According to recent Colorado Department of Transportation data, pedestrian deaths are up 89% in Colorado and a staggering 93 pedestrians were killed in 2020 alone. It seems that there are news reports several times a week, informing us that yet another pedestrian has been hit by an errant driver.
Whether walking to work or simply walking for pleasure, getting hit by a vehicle is possible. If a pedestrian is hit by a truck or car and survives the crash, the healing process can be long, painful, and expensive. By hiring an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer, the pedestrian or their loved ones can seek compensation for their economic and non-economic damages.
Driver Laws
While there are some tips that can help drivers keep pedestrians safe, knowing Colorado’s laws will go a long way in protecting those who are vulnerable against a moving vehicle.
Colorado law states:
- When pedestrians are in the same half of a crosswalk as the motor vehicle, drivers MUST yield the right of way. (CRS §42-4-802)
- Pedestrians have the right of way at intersections whether there are flashing red lights or stop signs. (CRS §42-4-802)
- If a vehicle is stopped at a crosswalk to let a pedestrian cross, another vehicle approaching from the rear may not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle while it is stopped. (CRS §42-4-802)
- If a driver is under the age of 18, they may not use a phone while driving unless there is an emergency. (CRS §42-4-239)
- Drivers may not use a cell phone for texting or other manual data entry while driving. (CRS §42-4-239)
Pedestrian Laws
While Colorado law provides protection for pedestrians, they still must abide by pedestrian laws. Even though pedestrians have the right of way, they must actively avoid dangerous situations.
Even a simple action like stepping off the curb onto the street could put a pedestrian in danger. Because pedestrians are so vulnerable, it is better to be safe than sorry, even if the pedestrian has the right of way.
Colorado pedestrian law states:
- Pedestrians cross a road at any point other than a crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield to vehicles. (CRS § 42-4-803)
- Pedestrians must not cross at any place except a marked crosswalk if there are adjacent traffic signals. (CRS § 42-4-803)
- Pedestrians must follow the “Walk” and “Don’t Walk” signals. (CRS § 42-4-802)
- Pedestrians must not suddenly leave the curb or other place of safety and ride a bike, walk, or run into the path of a moving vehicle that is so close that it becomes hazardous. (CRS § 42-4-802)
What Types of Compensation May an Injured Pedestrian Recover?
If it is determined that the driver was negligent when the pedestrian was hit, the pedestrian may be able to recover damages or money for their injuries. The pedestrian may receive compensation for economic damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses, as well as non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
Should I Hire a Boulder Pedestrian Accident Attorney?
Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in pedestrian accidents is key to getting maximum compensation. At Debbie Taussig Law, we know how to fight the insurance companies and help our clients receive the healing and compensation they deserve, whether their injuries are mild or life-altering.
Call our firm today and set up a free case evaluation.
