Safety Precautions for Denver Pedestrians

Everyone knows you have to follow traffic laws while driving, but did you know there are rules and laws to follow when walking, too? Learning about safety precautions for Denver pedestrians is necessary to both follow the law and protect yourself.

If you have been injured and are not sure if you did what was required of you, a pedestrian accident lawyer from Arckey & Steele could explain what is expected from both drivers and pedestrians under Colorado’s shared responsibility rules and how that may affect a personal injury claim.

What Steps Should You Take to Stay Safe?

Besides crossing the street at a crosswalk, most people probably do not think about what pedestrian laws are when walking around town. Colorado law indicates that pedestrians must follow traffic signals, use marked crosswalks when available, and yield when crossing outside of crosswalks. These rules help make pedestrian movement predictable so drivers can respond safely.

There are many things you should do to protect yourself as a pedestrian in Denver. For example, do not walk if the signal says “Don’t Walk” and use crosswalks instead of jaywalking. If there is no crosswalk, be sure to yield to oncoming traffic and cross well ahead of oncoming cars to give them enough time to react. These things might sound like simple, common sense, but they can make a difference and help you stay safer and avoid fault in the event of an accident.

What Pedestrians Should Know About Comparative Negligence

Even if a driver does not follow the law, that does not mean you should not do your part. Under Colorado law, multiple people can be at fault in an accident. For example, if someone crossed the street when the signal said not to cross and was hit. The state’s comparative negligence law determines that the pedestrian can be found partially at fault for the accident, and compensation will be reduced by that percentage of fault.

So, in the unfortunate event of being struck by a car, you are less likely to be held partially responsible if you were following the law. You can still file a claim and receive compensation as long as the other party is 50% or more at fault than you. This is where a Denver pedestrian accident attorney could help you determine if you took the right safety precautions to receive the full extent of the damages you are owed.

Call a Denver Lawyer for Guidance About Pedestrian Safety Precautions

If you have been in an accident and are not sure if you took the necessary safety precautions for Denver pedestrians, your next step should be to contact us. At Arckey & Steele, we take these cases seriously and are here to help you understand your legal rights and how your personal injury claim may be resolved. Reach out for help today.