Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Broomfield

Pedestrian accidents and injuries are on the rise in the area and surrounding cities. It is always important to pinpoint the causes of collisions, both to hold drivers accountable and prevent future incidents. The pedestrian injury attorneys at Arckey & Steele are committed to identifying the common causes of pedestrian accidents in Broomfield to ensure that injured people can pursue the accountability they deserve.

Distracted and Impaired Driving

When drivers use phones, eat, change the radio, or use devices, they are not watching the road. A distracted driver may fail to see a pedestrian stepping off a curb or crossing midblock. In a congested Broomfield area, even a momentary lapse in attention could be the cause of a serious collision with a pedestrian.

Speaking of reaction times, drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs lose crucial judgment and coordination when behind the wheel. Impairment is a frequent cause of pedestrian crashes, especially late at night or during weekend hours. The law treats impairment severely, and liability usually includes criminal penalties and civil responsibility.

Speeding and Failing to Yield

Speeding plays a role in 30%–40% of fatal motor vehicle collisions in the state. At higher speeds, a driver has less time to react, and any collision with a pedestrian is likely to be catastrophic. Faster traffic increases the danger of striking people walking in crosswalks or intersections in Broomfield.

Colorado law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians where marked crosswalks exist and even where a pedestrian is plainly within the driver’s path. Failure to yield to a pedestrian at an intersection, driveway, or midblock crossing often causes accidents. Drivers who do not yield right-of-way to pedestrians can be held responsible in lawsuits, especially if they were speeding as well.

Crosswalk Accidents and Jaywalking

Pedestrian collisions often happen at crosswalks, especially where Broomfield traffic is heavy or timed walking signal phases are short. Misjudged turn signals or impatient drivers near shopping areas, schools, and busy streets make crosswalk collisions a persistent danger.

For instance, a driver turning left must judge oncoming traffic and ensure the path is clear of pedestrians. Left‑turn collisions often occur when drivers misjudge timing or fail to see a crossing pedestrian in their path. These accident claims typically require analysis of on-scene information to support the case, including:

• Traffic signal phases
• Placement of crosswalks
• Turning lanes
• Sight lines

When a pedestrian crosses outside a marked crosswalk or against a signal, the driver’s responsibility may be lessened under Colorado Revised Statutes § 42‑4‑705. However, even in those cases, you can recover damages if the driver’s conduct was grossly negligent or reckless. A pedestrian accident lawyer will assess whether the driver’s negligence outweighs any pedestrian misstep when determining who is responsible for the incident.

Poor Visibility and Bad Weather

Many pedestrian collisions occur at night or in low‑visibility hours. Pedestrian fatalities happen more frequently in accidents during dusk, dawn, or after dark. Poor street lighting, heavy shadows, or glare from headlights further reduce reaction time.

Poor lighting becomes especially dangerous when bad weather is involved. Snow, ice, rain, and sleet reduce tire traction and braking distance. Winter storms can make sidewalks and streets slippery. A Broomfield driver who misjudges stopping distance on wet or frozen roads is more likely to cause an accident and strike a pedestrian before they can react.

Discuss Reasons for Pedestrian Crashes With a Broomfield Lawyer Today

Arckey & Steele bring decades of litigation experience to personal injury matters, including many jury trials and appeals in local courts. We are skilled negotiators with insurance companies, but we never hesitate to initiate litigation for our clients when the situation warrants it. We provide personalized attention to each case and always provide dedicated support.

We could investigate the common causes of pedestrian accidents in Broomfield and identify all parties who could be held liable for your injuries. Let us oversee the entire process so you can focus on your treatment and injuries. Contact us now to schedule a free legal consultation or case review.