Pedestrian Accidents in Colorado Springs on the Rise: Know the Reasons

New statewide data reveal that it is getting increasingly dangerous for people to travel by foot in Colorado Springs. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) states that the number of dangerous accidents involving pedestrians last year peaked at the highest in the last two decades.

Nearly 133 pedestrians died in traffic accidents last year. It is a 16% rise from 115 deaths reported last year. Over the last decade, pedestrian fatalities in Colorado have gone up by 96%. The CDOT believes that over 70% of the deadly accidents took place in dark conditions.

According to Darrell Lingk, the Office of Transportation Safety Director at CDOT, pedestrians are likely not to go away when it’s dark. The condition makes it challenging for drivers to identify pedestrians, more so if they aren’t using sidewalks or crosswalks. It can increase negligent driver behavior, like texting, driving, speeding, or even driving a car under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Lingk asserted the requirement for a collective commitment from each road user to give importance to safety. It is necessary to stay alert to the surroundings and give driving the importance that it deserves. In this article, we will delve into the probable reasons for the rise in pedestrian accidents and how a personal injury lawyer can help crash victims get compensated.

Pedestrian Accident Areas in Colorado Springs

There are several areas in Colorado Springs where pedestrian accidents occur. A few areas where the frequency is high include:

• S. Tejon Street
• Fillmore Street
• E Las Vegas Street
• Nevada Avenue
• Uintah Street
• Wahsatch Avenue

If you face a pedestrian accident in these or any other areas of the city, you must get in touch with a Colorado Springs personal injury attorney to set things right. Chances are you will be injured and are likely to incur medical expenses. The lawyer will help you get legally covered for the losses you endure from the crash.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Before you walk into a lawyer’s chamber, it is necessary to know the common reasons for pedestrian accidents. That way, you might prevent it.

The causes include:

Distracted Driving

In this fast-paced world, most drivers tend to multitask while they are behind the wheel. It can include activities like adjusting the GPS, texting, eating, changing the music, and many more. Such distracting acts can result in a temporary lapse in attention span and affect their mindfulness. Drivers might overlook a pedestrian crossing the road, and that can lead to a fatal crash.

Speeding

The quicker a vehicle moves, the less time there is for the driver to respond to a pedestrian. That aside, crashes that involve speeding can lead to fatalities and severe injuries, such as broken bones, because of the increased force impact. In 2023, Colorado Springs witnessed nearly 8170 traffic crashes and 50 allied fatalities. Speeding was one of the leading causes of it.

Bad Lighting

Most pedestrian accidents occur in areas that are poorly lit because of low visibility. It is challenging to locate pedestrians at night when the street lighting is questionable. It automatically increases the chance of accidents. Therefore, areas that don’t have proper lighting in the city should be carefully navigated by both pedestrians and drivers.

Drug and Alcohol Impairment

There have been countless incidents of traffic accidents in Colorado Springs because the driver was intoxicated. In September 2023, KOAA.com reported that the police had confirmed the death of a second Fort Carson soldier in a suspected DUI crash. Reduced reaction times and impaired judgment are the main reasons that make it challenging for drivers to move around pedestrians safely.

Seeking Help from a Lawyer

If you get mild cuts and bruises after a pedestrian accident in Colorado Springs, then you are lucky. Usually, that is not the case. Most crash victims have a range of injuries, from whiplash to traumatic brain injury, severe spinal cord wounds, and many more. Hence, they must seek medical help, followed by legal aid.

For this, Springs Law Group suggests connecting with an expert personal injury lawyer is necessary. They will assess the case and update whether you stand a chance to file a lawsuit. If you qualify, they will help you get valid evidence, such as images of the accident scene, your injuries, and testimonials from witnesses. They will use all these proofs to build a strong case to successfully obtain the compensation that you deserve.

They will also let you know about the probable settlement payout amount so that you have practical expectations.

In conclusion, pedestrian accidents in Colorado Springs are common and have increased in the past few years. You must know the causes and exercise caution to avoid them. But if you face one, it is necessary to get in touch with an expert lawyer who can help you get covered for all the economic and non-economic damages you’ve endured.

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