A fatal collision between a semi-trailer truck and a pedestrian occurred at the intersection of Tejon Street and Las Vegas Street earlier this week.
According to the Colorado Springs Police Department, the collision occurred around 9 a.m. on the morning of March 24th, when two men, one of them identified as 49-year-old Colorado Springs resident Jerry Flores, were crossing South Tejon Street, when a semi trailer truck turning onto Tejon from East Las Vegas Street made contact with Flores.
Tragically, Flores was pulled underneath the trailer truck bed, and did not survive the collision. The other person crossing with Flores left the scene after the crash, and police are attempting to locate them in order to get more information about what occurred.
A police spokesperson has stated that the police do not believe that intoxication or speed played a role in this collision, that the semi truck had the right of way at the time of the crash, and that the two pedestrians were crossing on a “no walk” signal.
The area was closed to traffic for a few hours after the collision. Police are attempting to locate Flores’s family, and ask that anyone with any information call 719-444-7000.
Pedestrian Accidents in Colorado Springs
This tragic incident marks the fourth motor vehicle vs pedestrian accident, and the sixth fatal motor vehicle accident in the Colorado Springs area, in 2021 alone.
These grim numbers come on the heels of last year, which saw a surprisingly high number of fatal traffic accidents, considering the pandemic resulted in many people staying home as often as possible.
There were 51 fatal traffic accidents in 2020, which according to the Colorado Springs Police Department, makes it the deadliest year on record when it comes to fatal motor vehicle accidents, eclipsing the previous record in 2018 with 48 fatalities. The record prior to that was set in 1986.
Police in Colorado Springs have stressed that many of these accidents are caused by dangerous driving behaviors, such as speeding, texting while driving, and driving under the influence.
But the police are also reminding pedestrians that, just because you can’t control all of the external factors around you, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the proper precautions that are available to you, that may just help save your life.
Pedestrians should remember to always make sure that they are as visible as possible, especially after dark. Never assume that you’ll be seen by approaching vehicles. Whenever you are able, you should try and make eye contact with the drivers in the vehicles around you, that’s a very good way to confirm that you have been noticed.
Also, pedestrians should always make sure that they cross at intersections in the crosswalk, and only when they have the right of way. Crossing in the middle of the street, or where there may be bad visibility due to poor lighting conditions, puts you in danger unnecessarily.
Further Reading: Colorado Saw a Large Increase in Pedestrian Fatalities Between 2009 and 2018
Contact Our Colorado Springs Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today
Have you or a loved one been injured by the negligent actions of a driver? Are you concerned you won’t have the money to pay medical bills and lost expenses? If so, you need an experienced Colorado Springs pedestrian accident lawyer on your side to help you fight for justice.
Contact the dedicated attorneys at the Schofield & Green Law P.C. today by calling (719) 694-8515, or by filling out the contact form on this page, to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and discuss your case.