Understanding Colorado Pedestrian Laws and Your Rights as a Pedestrian
As a pedestrian, it is essential to understand the laws that govern your safety on the road. Colorado has specific laws in place to protect pedestrians, but unfortunately, accidents still happen. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Colorado’s pedestrian laws and your rights as a pedestrian.
At Springs Law Group, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that pedestrian accidents can take on victims and their families. That’s why we are here to help.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, our team of experienced Colorado Springs pedestrian accident lawyers can help you navigate the complex legal process and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact Springs Law Group for a free consultation.
Colorado Pedestrian Laws
Colorado has specific laws in place to protect pedestrians on the road. As a pedestrian, it is crucial to understand these laws to ensure your safety and avoid potential legal issues.
Here are some of Colorado’s pedestrian laws.
Crosswalk Laws
A crosswalk is defined as any portion of a roadway where the pavement is marked for pedestrian crossings.
Colorado law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and take necessary precautions to avoid colliding with them. Pedestrians must also obey traffic signals and markings and use reasonable care when crossing the road.
Sidewalk Laws
Sidewalks are designated pedestrian walkways alongside roads. Colorado law requires pedestrians to use sidewalks when they are available. If there is no sidewalk, pedestrians must walk on the left side of the roadway, facing oncoming traffic.
Property owners are responsible for maintaining privately owned sidewalks and keeping them safe for pedestrians.
Jaywalking Laws
Jaywalking refers to crossing the street outside of a crosswalk or outside of an intersection. Colorado law prohibits jaywalking and considers it a traffic offense. Pedestrians who jaywalk may face fines or other penalties.
Penalties for Violating Pedestrian Laws
Drivers who violate crosswalk laws may face fines and/or points on their licenses. They may also be held liable for any accidents they cause. Pedestrians who violate pedestrian laws may also face fines or other penalties.
Understanding Colorado’s pedestrian laws is critical for both drivers and pedestrians. By following these laws, we can all work together to make Colorado’s roads safer for everyone.
However, accidents can still occur despite everyone’s best efforts. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is essential to understand your rights.
Your Rights as a Pedestrian in Colorado
As a pedestrian in Colorado, you have certain rights when it comes to using the road safely.
Right of Way
Pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks and intersections when traffic signals indicate it is safe to cross. In other situations, pedestrians should use caution and yield to vehicles to avoid accidents.
If a driver fails to yield to a pedestrian who has the right of way and causes an accident, they may be held liable for any resulting injuries or damages.
Liability for Accidents
Both drivers and pedestrians have a responsibility to exercise reasonable care and avoid accidents.
However, drivers are typically held to a higher standard of care due to the potential for serious injury or death in pedestrian accidents. If a driver fails to exercise reasonable care and causes an accident, they may be held liable for any resulting injuries or damages.
Pedestrian Accident Compensation
If you are injured in a pedestrian accident due to a driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. This compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
It is important to seek legal assistance from a Colorado Springs pedestrian accident lawyer, who can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive fair compensation.
Contributory Negligence
In some cases, both the pedestrian and driver may contribute to an accident. Colorado law follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means that if you are found to be partially at fault for an accident, your compensation may be reduced proportionally to your level of fault. For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault for an accident, your compensation may be reduced by 30%.
Understanding your rights as a pedestrian in Colorado is essential to protecting your safety on the road and seeking compensation in the event of an accident. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact a trusted pedestrian accident attorney at Springs Law Group for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options.
How to Stay Safe as a Pedestrian in Colorado
While Colorado’s pedestrian laws are in place to protect pedestrians, it is ultimately up to individuals to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety on the road.
Here are some Colorado pedestrian safety tips:
- Use crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing to be more visible to drivers.
- Stay alert and avoid distractions such as texting or listening to music.
- Walk facing traffic if there is no sidewalk available.
- Look both ways before crossing the street.
- Avoid walking under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
By following these tips, you can improve your safety as a pedestrian in Colorado. Remember that accidents can still occur despite your best efforts.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact Springs Law Group to speak with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney and learn more about your legal options.
Call us today to schedule your free consultation.