Pedestrians are people who walk or ride in a wheelchair on the road. Colorado law considers bicycles as vehicles and those who ride one have the same responsibilities as car drivers. Cyclists and pedestrians are considered vulnerable when it comes to accidents in intersections. A lot of motorists are speeding or using devices without regard for the possible devastation they may cause. Whether you are a cyclist or pedestrians and have been involved in an intersection accident in Pueblo, you need a Pueblo auto accident lawyer to help you build a strong case. Your lawyer knows how liability or fault is determined in intersection accidents.
How to Determine Fault in Intersection Accidents
Victims of road accidents should seek immediate medical attention when appropriate. Usually, it can be difficult to determine fault in an intersection accident, which can be a point of contention no matter whether certain parties were issued a citation. Because of this, you must consult an attorney with the knowledge and resources to determine fault in the accident. A driver who failed to maintain reasonable care for others on the road may have legal responsibility in an accident. Even minor issues such as failure to use a turn signal or exceeding proper speeds can be factors in assigning fault.
Colorado’s Modified Comparative Negligence System
Car accident claims are largely based on establishing the negligence of a party, that this negligence led to injuries, and therefore, the victim is entitled to recover damages. Under Colorado’s modified comparative negligence system, car accident victims may still recover as long as their allocation of negligence is less than 50%. If a plaintiff is found to have contributed 10% in causing an accident, they are only eligible to recover 90% of any monetary award.
Who Can be Responsible for an Intersection Accident?
Any person who violated any traffic or relevant law or rule may be responsible for any resulting accident. It is important to keep in mind that even if you are the injured party, you could have contributed to the crash. Thus, every time you are on the road or sidewalk in the vicinity of Pueblo roads or highways, you should always stay alert and abide by the laws and rules of the road. This is true whether you are a motorist, pedestrian, or cyclist. If an accident occurs and you sustain injuries, make sure to contact an accident attorney to make sure you are treated fairly after the accident.
