Overview of Pedestrian Accidents

The below will provide an overview of Colorado law, the causes and consequences of pedestrian accidents, including a discussion of the statistics and facts related to these types of accidents. We will also explore the effects that location has on pedestrian accidents in Colorado, as well as options for financial recovery available to injured or deceased victims. Finally, we cover FAQs on pedestrian accidents.

Colorado Law on Pedestrian Accidents

In Colorado the pedestrian has the right of way over vehicular traffic if the pedestrian is in the crosswalk. The Colorado Legislature has codified the laws on pedestrians in Colorado Revised Statutes 42-4-801.

In general according to Colorado law, “Every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian upon any roadway and shall give warning by sounding the horn when necessary and shall exercise proper precaution upon observing any child or any obviously confused or incapacitated person upon a roadway.”

Statistics for Pedestrian Accidents 

In 2019, 6,20 people lost their lives in pedestrian accidents in the United States. That’s an average of 1 pedestrian killed every 88 minutes. This was a 3% increase from 2017, which was already a 10-year high for pedestrian deaths. These fatalities accounted for 17% of all traffic fatalities nationwide during this same time – a rate that has steadily increased since 2009 when only 11% of traffic deaths involved pedestrians. The GHSA also reported that most fatal pedestrian accidents occur at night due to visibility issues and impaired drivers/pedestrians who are less likely to recognize dangers on roads with limited lighting.

Driving at night is a potential hazard for many drivers on the roads in Colorado. With fewer available hours of daylight and an increase in nighttime driving activities, most traffic accidents occur at night, when visibility is often reduced. Moreover, with more people engaging in drinking activities during evening hours, drunk driving increases substantially leading to more traffic accidents as well. While practicing safety measures like refraining from alcohol consumption and increasing vehicle safety by properly functioning headlights are important, drivers should also adjust their own habits while driving at night. Keeping attentiveness and reducing speed limits can help reduce unfortunate nighttime accidents.

The Effects of Location on Pedestrian Accidents

When it comes to location, urban areas tend to have more frequent but less severe accidents than rural areas due to higher population densities which lead to greater numbers of pedestrians interacting with cars on highways and side streets alike. However, rural areas tend to have less frequent but more severe accidents due to higher speeds and longer distances between medical help – meaning that there is a greater chance of serious injury or death if an accident does occur.

Pedestrian accidents are a major issue in urban areas, with far more accidents than in rural areas. This is largely due to the combination of speeding drivers and inadequate infrastructure in cities. Without robust policies that encourage walking and discourage speeding, the incidents of pedestrian accidents will continue to increase over time – leading to a greater risk for anyone on foot. Cities must focus on providing safeguards such as speed bumps, increased visibility for crosswalks, and encouraging pedestrians and car drivers alike to drive responsibly and safely. By taking the necessary steps to create a safer streetscape for walkers, cities can reduce their number of pedestrian accidents and improve safety for all who live there.

Colorado’s rural areas can be dangerous places to walk, as they are often plagued with higher speed limits and exponentially larger distances between medical facilities. This contributes to pedestrian-related accidents that are sadly often fatal; while Colorado’s rural areas have fewer of these tragic occurrences, it is important to note that they are usually much more serious when they do happen. Moreover, due to Colorado having the Rocky Mountains in their backyard, the terrain can make rescue operations or transport for medical attention a great challenge or near impossible at times; this only amplifies how severe these rural area accidents can be.

INJURY PATTERNS

Frontal collisions have varying heights depending upon the position of the pedestrian center of gravity. In the majority of adult car crash accidents the centre of gravity is above the rear bumper and in children the center of gravity is generally below bumpers. In an adult collision the rear bumper struck the upper legs. The legs are accelerated as vehicle travel while the upper body and head touch the front windshield. The impacts on human life differ. The first lies between the legs and the bumper. The following steps will follow:

Financial Recovery for Injured or Deceased Pedestrians

For victims who are injured in a pedestrian accident, compensation may be available for economic losses such as medical expenses as well as pain and suffering caused by the incident. For families of deceased victims, compensation may also be available for lost wages as well as non-economic damages such as loss of comfort and companionship for survivors who depended on their loved one’s income or emotional support prior to their passing away from injuries sustained in the accident. Punitive damages may also be awarded if it is determined that the driver was impaired or speeding at the time the accident occurred.

Damages for Pedestrian Accidents

Colorado is known for its popular tourist destinations, especially in urban areas. Unfortunately, Colorado pedestrians are also at risk for traffic-related injuries and death due to careless drivers. Those injured due to careless driving—whether seriously or fatally—may be entitled to compensation from the responsible party or their insurance company, including economic losses such as medical expenses and lost income, as well as non-economic losses like pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life. Families of deceased pedestrians can collect damages pertaining to wages that the deceased would have been able to earn had they not passed away. In some cases when the driver is determined to be impaired or speeding, Colorado courts may even award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer.

Police Reports and Insurance Company Findings

Chances are that an official will arrive on scene if they have suffered injuries in an automobile collision. He or she should be able to identify the place where the accident happened and speak to the parties involved, they will also interview witnesses and consider other relevant data that will be included in the report. In some instances the officer can provide an initial opinion or preliminary finding as to whether or why it happened.

Insurance Coverage for pedestrian accidents

Accidental motorists are often covered under their health care and disability coverages. These vehicles may be included in a variety of insurance plans.

Dealing with insurance companies and claims adjusters is challenging. We have experience at all levels of court. The team has handled personal injury cases in federal and state court. The entire team is skilled in alternative dispute resolution venues such as arbitration, mediation and negotiation. We have worked with highly qualified experts such as accident reconstructionists, economists for lost wages, biomechanics and a number of doctors. Ryan personally knows most of the orthopaedic surgeons at the Steadman Clinic, Vail-Summit Orthopaedics, Vail Valley Medical Center, Valley View Hospital, and Aspen Valley Hospital.

When you or a loved one has been injured, your focus should be on your physical and mental health. Allow us to shoulder the burden of presenting your best legal case.

Experience Matters

The extensive experience we have in dealing with insurance companies, not only in acting for injured plaintiffs but also as insurance defense counsel, gives us a unique ability to assess your case from the other side of the table and predict where the real issues in any case will lie. Integrating this experience with our team-based approach, you can rely on us to see your case from all angles, make sure you have the information you need and collaborate with you to achieve the best possible outcome.

For more information, please visit our frequently asked questions (FAQ) page for personal injuries or visit our blog posts.

Conclusion

Pedestrian fatalities remain a serious concern in many parts of America today, resulting in significant physical pain and emotional anguish for survivors and family members alike. While there is no surefire way to prevent such tragedies from happening altogether, it is important to understand why they occur so often so that we can take steps toward reducing risks associated with walking near motor vehicles while raising awareness about safety measures individuals should take when traversing roads both urban and rural alike.

Furthermore, injured victims or families affected by these types of tragedies should understand their legal rights so they can seek appropriate compensation if needed through civil litigation against negligent parties responsible for causing harm either directly or indirectly through their actions or lack thereof regarding safety protocols related to driving near pedestrians on Colorado roadways today.

Our Lawyers Can Help if You Were injured in a Pedestrian Accident

A Colorado personal injury lawyer will assist your case in all aspects of the case, advocating for your rights and working for the fair compensation of your injuries. Let us help you in a way that suits you. Whether you were involved in an Aspen pedestrian accident, Glenwood Springs, or elsewhere, give us a call.

We understand that every case is different and every client has unique challenges. Together personal injury lawyers Ryan Kalamaya, Georgina Melbye, Michael Fox, and Nick James move mountains for individuals who have been injured or killed in a variety of unfortunate circumstances such as automobile accidents, slip-and-falls, ski collisions, bar fights and dog attacks.

Each case has a unique story. A successful result to a personal injury case depends on who is more effective in telling their story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Pedestrian Accident?

A pedestrian collision occurs when a vehicle hits a person. Pedestrian accidents are usually more serious compared with two-wheeled vehicle accidents as people are exposed. You could receive an injury or compensation in the case of a pedestrian collision.

What is the most frequent cause of pedestrian accidents?

Some of the more frequent causes of pedestrian accidents include drivers who do not stop at a stop sign. Texting becomes more common among pedestrians in accidents due to distracting factors.

What if the driver and the pedestrian are both at fault?

Both drivers and passengers may share the blame. In some instances, a pedestrian might walk on jaywalks if his driver exceeds his speed limitation. Colorado compares the fault of both the driver and pedestrian in determining damages.

What to do immediately after the Pedestrian-Car Accident?

We can always get upset by accidents. Breathe deeply and think: Safety comes first. First, take the injured to safety. Do not attempt to treat patients in emergency situations until your doctor knows of the problem and you are trained. Take medical care! Contact the doctor and call the police in your area. Give honest details of the incident to the responders. Exchange contacts, but nothing more. Tell all of the victims of accidents about your experience. If pedestrians are incapacitated, exchange contact information, email and insurance numbers.

What if I disagree with the insurance company’s decision?

If the insurer has an incorrect percentage in which to find you liable for the accident or, if you think the accident occurred, you have acted incorrectly. Ask the insurer for an accurate report. If you think that they acted out of ignorance, you must make a counter-argument using the most reliable evidence that is available. If you have a serious financial issue and need some advice on how to solve the problem, you should talk to knowledgeable legal counsel to determine the right solution.

What if I hit a pedestrian with my car and they didn’t get hurt?

The pedestrian cannot have insurance claims for the damages incurred by the motorist after a traffic accident. Personal injury claims require alleged harm in a certain way. But remember, even a scrape or bruise can justify an insurance claim, which includes pedestrians who feel it may be necessary to go to the emergency room or their physician for further examination. It may seem like a pedestrian looks OK in the same instant after a car crash but that is unlikely.

Who is at fault?

Often pedestrians are hurt when vehicles hit them at accelerated rates. The general rule of negligence explains faults. If an individual does not exercise reasonable care the circumstances may be considered negligent or omission.

Why are pedestrian accidents so common?

This occurs because a vehicle is moving at a very different speed. The speed of bicycles in the urban environment has increased significantly. Unlike cars, cyclists are much more vulnerable. If pedestrian collisions are not so widespread in a perfectly ideal world everyone drove at a safe speed and everyone walked along the bridge and everyone took a little more patience so other vehicles could come ahead rather than try.

Where are some common places that you have seen pedestrian accidents occur?

There are places on streets, streets and parks, on streets and parking spaces or public parks, where pedestrian traffic shares the road with motor vehicles, motor scooters, motorbikes or rollerblades. Where someone walks and gets injured. When vehicles or bicycles are inside it is sometimes known as pedestrian accidents.