Denver Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been hit by a car in Denver, you need a lawyer who understands pedestrian accident cases. Every year, thousands of pedestrians are injured in traffic accidents across Colorado. Whether you were struck in a crosswalk, on a sidewalk, or in a parking lot, Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Our Denver pedestrian accident lawyers have handled countless cases involving distracted drivers, hit-and-run accidents, and serious injuries.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call (720) 613-9706 today for your free consultation.
Why Choose Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers for Your Pedestrian Accident Case
When you’re injured in a pedestrian accident, you need a law firm that knows how to fight for your rights. Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers brings years of experience handling pedestrian accident claims in Denver and throughout Colorado. We understand the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts, and we know how to counter them effectively.
Our team has recovered compensation for clients who suffered broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and other serious injuries. We handle every aspect of your case—from investigating the accident and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and preparing for trial if necessary. We believe in keeping our clients informed every step of the way, and we work toward fair compensation for your injuries. With Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers, you get a legal team that treats your case with the urgency and attention it deserves. Learn more about our Denver car accident lawyers and how we’ve helped clients recover fair compensation.
Understanding Pedestrian Accident Liability in Denver
How Driver Liability Works in Pedestrian Crashes
In Colorado, drivers have a legal duty of care to pedestrians. This means drivers must operate their vehicles safely and follow traffic laws to avoid injuring people on foot. When a driver fails to meet this duty of care, they become liable for any injuries they cause.
Liability in pedestrian accidents is based on negligence. To prove negligence, we must show that the driver owed you a duty of care, breached that duty through careless or reckless behavior, and that this breach directly caused your injuries. Common driver errors that create liability include failing to yield at crosswalks, running red lights, speeding, making unsafe turns, and driving while distracted or impaired. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian safety requires drivers to maintain constant awareness and follow traffic laws.
Colorado follows a comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. This is why it’s critical to have an experienced attorney investigate your case and gather evidence that clearly establishes the driver’s liability.
Distracted Driving and Pedestrian Accidents
Distracted driving is a contributing factor in pedestrian accidents in Denver. When drivers take their attention off the road—whether to check their phones, eat, adjust the radio, or look at passengers—they increase the risk of hitting a pedestrian. While speeding and arterial roadway conditions are the primary factors in most pedestrian incidents, distracted driving remains a significant concern.
Distracted driving creates liability because it shows the driver was negligent. A driver using their phone while driving is not paying attention to pedestrians in crosswalks or on sidewalks. If we can prove the driver was distracted at the time of your accident, it strengthens your case significantly. We gather evidence of distraction through police reports, witness statements, cell phone records, and traffic camera footage. Proving distraction often leads to higher settlements because it demonstrates clear negligence on the driver’s part. For more information about how distracted driving affects liability.
Types of Pedestrian Accidents We Handle
Crosswalk and Intersection Accidents
Crosswalks are supposed to be safe places for pedestrians to cross the street, but many accidents happen at crosswalks and intersections. Drivers are required by law to yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks. When a driver fails to yield—whether because they didn’t see the pedestrian, were distracted, or simply ignored the traffic signal—serious injuries can result.
Intersection accidents often involve drivers making left turns without checking for pedestrians, drivers running red lights, or drivers speeding through intersections. These accidents tend to be severe because vehicles are often traveling at higher speeds. If you were hit in a crosswalk or intersection, we’ll investigate whether the driver violated traffic laws and establish their liability for your injuries. Our Denver hit-and-run accident lawyer team has extensive experience with these complex cases.
Sidewalk and Parking Lot Crashes
Not all pedestrian accidents happen at intersections. Many occur on sidewalks when drivers lose control of their vehicles or make unexpected movements. Parking lot accidents are also common, often involving drivers backing up without looking, making sharp turns, or driving at unsafe speeds through parking areas.
Sidewalk and parking lot accidents can be just as serious as intersection accidents. They often involve different liability issues. Property owners and businesses may share liability if they failed to maintain safe conditions or provide adequate warnings. We investigate all aspects of sidewalk and parking lot accidents to identify all responsible parties and work toward fair compensation.
Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents are particularly frustrating because the driver flees the scene instead of taking responsibility. In Colorado, leaving the scene of an accident is a crime. Hit-and-run drivers face serious legal consequences including criminal charges, license suspension, and jail time.
If you’re hit by a driver who flees, you still have options for recovery. Your own uninsured motorist coverage can help pay for your medical bills and other damages. We’ll work with your insurance company to file a claim and pursue every available avenue for compensation. We also work with law enforcement to help identify the hit-and-run driver whenever possible.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrian accidents often result in serious, life-altering injuries because pedestrians have no protection from the impact of a vehicle. Common injuries we see in our cases include:
- Broken bones and fractures—arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis fractures are common in pedestrian accidents
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)—even seemingly minor head impacts can cause serious brain damage with long-term effects
- Spinal cord injuries—these can result in partial or complete paralysis and require extensive medical care
- Internal injuries—damage to organs, internal bleeding, and chest injuries
- Soft tissue damage—torn ligaments, muscle damage, and other soft tissue injuries
- Permanent disability—many pedestrian accident victims face long-term or permanent disability that affects their ability to work and enjoy life
If you’ve suffered any of these injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Learn more about brain injury claims and spinal cord injury claims on our website.
Damages You Can Recover
When you’re injured in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver, Colorado law allows you to recover several types of damages:
- Medical expenses – This includes all costs related to your treatment, from emergency room visits and surgery to ongoing physical therapy and rehabilitation. We recover both past medical bills and estimated future medical costs.
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity – If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover the income you’ve lost. If your injuries result in permanent disability that reduces your earning capacity, we work toward compensation that reflects your long-term financial losses.
- Pain and suffering – This compensates you for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries. Serious injuries typically result in higher pain and suffering awards.
- Permanent disability compensation – If your injuries result in permanent disability, you can recover additional damages to account for the lasting impact on your quality of life.
- Loss of enjoyment of life – If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you enjoyed before the accident, you can recover compensation for this loss.
- Punitive damages – In cases involving particularly reckless or intentional conduct, such as hit-and-run accidents or driving under the influence, you may be entitled to punitive damages designed to punish the driver and deter similar behavior.
See our case results to learn about the compensation we’ve recovered for our clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Colorado?
While general personal injury claims in Colorado have a two-year limit, motor vehicle accidents—which include pedestrians hit by cars—have a three-year statute of limitations under C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(n). This means you generally have three years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the injured person is a minor, the statute of limitations is tolled (paused) until they reach age 18. Because auto accidents have a three-year limit in Colorado, the victim would then have until their 21st birthday to file. It’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident because evidence can disappear and witnesses’ memories fade over time.
What evidence do I need to prove the driver was at fault?
Several types of evidence can help prove the driver was at fault for your pedestrian accident. Police reports are crucial because they document the officer’s investigation and often include statements from witnesses and the driver. Witness statements from people who saw the accident are powerful evidence of what happened. Traffic camera footage from nearby businesses or traffic lights can show exactly how the accident occurred. Medical records document your injuries and connect them to the accident. Expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and other professionals can help establish liability and the extent of your injuries.
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule (the 50% rule). This means you can recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the accident, as long as you are less than 50% at fault. If a judge or jury finds you 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation. If you are less than 50% at fault, your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of blame. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you would recover $80,000. This is why it’s important to have an experienced attorney investigate your case and gather evidence that minimizes your percentage of fault.
What should I do immediately after a pedestrian accident?
First, seek medical attention right away, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured. Some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately. Second, document the scene by taking photos of the vehicle, the accident location, your injuries, and any visible damage. Third, gather information from witnesses, including their names, phone numbers, and what they saw. Fourth, report the accident to police and get a copy of the police report. Finally, contact an attorney as soon as possible. Don’t discuss the accident with the driver’s insurance company without legal representation.
How much is my pedestrian accident case worth?
The value of your case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the amount of your medical bills, how much income you’ve lost, the impact on your quality of life, and the strength of the evidence of the driver’s liability. Cases involving permanent disability or death are typically worth more than cases involving temporary injuries. Settlement values vary widely, but serious pedestrian accident cases often settle for six or seven figures. The best way to understand what your case might be worth is to discuss it with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney.
Do I need a lawyer for my pedestrian accident claim?
While you have the right to handle your claim yourself, hiring a lawyer can help you recover fair compensation. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize payouts. They know that unrepresented claimants often accept settlements that are far below what their cases are actually worth. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer knows how to investigate your case, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and prepare for trial if necessary. Most pedestrian accident lawyers, including Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers, work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
How Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers Handles Your Pedestrian Accident Case
When you hire Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers to represent you, here’s what you can expect:
- Free consultation – We start by listening to your story and understanding what happened. We’ll explain your legal rights and options with no obligation.
- Thorough investigation – We investigate every aspect of your accident, gathering police reports, witness statements, photos, medical records, and any other evidence that supports your case.
- Evidence gathering – We work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other specialists to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Insurance negotiation – We handle all communication with insurance companies and negotiate for fair compensation. We know their tactics and how to counter them.
- Trial preparation – If the insurance company won’t offer fair compensation, we prepare your case for trial and fight for you in court.
- Client communication – We keep you informed every step of the way and answer your questions promptly.
For more information about how we handle other types of accident cases, visit our pages on car accidents, truck accidents, and wrongful death claims.
Get Your Free Consultation Today
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Denver, don’t wait to get legal help. The statute of limitations gives you only two years to file a lawsuit, and evidence can disappear quickly. Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers offers free consultations with no obligation. Call (720) 613-9706 today to speak with an experienced Denver pedestrian accident lawyer.
Why clients choose Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers:
- Free consultation with no obligation
- No upfront fees—we work on contingency
- Years of experience with pedestrian accident cases
- Track record of successful settlements and verdicts
- Local Denver law firm with deep community roots
- Team committed to your recovery
Don’t let an insurance company take advantage of you. Call Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers today at (720) 613-9706 for your free case review. Learn more about Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers‘s about our attorneys and our commitment to serving Denver.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in Denver, CO
Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Denver Office
1610 Wynkoop Street. Suite 120. Denver, CO. 80202
(720) 613-9706
