DENVER, Denver County, Colo., Sept. 24, 2026 — A pedestrian suffered serious injuries early Thursday morning, September 24, in a crash with a vehicle near South Colorado Boulevard and East Cherry Creek North Drive in Denver, according to police.
The Denver Police Department said officers responded to the intersection after a motorist and a pedestrian were involved in a crash there. The pedestrian was seriously hurt, though the extent of the injuries has not been released.
Police asked drivers to expect delays in the area while officers worked the scene. It is not clear from the department's statement how long the road was affected.
The Denver Police Department said the collision remains under investigation. We hope those who were hurt recover fully.
Who Faces the Greatest Risk When Struck by a Vehicle
Pedestrian crashes do not spread their harm evenly. People walking after dark, in low light or in areas without dedicated crosswalks tend to make up a large share of serious and fatal cases, since visibility for both the driver and the person on foot drops sharply once the sun goes down.
Older adults and young children are also overrepresented in serious pedestrian injuries. Older pedestrians often cannot get out of the way as quickly, and injuries that a younger adult might walk away from can be more serious for them. Children can be harder for drivers to see, especially near parked cars or in busy intersections.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 24 percent of pedestrians killed in traffic crashes were struck by hit-and-run drivers in 2023. That figure points to how often the person left most exposed after a crash is also left without immediate answers about who was involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a pedestrian do immediately after being hit by a car?
Call 911 even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms take hours to appear. Try not to move if you suspect a back, neck, or head injury, and wait for paramedics to evaluate you. Get the names of any witnesses if you're able.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
In most states, including Colorado, pedestrians have the right of way in marked and unmarked crosswalks once they've entered the roadway. Drivers are required to yield, though pedestrians should still make eye contact with drivers before stepping out when possible.
What can drivers do to spot pedestrians sooner?
Slowing down near intersections, scanning sidewalks and crosswalks before turning, and avoiding phone use behind the wheel all give drivers more time to react to someone stepping into the road.
What injuries are most common when a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle?
Broken bones, head injuries, and internal injuries are common, since a pedestrian has no protection from the impact. Even crashes at lower speeds can cause injuries that require hospitalization.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Crash in Denver, CO
Anyone involved in or who witnesses a pedestrian crash in Denver should call 911 right away and stay at the scene until officers arrive. If you were the pedestrian, seek a medical evaluation even if you feel able to walk away, since adrenaline can mask pain from fractures or internal injuries.
Ask for a copy of the police report once it's filed, and write down what you remember about the crash, including where you were walking and what you saw, while it's still fresh. If there were witnesses nearby, get their contact information before they leave. Follow up with your doctor if symptoms like pain, swelling, or headaches appear in the days after the crash.