In Colorado, roads are becoming increasingly hazardous for pedestrians and bicyclists. According to the Colorado State Patrol, fatalities involving these vulnerable road users have risen by a staggering 78% since 2015. While passenger vehicle fatalities increased just 7% during that same period, pedestrians and cyclists now face disproportionate and growing risk on streets and highways across the state.
Why Do These Crashes Keep Happening?
For individuals in Colorado Springs and throughout the region, this trend raises serious concerns, not only about road safety but also about legal accountability when drivers fail to uphold their responsibilities.
In The Denver Post, the Colorado State Patrol reported that 134 pedestrians and bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes last year. This makes it the second-deadliest year on record for these types of collisions. In just one recent weekend, three pedestrians were killed in Denver, including two victims in hit-and-run crashes, and a cyclist lost their life in Boulder, all within an eight-hour window.
These tragic incidents are not just statistics. They are real people's lives, representing lives lost, families shattered, and communities affected. And they shine a spotlight on a legal reality: When negligence leads to tragedy, victims and their families may have a right to seek justice and accountability through the civil justice system.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Deaths Are Surging in Colorado
Several factors contribute to the sharp rise in pedestrian and cyclist fatalities, many of which are connected to preventable driver behavior. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has noted that fatal crashes are particularly common during the summer months, known as the “100 Deadliest Days,” when crash rates surge, especially among young and inexperienced drivers. Alcohol impairment, speeding, and distracted driving are also consistently cited as leading causes of these crashes.
But individual driver behavior isn’t the only issue. Many of Colorado’s urban areas, including parts of Colorado Springs, lack sufficient infrastructure to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians safely. Unmarked crosswalks, missing sidewalks, and poorly lit intersections make it harder for drivers to see and react in time, as well as for pedestrians and cyclists to navigate city streets safely.
When a pedestrian or cyclist is hit by a car, the resulting injuries are often catastrophic. Bone fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and wrongful death are tragically common. In these cases, legal action may be the only way to hold a negligent driver accountable and recover the compensation needed to cover medical expenses, lost wages, long-term care, and pain and suffering.
Colorado law allows injured victims, or the families of those killed, to file personal injury or wrongful death claims when a crash is caused by someone else’s negligence. These claims often hinge on proving fault, which is why acting quickly to preserve evidence is critical.
Common Causes of Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
Although every case is different, certain behaviors and conditions consistently show up in fatal and serious injury crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists. Understanding these patterns can help injured individuals identify whether they may have a legal case:
- Failure to Yield at Intersections: Many drivers don’t stop or slow down for pedestrians crossing legally in crosswalks or cyclists traveling through green lights.
- Distracted Driving: Phone use, in-car entertainment systems, and other distractions prevent drivers from noticing pedestrians and cyclists until it’s too late.
- Speeding in Urban Areas: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time, especially in neighborhoods or near schools and parks.
- Alcohol or Drug Impairment: Nearly a third of all fatal crashes during the summer months in Colorado involve impaired drivers.
- Poor Visibility or Road Design: Missing signage, poor lighting, and a lack of designated bike lanes can all contribute to collisions.
Anyone injured or whose family member was killed in a car accident should consider speaking to a personal injury lawyer. Legal guidance can be essential in navigating insurance disputes, identifying all liable parties, and pursuing a full financial recovery.
Not All Superheroes Wear Capes. Some Know Colorado Law.
There’s a reason personal injury attorney Stephen Longo gives clients his personal phone number. When someone’s seriously hurt, the answers shouldn’t be hard to find. Especially when the law only gives you so long to act. In Colorado, deadlines come quickly, and so does the pressure. Evidence disappears. Insurance companies dig in. And injury victims are left trying to catch up.
That’s where The Longo Firm, LLC steps in. Focused. Relentless. Accessible on your terms. This isn’t just about filing paperwork. It’s about building the strongest possible case before the window closes.
If you were hit by a car and injured while walking or biking, get a free consultation today. No pressure. No guesswork. Just the respect, answers, and results you deserve. Contact us today to see how an experienced accident attorney can help you find your way forward.
"Stephen is the greatest at his work!!! A wonderful person and excellent attorney HIGHLY RECOMMEND!" - Bill B., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐