Colorado Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
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If you were hit by a car, truck, motorcycle or other vehicle while walking in Colorado, you may be facing serious injuries, medical bills, lost income and a long road to recovery. Ramos Law represents pedestrians injured in crashes across Colorado, bringing together legal experience and medical knowledge to understand not only what happened, but how the injuries may affect your life.
Colorado's Pedestrian Fatalities Are Rising
Colorado is experiencing a troubling increase in pedestrian fatalities. 127 pedestrians were killed on Colorado roads in 2025, nearly double the number killed 10 years earlier. Pedestrians accounted for nearly one-fifth of all traffic fatalities in the state, and pedestrian fatalities increased 98.4% from 2015 to 2025.
The danger is especially serious after dark. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, 78 pedestrians were killed in Colorado crashes occurring in dark conditions in 2024, accounting for 65% of pedestrian fatalities that year. Drivers have a responsibility to watch for pedestrians, obey speed limits, avoid distractions and yield when required by law.
What Makes Us Different Makes Us Better
A pedestrian crash can cause injuries that are immediately obvious, or problems that become more apparent days, weeks or months later. At Ramos Law, our approach starts with understanding the complete picture.
Doctor + Lawyer Leadership
Ramos Law founder Joseph Ramos, MD, JD brings both medical and legal experience to personal injury cases. As a board-certified emergency physician and attorney, Dr. Ramos understands trauma from both sides of the equation: treating serious injuries and building a legal case around them.
We Understand Serious Injuries
Pedestrians have little protection when they are struck by a motor vehicle. Broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries and internal injuries can change someone’s life in an instant. Our medical-legal perspective helps us understand the connection between the crash, the treatment and the long-term consequences.
We Know How Insurance Companies Work
Insurance companies may try to minimize a pedestrian’s injuries, shift blame or push for a quick settlement before the full extent of an injury is known. We investigate the crash, preserve evidence, work with medical professionals and build the strongest case possible.
Trial-Ready Representation
Not every case goes to trial. But every case should be prepared as though it could. Ramos Law’s litigation experience allows us to pursue a case aggressively when a fair resolution cannot be reached.
Statewide Colorado Representation
From Denver and Aurora to Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Grand Junction and communities throughout the state, Ramos Law represents injured people across Colorado.
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Types of Pedestrian Accidents We Handle
Pedestrian crashes can happen anywhere vehicles and people share space. Ramos Law handles cases involving:
Crosswalk Accidents
Colorado law generally requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks under certain circumstances. A driver who fails to yield, turns across a pedestrian’s path or passes another vehicle stopped for a pedestrian may cause a serious crash.
Intersection Pedestrian Crashes
Intersections create particular risks because drivers may be turning, watching traffic signals or looking for other vehicles while failing to see someone crossing.
Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents
A driver who leaves the scene can make an already difficult situation even more complicated. We can investigate available evidence and insurance coverage to determine what options may exist.
Distracted Driving Pedestrian Accidents
Looking at a phone, adjusting a navigation system, eating, talking to passengers or engaging in another distracting activity can prevent a driver from seeing a pedestrian in time.
Speeding-Related Pedestrian Accidents
Speed can dramatically increase the severity of a pedestrian crash. CDOT cites research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimating that the average risk of pedestrian death reaches approximately 10% at a vehicle impact speed of 23 mph, 25% at 32 mph, 50% at 42 mph, 75% at 50 mph and 90% at 58 mph.
Impaired Driving Pedestrian Accidents
Alcohol, cannabis and other impairing substances can affect a driver’s judgment, reaction time and ability to recognize pedestrians.
Parking Lot and Driveway Accidents
Pedestrians can be struck by vehicles backing out of parking spaces, entering or leaving driveways or traveling through parking lots.
School-Zone and Child Pedestrian Accidents
Children can be particularly vulnerable to pedestrian crashes. CDOT identifies young children and older adults as groups more likely to be killed or injured in pedestrian crashes.
Nighttime and Low-Light Pedestrian Crashes
Visibility is a major factor in pedestrian safety. In Colorado, 78 pedestrian fatalities occurred in dark conditions in 2024, representing 65% of all pedestrian fatalities that year.
Pedestrian Crashes Outside Crosswalks
Crosswalk location can be an important factor in determining liability. In 2024, 81 pedestrian fatalities (or 68% of all pedestrian fatalities) occurred outside crosswalks in Colorado. This statistic does not mean the driver is automatically free from responsibility when a pedestrian is outside a crosswalk; the specific facts of the crash matter.
Injuries from Pedestrian Accidents
A pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle can suffer catastrophic injuries because the human body absorbs the force of the collision directly.
Common pedestrian crash injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Skull fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Fractures of the arms, legs, hips and pelvis
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Road rash and severe soft-tissue injuries
- Nerve damage
- Amputations
- Crush injuries
- Psychological trauma and PTSD
- Permanent disability
- Fatal injuries
The Numbers Show How Serious These Accidents Can Be
CDOT reports that more than 1,000 pedestrians have died and more than 3,300 have suffered serious injuries in Colorado traffic crashes over the last 10 years.
The crash data summarized in CDOT’s Statewide Active Transportation Plan show that crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists represented 17.7% of Colorado’s fatal and serious injury crashes, compared with 2.6% of all traffic crashes. These figures highlight the disproportionate severity of crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists.
For an injured pedestrian, the consequences can extend well beyond the initial emergency-room visit. A serious injury may require surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, medication, assistive equipment, ongoing medical care and changes to the person’s ability to work or participate in everyday activities.
How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents in Colorado?
Pedestrian crashes remain a significant safety problem throughout Colorado. According to CDOT, 591 pedestrians were killed between 2021 and 2025, and pedestrian fatalities have increased substantially over the past decade.
The problem is particularly pronounced in Colorado’s larger population centers. Between 2020 and 2025, five counties accounted for the majority of pedestrian fatalities:
- Denver County: 140 pedestrian fatalities
- Adams County: 99
- El Paso County: 83
- Arapahoe County: 79
- Jefferson County: 58
Together, those five counties accounted for 459 pedestrian deaths during that period.
Pedestrian safety is not simply a Denver or Front Range issue, however. Colorado’s pedestrian network extends through urban streets, suburban neighborhoods, mountain communities and rural highways. CDOT maintains pedestrian safety resources and crash information for communities throughout the state.
Learn more about pedestrian safety and Colorado’s pedestrian laws from CDOT.
In the News
Pedestrian safety continues to be a growing concern across Colorado. In February 2026, KUNC reported on the rise in pedestrian deaths and a new Colorado Department of Transportation campaign focused on the dangers of crossing and driving after dark. The report highlights the importance of visibility, slower speeds and using designated crosswalks to help prevent serious pedestrian crashes.
“Read KUNC’s report” link. Spike in pedestrian deaths prompts new Colorado campaign focused on crossing in the dark
CDOT’s pedestrian safety campaign video.
What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Accident?
If you have been hit by a vehicle, taking certain steps can help protect your health and your potential claim:
- Get medical attention. Some serious injuries are not immediately obvious.
- Call 911 and report the crash. A police report can be important evidence.
- If you are able, document the scene. Take photographs of the vehicle, roadway, crosswalk, traffic signals, lighting and your injuries.
- Get witness information. Names and contact information can become important later.
- Preserve evidence. Keep photographs, medical records, bills, clothing and other relevant materials.
- Be careful when speaking with insurance companies. Consider speaking with an attorney before giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company or accepting a settlement, so you understand how those decisions could affect your claim.
- Talk with a pedestrian accident attorney. Evidence can disappear and legal deadlines
How Does Ramos Law Investigate a Pedestrian Accident?
Evidence | What it may help establish |
Nearby surveillance or dashcam footage | Vehicle movements, pedestrian location and the sequence of events |
Witness accounts | What people observed before and during the collision |
Roadway and crosswalk photographs | Layout, visibility and surrounding conditions |
Medical records | Documented injuries, treatment and functional limitations |
Employment records | Time missed from work and claimed earnings losses |
What Colorado Laws Apply to Pedestrian Accidents?
Several Colorado statutes may be important when determining who was responsible for a pedestrian crash.
C.R.S. § 42-4-802: Pedestrians’ Right-of-Way in Crosswalks
Colorado law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians crossing within a crosswalk under specified circumstances. The statute also addresses pedestrian-control signals and prohibits a driver from passing another vehicle that has stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross.
C.R.S. § 42-4-803: Crossing Outside Crosswalks
Pedestrians crossing outside a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection generally must yield to vehicles. The particular circumstances of a crash still matter when determining fault.
C.R.S. § 42-4-807: Drivers’ Duty of Care
Drivers must exercise reasonable care to avoid striking pedestrians on roadways. A pedestrian’s obligation to yield does not eliminate the driver’s responsibility to use care. The statute also requires drivers to take appropriate precautions when they see a child or an obviously confused or incapacitated person on the roadway.
C.R.S. § 42-4-805: Pedestrians Walking or Traveling in a Wheelchair on Highways
When sidewalks are unavailable, Colorado law establishes where pedestrians should walk or travel along the roadway and includes additional rules concerning pedestrians on highways.
C.R.S. § 13-21-111: Modified Comparative Negligence
Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found 50% or more at fault, you generally cannot recover damages. Cases involving multiple responsible parties require additional analysis of how fault is allocated.
C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(n): Three-Year Limitation for Motor Vehicle Injury Claims
Colorado law generally provides a three-year limitation period for tort actions involving bodily injury or property damage arising from the use or operation of a motor vehicle. Exceptions and other deadlines can apply, so an injured pedestrian should not assume that every claim has a three-year deadline.
For additional statutory information, visit the Colorado General Assembly’s official Colorado Revised Statutes page
Important: Colorado pedestrian laws can be fact-specific, and statutes may change. The information above is general legal information and is not a substitute for advice from a Colorado attorney about a specific crash.
Colorado Pedestrian Accident FAQs
Do pedestrians always have the right-of-way in Colorado?
No. Colorado law gives pedestrians the right-of-way in certain circumstances, including specified situations involving crosswalks and pedestrian signals. Pedestrians also have legal responsibilities, including yielding in certain locations. The facts of the particular crash matter. See C.R.S. §§ 42-4-802 and 42-4-803.
Can I recover damages if I was not using a crosswalk?
Possibly. A pedestrian’s location can affect the analysis of fault, but being outside a crosswalk does not automatically mean the driver is not liable. Colorado’s comparative-negligence law can also affect recovery. See C.R.S. § 13-21-111.
What if the driver was speeding?
Speeding can be important evidence in a pedestrian injury claim. The faster a vehicle is traveling, the more severe the consequences can be when a pedestrian is struck. CDOT cites a substantially increasing risk of pedestrian death as impact speed increases.
What if the driver was texting?
Distracted driving can be evidence that a driver failed to use reasonable care. Investigating a pedestrian crash may involve reviewing phone records, witness statements, surveillance video, vehicle data and other evidence when available.
What if the driver fled the scene?
A hit-and-run can make identifying the responsible driver more difficult, but there may still be investigative and insurance options. Preserve any information about the vehicle, driver, location and witnesses and contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Can I sue if I was hit in a parking lot?
Potentially, yes. Parking-lot pedestrian crashes may involve a driver’s negligence, a property owner’s conduct or other circumstances. The specific facts determine who may be legally responsible.
Who pays medical bills after a Colorado pedestrian accident?
Medical bills after a pedestrian accident may be covered through several potential sources, depending on the circumstances and available insurance coverage. These may include the at-fault driver’s liability insurance, medical payments (MedPay) coverage if available, and uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage when applicable. Health insurance may also help cover treatment while a claim is pending, subject to the terms of the policy.
An attorney can help identify available sources of coverage and determine how medical bills and other expenses may be handled while your pedestrian accident claim is being resolved. Insurance coverage, policy terms and the specific facts of each case can affect how medical expenses are paid, so you should not assume that one particular source of coverage will apply.
What damages can I recover after a pedestrian accident?
Depending on the circumstances, an injured pedestrian may be able to seek damages related to medical expenses, lost income, reduced future earning capacity, physical pain, emotional distress, impairment, disfigurement and other losses. The damages available in a particular case depend on the facts and applicable law.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Colorado?
For tort claims involving bodily injury or property damage arising from the use or operation of a motor vehicle, Colorado generally provides a three-year limitation period under C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(n). Exceptions and other deadlines can apply, including depending on the defendant and circumstances of the claim. Do not wait until the deadline is approaching to seek legal advice.
Can I still recover money if I was partially at fault?
Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule under C.R.S. § 13-21-111. Your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found 50% or more at fault, you generally cannot recover damages. Cases involving multiple responsible parties require additional analysis of how fault is allocated.
What if my pedestrian accident caused a traumatic brain injury?
A pedestrian crash can cause a traumatic brain injury even when there is no obvious external injury. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, memory problems, concentration difficulties, mood changes and sleep problems. Medical evaluation is important, and an attorney can help document the injury and its potential long-term effects.
Should I talk to the other driver's insurance company?
You should be cautious. An insurance adjuster may ask questions or request a recorded statement before the full extent of your injuries is known. You are not required to handle a potentially complex injury claim alone.
What if I was walking at night when I was hit?
The time and lighting conditions may be relevant to determining how the crash occurred, but being struck at night does not automatically make the pedestrian responsible. CDOT reports that 65% of Colorado pedestrian fatalities in 2024 occurred when it was dark.
What if my loved one died after being hit by a vehicle?
A fatal pedestrian crash may give surviving family members a wrongful-death claim or other legal rights depending on the circumstances. These cases can involve different rules and deadlines, so it is important to speak with a Colorado attorney promptly.
Why should I choose Ramos Law for a pedestrian accident?
Pedestrian cases require more than simply establishing that a vehicle struck someone. The case may involve accident reconstruction, medical evidence, insurance issues, comparative negligence and the long-term consequences of the injuries. Ramos Law combines legal and medical knowledge with trial experience to build cases around the complete picture of what happened and how the injury has affected the client.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
At Ramos Law, your initial consultation is free, so you can discuss your pedestrian accident and legal options with an attorney without paying for the consultation. If we take your case, our attorneys generally work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning attorney fees are tied to the outcome of your case rather than requiring you to pay an hourly rate.
There may also be case-related expenses depending on the circumstances of your claim. The specific fees, expenses and payment arrangements will be explained in your written representation agreement before you hire us. For more information, visit our contingency fee page
What to Expect From My Pedestrian Accident Attorney?
Being hit by a vehicle is different from many other types of traffic crashes. As a pedestrian, you have little protection between you and a moving vehicle, which can result in serious or life-changing injuries. Your attorney should understand not only the legal issues involved in your case but also the medical impact of a pedestrian crash.
At Ramos Law, we take a close look at how your pedestrian accident happened and why it happened. Our attorneys investigate issues such as whether the driver was speeding, distracted or impaired, whether you were crossing in a crosswalk, whether visibility or lighting played a role, and whether the driver failed to yield the right-of-way. In hit-and-run cases, we also work to identify the driver and explore available sources of insurance coverage.
You can expect our team to:
- Investigate the crash scene and examine crosswalks, traffic signals, road conditions, lighting and other factors that may have contributed to the collision
- Review driver behavior, including potential speeding, distraction, impairment or failure to yield
- Gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, surveillance or traffic-camera footage, photographs and other records
- Analyze your injuries with medical knowledge, from broken bones and road rash to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and other serious trauma
- Work with your medical records and treatment history to understand how your injuries may affect your recovery and future
- Handle insurance companies and claims so you don’t have to navigate the process alone while recovering
- Evaluate questions of fault, including Colorado’s pedestrian right-of-way and comparative-negligence laws
- Explain your options clearly and keep you informed about what to expect throughout your case
- Prepare your case for trial when necessary, rather than assuming an insurance company will make a fair offer
At Ramos Law, we know that a pedestrian crash can change much more than your ability to get from one place to another. Serious injuries can affect your work, independence, finances and family. That’s why we treat every pedestrian injury case with the attention it deserves.
Your initial consultation is free. Request a complimentary case evaluation or call Ramos Law to speak with our team. We’re here to help you understand your rights, your options and what comes next.
Our Colorado Locations
Law Firm Locations
999 Jasmine St. #200
Denver, CO 80220
Call: (303) 214-7927
6892 S. Yosemite Court, Suite 1-201 Centennial, CO 80112
Call: (720) 580-8311
8610 Explorer Dr., Suite 100
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Call: (719) 309-3000
319 Colorado Ave
Grand Junction, CO 81501
Call: (970) 287-1173
10190 Bannock Street Suite 200
Northglenn, CO 80260
Call: (303) 733-6353
4765 Independence Street Suite: A
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
Call: (303) 406-4540
11705 Airport Way, #200
Broomfield, CO 80021
Call: (303) 466-3200
3553 Clydesdale Pkwy, Suite 220 Loveland, CO 80538
Call: (970) 480-9738
Legal Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated based on its individual facts and circumstances. Viewing this website does not create an attorney-client relationship. No fee unless we win refers to attorney fees. Clients may still be responsible for costs or court-ordered fees.
Speak With a Colorado Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian crash, you deserve clear answers and support. Ramos Law combines medical knowledge with legal and trial experience to understand how your injuries affect your life, explain your options and pursue compensation for your losses.
Contact Ramos Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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