Walking is a popular form of transportation and exercise in Colorado, with many residents choosing to walk to run errands or to get some fresh air. Colorado has many laws in place to protect pedestrians, however, there are unfortunately still pedestrians killed in traffic-related accidents every year. Nationally, around 5,000 pedestrians die and 70,000 are injured in traffic-related crashes.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident or lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident in Colorado, you may have legal recourse. It is best to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney to learn more about your options.
Colorado Laws That Protect Pedestrian Right Of Way
When a vehicle collides with a human body, it can cause catastrophic injuries. This is due to the significant difference in size, weight, and speed between a vehicle and a pedestrian. Vehicles often way several tons, while a human body weighs merely hundreds. To protect pedestrian safety, Colorado has laws designed for both pedestrians and drivers. Both parties have a duty to follow the applicable laws to help keep the roads safe.
Laws designed specifically for pedestrians to protect their safety:
- Pedestrians must use marked crosswalks to cross intersections
- Pedestrians must yield the right of way to traffic if no crosswalk is present
- Pedestrians must follow the pedestrian signals at intersections
- Pedestrians must never place themselves in the path of a vehicle
- Pedestrians must give themselves ample time to cross through traffic
If a pedestrian does not heed any of the above laws, they may be at fault if an accident occurs, or they can be held fully or partially liable for any damages caused.
Laws designed specifically for drivers to protect pedestrian safety:
- Drivers must yield pedestrian right of way in marked crosswalks
- Drivers must yield pedestrian right of way at stop signs or flashing red lights
- Drivers cannot go around or attempt to go around another vehicle stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross, regardless of whether the pedestrian had the right of way or not
- Drivers must adhere to all pedestrian traffic signals that give pedestrians the right of way to cross intersections
If a driver does not adhere to the above laws, they may seriously or gravely injure a pedestrian and can be held liable for the damages caused by the accident.
Common Injuries Caused in Pedestrian Accidents
Injuries resulting from pedestrian accidents can range from minor to severe. Some common injuries incurred in pedestrian accidents include:
- Head injuries (like concussions and other traumatic brain injuries)
- Broken bones
- Road rash and abrasions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Psychological trauma
- And more
Depending on factors like the point of impact, the speed of the vehicle, and whether or not the pedestrian was thrown or dragged by the vehicle will play a major role in the severity of the injuries sustained.
It is important to speak with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney in Denver to learn more about your options.