Walking the streets of Colorado Springs should bring a sense of freedom and safety to everyone in our community. Yet, every year, too many residents suffer harm as pedestrians due to preventable accidents. Knowing the specific causes of pedestrian accidents in Colorado Springs can help us recognize risks, protect our loved ones, and make informed choices after an unexpected event. At Clawson & Clawson, LLP, we are dedicated to serving local families with nearly a century of combined legal experience, and we are committed to sharing the insight we’ve gained from handling these important cases right here in Colorado Springs.
If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian, contact our Pedestrian Accidents team today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you recover compensation.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Colorado Springs?
Many pedestrian crashes happen because of driver negligence—including failure to yield at crosswalks, distracted driving, and speeding through intersections. Data from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) shows areas like Academy Boulevard, Nevada Avenue, and the downtown grid have particularly high rates of crashes involving pedestrians. Driver inattention and speeding near intersections are consistent problems, especially in zones where foot and vehicle traffic overlap.
Alcohol is a significant contributing factor in a number of pedestrian collisions throughout Colorado Springs. According to CDOT, over 30% of fatal pedestrian accidents statewide involve at least one party—either a driver or a pedestrian—under the influence of alcohol. As the city grows and traffic increases, so do the chances for both drivers and pedestrians to encounter risky conditions at busy crossings or along major roads.
Distracted driving, especially involving mobile devices and other in-car distractions, has become a leading cause of crashes. Local law enforcement reports a noticeable rise in incidents where phone use or inattention played a role in accidents. Each crash statistic in our city reflects a person impacted—often a neighbor or family member—which is why we believe a deeper understanding of local accident causes can help us all travel more safely.
How Do Road Design & Intersections in Colorado Springs Raise Pedestrian Risks?
Colorado Springs’ complex roadways and multi-lane intersections can make city travel challenging for pedestrians. Major routes such as North Academy Boulevard and intersections at Fillmore & Nevada consistently appear in city crash data as higher-risk spots. Wide roads without safe refuges or signals sometimes leave pedestrians with few options but to cross multiple lanes of moving traffic, increasing the odds of accidents compared to narrower, well-marked crossings.
In neighborhoods and commercial districts, missing or poorly timed crosswalk signals, limited sidewalk access, and a lack of pedestrian islands force people to make quick decisions. Many local residents find themselves jaywalking just to reach bus stops, schools, or shops on the other side of busy corridors. These gaps in infrastructure put people in harm’s way and make even short walks a dangerous prospect during rush hours or event traffic.
Although city officials have taken steps to improve certain intersections—by adding flashing beacons and clearer signs—areas with high speed limits or complicated traffic flows remain problematic. Ongoing construction, uneven sidewalks, and faded crosswalk markings also play a part in local accident trends. Our team continues to support efforts within the community to call attention to these hazardous spots so that improvements benefit everyone who travels our streets on foot.
Does Weather & Altitude in Colorado Springs Impact Pedestrian Safety?
Weather conditions in Colorado Springs create risks that are unique to our region. Quick-moving snowstorms and rapidly changing weather can make conditions treacherous for both drivers and walkers. Winter brings longer nights and icy streets, which increase vehicle stopping distances and decrease the visibility of crosswalks or curb ramps. Accidents involving pedestrians often spike during snow and ice events, as drivers struggle to see walkers in crosswalks and respond in time to sudden movements.
The high altitude here also affects pedestrian safety, especially for visitors or anyone not fully acclimated. Lower oxygen levels can cause fatigue or slower reaction times, increasing the risk of misjudging traffic gaps or missing cues at crossings. Drivers, too, may not realize how altitude can impact their attention behind the wheel.
Glare from the sun reflecting off snow or pavement, especially in the mornings and late afternoons, can temporarily blind both drivers and pedestrians. This glare is a common contributor to accidents in winter and early spring. Additionally, snowbanks left by plows can force walkers into traffic lanes, particularly when sidewalks or curb ramps remain blocked. Anticipating these hazards and adjusting travel habits—such as waiting for clear walkways or using designated crossings—can help minimize risks during Colorado Springs’ unpredictable weather.
Which Driver Behaviors Cause the Most Pedestrian Crashes in Colorado Springs?
Several patterns of driver behavior sharply increase the risk of pedestrian accidents in our city. The most significant include distracted driving, speeding through areas with heavy foot traffic, and failing to yield while making turns at intersections. These actions are preventable, yet they account for a large share of crashes involving pedestrians throughout the area.
Distracted driving—often from texting, adjusting navigation systems, or other in-car distractions—has become a critical safety issue. Even brief moments of lost focus can prevent drivers from noticing someone entering a crosswalk or stepping off the curb. These incidents frequently occur in neighborhoods, near shopping centers, or along busy school routes, where high-density traffic and foot traffic converge.
Speeding creates additional danger, as higher speeds reduce a driver’s ability to react to crossing pedestrians, particularly when visibility is limited by parked cars or weather. Local crash records show that many severe injuries result from vehicles traveling above posted speed limits, especially where drivers accelerate through intersections as lights change. Finally, failing to yield—either at marked crosswalks or when turning left or right on green—remains a top reason for local injuries. Developing better driver awareness and patience at intersections could significantly lower these accident rates.
What Risky Pedestrian Behaviors Fuel Accidents in Colorado Springs?
Pedestrians themselves contribute to accident risks when they take certain shortcuts or become distracted during walks. Common risky behaviors include crossing busy roads outside of marked crosswalks, stepping into traffic from between parked cars, and failing to observe “Walk/Don’t Walk” signal instructions. These choices frequently lead to close calls and, in too many cases, life-altering injuries.
Distraction also plays a role for those on foot. Accident reports in Colorado Springs regularly cite cases where pedestrians were looking at their phones, listening to music through headphones, or talking with others instead of paying close attention to traffic conditions. This reduced awareness makes it harder to notice approaching vehicles or judge gaps at intersections, especially during busy commute periods or at night.
Impaired walking is another serious concern—whether due to alcohol, prescription medications, or simply being overtired. Local hospitals and police records show that a number of severe pedestrian accidents involve someone under the influence, leading to poor decision-making or slower reactions. Teaching safe habits from a young age and modeling them in our communities goes a long way toward preventing tragedies on our city’s streets.
When Are Pedestrian Accidents Most Common in Colorado Springs?
Certain times of year and day consistently see higher rates of pedestrian accidents in Colorado Springs. Fall & winter months, with shorter daylight hours and unpredictable weather, expose more people to low-visibility conditions. CDOT data confirms that November through February is the most dangerous season for pedestrians, as both drivers and walkers must navigate icy roads and darkness during commutes.
Time of day is equally crucial. Local crash reports highlight late afternoon and early evening—roughly 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.—as peak times for pedestrian accidents. During these hours, a combination of heavy traffic, setting sun, and increased pedestrian activity leads to more collisions at crosswalks and along major roads. School pick-up and drop-off times, as well as major events downtown, also mark periods of greater risk, particularly near high-volume intersections.
Holidays, festivals, and large gatherings can bring hundreds of extra pedestrians to certain neighborhoods, increasing the odds of collisions during both daylight and nighttime hours. Recognizing these risk windows allows walkers and drivers to take extra care, plan safer routes, and—whenever possible—wait for clear, well-illuminated conditions before crossing busy streets.
Which Populations Face Higher Pedestrian Accident Risks in Colorado Springs?
Some groups in Colorado Springs contend with greater risks as pedestrians, often due to factors outside their control. Children, especially those walking to and from school, frequently cross intersections or navigate areas with poor visibility. Despite the presence of crossing guards near schools, accidents involving young people remain a concern, especially during the school year when traffic volume surges at certain times of day.
Seniors face unique dangers as pedestrians, often moving more slowly or struggling with limited mobility, hearing, or vision. These challenges can make it harder for them to hurry across wide intersections or notice turning cars in time to react. Our team has seen firsthand how older adults can be vulnerable on busy streets and why well-timed signals, audible crossing cues, and smooth sidewalks matter so much in community planning.
Tourists, new residents, & individuals with disabilities are also at higher risk. Many visitors are unfamiliar with crosswalk patterns or traffic signals, placing them in unexpected danger, especially in downtown corridors or during public events. People using wheelchairs or walking aids must contend with curb cuts, uneven pavement, & inaccessible signals. When city infrastructure falls short, these vulnerable groups bear most of the burden, underscoring the need for ongoing advocacy & improvement.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident in Colorado Springs
If you are struck by a vehicle in Colorado Springs, acting quickly can protect your health and any future claim. Move to a safe place if possible and call 911, even for injuries that seem minor. Prompt medical evaluation helps catch any hidden injuries and creates a clear record of your condition for insurance or legal matters. Allow first responders to assess you fully, and never leave the scene before you provide your information to officers.
Documenting the crash is critical for future support. Gather the names and contact details of every witness present. Use your phone to photograph the accident scene, traffic signs, vehicle positions, and any hazards like poor lighting or hidden signals. Ask for the police report and keep all relevant paperwork, including medical records from hospital visits, follow-up appointments, and rehabilitation. These details will form the backbone of your insurance claim or any legal action.
Contact your insurance provider to report the incident, but avoid admitting fault or signing any settlements before seeking legal advice. Many insurers try to resolve cases before victims understand the full scope of their injuries or long-term costs. Consulting with a law firm that knows how to handle pedestrian accidents in Colorado Springs—like Clawson & Clawson, LLP—can help you avoid mistakes and secure the support you deserve during recovery.
How Fault & Liability Are Decided in Colorado Pedestrian Accidents
Colorado applies a modified comparative fault rule for personal injury claims, which can affect your compensation in a pedestrian accident. If you are partially at fault—such as crossing against the signal or getting distracted by a device—your recovery may be reduced in proportion to your share of the blame. For example, being found 25% responsible means you collect only 75% of your awarded damages. If you are deemed primarily responsible (over 50%), you cannot recover compensation.
Insurance companies & investigators look at all available evidence to determine liability. That includes officer reports, witness accounts, scene photos, and sometimes security camera footage from businesses nearby. Insurance adjusters may visit the scene, review weather conditions, and examine road design to understand how and why the crash happened. Each piece of evidence matters—especially at complex crossings or where sight lines are blocked by parked cars or snowbanks.
We urge everyone involved in a pedestrian accident to gather as much detail as possible and to seek guidance on interpreting Colorado’s fault rules. Our attorneys work closely with accident reconstruction specialists and review all aspects of the case to ensure your side of the story is told accurately, preventing unwarranted blame or diminished compensation.
Legal Remedies & Support Available After a Colorado Springs Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrian accident victims in Colorado Springs are often entitled to seek compensation for their financial, physical, and emotional losses. Legal remedies include claims for medical expenses, lost income from time away from work, pain and suffering, and anticipated future care. In most situations, the process starts with filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurer. However, uninsured or underinsured motorist provisions in your own policy can provide additional support if the driver responsible for your injuries has limited coverage.
Pursuing a successful claim requires detailed evidence—including documentation of your injuries, witness statements, and proof of missed income—and a careful understanding of how Colorado’s comparative fault rules apply. The process also involves meeting strict deadlines (statutes of limitations) for filing a claim or lawsuit. Legal help becomes especially valuable when insurers contest fault, dispute medical treatments, or offer inadequate settlements.
At Clawson & Clawson, LLP, our award-winning team draws from many decades of combined experience representing personal injury clients in Colorado Springs. We handle claim filings, negotiations, & the many steps involved in seeking out-of-court resolutions that often spare our clients needless stress and delay. Each case receives a personalized approach, built on a thorough investigation & a commitment to helping you secure resources needed to rebuild after a pedestrian accident.
How Can Drivers & Pedestrians Prevent Accidents in Colorado Springs?
Reducing pedestrian accidents in Colorado Springs demands active participation from both drivers and those on foot. Drivers should make a habit of putting cell phones out of reach, obeying speed limits in residential and school zones, and approaching crosswalks with heightened caution. Focusing attention at busy intersections and checking blind spots for walkers before turning is equally important.
Pedestrians protect themselves by choosing marked crosswalks, making eye contact with drivers, and avoiding distractions like phones and headphones near busy roads. Wearing bright or reflective clothing during low light, being patient for a safe crossing opportunity, and remaining alert when walking in adverse weather also lower the odds of an incident. Teaching children these safe habits and reinforcing them with teens and seniors can transform community safety standards.
Citywide change happens when residents report dangerous intersections, damaged walkways, and unclear signage to local authorities for correction. Community groups advocate for better lighting, clearer signals, and the addition of traffic calming measures—small changes that make a big difference. By working together, we create safer streets for everyone, no matter their age or ability level.
Contact Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Colorado Springs
If you or a loved one was injured in a pedestrian accident, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. At Clawson & Clawson, LLP, our attorneys have nearly 100 years of combined experience helping injury victims across Colorado Springs recover the compensation they deserve.
Call (719) 602-5888 today to schedule a free consultation. Let our pedestrian accident lawyers in Colorado Springs stand by your side and guide you toward recovery.