Colorado Springs personal injury lawyers understand that the failure on the part of motorists to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks is one of the major causes of deadly pedestrian accidents. Under Colorado law, pedestrians are legitimate users of the roadway. To ensure that their right to cross the road is protected, the Colorado Department of Transportation chooses where to provide marked crosswalks and where to leave a location unmarked. If you are attempting to cross the road, you have the right-of-way at marked crosswalks and intersections. Having the right-of-way in a marked crosswalk does not, however, ensure your safety.
According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, marked crosswalks are often more dangerous than unmarked crosswalks because pedestrians expect motorists to stop for them in a marked crosswalk. They are especially hazardous on busy roadways with elevated speed limits. Therefore, to avoid being struck by a car, you should not only obey the law, but also use caution when crossing the street.
Before stepping on the roadway, stop at the curb and look both ways. Look to the left, right and left again and continuing scanning the roadway for approaching vehicles as you cross. It often helps to make eye contact with drivers as well.
Under Colorado Springs law:
- Pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked crosswalks or unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
- Pedestrians must obey traffic signals.
- Pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to vehicles when attempting to cross outside of a crosswalk.
- No pedestrian shall suddenly enter the roadway in front of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.
If you have been injured in a Colorado Springs pedestrian accident, financial support may be available for your medical bills, loss of wages and other damages. The experienced Colorado Springs personal injury attorneys at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. know how to hold careless drivers accountable for their actions. We will fight to get you the support and compensation you need. Please contact us at (719) 475-2555 for a free consultation and case evaluation.