Pedestrians in Denver or other Colorado cities will always be vulnerable to motor vehicle accidents. The risks of being involved in auto-pedestrian accidents are significant, and with no protection, pedestrians often suffer catastrophic injuries. While they have no control over the actions of vehicle operators, pedestrians can take some precautions to limit potential injury risks.
Many pedestrians do not realize that distracted walking can be as dangerous as distracted driving. Pedestrians must always be alert and fully aware of their environment and any vehicular movement. Being visible is always important, but essential after dark and in inclement weather, and mobile phone distractions such as texting can be fatal. Pedestrians who use headphones to listen to music face significant dangers since they often cannot hear approaching traffic.
If at all possible, pedestrians should avoid walking where there are no sidewalks. However, if they have to walk on the roadway, it is best to walk as close to the edge as possible and to face the oncoming traffic. When it comes to crossing the street, compliance with safety rules is essential, and crossing in marked areas is always recommended. Even in crosswalks, pedestrians must never assume that all drivers will stop — making eye contact with the driver is the best way to ensure being noticed.
Pedestrians in Colorado who suffer injuries after being struck by vehicles may have grounds to sue the drivers for causing personal injury. The legal basis for such claims is negligence, which might be challenging to establish in court. An attorney who is experienced in fighting for the rights of victims of auto-pedestrian accidents can provide the necessary support and guidance for the pursuit of financial relief to cover economic and noneconomic damages.
Source: consumersafety.org, “Pedestrian Safety”, Curtis Weyant, Accessed on March 9, 2018