Call 24/7 for Free Consultation

303-800-8888
conversation (1)
CHAT

Call 24/7
for Free Consultation

CARING & EXPERIENCED

Denver Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Success Rate

99% won or settled.*

5-Star Reviews

470+ 5 Star Google Reviews

No Fee Promise

No fee unless you get paid.

logo1 injury laywers jpg
logo2 injury laywers jpg

Denver Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Pedestrian accidents in Denver can be especially devastating.

Any car accident is a serious incident, but a pedestrian accident is one of the most tragic.

Walking down the street or crossing the street should not be a dangerous activity. A distracted driver or car accident chain reaction could result in tragic consequences.

The Lamber Goodnow injury law team is dedicated to protecting citizens in Colorado from pedestrian accidents. Whether you’re in a large group at a fair, strolling to a Broncos game or enjoying an evening at Larimer Square, you should feel safe that when you walk and cross the street, you won’t be hit by a car.

Pedestrian accidents don’t just occur in busy intersections at night. They can also happen in these places:

  • Parking lots
  • Crosswalks
  • Neighborhood intersections
  • Crowded areas such as downtown
  • Areas that are poorly lit or have hidden signage

“As a seasoned pedestrian accident attorney in Denver, I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact these incidents can have on victims and their families. Our firm is steadfast in our commitment to uphold the rights of these victims, secure the justice they are due, and advocate for enhanced pedestrian safety initiatives to prevent further mishaps on Denver’s streets.”

Marc Lamber

marc lamber sq

What’s My Case Worth?

Understanding Colorado’s Pedestrian Laws

Colorado’s pedestrian laws are integral to maintaining road safety and are crucial in determining liability in the event of an accident. It’s important for pedestrians and drivers alike to be familiar with these rules.

The Principle of Right of Way

The right of way principle is a central tenet of Colorado’s pedestrian laws. Essentially, motorists must yield to pedestrians crossing streets in marked crosswalks and intersections. Meanwhile, pedestrians are advised against abrupt or reckless road crossings to prevent potentially hazardous situations. This mutual obligation helps reduce accidents and promote overall road safety.

Drivers’ Duty of Care

Colorado law is unequivocal in setting expectations for motorists’ conduct on the roads. Drivers are required to exhibit due care and responsibility to prevent collisions with pedestrians. Their obligations include warning pedestrians by honking their horns when necessary, and they are expected to exercise greater caution when a child or an incapacitated individual is involved. By understanding these rules, victims of pedestrian accidents can establish if a motorist violated their duty of care.

Pedestrians: Safety and Responsibility

Pedestrians are not exempt from responsibilities under Colorado law. They are expected to use sidewalks where provided, or the right shoulder of the road when sidewalks are unavailable. Crossing the road outside of marked crosswalks or intersections is discouraged and can be risky. If you do cross outside these areas, the law mandates you yield to all vehicles on the road.

Pedestrian Accident Attorney Denver

FAQs: Pedestrian Accidents Denver

Q: Can a wrongful death suit be filed if my family member was killed in a pedestrian accident?

A: There are two causes of action that may be used if a family member dies as a result of a pedestrian accident. If the family member was injured but did not initially die and a lawsuit was filed for damages the plaintiff’s family may use a survival statute so that the actions may be continued following the death of the person in favor of the action.[1]

If am family member dies because of the accident, certain family members may bring a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault driver. A wrongful death action may be brought by “(a) the spouse of the deceased, (b) the heir or heirs of the deceased, (c) by the decedent’s designated beneficiary, or (d) if the deceased is unmarried and without descendants or a designated beneficiary, [2] then the parents or parent of the deceased.”[3] However, regardless of who brings the action, the judgment obtained is to be shared by such persons who are heirs of the deceased.

Wrongful death actions must be brought within two years from the date of the death and without regard to when the claim is discovered.[4]

What special duties of care must Colorado drivers give pedestrians?

A: There are many special duties of care that Colorado drivers must give pedestrians.  All drivers must exercise due care when it comes to pedestrians.[5]

Failure to give proper warning, or exercise proper precaution when viewing a confused child or disabled person will result in a class A traffic infraction.[6] A disabled person includes blindness, deafness, or mobility impairment.[7]

Additionally, drivers must yield to pedestrians who are rightly in the crosswalks when the “Walk” signal is illuminated as well as when there is no signal at a crosswalk, and crossing the roadway.[8]

Do I have any special duties as a pedestrian?

A: “A pedestrian crossing the street is required to use such care as a reasonably prudent person would use in like circumstances.”[9] Like a driver, a pedestrian has a duty to maintain a proper lookout to see what they could have seen, and a duty to take notice of the condition of traffic.[10]

Examples of this are pedestrians leaving the sidewalk into traffic or bicycles, walking too close to the roadway, and walking when the “Walk” sign is not illuminated, or the “Don’t Walk” signal is illuminated.

Q: Does Colorado have any laws that protect pedestrians in crosswalks?

A: Yes, similarly to the duties of care that drivers owe pedestrians, drivers also have to follow certain laws when pedestrians are in crosswalks. Under Colorado law:

“(1) When traffic control signals are not in place or not in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way, slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.

(4) Whenever any vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk or at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass such stopped vehicle.

(6) Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class A traffic infraction.”[11]

Q: May I still recover damages if I am partially at fault in a pedestrian accident?

A: Depending on the percentage of fault that is attributed to you, you may still recover damages.  Under Colorado law if a plaintiff is found less than 50% at fault for the accident, they may still recover damages in proportion to their fault.[12]

For example, if the plaintiff’s damages are $10,000 and they are found to be 20% at fault, they may recover $8,000 ($10,000 minus $2,000, or 20%) in damages.

Q: May I recover damages if a bicyclist hit me while I was jogging on a marked bike path?

A: Yes, while an accident involving a cyclist and a pedestrian is different from an motor vehicle accident, the pedestrian may still recover damages for their injuries.  In a motor vehicle accident, the pedestrian would recover damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance company (if they are insured).  When the accident involves a cyclist, the plaintiff (injured person) will recover damages through the at-fault cyclist’s homeowners insurance.

Q: How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit involving a pedestrian accident?

A: Colorado has a statute of limitations of three years to file a personal injury lawsuit.  This means that if you are injured in a pedestrian accident you must file your lawsuit within three years of the day of the accident or you will be barred from doing so. Col. Rev. Stat. 13-80-101(n).

Pedestrian Accident Claims in Colorado: What You Need to Know

Pedestrian accidents can result in severe, life-altering injuries, and can often be fatal. Understanding the common causes of these accidents and the legal pathways to justice and recovery is vital for victims and their families.

Unraveling the Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Various factors contribute to pedestrian accidents. Distracted driving, failure to yield, speeding, impaired driving, and unfavorable weather conditions are some of the common culprits. Understanding these causes is essential for prevention and for establishing liability in the aftermath of an accident.

Confronting the Consequences: Common Injuries from Pedestrian Accidents

The aftermath of a pedestrian accident can bring about significant physical injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more severe and life-threatening conditions such as fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage. In addition to the physical pain and suffering, these injuries can lead to emotional trauma and financial distress due to mounting medical bills and lost income from inability to work.

Standing by Your Side: Your Pedestrian Accident Attorney

At Lamber Goodnow, our seasoned attorneys stand ready to guide you through this legal maze. Our mission is to safeguard your rights and ensure that you secure the compensation you are entitled to.

How We Can Help You

Our legal team provides comprehensive support throughout your legal journey. This includes rigorous investigation and case building, negotiation with insurance companies, and court representation if necessary. We are committed to lightening your burden and facilitating your path to justice.

Why Experience Matters

The importance of an experienced attorney in a pedestrian accident case cannot be overstated. With a deep understanding of Colorado’s pedestrian laws, a knack for interpreting complex legal situations, and proven success in negotiating settlements, our attorneys greatly enhance your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.

denver Pedestrian Accident attorneys

Timelines and Deadlines: Colorado’s Statute of Limitations

In any legal action, being aware of the timelines and deadlines is essential. In the context of a pedestrian accident, Colorado’s statute of limitations can play a key role in the potential success or failure of your claim.

Colorado’s Statute of Limitations Explained

Under Colorado law, you have three years from the date of the accident to initiate a pedestrian accident lawsuit. This time-bound constraint emphasizes the need for timely legal action following an accident.

Special Circumstances in the Statute of Limitations

There exist certain exceptions to the standard statute of limitations, such as cases involving minors or those resulting in death. For a comprehensive understanding of your specific situation and timeline, we strongly recommend consulting with our expert legal team at Lamber Goodnow.

Compensation in a Pedestrian Accident Case

Securing compensation is a critical aspect of the recovery process following a pedestrian accident. Colorado law allows victims to seek damages for a variety of reasons, including medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.

Types of Damages in a Pedestrian Accident Case

Under Colorado law, you can seek compensatory damages, which are divided into economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover tangible losses such as medical bills and lost wages, while non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Punitive Damages in Colorado

In some exceptional cases, punitive damages may also be awarded in Colorado. These are intended to punish the defendant for particularly reckless or egregious behavior and to deter similar conduct in the future.

Our team at Lamber Goodnow is equipped with the knowledge and expertise to help you understand and pursue the full range of damages you may be entitled to. Through aggressive advocacy and compassionate guidance, we aim to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your pedestrian accident case.

Discuss Your Case With A Lawyer Now

 

Our No-Fee Promise

If you decide to hire us, you’ll enjoy the benefits of our No-Fee Promise. With this commitment, you won’t pay us any fees — nothing at all — while we handle your case. This includes our investigation and any experts we might need to help represent you. We won’t receive anything unless, and until, we recover funds for you from a verdict in your favor, or a settlement.

Call us today, and find out how we can protect your rights.

[1]  Col. Rev. Stat. § 13-20-101.

[2]  Col. Rev. Stat. § 15-22-103(1).

[3]  Col. Rev. Stat. § 13-21-201(1).

[4] Col. Rev. Stat. § 13-80-102(1)(d).

[5]  Col. Rev. Stat. § 42-4-807.

[6]  Id.

[7]  Col. Rev. Stat. § 42-4-808.

[8]  Col. Rev. Stat. § 42-4-802(1).

[9]  Pueblo Transportation Co. v. Moylan, 123 Colo. 207, 226 P.2d 806 (1951).

[10]  Dennis v. Johnson, 136 Colo. 357, 317 P.2d 890 (1957).

[11]  Col. Rev. Stat. § 42-4-802(1),(4),(6).

[12]  Col. Rev. Stat. § 13-210111(2).

440+ Google 5 Star Reviews

"My wife and I had occasion to use Mr. Lamber and his staff for a legal matter. The entire staff was wonderful. They kept us informed of every step and communicated quickly and effectively as things changed or progressed. We would highly recommend Mr. Lamber and his staff to anyone needing legal advice or assistance. They had a very high level of integrity and professionalism. It's too bad there are only 5 stars for their rating. They are excellent."

David Sanford

"I just got rear-ended today, but I'm thankful I found this firm. They take care of you in general, and if you don't make enough to cover your costs, they back you up 100%. Stephanie Ramos gave excellent and kind customer service by getting me in motion with the whole process. Attorney Donn Coolidge gave me the rundown of the situation very clearly, and I'm looking forward to working with him. I fully recommend this firm!"

Jonathan Carrillo Lopez

Denver Colorado

303-800-8888
1700 Lincoln Street #2400
Denver, CO 80203