checking for pedestrians
- Multi-lane intersections with limited visibility
Mid-Block Accidents
While pedestrians have less protection when crossing mid-block (outside crosswalks), drivers still have a duty to exercise reasonable care.
Mid-block accidents often involve:
- Pedestrians crossing busy streets without crosswalks nearby
- Drivers not paying attention to the road ahead
- Speeding vehicles with insufficient time to stop
- Poor visibility conditions
Parking Lot Accidents
Parking lots see frequent pedestrian accidents involving:
- Vehicles backing out of spaces without looking
- Drivers speeding through parking lots
- Failure to yield at pedestrian walkways
- Distracted drivers looking for parking spots
Pedestrians generally have right-of-way in parking lots, and drivers who fail to watch for pedestrians are liable.
Sidewalk Accidents
Though less common, vehicles sometimes mount sidewalks due to:
- Loss of control
- Medical emergencies
- Impairment
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
Sidewalk accidents often result in multiple injuries and may involve additional liable parties.
School Zone Accidents
School zones require extra caution from drivers. Accidents involving children walking to or from school are particularly tragic and often involve:
- Drivers failing to observe reduced speed limits
- Failure to stop for school buses
- Distracted driving in school zones
- Inadequate crossing guards or signals
Bus Stop Accidents
Pedestrians at bus stops face danger from:
- Vehicles that fail to yield to pedestrians boarding or exiting buses
- Drivers passing stopped buses illegally
- Crowded bus stop areas with limited visibility
Backup Accidents
Drivers backing out of driveways, parking spaces, or loading zones sometimes strike pedestrians they never saw.
Backup cameras and sensors should prevent these accidents, but driver inattention remains a problem.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Unfortunately, some drivers flee after striking pedestrians. These cases require swift police investigation, and you may need to pursue claims through your own insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Denver
Understanding what caused your accident helps establish liability:
Driver Failure to Yield
The most common cause is drivers failing to yield right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks.
Colorado law is clear. Pedestrians in crosswalks have the right-of-way, and drivers must yield.
Failure to yield establishes negligence and creates strong liability.
Distracted Driving
Drivers texting, using phones, eating, adjusting GPS systems, or engaging in other distractions don’t see pedestrians until it’s too late.
Colorado prohibits texting while driving, and violations support liability claims.
Failure to Check Before Turning
Drivers who turn right or left without checking for pedestrians cause many accidents.
They may be focused on traffic signals or oncoming vehicles while ignoring crosswalks.
Speeding
Drivers exceeding speed limits—especially in pedestrian-heavy areas like downtown Denver, school zones, or residential neighborhoods—have less time to react to pedestrians and cause more severe injuries when accidents occur.
Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
Drivers who disregard traffic controls endanger pedestrians legally crossing intersections. Red light and stop sign violations establish clear negligence.
Impaired Driving
Drunk or drugged drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and diminished awareness—making them particularly dangerous to pedestrians.
DUI violations create strong liability and may support punitive damages.
Poor Visibility Conditions
While bad weather or darkness affects visibility, drivers still have a duty to operate vehicles safely given conditions.
Failure to adjust speed or attention for poor visibility can establish negligence.
Backing Without Looking
Drivers who back up without checking mirrors, using backup cameras, or ensuring the area behind them is clear cause preventable accidents.
Aggressive Driving
Impatient drivers who speed through parking lots, make unsafe turns, or drive recklessly in pedestrian areas create danger and liability.
Driver Fatigue
Drowsy drivers have slower reaction times and may not notice pedestrians.
Commercial drivers especially may be liable if fatigue violations contributed to accidents.
Injuries Common in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians absorb the full force of vehicle impacts with no protection. Even “low-speed” accidents cause severe injuries:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
When pedestrians are struck, they often hit their heads on vehicles, pavement, or other objects. Head trauma can cause:
- Concussions
- Brain bleeding
- Skull fractures
- Cognitive impairment
- Memory problems
- Personality changes
- Permanent disability
TBI is a leading cause of death and disability in pedestrian accidents.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The force of vehicle impacts can fracture vertebrae or damage the spinal cord, resulting in:
- Paraplegia (lower body paralysis)
- Quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs)
- Partial paralysis
- Loss of sensation
- Chronic pain
- Bladder and bowel dysfunction
Spinal cord injuries often require lifetime care and dramatically reduce quality of life.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Pedestrian accidents commonly cause:
- Broken legs (tibia, fibula, femur)
- Pelvic fractures
- Broken arms and wrists
- Fractured ribs
- Broken shoulders or collarbones
- Facial fractures
Severe fractures may require multiple surgeries, metal hardware, and extended rehabilitation.
Internal Injuries
Blunt force trauma can damage internal organs:
- Internal bleeding
- Ruptured organs (spleen, liver, kidneys)
- Lung injuries (punctured or collapsed lungs)
- Abdominal trauma
Internal injuries require emergency medical attention and often emergency surgery.
Some internal injuries aren’t immediately apparent, making prompt medical evaluation critical.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Sprains, strains, torn ligaments, and muscle damage are common. While often labeled “minor,” these injuries cause significant pain and can limit daily activities for months.
Lacerations and Road Rash
When pedestrians are thrown by impacts and slide across pavement:
- Deep cuts requiring stitches
- Severe abrasions (road rash)
- Permanent scarring
- Disfigurement
- Skin grafts may be necessary
Amputations
The crushing force of vehicle impacts can sever limbs or cause injuries so severe that amputation becomes necessary.
Amputees face enormous challenges including prosthetic costs, rehabilitation, and lost earning capacity.
Facial Injuries and Dental Damage
Facial trauma from pedestrian accidents includes:
- Broken jaw
- Broken cheekbones or eye sockets
- Dental injuries
- Eye injuries
- Permanent scarring
- Disfigurement requiring reconstructive surgery
Hip Injuries
Hip fractures and dislocations are particularly common when vehicles strike pedestrians from the side.
These injuries often require surgery and extensive rehabilitation, and may cause permanent mobility limitations.
Psychological Trauma
Beyond physical injuries, pedestrian accidents cause:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety about walking near traffic
- Depression
- Sleep disturbances
- Fear of leaving home
Wrongful Death
Tragically, many pedestrian accidents result in fatalities. Surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims for loss of financial support, companionship, funeral expenses, and other damages.
Colorado Pedestrian Laws
Understanding Colorado’s pedestrian laws helps establish liability and protect your rights:
Right-of-Way at Crosswalks
Colorado law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks—both marked and unmarked.
An unmarked crosswalk exists at every intersection where sidewalks meet, even without painted lines.
Drivers who fail to yield at crosswalks violate the law and are liable for resulting accidents.
Pedestrian Signals
When pedestrian signals exist, pedestrians should obey them. However, drivers still have a duty to avoid striking pedestrians even when pedestrians violate signals.
Crossing Outside Crosswalks
While pedestrians should use crosswalks when available, crossing outside crosswalks (jaywalking) doesn’t eliminate driver liability.
Drivers must exercise reasonable care to avoid striking pedestrians anywhere.
We often successfully recover compensation even when clients crossed outside crosswalks, because drivers still have a duty to watch for and avoid pedestrians.
Sidewalk Rules
Pedestrians generally have the right to use sidewalks free from vehicle traffic.
Drivers who mount sidewalks are almost always liable for resulting injuries.
Duties at Intersections
Colorado law requires drivers to:
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
- Check for pedestrians before turning
- Stop completely at stop signs before crosswalks
- Remain stopped while pedestrians cross
School Zones and School Buses
Colorado has strict laws protecting children:
- Reduced speed limits in school zones
- Prohibition on passing stopped school buses
- Enhanced penalties for violations
Drivers who violate school zone laws and injure pedestrians face both criminal and civil liability.
Parking Lot Regulations
While parking lots are private property, general traffic laws still apply. Pedestrians generally have right-of-way in parking lot walkways and crossings.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Denver
Your actions after a pedestrian accident affect your health and legal rights:
Call 911 Immediately
Always call police and request ambulance after a pedestrian accident.
Even if you think injuries are minor, internal trauma or head injuries may not be immediately apparent.
You need both medical evaluation and an official police report.
Stay at the Scene If Possible
If physically able, remain at the scene until police arrive.
If you need immediate medical transport, ensure someone gets the driver’s information.
Get Driver Information
Obtain:
- Driver’s name, license, and contact information
- Insurance company and policy information
- Vehicle license plate number
- Make and model of vehicle
Get this information even if the driver seems cooperative—they may later deny fault or claim the accident didn’t happen.
Gather Witness Information
Pedestrian accidents often involve disputes about fault. Witness testimony can be crucial. Get contact information from anyone who saw what happened.
Document the Scene
If physically able, take photos of:
- The vehicle that struck you
- Your visible injuries
- The location (crosswalk, intersection, parking lot)
- Traffic signals or signs
- Road and weather conditions
- Skid marks or debris
This evidence may be critical to proving the driver’s fault.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Go to the emergency room even if you don’t think you’re severely injured. Some serious injuries have delayed symptoms.
Additionally, immediate medical treatment creates documentation linking your injuries to the accident—critical when insurance companies try to minimize claims.
Follow All Medical Advice
Attend all follow-up appointments, complete prescribed therapy, and follow doctor instructions. Insurance companies use gaps in treatment to argue injuries weren’t serious.
Don’t Apologize or Admit Fault
Even polite apologies can be used as admissions of fault. Stick to facts when talking to police, and don’t speculate about what happened or accept blame.
Don’t Talk to Insurance Adjusters
The at-fault driver’s insurance company will contact you quickly. They’ll seem sympathetic but are gathering evidence to minimize their payout. Politely decline to give recorded statements and refer them to your attorney.
Preserve Evidence
Keep damaged clothing, shoes, or personal items. These provide evidence of impact severity.
Document Your Recovery
Keep a journal describing:
- Pain levels
- Limitations on activities
- Medical treatments
- Emotional impact
- How injuries affect daily life and work
This documentation supports claims for pain and suffering and lost quality of life.
Avoid Social Media
Insurance companies monitor social media for evidence to minimize claims. Photos of you engaged in activities could be used to argue injuries aren’t serious. Avoid posting until your case resolves.
Contact Eddington Law
The sooner you have legal representation, the better we can protect your rights, preserve evidence, and counter insurance company tactics designed to minimize your claim.
Compensation Available in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Colorado law allows pedestrian accident victims to recover multiple types of damages:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses (emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation)
- Future medical care (ongoing treatment, therapy, lifetime care)
- Lost wages (income missed during recovery)
- Lost earning capacity (reduced ability to work in the future)
- Home modifications (wheelchair accessibility, safety equipment)
- Medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, assistive devices)
- Transportation to medical appointments
- In-home care and assistance
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering (physical pain from injuries)
- Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in activities)
- Disfigurement (scarring, permanent injuries)
- Permanent disability and limitations
- Loss of consortium (impact on spousal relationship)
Wrongful Death Damages
When pedestrian accidents result in death, surviving family members can recover:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Loss of household services
- Estate claims for medical bills and pain before death
Punitive Damages
In cases involving particularly reckless conduct—such as drunk driving, extreme speeding, or intentional acts—Colorado courts may award punitive damages to punish defendants and deter similar behavior.
How Eddington Law Handles Your Case
When you hire us, we immediately begin building your case:
Comprehensive Investigation
We obtain police reports, medical records, and witness statements. We visit accident scenes, photograph conditions, and document evidence. For complex cases, we hire accident reconstruction experts.
Proving Driver Negligence
We identify specific violations and negligent acts:
- Failure to yield at crosswalks
- Traffic signal violations
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Failure to check before turning
Clear proof of negligence strengthens settlement negotiations and trial outcomes.
Medical Documentation
We work with healthcare providers to fully document injuries, treatment, and prognosis. For serious injuries, we consult with specialists, life care planners, and economists to calculate lifetime medical costs and lost earning capacity.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
We handle all communications with insurance adjusters, protecting you from tactics designed to minimize your claim. We negotiate from strength, demanding fair compensation based on solid evidence.
Trial Preparation
If insurance companies won’t offer fair compensation, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. Our trial experience motivates reasonable settlement offers.
Compassionate Support
Throughout the process, we treat you and your family with respect and compassion, keeping you informed and ensuring you feel supported during recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I was jaywalking when hit?
You may still recover compensation. While crossing outside crosswalks reduces pedestrian rights, drivers still have a duty to watch for and avoid striking pedestrians. Many jaywalking cases result in successful recovery.
What if the driver says I walked into traffic suddenly?
Drivers often claim pedestrians “came out of nowhere” to avoid liability. We investigate thoroughly, using witness statements, physical evidence, and expert testimony to prove what actually happened.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Colorado’s statute of limitations is generally three years from the accident date, but this can vary. Contact an attorney immediately—waiting makes evidence harder to obtain.
What if the driver was uninsured?
You may be able to recover through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (if you have auto insurance). We explore all available compensation sources.
Can I sue if a loved one died in a pedestrian accident?
Yes. Surviving family members can file wrongful death claims for loss of financial support, companionship, funeral expenses, and other damages.
How much is my case worth?
Case value depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, permanent disability, and other factors. Pedestrian accidents often result in substantial compensation due to the severity of injuries involved.
Contact Your Denver Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian in Denver, don’t face the aftermath alone. You need experienced advocates who understand pedestrian rights and know how to fight for full compensation.
At Eddington Law, we’ve spent over 35 years fighting for injured Coloradans, including pedestrians struck by negligent drivers.
We believe pedestrians deserve safe streets and full protection under the law.
Call us today for your free consultation. No fees unless we win your case.
Don’t let insurance companies minimize your claim or blame you for an accident caused by a negligent driver.
Contact Eddington Law and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
Your recovery is our priority. Your rights are our mission. We’re ready to fight for you.