Colorado Springs Pedestrian Accident Lawyer – Claims When a Driver Hits a Pedestrian

When a driver strikes a pedestrian in Colorado Springs, the consequences are immediate and overwhelming. Medical bills pile up, paychecks stop, and insurance adjusters start calling before you even leave the hospital. Johnston Law Firm, LLC represents injured pedestrians and grieving families throughout Colorado Springs, El Paso County, and across the state, and we are prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Key Takeaways

• Johnston Law Firm, LLC represents injured pedestrians in Colorado Springs, El Paso County, and across Colorado after collisions with cars, trucks, and SUVs. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a pedestrian accident or lost a family member in a fatal pedestrian accident, call (719) 309-9484 or message us online for a free consultation with no up-front fees.

• Attorney Steve Johnston is a Pueblo-based trial lawyer with over two decades of experience in personal injury, automobile accidents, workers' compensation, estate planning, criminal law, and Social Security law - serving Colorado Springs and surrounding counties including El Paso, Fremont, Otero, Custer, Huerfano, Las Animas, and Crowley.

• This article explains what to do after a Colorado Springs pedestrian accident, how fault and compensation work under Colorado law, and how Johnston Law Firm guides clients through every stage of the legal process - from initial investigation through settlement or trial.

• Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence system, meaning you can recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident.

• Most pedestrian accident cases resolve in a fair settlement, but Johnston Law Firm will file suit and go to court in El Paso County or other Colorado courts when insurance companies refuse to pay full value.

Injured in a Colorado Springs Pedestrian Accident? Start Here

If you were just hit by a car while walking along Academy Boulevard, crossing Nevada Avenue, or stepping through a downtown Colorado Springs intersection, your health and your legal rights come first. Every year, pedestrians are struck on busy Colorado Springs corridors where speed, distracted driving, and poor visibility create dangerous conditions. In 2020, 12 pedestrians were killed in Colorado Springs traffic accidents, and 133 pedestrians were injured in El Paso County that same year. These are not just statistics - each number represents a person whose life changed in an instant.

Pedestrian accident victims frequently face emergency room visits at UCHealth Memorial or Penrose, weeks or months of missed work, and confusing calls from insurance adjusters within days of the crash. Those adjusters may sound sympathetic, but their goal is to minimize what the insurance company pays - not to protect your interests. Insurance adjusters may initially offer low settlement offers to injured pedestrians before the full extent of the injuries is even known.

Do not give a recorded statement, sign medical releases, or accept a quick low settlement before speaking with a Colorado Springs pedestrian accident lawyer who represents you, not the insurer.

Ready to protect your claim? Call (719) 309-9484 or message Johnston Law Firm online right now for a free, no-obligation case review.

About Johnston Law Firm, LLC and Attorney Steve Johnston

Johnston Law Firm, LLC is based in Pueblo, Colorado, but regularly represents injured pedestrians from Colorado Springs, El Paso County, and nearby counties such as Otero, Fremont, Custer, Huerfano, Las Animas, and Crowley. Attorney Steve Johnston has practiced law since 2002, bringing over two decades of courtroom and administrative-agency experience to every case.

Steve Johnston's six key practice groups - workers' compensation, personal injury, automobile accidents, estate planning, criminal law, and Social Security law - give the firm a distinct advantage when a pedestrian accident intersects with other legal issues. A pedestrian suffering permanent disability after being struck by a commercial vehicle, for example, may need help coordinating a personal injury claim alongside a Social Security disability application and a workplace injury claim if the accident happened during work duties. Johnston Law Firm handles all of those areas under one roof.

Steve Johnston is admitted to practice in Colorado, Wyoming, the U.S. District Courts for both states, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. He has handled thousands of matters for Colorado injury victims, and pedestrians struck by motor vehicles are a significant part of his Colorado Springs personal injury practice. When you work with Johnston Law Firm, you work directly with an experienced attorney and a small, dedicated legal team - not a revolving door of associates at a high-volume advertising firm.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Colorado Springs and El Paso County

Most Colorado Springs pedestrian accidents stem from preventable driver negligence on busy corridors and neighborhood streets. Understanding these causes is critical because effective legal representation necessitates a deep understanding of local traffic laws and how they apply to accidents involving pedestrians.

Common causes include:

• Distracted driving - Texting, adjusting GPS, or scrolling on in-car screens. Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Colorado Springs and statewide.

• Speeding - Particularly on high-speed roads like Powers Boulevard and Academy Boulevard, where higher vehicle speeds dramatically increase the risk of catastrophic injuries or death.

• Failure to yield - A frequent cause of pedestrian accidents, occurring at both marked and unmarked crosswalks. Pedestrians have the right-of-way at crosswalks in Colorado Springs, yet drivers routinely fail to stop.

• Running red lights or stop signs - Ignoring traffic lights and signals at intersections puts pedestrians directly in harm's way.

• Drunk or drug-impaired driving - Alcohol and drug involvement remains a major factor in serious and fatal pedestrian crashes.

• Unsafe left turns - Drivers turning left at intersections often focus on oncoming traffic and fail to see pedestrians in the crosswalk.

Poor visibility conditions contribute to many pedestrian accidents as well. According to CDOT data, approximately 65% of pedestrian fatalities in 2024 occurred in dark conditions, and 68% happened outside marked crosswalks. Nighttime crashes, inadequate street lighting, fog, snow, and improperly cleared crosswalks during Colorado winters all increase risk. In 2023, 115 pedestrians were injured in El Paso County accidents, underscoring that this is an ongoing and growing problem.

Some collisions involve larger vehicles - pickups, SUVs, and commercial trucks - which significantly increase the risk of fatal pedestrian accidents due to their size, weight, and higher bumper height. Surveying local traffic patterns and intersections is essential for building a strong pedestrian accident claim, and a Colorado Springs pedestrian accident attorney targets the right evidence - cell phone records, surveillance footage, traffic signal data - to prove negligence.

Injuries Suffered by Injured Pedestrians

Pedestrians lack any physical protection against a moving vehicle, which is why pedestrian accidents pedestrians suffer often cause especially severe harm. Even a 20–30 mph impact can cause life-altering physical injuries. Approximately 75,000 pedestrians suffer injuries in automobile accidents annually across the United States, and pedestrian injuries can range from minor bruises to severe, life-threatening conditions.

Common pedestrian injuries include:

• Fractures in legs, pelvis, arms, and ribs

• Traumatic brain injuries and concussions - among the most devastating and costly to treat

• Spinal cord damage, herniated discs, and vertebral fractures

• Internal organ injuries and internal bleeding

• Severe lacerations, road rash, and permanent scarring or disfigurement

• Amputations in the most catastrophic cases

A study of 13,856 pedestrian crashes in Colorado found that 80.4% resulted in injuries and 4.3% were fatal - confirming that the vast majority of pedestrian collisions cause serious injuries. Some Colorado Springs pedestrian accidents leave victims suffering permanent disability, requiring assistive devices, wheelchairs, or long-term in-home care. All of these future needs must be accounted for in a fair settlement or verdict.

Johnston Law Firm works closely with treating physicians, specialists, and, when necessary, vocational or life-care experts to document the full impact of injuries on the victim's daily life and earning capacity. The firm also understands the emotional fallout - anxiety when crossing streets, post-traumatic stress, sleep disruption, and emotional trauma - and Colorado law allows recovery for these non-economic harms. Seemingly minor injuries at the time of the crash can develop into chronic conditions, which is why thorough medical documentation from the start is essential.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Colorado Springs

If you are hit by a vehicle while walking in Colorado Springs, these steps protect both your health and your future claim:

1. Seek medical attention immediately. Accept ambulance transport when recommended and get evaluated at a hospital or urgent care even if you "feel okay." Internal injuries, head trauma, and hairline fractures often are not obvious at the scene. Medical professionals can identify injuries that you may not yet feel due to adrenaline and shock.

2. Call 911. Make sure the Colorado Springs Police Department or Colorado State Patrol responds to the scene. Officers will document the pedestrian accident and create an official crash report - a critical piece of evidence. Police reports are among the first documents your attorney will obtain.

3. Photograph everything possible. If you or a companion can safely do so, take photos of the crosswalk or intersection, traffic signals, vehicle damage, skid marks, lighting conditions, and visible injuries. Collect names and contact information for any witnesses.

4. Do not admit fault or speculate. Do not guess about what happened or apologize at the scene. Anything you say can be used against you later by insurance companies.

5. Do not sign medical releases or give recorded statements to any insurance company before speaking with a pedestrian accident lawyer. Insurers use these to access unrelated medical history and build arguments against your claim.

6. Contact an attorney. Once your immediate medical needs are addressed, reach out to Johnston Law Firm at (719) 309-9484 or through our online contact form to discuss your legal options.

Liability and Colorado Negligence Rules in Pedestrian Accident Cases

Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence system for pedestrian accidents under C.R.S. § 13-21-111. Under this rule, you can recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. If you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages. This means a pedestrian can still recover compensation even if they were partially at fault for the accident - as long as their share of fault is less than 50%. If the pedestrian is found 50% or more at fault, recovery is barred entirely. When partial fault applies, the damages award is reduced by the pedestrian's percentage of responsibility.

Drivers must exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians under C.R.S. § 42-4-807. This includes maintaining a proper lookout, yielding at marked and unmarked crosswalks, and taking reasonable care when pedestrians are visible on or near the roadway. Negligent drivers who violate traffic-safety statutes - by speeding, running a red light, or texting - may be found negligent as a matter of law under the doctrine of negligence per se.

Insurance companies frequently argue that injured pedestrians were jaywalking, crossing against a signal, or distracted by a phone. Pedestrians can be found partially at fault for accidents in Colorado, but an experienced attorney's job is to push back with concrete evidence that reduces or eliminates those fault claims. Pedestrian accident cases require attorneys to analyze the actions of all parties involved - the driver, the pedestrian, and potentially third parties.

In some cases, other parties share liability. A negligent driver's employer may be vicariously liable if the driver was operating a commercial vehicle during work. A construction company responsible for a dangerous work zone or a government entity that failed to maintain safe road conditions may also bear fault. Identifying all responsible parties can increase the total available insurance coverage, which matters when medical costs and lost income are substantial.

What Compensation Can Accident Victims Recover?

Damages in a Colorado Springs pedestrian accident claim are intended to make the injured person as whole as money can reasonably accomplish, recognizing that no dollar amount fully erases the harm. Pedestrian accident claims can include economic and non-economic damages, and lawyers should evaluate both categories carefully in every case.

Economic Damages

Category	Examples
Medical expenses	Emergency room bills, surgery, hospital stays, imaging, medication, rehabilitation, physical therapy
Future medical costs	Ongoing treatment, assistive devices, home modifications, long-term care
Lost wages	Paychecks missed during recovery, including overtime and bonuses
Lost earning capacity	Reduced ability to earn in the future due to permanent disability or limitations
Out-of-pocket costs	Transportation to appointments, hired help for household tasks

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering

• Emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD

• Loss of enjoyment of life - inability to participate in activities you once valued

• Scarring and disfigurement

• Loss of consortium for a spouse, when applicable

Wrongful Death Damages

After a fatal pedestrian accident, surviving family members may recover wrongful death damages including funeral and burial expenses, loss of the decedent's financial contributions, loss of companionship and guidance, and the emotional loss sustained by close family members under Colorado law.

Punitive Damages

Pedestrian accident victims may recover punitive damages for reckless behavior in rare cases involving particularly egregious conduct - such as a driver with an extremely high blood alcohol level or someone engaged in road rage. An experienced Colorado Springs personal injury attorney can advise whether pursuing punitive damages is realistic based on the facts.

Johnston Law Firm carefully evaluates each case, often waiting until the client reaches maximum medical improvement, to pursue maximum compensation that reflects the full scope of losses. The firm's goal is to ensure that how much compensation you receive accounts for every past and future expense, every day of physical pain, and every moment of emotional distress caused by someone else's negligence.

The Legal Process After a Colorado Springs Pedestrian Accident

Understanding the legal process reduces anxiety and helps you make informed decisions. Lawyers should communicate clearly about what to expect, helping clients understand and navigate the legal complexities of a pedestrian injury case, and Johnston Law Firm does exactly that at every stage. Here is what to expect:

1. Free initial consultation. Steve Johnston reviews the facts, your injuries, and available insurance information. He explains the legal process, answers questions about timing and likely next steps, and gives you an honest assessment of your case - all at no cost and with no obligation.

2. Investigation. The firm obtains police reports, interviews witnesses, requests your medical records and imaging, preserves photos and video from the scene, and - when needed - consults accident reconstruction experts. Pedestrian accidents often require extensive investigation to gather evidence that pins fault squarely on the driver.

3. Documenting damages. Johnston Law Firm gathers every medical bill, wage-loss document, and medical record. The firm also collects statements from you and your family about daily limitations, pain levels, and long-term prognosis to build the non-economic side of your case.

4. Demand and negotiation. The firm sends a detailed settlement demand to the at-fault driver's insurer and any applicable uninsured/underinsured motorist carrier. Negotiating with insurance companies is a critical part of the legal process, and Steve Johnston negotiates firmly for a fair settlement that reflects the true value of your losses.

5. Litigation when necessary. If the insurer refuses to offer a reasonable amount, Johnston Law Firm files a personal injury lawsuit in the appropriate court - often El Paso County District Court for Colorado Springs crashes. The firm manages discovery, depositions, motions, and trial preparation, while continuing to explore settlement when it benefits you.

6. Client communication throughout. The firm keeps you updated, explains options in plain English, and seeks your approval before major decisions like accepting a settlement offer. You are never left guessing about where your case stands.

How a Colorado Springs Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Proves Your Case

Winning a pedestrian accident claim involves proving both fault (liability) and the full extent of injuries and losses (damages). Evidence for pedestrian accidents may include police reports, photos, and witness statements - but a thorough legal team goes much further.

Johnston Law Firm secures key evidence including:

• Scene documentation - Photos, measurements, and video from the crash location

• Surveillance footage - Traffic cameras and nearby business security cameras that may have captured the collision

• Vehicle data - Black-box or event data recorder information from the striking vehicle, which can reveal speed, braking, and steering inputs

• Cell phone records - If distracted driving is suspected, records may show the driver was texting or using an app at the moment of impact

• Medical documentation - Emergency room records, imaging reports (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs), specialist notes, and physical therapy records that link injuries directly to the crash

When liability is disputed, the firm works with accident reconstructionists and other experts to analyze vehicle speeds, impact angles, and visibility. Attorneys should have access to accident reconstruction experts because these professionals can demonstrate exactly how the driver could - and should - have avoided the pedestrian. The firm also prepares the pedestrian's own account carefully so it is consistent, honest, and compelling to claims adjusters, mediators, and, if necessary, a jury.

Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Pedestrian Accident

Many injured pedestrians in Colorado Springs receive quick phone calls and lowball offers from insurers within days - often before they fully understand the seriousness of their injuries. Insurance companies are not on your side. Their business model depends on paying as little as possible.

Common insurer tactics include:

• Arguing that your injuries are pre-existing or unrelated to the crash

• Claiming you share significant fault for the accident

• Pointing to gaps in medical treatment as evidence that your injuries are not serious

• Requesting broad medical authorizations to search your entire health history for ammunition

Do not accept the first settlement check. Do not sign broad medical releases. Instead, let your legal team handle all communications with liability carriers, MedPay, health insurance, and UM/UIM providers. Johnston Law Firm takes over these interactions to reduce your stress and prevent mistakes that can harm your pedestrian accident claim.

Steve Johnston's experience with motor vehicle accidents and personal injury law helps him value cases realistically and push back against unfair settlement tactics. When an insurer knows the attorney on the other side is willing to go to trial, the dynamic of the negotiation changes.

Statutes of Limitations and Important Deadlines in Colorado

Colorado imposes strict legal deadlines on filing pedestrian accident lawsuits, and missing a deadline can permanently bar recovery - no matter how strong the case.

Key deadlines to know:

Situation	Deadline
General pedestrian injury claim (motor vehicle)	3 years from the date of the crash (C.R.S. § 13-80-101)
Many non-vehicle personal injury claims	2 years from the date of injury
Claims involving government entities	Written notice within 182 days of discovering the injury
Wrongful death claims	Similar limitations - consult an attorney for specifics
The statute of limitations for pedestrian accident claims is three years. Colorado allows three years to file a pedestrian accident claim, and you must file a personal injury lawsuit within three years in Colorado. But if the accident involves a governmental entity - a city bus, a road maintenance failure, or defective public signage - notice must be filed within 182 days. Missing that window can destroy an otherwise valid claim.

Do not wait until the deadline approaches. Evidence and witnesses are much easier to secure within the first weeks and months after the accident. If you are unsure about your specific deadline, contact Johnston Law Firm at (719) 309-9484 or send a message online for personalized guidance on your legal deadlines.

Why Choose Johnston Law Firm for Your Colorado Springs Pedestrian Accident Claim?

Large advertising firms often push quick, low settlements because their business model depends on volume. Johnston Law Firm takes a different approach - client-focused, trial-ready, and committed to achieving fair compensation for every injured pedestrian and accident victim who walks through the door.

Key advantages of working with Johnston Law Firm:

• Direct access to attorney Steve Johnston - You work with the lawyer handling your case, not a paralegal relay system.

• Individualized attention - Every file gets the investigation and preparation it deserves.

• Willingness to go to court - Insurance companies know when a lawyer will actually try a case, and it affects what they offer.

• Cross-practice expertise - Workers' compensation, Social Security, criminal law, and estate planning experience that can intersect with pedestrian accident cases involving workplace injury situations, disability applications, or wrongful death estate matters.

• Effective legal representation rooted in local knowledge - The firm understands the courts, roads, and medical providers in Colorado Springs and El Paso County.

Johnston Law Firm has handled hundreds of automobile and personal injury matters for clients across Colorado, including Colorado Springs. The firm often works on a contingency-fee basis for injury and wrongful death claims, meaning clients owe no attorney's fees unless the firm obtains a recovery. For real-world examples of successful outcomes, explore the firm's case results and client testimonials pages.

Serving Colorado Springs, El Paso County, and Communities Across Southern Colorado

While Johnston Law Firm's office is in Pueblo, the firm routinely represents injury victims from Colorado Springs, El Paso County, and surrounding communities. Representative areas the firm serves include:

• Colorado Springs, Security-Widefield, Fountain, Monument, and Woodland Park

• El Paso County, Pueblo County, Teller County

• Otero, Fremont, Custer, Huerfano, Las Animas, and Crowley Counties

Distance is not a barrier. Consultations can be conducted by phone, video, or in person, and the firm travels for serious cases when needed. Colorado Springs pedestrians benefit from an experienced Pueblo-based trial lawyer without sacrificing local knowledge of El Paso County courts, high-risk roads, and area medical providers.

Free Consultation and No Up-Front Fees for Injury Victims

Johnston Law Firm offers a free consultation to injured pedestrians and families of those lost in a fatal pedestrian accident, with no pressure to hire the firm. Most personal injury lawyers in Colorado Springs work on a contingency fee basis, and Johnston Law Firm is no exception. Contingency fee arrangements mean you pay only if the lawyer successfully recovers money for you - attorney's fees are paid as a percentage of the recovery.

Transparency in legal fees and processes is critical in personal injury cases. Clients may be responsible for certain case costs, but these are explained clearly in the fee agreement so there are no surprises. You will know exactly what to expect before signing anything.

Call (719) 309-9484 or reach out online today to find out whether you have a claim and what your next steps should be.

Contact a Colorado Springs Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

If you are dealing with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, lost income, and relentless insurance calls after being hit while walking in Colorado Springs or El Paso County, you do not have to face this alone. Johnston Law Firm investigates the crash, handles the legal process, negotiates with insurers, and - when needed - pursues litigation so you can focus on healing and your family.

Do not wait. Legal deadlines are real, and early investigation dramatically improves the chances of proving fault and securing a fair settlement. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and surveillance footage gets overwritten.

Call (719) 309-9484 now or send a secure message through our online form to schedule your free consultation with a Springs pedestrian accident lawyer who will fight for your rights.

Colorado Springs Pedestrian Accident FAQs

Do I have a case if I was hit while crossing outside a crosswalk?

Under Colorado's modified comparative negligence rules, pedestrians may still recover compensation even if they were not in a marked crosswalk, as long as they were not 50% or more at fault for the accident. In 2020, 12 pedestrians were killed in Colorado Springs accidents, and data shows that 68% of pedestrian fatalities statewide occurred outside marked crosswalks - demonstrating that these crashes happen frequently and are often the driver's fault. Drivers must still exercise reasonable care, keep a proper lookout, and avoid hitting visible pedestrians when reasonably possible. Fault is evaluated based on all circumstances - lighting, traffic signals, vehicle speed, and visibility - and a Springs pedestrian accident attorney can analyze these factors in detail to protect injured victims.

What if the driver who hit me in Colorado Springs left the scene or has no insurance?

Hit-and-run and uninsured driver situations are more common than people realize. Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on the pedestrian's own auto policy - or a household member's policy - may apply even though you were walking, not driving. Hit-and-run cases can still be pursued through UM coverage if they are reported promptly and properly documented. Contact Johnston Law Firm to review your insurance policies and explore all possible sources of recovery so that injured pedestrians are not left without legal assistance simply because the at-fault driver fled or lacked coverage.

Can I get my medical bills paid if I do not have health insurance?

Medical expenses may ultimately be paid from a settlement or verdict against the at-fault driver, or from UM/UIM coverage, but providers often require interim arrangements. Some Colorado medical professionals may agree to treat under a lien or delayed payment arrangement when a lawyer is involved. MedPay coverage on an auto policy can also help cover early medical attention and treatment costs. Johnston Law Firm helps coordinate these issues so that lack of health insurance does not prevent needed treatment or force accident victims to delay care for seemingly minor injuries that could worsen.

How long will my Colorado Springs pedestrian accident case take?

Timelines vary depending on injury severity, length of medical treatment, and whether liability is disputed or a lawsuit becomes necessary. Many personal injury case resolutions happen within several months after the client reaches maximum medical improvement, while litigated cases can take a year or more. Johnston Law Firm will not rush clients into an unfair settlement just to close the file quickly. The firm keeps you updated on expected time frames and makes sure you understand every step of the legal process.

Will I have to go to court for my pedestrian accident claim?

Many Colorado Springs pedestrian accident claims resolve through settlement negotiations, mediation, or arbitration without ever going to trial. However, Johnston Law Firm prepares every case as if it might go to court, which often encourages insurance companies to make more reasonable settlement offers. If court becomes necessary, Steve Johnston will guide you through each step, prepare you thoroughly, and advocate strongly on your behalf to pursue fair compensation for your physical injuries, emotional distress, medical costs, and lost wages. The firm's willingness to litigate is one reason it achieves results where other approaches fall short.