Pueblo Car Accident Attorneys Inform Residents About Safety on the Roadways
Traffic laws are implemented to help protect motorists, pedestrians, workers, and passengers on the roadways. When individuals fail to obey these laws, it can lead to devastating accidents and injuries. In attempts to reduce the number of collisions on Colorado roads, we have created a list of some of the right-of-way traffic laws in our state.
While understanding and following all traffic laws is vitally important, our law firm knows that automobile accidents can still happen. If you or a loved one sustained injuries caused by a negligent driver who failed to obey traffic laws, our experienced Pueblo car accident attorneys at Heuser & Heuser are here for you.
We have helped countless people obtain the compensation they are owed after an accident. Our team can review your case and inform you of your legal options.
For a free legal consultation, call (719) 520-9909Right-of-Way Laws
Every state has right-of-way traffic laws in place that motorists are obligated to follow for the safety of all residents. According to the Colorado Drivers’ Handbook, “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.”
The handbook details the specific right-of-way laws that motorists must obey when operating a motor vehicle. The following sections below describe who has the right-of-way in various types of traffic conditions:
Pedestrians
Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians under any condition. In the state of Colorado, pedestrians have the right-of-way at all intersections and crosswalks.
Bicycles
Bicycles on the roadways are considered vehicles, which means they have the same rights as those operating a motor vehicle. Additionally, bicyclists must comply with the same laws as drivers.
Four-Way Stops
When arriving at a four-way stop, drivers must yield the right-of-way to the car that reached the intersection first. If more than one vehicle arrives at the same time, then the vehicle on the left must yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.
Emergency Vehicles
All drivers must yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles. If at all possible, move your vehicle over to the right side of the road when encountering an emergency vehicle. If you’re unable to move over and/or change lanes, slow down to a safe speed and use caution as you pass. Any vehicle that uses sirens, air horns, or flashing red, blue, or white lights is considered an emergency vehicle.
Road Work and Construction Zones
Drivers are obligated by law to yield the right-of-way to all workers and construction vehicles. Also, motorists must follow the reduced speed limits, adjust lanes away from roadside workers, and pay attention to any unexpected actions.
School Buses
If a school bus is stopped and has its red lights flashing, you are required to stop at least 20 feet before the bus on either side of the road.
While this list covers many of the right-of-way laws in Colorado, it does not include every law. To learn more about the traffic laws in our state, refer to the Colorado Drivers’ Handbook.
The sole purpose of establishing traffic laws is to protect those traveling on the roadways. When these laws are not enforced and drivers act negligently, it can lead to serious damage. Motorists who fail to comply with traffic laws may be subject to consequences.
Penalties for Failing to Obey Traffic Laws
Drivers who ignore the rules of the road have a high chance of being fined and penalized for their dangerous actions. The fine or punishment a motorist may face will depend on their specific violation.
Colorado uses a point system to punish motorists who fail to abide by the traffic laws. If a motorist receives too many points, their license could be suspended. Some of the point values include the following:
- Failure to yield the right-of-way: Three points
- Failure to stop for a school bus: Six points
- Improper passing: Four points
- Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle: Four points
To avoid penalties or your license being suspended, it’s imperative to follow all traffic laws set by the state.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers todayContact an Experienced Lawyer About Your Legal Options
If you or a loved one suffered injuries caused by a motorist who failed to obey traffic laws, we can help.
Our Pueblo car accident attorneys know how complex and time-consuming these types of cases can be without an experienced lawyer. For this reason, it’s in your best interest to contact our office to learn more about your legal options.
If you’re eligible to obtain compensation after sustaining an injury, our team of lawyers can help you fight for the amount you’re rightfully owed. Compensation can account for medical expenses, pain and suffering, property damage, and other expenses related to the accident.
Heuser & Heuser is a personal injury law firm that represents injured in accidents in Pueblo, Colorado Springs, and other parts of Southern Colorado. To learn more about your legal options, contact our law firm at (719) 520-9909, or fill out our free consultation form.
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