Colorado Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian accidents are all too common in Colorado, and it’s usually the pedestrians who suffer the most. If you were injured in a pedestrian accident caused by a driver’s negligence, you need a Colorado pedestrian accident lawyer to help hold the driver accountable and make you whole. This article provides an overview of Colorado pedestrian laws.

Speak with a Colorado Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Unlike drivers, pedestrians do not have the luxury of airbags or seatbelts to protect them from the full impact of a collision. In addition to severe injury or death, pedestrian accidents can leave you drowning in medical debt and significantly impact your quality of life. A Colorado pedestrian accident lawyer can help get you on the best path to recovery. Call 303-688-0944 today to begin your case assessment. Si gustarÍa hablar con nosotros en español, por favor llámenos al 720-359-2442.

Colorado Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to analysis from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and AAA Colorado, pedestrian deaths rose a startling 89 percent in the Centennial State from 2009 to 2018.

In 2019 alone, 76 pedestrians died on Colorado roads — representing 13 percent of all Colorado roadway deaths, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.

Most Colorado pedestrian accidents occur at non-intersections, according to CDOT. Time of day is also a factor in pedestrian crashes, with nighttime posing a significantly higher risk.

Colorado Pedestrian Laws: Who Has the Right of Way?

Pedestrian right-of-way laws will play a significant role in determining liability in a Colorado pedestrian accident. Let’s take a closer look.

When Pedestrians Must Yield to Drivers

Pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to drivers that are legally occupying and moving through traffic lanes. Specifically, this means a pedestrian cannot suddenly leave a curb and dart into the path of a moving vehicle “that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.” Colo. Revised Statutes § 42-4-802

Pedestrian Right-of-Way in Crosswalks

Drivers must yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian entering the roadway within a crosswalk that does not have dedicated traffic signals.

Drivers may enter the crosswalk if the pedestrian is on the opposite side, but not if “the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.” C.R.S. § 42-4-802

Additionally, drivers cannot attempt to pass a vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk at an intersection to allow a pedestrian to cross the street.

Pedestrian Right-of-Way and Traffic Signals

Drivers and pedestrians alike must abide by “Walk” and “Don’t Walk” traffic signals. Drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians with a solid “Walk” signal and to those who are already in the crosswalk when the “Don’t Walk” signal begins flashing.

Consequently, pedestrians must not enter a crosswalk when the “Don’t Walk” signal is solid or flashing.

If traffic is stopped in all directions: Pedestrians may cross from the corner of an intersection to any other corner while the “Walk” sign is showing. C.R.S. § 42-4-802

Crossing Places Other than Crosswalks

If you are crossing the street anywhere at any point other than a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, you must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles on the road. The same applies if you are crossing at a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing.

If you are between adjacent intersections with operational traffic signals, you may not cross anywhere other than a marked crosswalk. C.R.S. § 42-4-803

You Need a Colorado Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Filing a personal injury claim is often the best way to financially recover from a pedestrian accident. If you were hit by a careless driver, the Colorado pedestrian accident lawyers at Robinson & Henry can help you hold them accountable. Call 303-688-0944 today to begin your case assessment. Si gustarÍa hablar con nosotros en español, por favor llámenos al 720-359-2442.