Pedestrian Accidents on Colorado Blvd: What Every Pasadena Resident Should Know

Colorado Boulevard is more than just a busy thoroughfare in Pasadena—it’s a symbol of culture, commerce, and community. Lined with popular destinations like the Pasadena Playhouse, Vroman’s Bookstore, and the Norton Simon Museum, this iconic street sees thousands of pedestrians daily. But with its popularity also comes danger.

In recent years, pedestrian accidents along Colorado Blvd and throughout Pasadena have become a growing concern—especially as traffic congestion, distracted driving, and fast-paced urban living intersect with pedestrian activity.

If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, the legal team at Doyle Accident and Personal Injury Attorneys is here to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Call (626) 737-0036 today for a FREE consultation.

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS):

• In 2022, Pasadena had over 108 pedestrian-related traffic injuries and fatalities, a 12% increase from 2021.
• The majority of these incidents occurred within a three-mile radius of Colorado Blvd and Old Town Pasadena.
• Over 40% of the victims were aged 50 and older, showing that elderly pedestrians are particularly vulnerable.

And it’s not just a Pasadena issue—throughout the San Gabriel Valley, cities like Alhambra, Arcadia, San Gabriel, and Monterey Park have also seen spikes in pedestrian accidents, particularly near schools, parks, and shopping areas.

Several factors make Colorado Blvd especially dangerous for pedestrians:

1. High Foot Traffic and Tourism

The Rose Parade, Pasadena City College events, and local arts festivals bring thousands to the area. This constant movement means drivers must be hyper-alert, yet many fail to slow down or yield to crosswalks.

2. Nightlife and Distracted Driving

Bars, restaurants, and venues along Colorado Blvd—especially between Fair Oaks and Hill Avenue—contribute to late-night foot traffic. Drivers under the influence or distracted by GPS or phones are a serious risk.

3. Inadequate Crosswalk Visibility

Despite upgrades in some areas, many intersections on Colorado Blvd still lack flashing pedestrian signals or well-lit crosswalks. Accidents often occur at:

• Colorado Blvd & El Molino Ave
• Colorado Blvd & Arroyo Parkway
• Colorado Blvd & Hill Ave

Case #1: Student Injured Outside PCC

In March 2023, a 20-year-old college student was struck while crossing Colorado Blvd near Pasadena City College. The driver failed to stop at the crosswalk and hit the student at 30 mph. She suffered a broken collarbone and a concussion. With Doyle Attorneys’ legal help, she secured a settlement to cover her hospital bills and time away from school.

Case #2: Elderly Resident Hit in the Playhouse District

An 82-year-old woman walking her dog near Madison Ave was hit by a turning vehicle. The crosswalk was marked, but the driver claimed not to have seen her. The woman sustained hip and wrist fractures. Her family contacted Doyle Accident and Personal Injury Attorneys, who held the driver’s insurance accountable and helped with long-term care costs.

California law protects pedestrians—but insurance companies don’t always make it easy to claim what you’re owed.

Pedestrian victims may be eligible for compensation for:

• Emergency and long-term medical care
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress or trauma
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Wrongful death (in fatal cases)

Even if you were partially at fault, such as stepping into an unmarked crosswalk, California’s comparative fault system may still allow you to recover damages.

Let Doyle Accident and Personal Injury Attorneys fight for what you deserve. We’ve helped Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley residents recover millions after serious injuries.

If you’re struck by a vehicle, even if you feel okay, here’s what to do:

1. Get medical help immediately. Internal injuries may not show symptoms right away.
2. Call the police and file a report. Insist that the officer records the driver’s fault if applicable.
3. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, traffic signs, and the driver’s license plate.
4. Collect witness info. Eyewitnesses often leave the scene quickly.
5. Do not speak with the driver’s insurance company without legal advice.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident on Colorado Blvd or anywhere in Pasadena, Alhambra, or the San Gabriel Valley, don’t go through the recovery process alone.

The experienced legal team at Doyle Accident and Personal Injury Attorneys will:

• Investigate your case thoroughly
• Handle all negotiations with insurance providers
• Work with medical professionals to evaluate your injury claim
• Fight for the maximum compensation you deserve

Call (626) 737-0036 now or visit our offices in Pasadena or Alhambra to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We don’t get paid unless you win.

• City of Pasadena – Vision Zero Program
• California Vehicle Code § 21950 – Pedestrian Right-of-Way
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Pedestrian Safety
• Pasadena Safe Streets Coalition