You were walking in downtown Aspen on a cold, snowy night in the middle of the winter. You cross Hyman Avenue confidently, pushing the cross walk button. The crossing lights are flashing so you assume all cars are aware a pedestrian is crossing. Before you know it you are hit by a vehicle and are severely injured.

Colorado Pedestrian Law

Right-of-way laws in pedestrian law in Colorado lay out which vehicles must stop and yield to pedestrians. Drivers must know these laws to obtain their Colorado driver’s license.

10.2 Right Of Way
“Where vehicles or pedestrians meet one another, and there are no signs or signals to regulate traffic, there are rules that say who must yield the right-of-way. These rules tell drivers who goes first and who must wait in different traffic situations. The law states who must yield the right-of-way; it does not give anyone the right-of-way, even if your traffic signal is green. You must do everything you can to prevent striking a pedestrian or another vehicle, regardless of the circumstances. Pedestrians: When driving, you should yield the right-of-way to pedestrians under all conditions. Be particularly watchful for children, elderly and blind persons. Most blind persons are easily recognized by the white cane they carry and/or by their guide dog. Pedestrians have the right-of-way at all intersections and crosswalks. Drivers must come to a complete stop and let the person pass safely.”

Common cases of driver negligence:

• Not obeying the speed limit
• Not obeying other traffic signs and signals
• Not stopping for pedestrians at cross walks
• The driver is not paying attention or is preoccupied
• Not paying attention to weather or traffic conditions
• Failure to signal while turning
• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol

A Team Approach

We understand that every case is different and every client has unique challenges. Together, Aspen personal injury lawyers Ryan Kalamaya and Michael Fox, paralegals, Anna Wilson and  Shannon Holleran, move mountains for individuals who have been injured or killed by vehicles. Call us at 970-315-2365 today for a free personal injury consultation.