Walking should be one of the safest ways to get around Broomfield. Whether you are crossing the street near FlatIron Crossing, walking through a neighborhood, or commuting along busy corridors like US-36 or Wadsworth Parkway, drivers have a legal responsibility to watch for pedestrians and yield the right of way when required.

Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents remain one of the most dangerous types of traffic collisions because pedestrians have little protection against the force of a vehicle. Even relatively low-speed impacts can cause life-changing injuries.

At Ramos Law, our Broomfield pedestrian accident lawyers help injured pedestrians and their families pursue compensation after serious crashes caused by negligent drivers. Our legal team investigates the accident, preserves evidence, and works to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and the long-term impact of your injuries.

If you or a loved one were hit by a car while walking in Broomfield, you may have legal options. Our attorneys offer free consultations to review your case and explain your rights under Colorado law.

Who Is Liable in a Broomfield Pedestrian Accident?

Determining liability after a pedestrian accident in Broomfield is one of the most important steps in pursuing compensation. In many cases, these crashes occur because a driver failed to follow traffic laws, was distracted, or did not yield the right of way to a pedestrian.

However, pedestrian accident cases are often more complex than standard car accident claims because multiple parties may share responsibility for the crash.

When the Driver Is at Fault

Drivers are frequently held liable for pedestrian accidents when they violate traffic laws or fail to operate their vehicle safely. Common examples include:

• Failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk
• Distracted driving, such as texting or using a phone
• Speeding through intersections or residential areas
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Failing to check crosswalks when turning

Even if a pedestrian was not in a marked crosswalk, drivers still have a legal duty to exercise reasonable care and avoid hitting someone walking on or near the roadway.

When Multiple Parties May Be Responsible

Some pedestrian accidents involve more than just the driver and the pedestrian. Other potentially liable parties may include:

• Commercial vehicle companies: If a pedestrian is struck by a delivery truck, rideshare driver, or company vehicle, the employer may also be responsible for the driver’s actions.
• Property owners or businesses: Poor lighting, obstructed views, or unsafe parking lot designs can contribute to pedestrian crashes.
• Government entities: Dangerous intersections, malfunctioning traffic signals, or poorly designed crosswalks may place liability on a city or municipality responsible for roadway maintenance.

Colorado’s Comparative Negligence Rule

Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule under C.R.S. § 13-21-111. This means a pedestrian may still recover compensation even if they were partially responsible for the accident, as long as they are less than 50 percent at fault.

For example, if a pedestrian is found 20 percent responsible for a crash and the total damages are $100,000, the compensation could be reduced to $80,000. Insurance companies often attempt to shift blame onto pedestrians in order to reduce payouts. Because of this, a thorough investigation is critical to determine how the accident actually occurred.

Evidence Used to Prove Liability

Establishing fault in a pedestrian accident typically requires careful analysis of evidence, including:

• Police crash reports
• Traffic camera footage
• Surveillance video from nearby businesses
• Witness statements
• Vehicle damage analysis
• Accident reconstruction reports

An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can use this evidence to determine liability and build a strong claim for compensation. If you were hit by a vehicle while walking in Broomfield, identifying who is legally responsible is a crucial step in recovering the compensation you deserve.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics in the United States

Pedestrian crashes are a serious and growing safety issue across the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), thousands of pedestrians are injured or killed each year in traffic collisions.

The most recent NHTSA safety report found:

• 7,314 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2023
• 68,244 pedestrians were injured in traffic crashes
• A pedestrian is killed every 72 minutes
• A pedestrian is injured approximately every 8 minutes
• 84 percent of pedestrian fatalities occur in urban areas
• 77 percent occur at night or in low-light conditions
• Nearly one out of four pedestrian deaths involves a hit-and-run driver

Pedestrians accounted for 18 percent of all traffic fatalities nationwide, highlighting how vulnerable people on foot are when drivers fail to exercise proper care.

Why Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Broomfield

Broomfield is one of the fastest-growing communities along the Denver-Boulder corridor. Increased development, commuter traffic, and retail activity have made some roadways busier than ever. While many pedestrian accidents occur in large metropolitan areas, suburban communities like Broomfield also experience serious crashes involving pedestrians. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

Distracted Driving

Drivers looking at phones, navigation systems, or other distractions may fail to notice pedestrians crossing the street.

Failure to Yield at Crosswalks

Colorado law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Unfortunately, many collisions occur when drivers ignore or fail to notice pedestrians crossing legally.

Speeding

Higher vehicle speeds dramatically increase the severity of injuries in pedestrian collisions.

Poor Visibility

Many pedestrian crashes occur at night, during dusk, or in poorly lit areas.

Impaired Driving

Alcohol or drug impairment significantly increases the risk of serious crashes involving pedestrians.

Left Turn Collisions

Drivers making left turns often focus on oncoming traffic and fail to check crosswalks before turning.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian crashes often result in severe injuries because the human body absorbs the full force of the collision.

Common pedestrian accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Concussions
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Severe road rash
• Soft tissue injuries
• Psychological trauma such as PTSD

Many victims require months or years of medical treatment. In severe cases, injuries may result in permanent disability or long-term medical care. Because injuries are often complex, having an attorney who understands both the legal and medical aspects of a case can be extremely important.

Compensation Available After a Pedestrian Accident

Victims of pedestrian accidents may be able to recover financial compensation for a variety of losses related to the crash.

Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Hospital bills
• Surgery and rehabilitation
• Ongoing medical care
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Long-term disability costs

When a pedestrian accident results in death, surviving family members may be able to pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim.

Every case is different, and the value of a claim depends on many factors including the severity of injuries and the available insurance coverage.

How Ramos Law Helps Pedestrian Accident Victims

Ramos Law takes a comprehensive approach to personal injury cases. Our firm was founded by Dr. Joseph Ramos, who is both a physician and an attorney. This unique background allows our team to better understand the medical aspects of serious injury cases.

When we represent pedestrian accident victims, we focus on:

• Conducting detailed crash investigations
• Reviewing medical records and treatment needs
• Working with accident reconstruction experts
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Preparing cases for trial if necessary

Our goal is to ensure injured clients receive the resources they need to recover and move forward after a serious accident.

Speak With a Broomfield Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

After a pedestrian accident, insurance companies often move quickly to protect their own financial interests. Having an experienced legal team on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

At Ramos Law, we represent injured pedestrians throughout Broomfield and the surrounding communities. Our attorneys are committed to helping clients understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.

If you or a loved one were injured in a pedestrian accident in Broomfield, contact Ramos Law today for a free consultation.