Denver Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Speed matters, but so does vehicle size. SUVs and trucks strike a pedestrian higher on the body, and the person is often thrown or dragged. Even a crash in a parking lot can cause fractures, head injuries, or internal damage.

Drivers Must Yield in Crosswalks

Under C.R.S. 42-4-802, drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks. They also have to take care around pedestrians in other situations, such as at intersections and when turning.

Pedestrians Have Duties Too

Pedestrians are expected to follow traffic signals and cross at crosswalks where available. If you cross elsewhere, you generally have to yield to vehicles.

Jaywalking Does Not End Your Claim

Being outside a crosswalk does not automatically mean you are entirely at fault for a collision. Colorado considers the conduct of everyone involved when determining fault. A driver who was speeding, distracted, impaired, or otherwise negligent may still bear some or most of the responsibility.

• Failure to yield, especially by turning drivers at intersections
• Distracted driving, such as phone use or navigation screens
• Speeding and aggressive driving
• Impaired driving
• Poor visibility, including night, glare, and winter conditions
• Parking lot, driveway, and reversing accidents

Foot traffic is heaviest in downtown Denver, around the 16th Street Mall, and along corridors like Colfax Avenue, Broadway, and Colorado Boulevard. Crashes in these areas often involve turning vehicles and drivers focused on traffic rather than people crossing.

• Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
• Spinal cord and back injuries
• Broken bones, including leg, pelvis, and hip fractures
• Internal organ injuries
• Lacerations and road rash
• Emotional trauma and anxiety around traffic

Some injuries do not show up at the scene. Get evaluated right away, because gaps in treatment give insurers an argument that the crash did not cause your injuries.

Immediate Steps

1. Call 911 and request medical help, even if you feel okay.
2. Stay at the scene and ask for the police report number.
3. Get the driver’s name, plate, and insurance details.
4. Collect witness names and phone numbers.
5. Take photos of your injuries, the vehicle, the crosswalk or signals, and road conditions.
6. Follow your treatment plan and keep every record and bill.

Evidence Worth Preserving

• Police report and 911 call records
• Photos and video, including from nearby businesses and traffic cameras
• Witness statements
• Medical records and bills
• Proof of missed work

Camera footage can be overwritten quickly, so acting early matters.

Be Careful With the Insurance Adjuster

The adjuster works for the insurer, not for you. Do not give a recorded statement, guess about your injuries, or accept a quick settlement before you understand your medical needs. Refer questions to your lawyer.

If the driver fled, report it to police immediately and write down anything you remember: the car’s color, make, partial plate, direction of travel, and any witnesses. Nearby cameras may have captured the vehicle.

You may still have a claim. If the driver is never found, your own uninsured motorist coverage may apply. A hit-and-run pedestrian accident lawyer can review your policy and identify what coverage is available.

• The driver who failed to yield, sped, or was distracted or impaired
• A commercial, delivery, or rideshare driver and, in some cases, their employer
• A property owner, if a parking lot or driveway was unsafe
• A government entity, if a malfunctioning signal, missing crosswalk, or poor road design contributed

Claims against government entities follow shorter notice requirements than ordinary injury claims, so these facts should be identified early.

• The at-fault driver’s liability insurance is usually the main source of compensation.
• Your own medical payments coverage, if you have it, may help with early medical bills regardless of fault.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may apply if the driver fled, has no insurance, or has too little to cover your losses.

Which coverage applies depends on the policies involved, which is why it helps to have them reviewed before you accept any offer.

You may recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses, past and future
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Home modifications and long-term care, if injuries are permanent
• Property damage, such as a phone, glasses, or bicycle

The value of a claim depends on the severity and permanence of your injuries, your medical costs, time away from work, and how clearly the evidence shows the driver’s fault.

• Injury claims from a motor vehicle crash: generally three years (C.R.S. 13-80-101).
• Wrongful death claims: generally two years.
• Claims against a government entity: much shorter written-notice deadline.

Waiting also makes evidence harder to find, so it helps to act early.

When a pedestrian is killed, certain family members may bring a wrongful death claim. Compensation can include funeral costs, lost financial support, and the loss of companionship. An attorney can explain who is eligible and what deadlines apply.

We handle the legal and insurance work so you can focus on recovery. For a pedestrian accident claim, that means:

• Investigating the crash and gathering evidence
• Identifying every responsible party and available insurance coverage
• Documenting your injuries and losses
• Communicating with insurance companies on your behalf
• Negotiating for fair compensation, and filing suit when needed

Biondino Law Firm represents pedestrian accident clients in Denver and across the metro area, including Aurora, Lakewood, Littleton, Greenwood Village, Broomfield, Arvada, and Westminster. Based in Denver, Colorado, our firm helps injured pedestrians understand their legal options and pursue compensation for their injuries and losses. Call (720) 706-5151 to discuss your accident.

If you were injured while walking in Denver, Biondino Law Firm can review the circumstances of your accident, explain your legal options, and help you understand which insurance coverage may apply. Call (720) 706-5151 for a free case review.

Do I need a pedestrian accident lawyer after being hit by a car?

If you were injured, fault is disputed, or an insurer is pressuring you, a lawyer can help. Serious injuries and coverage questions are hard to handle alone.

What if I was jaywalking or outside a crosswalk?

You may still have a claim. Fault is shared, and a driver who was speeding, distracted, or impaired can still be largely responsible.

What if the driver left the scene?

Report it to police right away. Your uninsured motorist coverage may apply, and nearby footage or witnesses can help identify the driver.

Whose insurance pays my medical bills?

Usually the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. Your own medical payments or uninsured/underinsured coverage may also apply.

Can I still recover if I was partly at fault?

Yes, if you were less than 50% at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.