Denver Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

According to Streetsblog, pedestrian fatalities have increased 35 percent over 10 years nationally, with approximately 5000 pedestrian deaths and over 70,000 pedestrian injuries in 2018 alone. In Colorado, pedestrian fatalities have increased a shocking 75 percent over the past decade. Sadly, the pedestrians most likely to be struck are children, the elderly, and the impoverished.

Many believe increased cell phone usage is at least partially to blame for the increase. Most states, including Colorado, have passed bans or restrictions on cell phone usage while driving. Notably, Hawaii has even passed a “Distracted Walking” law which prohibits pedestrians from looking at their cell phone screens while walking. This law is an exception in the legal landscape, at least for now.

Another often-cited reason for the rise in pedestrian deaths is the national increase in vehicle size. Because of its extra size and weight, an SUV is more dangerous to pedestrians than a traditional sedan. Additionally, the large majority of American roadways and cities are still designed for cars, not people. When sidewalks are absent and the next crosswalk is miles away, the risk to pedestrians is obviously higher.

In 2016, Denver attempted to improve safety for pedestrians by adopting Vision Zero, a travel safety program that aims to prioritize equity (pedestrians have a right to travel safely too!) and human life in all transit design decisions. Vision Zero is a comprehensive approach to traffic safety that utilizes data analysis, collaboration between traffic planners, engineers, policymakers, and public health professionals, roadway restructuring, and speed management to prioritize human life over travel speed. This program is the force behind many of Denver’s road and sidewalk improvements over the past few years.

Some people wrongly assume that if a pedestrian is struck while outside of a crosswalk or “jaywalking,” the accident will automatically be considered the pedestrian’s fault. This is simply not true. Pedestrians have a responsibility to watch where they are going, but drivers also have a responsibility to follow traffic laws and pay attention to the road. Every accident is different.

Sadly, the injuries involved in pedestrian accidents are often debilitating, permanent, or fatal. Common injuries such as broken bones, internal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries often require lengthy hospital stays. Complete recovery is rare.

If you or a loved one has been injured while walking, you will need a fighter by your side. At Shafner Law, our Denver personal injury attorneys have negotiated many successful recoveries for pedestrians who have been struck by motor vehicles. We want to help you, too.

For a free consultation, call Shafner Law at (303) 796-0555 or fill out the Case Form below.

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