Colorado Jaywalking Laws
Jaywalking, or crossing a street outside designated crosswalks or against traffic signals, is a frequent issue in Colorado—the pedestrian hit by a vehicle on 6th Avenue serves as a tragic reminder of the risks. Failing to follow pedestrian laws can have serious consequences, including catastrophic injuries, fines, and increased liability.
If an accident occurs, a pedestrian accident lawyer at Boesen Law can help you with your case in Colorado. We take care of all the legal aspects, including investigating the incident, proving liability, and securing rightful compensation. In this article, we’ll cover the state’s jaywalking laws and how they impact personal injury claims
What Are Colorado’s Jaywalking Laws?
Colorado law establishes clear rules for pedestrian movement to promote safety and prevent accidents. Pedestrians are required to use crosswalks and follow traffic signals, and failing to do so can result in citations. While jaywalking isn’t always illegal, crossing outside designated areas without yielding to oncoming traffic does violate state law.
Colorado Revised Statutes on Pedestrian Crossings
Under C.R.S. 42-4-802, pedestrians have the right-of-way at marked and unmarked crosswalks when traffic control signals permit. If crossing outside these designated areas, pedestrians must yield to vehicles.
Penalties for Jaywalking in Colorado
Colorado classifies jaywalking as a Class B traffic infraction under C.R.S. 42-4-801, with fines up to $100. If a pedestrian’s unlawful crossing leads to an accident, they could be found partially liable under Colorado’s comparative negligence rules (more on this later!).
Repeated jaywalking offenses often result in higher fines or additional penalties, depending on the situation. Law enforcement officers typically issue citations if they determine a pedestrian’s actions pose a direct safety risk.
Where Pedestrians Can Legally Cross
Colorado allows pedestrians to cross streets at marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections unless otherwise restricted by signals.
According to C.R.S. 42-4-803, crossing mid-block is only legal when there is a crosswalk or when traffic signals permit pedestrian movement. Pedestrians who cross elsewhere must yield to all approaching vehicles.
When Drivers Must Yield to Pedestrians
Under C.R.S. 42-4-802, drivers must yield to pedestrians within crosswalks when signals indicate they have the right of way. Pedestrians forfeit this right if they cross against signals or step into traffic without giving vehicles enough time to stop.
Colorado law also prohibits pedestrians from suddenly entering a roadway in a way that creates an immediate hazard. If an accident occurs, courts will consider whether the pedestrian violated traffic laws when determining liability.
How Much Is a Jaywalking Ticket in Colorado?
A standard jaywalking citation in Colorado costs between $15 and $100, depending on the location and circumstances. Repeated offenses or situations where jaywalking contributed to an accident often result in higher fines and additional legal consequences.
More importantly, a jaywalking ticket can impact a pedestrian’s liability in an accident case. If a pedestrian was cited for illegally crossing the street, it could reduce or eliminate their ability to recover damages in a personal injury lawsuit.
What Happens If You Accidentally Hit Someone Jaywalking?
If you accidentally hit someone jaywalking, liability depends on Colorado’s comparative negligence rule. This means both you and the pedestrian may share liability.
If a pedestrian was jaywalking, they may be partially at fault for the accident, which could reduce their compensation in a lawsuit. However, drivers may still be liable if they were speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent. In cases of reckless driving, the driver could face criminal charges in addition to civil liability.
Do You Have to Wait for a Pedestrian to Completely Cross the Street in Colorado?
Colorado law requires vehicles to yield until the pedestrian has safely crossed the lane in which the vehicle is traveling. Under C.R.S. 42-4-802, drivers must slow down or stop if necessary. Failure to yield can result in a traffic violation or increased liability in the case of an accident.
In some jurisdictions, local ordinances require drivers to wait until pedestrians have completely crossed the roadway before proceeding. For example, in Guelph, Ontario, drivers at pedestrian crossovers must remain stopped until pedestrians have fully cleared the entire roadway.
Impact of Jaywalking on Personal Injury Claims
Jaywalking can significantly affect a pedestrian’s ability to seek compensation after an accident. Colorado’s modified comparative negligence rule reduces compensation based on the pedestrian’s degree of fault. Additionally, if a pedestrian is found 50% or more at fault, they cannot recover damages.
However, even if a pedestrian was partially at fault, they may still be eligible for compensation. Consulting with the experienced team of attorneys at Boesen Law will give you clarity on what to expect for your claim.
How We Help – Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
While jaywalking laws play a crucial role in determining who is responsible for a pedestrian accident, other factors, such as driver negligence, can also impact the outcome of a claim. Pedestrian accidents often involve car accidents, and at Boesen Law, our attorneys analyze the facts of your case, deal with liability disputes, and fight for maximum compensation.
If you or a loved one was injured in a jaywalking-related accident, remember to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Colorado’s statute of limitations sets strict time limits for personal injury cases, and waiting too long could mean losing your right to seek compensation.
With decades of experience helping clients across Colorado secure compensation for injuries caused by negligence, we have what it takes to protect your rights. We’ve successfully recovered hundreds of millions in settlements and don’t charge any fees unless we win your case. Contact Boesen Law today for a free consultation
