Walking should be one of the safest and most sustainable ways to get around Denver. But with the busy streets filled with cars, trucks, and buses, pedestrians are often left with barely any room to feel safe, making them some of the most vulnerable people on the road.
According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), 136 pedestrians were killed in crashes across Colorado in 2023. In Denver alone, CDOT’s crash data shows over 580 pedestrian accidents in 2024. Although fatalities have dropped since 2022, the numbers remain alarming.
Levine Law understands how devastating pedestrian crashes can be. If you or a loved one has been injured, our experienced Denver pedestrian accident lawyers are ready to protect your rights, deal with insurers, and pursue full compensation for your losses.
The Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of pedestrian crashes in Denver and across the U.S., largely due to the rise of cell phone use behind the wheel. Whether a driver is texting, checking GPS directions, or simply not paying attention, even a few seconds of distraction can lead to disaster. Pedestrians rely on drivers to notice them at crosswalks and intersections, but when a driver is unfocused, they may not see someone until it is too late.
Failure to Yield at Crosswalks
In Colorado, pedestrians have the right of way at marked crosswalks, and drivers are required to yield. Unfortunately, many drivers fail to follow this rule. In Denver, busy intersections often see drivers rushing through yellow lights or rolling past stop signs, putting pedestrians in harm’s way. This is why failure to yield is one of the most common violations cited in pedestrian accident reports.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a serious problem in Colorado and nationwide. Intoxicated drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, making them especially dangerous to pedestrians. Sadly, many late-night pedestrian accidents in the state involve impaired drivers.
Speeding
Speeding doesn’t just increase the likelihood of an accident, it also makes injuries more severe. In Denver, major arterials such as Colfax Avenue, Federal Boulevard, and Colorado Boulevard are well known for speeding-related accidents, including pedestrian fatalities.
Poor Visibility
Many pedestrian accidents happen in low-light conditions. Whether it’s nighttime or poor weather such as snow, fog, or rain, drivers may struggle to see pedestrians–even at marked crosswalks–especially if they are wearing dark clothing. According to CDOT, the majority of pedestrian fatalities in Colorado occur after dark.
Pedestrians Wrongful Behavior
Not all crashes are caused solely by drivers. Sometimes pedestrians put themselves at risk by crossing outside of designated crosswalks, ignoring traffic signals, or stepping unexpectedly into traffic. While drivers are legally responsible for doing everything possible to avoid hitting a pedestrian, careless pedestrian behavior can still contribute to accidents.
Infrastructure Challenges
Road and infrastructure conditions also play a role in pedestrian safety. Some areas in Denver lack sidewalks, have poorly marked crosswalks, limited signage, or high-speed roads that make walking dangerous. Projects like Denver Deserves Sidewalk and Vision Zero are aiming to improve conditions for pedestrians, also known as vulnerable road users (VRUs), but challenges remain.
Understanding the root causes of these accidents is essential to improving safety across Colorado’s busiest roads. From distracted and impaired driving to poor visibility and infrastructure issues, multiple factors put pedestrians at risk every day. A knowledgeable Denver pedestrian accident lawyer can investigate the cause of your crash, identify who is at fault, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Denver
1. Check for Injuries and Seek Medical Help Immediately
Move to a safe location if you can and assess yourself for visible injuries. Even if you feel fine, hidden injuries such as concussions or internal trauma may not show symptoms right away. Always get checked by a doctor.
2. Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you are able, take photos of the accident scene, the vehicle involved, your injuries, and any road or weather conditions. Collect the names and contact information of witnesses. This evidence will help a Denver pedestrian accident attorney build a stronger claim for compensation.
3. Call the Police and File a Report
In Colorado, accidents involving injuries and/or property damage must be reported. A police report creates an official record that will be valuable for insurance claims or a lawsuit.
4. Seek Legal Help from a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
An experienced Denver pedestrian accident lawyer can protect your rights, handle insurer negotiations, and pursue fair compensation. Levine Law’s team is dedicated to helping victims every step of the way.
What NOT to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Denver
1. Do Not Speak Directly to Insurance Representatives
These people might pressure you into giving a statement or accepting a quick settlement that is usually low-balled or does not reflect the full extent of the injuries and losses suffered. Do not accept these kinds of offers. Always talk to a lawyer first.
2. Do Not Admit Fault or Downplay Your Injuries
Never apologize or suggest you may have been at fault, even in the slightest. Likewise, do not downplay the gravity of your injuries. These can be used against your claims in the future.
Call a Levine Law Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
People walking in Denver deserve safe streets and responsible drivers. Sadly, many are still injured or killed because of careless behavior behind the wheel. If you or someone you love has been hurt, the Denver pedestrian accident lawyers at Levine Law can help.
We’ll investigate the cause of your crash, negotiate with insurers, and fight for maximum compensation. Call today for a free consultation — with our no-win, no-fee promise, you can trust an experienced Denver pedestrian accident attorney to handle your case while you focus on recovery.
Sources:
[1] Colorado Department of Transportation. (n.d.). Crash Data.
[3] Colorado State Patrol. (n.d.). Motorists and pedestrians share responsibility on the road.
