The one word answer is yes, simply because any pedestrian accident anywhere in Colorado and beyond should be considered a major issue. The answer is yes also because of the statistics involved in pedestrian plus automobile accidents. The following information comes from the CDC’s statistics for 2012:
— 4,743 pedestrians died in traffic accidents
— A further 76,000 pedestrians received injuries in traffic-related accidents
— Pedestrians have 1.5 times a greater risk of dying in a vehicle accident than automobile passengers
— One pedestrian dies in a traffic-related car accident about every two hours in America
While any pedestrian can be injured or killed in a car crash, certain groups are at a higher risk.
— Children: In 2012, more than one out of every five children between the ages of 5 and 15 who perished in car accidents were pedestrians
— Senior citizens: Approximately 20 percent of the pedestrian deaths recorded in 2012 were older adults aged 65 or older and 9 percent of pedestrian injuries happened to people in the same age group
— Intoxicated individuals: In 48 percent of the crashes leading to pedestrian deaths for 2012, either the driver or the pedestrian was intoxicated
Also of note, it appears that most pedestrian deaths due to a car accident happen at night, in urban areas and at non-intersection locations.
While this information does not precisely name Denver, it stands to reason that death records from Colorado likely contributed to the statistics. If you know someone who was injured or died after being struck by an automobile, it is time to seek action by contacting a Denver attorney who will advocate for your rights while working hard to help you recover damages for your loss, pain and suffering.
Source: CDC.gov, “Pedestrian Safety,” accessed May. 28, 2015