Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Colorado Springs, CO

If you were hit by a vehicle while walking in Colorado Springs, you may be dealing with broken bones, head trauma, spinal injuries, or internal bleeding.

Walking should be safe. But in Colorado Springs, pedestrians face real danger from distracted drivers, speeding vehicles, and motorists who fail to yield at crosswalks. A car traveling at 30 miles per hour can cause permanent injuries or death when it strikes someone on foot. The human body has no protection against two tons of metal.

Ganderton Law Personal Injury Law Firm has represented injured pedestrians throughout Colorado for more than 20 years. We understand how these cases work and what it takes to hold negligent drivers accountable. Our Colorado Springs, CO pedestrian accident lawyer offers free consultations and handles cases on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win.

Why Choose Ganderton Law Personal Injury Law Firm for Pedestrian Accidents in Colorado Springs, CO?

Exposed to Colorado Springs Roads and Courts

David Ganderton founded this firm and has spent his career representing accident victims in El Paso County. He knows which intersections in Colorado Springs see the most pedestrian crashes. He understands how local judges handle these cases and what evidence resonates with juries in this jurisdiction.

David earned his law degree from Stetson University College of Law and holds licenses in Colorado, Wyoming, and Florida. He is a member of the Denver Bar Association and El Paso Bar Association. The Tri Lakes Chamber of Commerce appointed him as an ambassador, keeping him connected to the communities he serves.

If you need a personal injury lawyer in Colorado Springs, CO, David brings two decades of experience and genuine local knowledge to your case.

Courtroom Reputation

Insurance companies settle cases based partly on who represents the injured person. David has been named a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers. The Colorado Springs Gazette recognized him as “Best Personal Injury Attorney,” “Best Lawyer,” and “Best Law Firm” in their “Best of the Springs” awards.

Adjusters know which attorneys file lawsuits and which ones accept whatever offer lands on the table. That knowledge shapes every negotiation from the first phone call.

Millions Recovered for Injured Clients

Ganderton Law Personal Injury Law Firm has helped clients recover millions of dollars in pedestrian accident settlements and verdicts. Our results include a $275,000 policy limits recovery in a car/pedestrian accident and a $125,000 settlement for a vehicle/pedestrian collision involving mild traumatic brain injury. Each case turns on its own facts, but these outcomes demonstrate our ability to build claims that produce real compensation.

No Fees Unless You Win

We work on contingency. No hourly billing. No retainer. Our fee comes from the recovery we obtain for you, and only if we succeed. That arrangement removes the financial barrier that keeps many injured people from seeking legal help.

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“Dave was instrumental in helping to settle my case. Communication was always exceptional! As stressful as my case was, I had solace in the fact Dave was taking care of everything! If you need a personal injury attorney in Colorado Springs, I highly recommend him!” — Stephanie Wilkins

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Types of Pedestrian Accident Cases We Handle in Colorado Springs

Pedestrians have the right of way in many situations, but that legal protection means nothing when a driver isn’t paying attention. These are the pedestrian accident case types we handle for Colorado Springs residents:

Crosswalk accidents. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks under Colorado law. Many don’t. They roll through intersections while checking their phones or looking for gaps in traffic. The pedestrian becomes an afterthought.
Intersection crashes. Running red lights and ignoring stop signs cause devastating pedestrian injuries. A walker who enters an intersection with the signal has every right to be there. The driver who strikes them bears full responsibility.
Parking lot accidents. Drivers backing out of spaces have limited visibility. Pedestrians walking behind vehicles face serious risk. Parking lot crashes happen at low speeds but still cause significant injuries, especially to children and older adults.
Hit-and-run accidents. Some drivers flee after striking a pedestrian. These cases require investigation to identify the responsible party. Surveillance footage, witness accounts, and car accident debris can help track down a driver who left the scene.
Distracted driving accidents. A driver looking at a phone cannot see a pedestrian stepping into the street. Distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of pedestrian crashes nationwide.
Drunk driving accidents. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment. A pedestrian who would be visible to a sober driver becomes invisible to someone driving under the influence. These cases may support punitive damages.
Backing accidents. Large vehicles like trucks and SUVs have blind spots directly behind them. Drivers who fail to check before reversing strike pedestrians in driveways, parking lots, and residential streets.

Colorado Legal Requirements for Pedestrian Accident Claims

Colorado law provides certain protections for pedestrians, but also imposes deadlines and rules that affect your ability to recover compensation.

The statute of limitations gives you three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit under C.R.S. § 13-80-101. Wait longer than that and the court will dismiss your case regardless of how strong your evidence is. Three years passes faster than most people expect, especially when you’re focused on recovering from serious injuries.

Colorado follows modified comparative negligence under C.R.S. § 13-21-111. You can recover damages if your fault is below 50 percent, but your compensation decreases by your share of responsibility. Insurance companies use this rule aggressively against pedestrians. They argue you were jaywalking, wearing dark clothing, or distracted by your phone. Solid evidence and witness testimony counter these arguments.

Colorado law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks under C.R.S. § 42-4-802. Drivers must also exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians on any roadway. Violating these statutes creates strong evidence of negligence.

Pedestrians have duties too. Colorado requires walkers to use crosswalks when available and obey traffic signals. But a pedestrian’s failure to follow these rules does not automatically bar recovery. It simply becomes one factor the jury considers when assigning fault.

What Damages Are Recoverable in Colorado Springs Pedestrian Accident Cases?

Pedestrian accidents cause severe injuries because the human body absorbs the full force of impact. The compensation you pursue should reflect that reality. Colorado recognizes three categories of damages.

Economic damages cover losses with documentation. Medical expenses typically form the largest part of a pedestrian accident claim. Emergency room treatment, trauma surgery, hospitalization, imaging, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and assistive devices all count. Future medical costs matter when your injuries require ongoing care. Lost wages during recovery are recoverable. A permanent disability that reduces your future earning capacity creates a separate claim projecting years ahead.

Non-economic damages address what cannot be measured with receipts. Pedestrian accidents cause excruciating pain. Broken bones heal slowly. Head injuries change how you think and feel. Spinal damage limits what your body can do. Fear of crossing streets affects how you move through the world. Depression sets in when your injuries prevent you from living the way you did before. Relationships suffer when you cannot participate fully. Colorado does not cap these damages in most pedestrian cases.

Punitive damages apply when the driver’s conduct was especially reckless. A motorist who struck you while intoxicated or fleeing police may face punitive damages beyond ordinary compensation. Courts require clear evidence of willful or wanton misconduct. The Colorado Governmental Immunity Act limits damages when government employees or vehicles cause pedestrian injuries.

Contact Ganderton Law Personal Injury Law Firm

A pedestrian accident can change your life permanently. Broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal damage require extensive treatment. Medical debt accumulates while you cannot work. Insurance adjusters push for quick settlements that don’t reflect what you’ve actually lost.

We handle pedestrian accident cases in Colorado Springs and throughout El Paso County on a contingency-fee basis. We collect nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Consultations are free and confidential. Our Colorado Springs pedestrian accident attorney has spent 20 years helping injured people, and we are ready to fight for you.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics in Colorado Springs

Pedestrian crashes are increasing in Colorado. CDOT pedestrian data reports that 591 pedestrians were killed on Colorado roads between 2021 and 2025, a 36% increase over the previous five-year period. In 2024, 120 pedestrians died statewide. Sixty-eight percent of those deaths occurred outside of crosswalks, and 65% happened after dark.

The national picture is equally grim. According to NHTSA pedestrian data, 7,080 pedestrians were killed and more than 71,000 were injured across the country in 2024. Colorado Springs, with wide arterials like Powers Boulevard and Academy Boulevard carrying high-speed traffic alongside pedestrian corridors, contributes to these numbers. The intersection of Las Vegas Street and Nevada Avenue is among the deadliest for pedestrians in the city.

Common Types of Injuries in a Pedestrian Accident Case

Pedestrians have none of the protection that vehicle occupants rely on, such as airbags, seatbelts, and a steel frame, so the injuries reflect that total absence of protection when a vehicle strikes someone on foot. A car moving at 20 miles per hour can shatter bones, and at 40 miles per hour the risk of fatal injury climbs sharply. These are the injury types we see most frequently in Colorado Springs, CO pedestrian accident cases.

Traumatic brain injuries. A pedestrian’s head often strikes the vehicle hood, windshield, or pavement after impact. Traumatic brain injury ranges from mild concussions to severe damage that permanently alters cognitive function, memory, and personality. Even a mild concussion can produce symptoms lasting months and require ongoing neurological care.
Spinal cord injuries. The force of a vehicle impact can fracture or dislocate vertebrae and damage the spinal cord itself. Spinal cord damage may result in partial or complete paralysis. Victims often require surgery, extended hospitalization, and lifelong assistive care that costs hundreds of thousands of dollars over a lifetime.
Broken bones and fractures. Leg, hip, pelvis, and rib fractures are common when a vehicle strikes a pedestrian at almost any speed. Compound fractures require surgical repair with plates and screws. Recovery takes months, and some fractures cause permanent mobility limitations.
Internal organ damage. Blunt force from the collision can rupture the spleen, lacerate the liver, or cause internal bleeding that isn’t immediately obvious. These injuries are life-threatening and often require emergency surgery within hours of the accident.
Back and neck injuries. Herniated discs, vertebral fractures, and soft tissue damage in the back and neck are among the most common pedestrian accident injuries. These conditions produce chronic pain and frequently limit a person’s ability to work, exercise, or handle basic daily activities.
Disfigurement and scarring. Road rash, facial lacerations, and crush injuries from being pinned or dragged leave permanent marks. Reconstructive surgery can improve outcomes but rarely eliminates the damage entirely. Visible scarring also carries a psychological toll that compounds the physical harm.
Amputation and crush injuries. Heavy vehicles or those traveling at higher speeds can cause injuries severe enough to require surgical amputation. The loss of a limb changes everything about a person’s life. These catastrophic injuries generate substantial long-term damage claims that account for future medical care, prosthetics, home modifications, and lost earning capacity.
Psychological trauma. PTSD, anxiety, and depression frequently follow a pedestrian accident. Fear of crossing streets or walking near traffic becomes part of daily life. These conditions are recognized injuries under Colorado law, and compensation for them is recoverable alongside physical damages.

The severity of pedestrian accident injuries often means extended treatment, multiple surgeries, and prolonged rehabilitation. Medical bills can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars before a victim reaches maximum medical improvement. Delayed treatment after any of these injuries can worsen outcomes and complicate your claim.

Colorado Springs Pedestrian Accident Lawyer FAQs

How much does a pedestrian accident lawyer cost?

Ganderton Law Personal Injury Law Firm works on contingency. You pay no fees unless we win your case. There are no upfront costs, no hourly rates, and no retainer. The consultation is free.

What should I do immediately after being hit by a car?

Call 911 and get medical attention. Document everything you can at the scene: the driver’s license plate, vehicle description, photos of the location, and contact information for witnesses. File a police report even if the driver offers to handle it privately.

Can I file a claim if I was jaywalking when I was hit?

You may still have a claim. Colorado’s comparative negligence rule does not automatically bar recovery for a pedestrian who was crossing outside a crosswalk. Your compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still pursue a claim as long as your fault is below 50%.

How long does a pedestrian accident case take?

It depends on the severity of the injury and whether liability is disputed. Cases with clear fault and moderate injuries may settle in a few months. Serious injury cases that require ongoing treatment or that involve an insurer contesting liability can take a year or longer to resolve.

What if the driver left the scene?

Hit and run pedestrian accidents are unfortunately common. Your own uninsured motorist coverage may apply when the driver cannot be identified. Surveillance footage, witness statements, and vehicle debris can sometimes help locate the driver. Filing a police report immediately is critical.

What compensation can I receive?

You may recover medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. If the driver was impaired or reckless, punitive damages may also apply. The total depends on injury severity and available insurance coverage.

Should I talk to the driver’s insurance company?

It is best to proceed with caution because the driver’s insurer is not working for you. Adjusters ask questions designed to reduce the value of your claim or shift fault onto you. Having a pedestrian accident attorney handle those communications protects your rights.

Can I file a wrongful death claim if a family member was killed?

Colorado law allows surviving family members to pursue a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver. Spouses, children, and parents may be eligible to recover damages for medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of the relationship.

Are pedestrian accident settlements taxable?

In most cases, a settlement tied to physical injuries is not treated as taxable income at the federal level. The exception typically involves punitive damages or compensation for emotional distress not connected to a physical injury, which the IRS may treat differently. Because tax treatment of a settlement turns on how the recovery is allocated, a tax professional is the right person to review your specific numbers.

Do I need a lawyer if the driver admitted fault?

An admission at the scene does not guarantee the insurance company will pay what your injuries are worth. Adjusters routinely offer lowball settlements even in clear-liability cases. A pedestrian accident lawyer in Colorado Springs can evaluate the full value of your claim, including future medical costs and non-economic damages that are easy to undervalue on your own.

What questions should I ask before hiring an attorney?

Ask about their record with pedestrian cases, how they handle client communication, and whether they charge any fees upfront. Working through the right questions to ask up front gives you a clearer sense of whether a particular firm is the right fit for your case.

Local Information for Colorado Springs Pedestrian Accident Cases

Most Dangerous Intersections for Pedestrian Accidents in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs has several intersections and corridors where pedestrian crashes occur with alarming regularity.

Las Vegas Street and Nevada Avenue. One of the deadliest pedestrian locations in the city. Multiple pedestrians have been struck here in recent years, including fatal collisions.
Academy Boulevard and Galley Road. High-speed traffic meets heavy commercial activity. This intersection has a documented pattern of pedestrian-involved crashes.
Powers Boulevard corridor. Wide lanes and high speed limits make this among the most dangerous roads for anyone on foot.
North Nevada Avenue and Platte Avenue. A major intersection near downtown with heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
South Academy Boulevard near Hancock Expressway. Commercial density and speeding create conditions where pedestrians are especially vulnerable.

What Are Important Local Resources for Colorado Springs Pedestrian Accidents?

Recovering from a pedestrian collision often means coordinating medical care, police records, and court filings at the same time. The following Colorado Springs and El Paso County resources may be useful as you move through that process.

UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central – Level I Trauma Center, 1400 E. Boulder St., (719) 365-5000
UCHealth Memorial Hospital North – 4050 Briargate Pkwy., (719) 364-5000
Penrose Hospital – 2222 N. Nevada Ave., (719) 776-5000
Colorado Springs Police Department – Non-emergency: (719) 444-7000
Colorado Judicial Branch – Court forms and civil filing information for El Paso County
Ganderton Law Trauma Center Guide – Regional trauma facility information

Ganderton Law Personal Injury Law Firm does not endorse or guarantee the services of any third-party provider listed above. These resources are provided for informational purposes only.

About Ganderton Law Personal Injury Law Firm

Our firm has represented accident victims in Colorado Springs and throughout El Paso County for over 20 years. David Ganderton holds a B.S. from Florida State University and earned his J.D. from Stetson University College of Law. The firm has recovered millions of dollars for clients injured in motor vehicle and pedestrian collisions, including cases involving traumatic brain injury. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

What Our Clients Say

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“I can not recommend David and his team enough! When I first started reaching out to attorneys after my accident I called like 15 before getting to David. He was the ONLY one to pick up. My case has been going for over 8 months now and he is ALWAYS in communication with me. He is an excellent attorney and has excellent attorneys on his team. His team even helped a friend of mine with a criminal case and did such and excellent job there too!”

Joshua Haynes

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Contact Ganderton Law Personal Injury Law Firm

A pedestrian accident in Colorado Springs can change the course of your life. Medical treatment for these injuries is expensive and often ongoing. Ganderton Law Personal Injury Law Firm offers a free consultation to evaluate your pedestrian accident claim and explain your legal options. We work on a contingency basis, and you owe nothing unless we recover compensation. Our Colorado Springs, CO pedestrian accident attorney is ready to discuss your case. Contact us today.