Knowing the Risks Can Help You Avoid a Pedestrian Accident

Summer is the best time of year to take a stroll or go for a bike ride around Boulder. However, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely per trip to be killed in a car accident than the occupants of a passenger car. Data from the CDC shows that one pedestrian is killed every 88 minutes. The more you know about the risks and potential injuries, the better you can protect yourself on your next jaunt through our beautiful city.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians have little to no protection when they are struck by a vehicle. This means that pedestrians suffer a high rate of spinal cord injuries that can result in paraplegia or tetraplegia. Similarly, pedestrians are at considerable risk of suffering a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Bicyclists have slightly more protection against this injury, but only if they are wearing a helmet.

Soft tissue injuries are also common. These include torn muscles, sprains, strains, and damage to tendons and ligaments. These can occur while walking down an uneven path or when attempting to hike along the Front Range.

While rare, amputation injuries can occur when pedestrians are struck by a motor vehicle. The risk depends on how fast the vehicle is traveling. It also depends on whether the pedestrian was “rolled over” or pinned against an object.

Finally, broken bones are exceedingly common. Pedestrians who are struck by a motor vehicle frequently suffer broken ribs, arms, and legs. Often, these are compound breaks that require significant medical intervention to correct.

Protecting Yourself From an Accident

Pedestrians can protect themselves from an accident by taking proactive precautions. Wearing bright clothing, proper footwear, and reflective strips at dawn/dusk can increase the individual’s visibility to vehicular traffic. It is also advisable to avoid walking or riding down high-traffic roads or listening to music on headphones.

Pedestrians should also obey all traffic laws the same as if they were in a motor vehicle. This means stopping at stoplights, not jaywalking, and looking both ways before entering an intersection. It also means walking/riding only on marked trails, sidewalks, and bike paths. And, when riding a bicycle, always wearing a well-fitting, properly maintained helmet.

Contact Sloat, Nicholson, & Hoover, P.C. at (303) 447-1144 to speak with our team about your pedestrian accident in Boulder. Our team will help you understand your rights and the processes involved in pursuing a personal injury claim in Colorado.