According to data from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), there are less than 100 fatal pedestrian accidents in Colorado each year. In 2018, for example, there were 87 pedestrian fatalities statewide. This averages out to approximately fatal accident every four days – certainly not an insignificant number, but just a small fraction of the 5,000-plus fatal pedestrian accidents that occur nationwide on an annual basis.
Recently, however, the Denver Post and Fox 31 Denver ran two stories of fatal pedestrian accidents in less than 48 hours. Both of these accidents occurred in the Denver area, one downtown and one in Aurora.
Pedestrian Succumbs to Injuries After Friday Night Accident in Downtown Denver
On the morning of Saturday, April 6, the Denver Post reported on a fatal pedestrian accident that happened the previous night downtown near the 16th Street Mall. According to the news report, the accident involved three vehicles, with one driver fleeing the scene of the collision. The pedestrian, who was transported to the Denver Health Medical Center, died as a result of traumatic injuries sustained in the crash.
Pedestrian Killed in Hit-and-Run Accident Involving Suspected Drunk Driver
Less than 48 hours later, Fox 31 Denver reported on a fatal hit-and-run accident on the morning of Monday, April 8. According to the report, the driver returned to the scene after speaking with his family, and, “[i]nvestigators believe speed and alcohol are factors in the accident.” The accident occurred shortly after midnight at the intersection of East Colfax Avenue and Kenton Street, and it appears that the pedestrian was crossing Colfax Avenue, “just west of a crosswalk,” when he was hit and thrown almost 100 feet to the side of the road.
These are tragic stories, and our hearts go out to the victims’ families.
Dealing With Pedestrian Accidents in Denver
The risks of suffering serious or fatal injuries in a pedestrian accident are severe. The human body is no match for the force generated by a speeding car, truck or SUV; and, despite the rules of the road, accidents involving pedestrians are common. For victims and their families, conducting a prompt investigation is crucial – particularly in cases such as these where the driver (or one of the drivers) flees the scene.
Just like injured drivers and passengers, pedestrians in vehicle collisions are entitled to just compensation for their injury-related losses. The same is true for families of pedestrians who are killed. Most pedestrian accident cases involve claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance company, although other sources of financial compensation may potentially be available as well. In order to maximize your chances of a financial recovery, there are some steps you need to try to take right away, and hiring an experienced personal injury attorney is the best way to protect your legal rights.
Schedule a Free, No-Obligation Consultation With a Denver Personal Injury Attorney
If you need help recovering from a pedestrian accident in the Denver area, we invite you to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. To speak with an attorney about your legal rights, call 303-333-8000 or tell us how we can help online now.
