Safety Precautions for Loveland Pedestrians

Colorado residents are well-known for their love of the outdoors. Loveland gives people many reasons to ditch their cars and walk, from the historic downtown to the parks and trails showcasing the city’s natural beauty.

Walking can become hazardous in a community full of hidden dangers, like bad drivers, damaged sidewalks, and icy surfaces. However, there are safety precautions for Loveland pedestrians that can help keep them from harm.

When you or a loved one suffers injury due to someone else’s careless actions, a dedicated pedestrian accident attorney could help you seek total compensation for your losses.

Ways Pedestrians Can Avoid Injury

There are several safety precautions that Loveland pedestrians can take to minimize the risk of injury.

Avoid Jaywalking

To begin, it is vital to avoid jaywalking. Pedestrians do not always have the right of way, and crossing a roadway outside of a designated crosswalk is dangerous because drivers do not expect people to be there.

Do Not Walk on Red

Similarly, people on foot should avoid crossing at a red light. Like jaywalking, drivers do not expect pedestrians to cross when cars have the right of way.

Be Cautious at Night

When walking at night, avoid wearing dark clothes, especially in bad weather when visibility is already low. Pedestrians should also stay on the sidewalk and never on the roadway where vehicles are present.

Defensive Safety Precautions for Pedestrians

Drivers must always stop for pedestrians, regardless of who has the right of way. Even if this is the case, people should not expect cars to automatically slow down for them. Loveland pedestrians cannot control motorists’ actions, but they can take certain safety precautions to reduce the risk of harm.

When attempting to cross a road, whether in a residential neighborhood, storefront, or busy intersection, always wait until a car comes to a complete stop before proceeding. Additionally, let the car go first if the motorist is not slowing down or if they are driving strangely and seem distracted or impaired.

Not all pedestrian accidents happen due to vehicle collisions. People should also avoid walking on snow, ice, and poorly maintained walkways that could lead to a slip and fall. Either the city or the property owner should clear snowy and icy sidewalks within 24 hours. Property owners are also required by law to maintain curbs and sidewalks for safe walking.

Comparative Negligence

Pedestrians only have two years to seek compensation after discovering injuries from an accident. Colorado uses a modified comparative negligence system. This means that if the court finds a plaintiff to be less than 50% responsible for their injuries, it will award them damages.

Even when a pedestrian takes all the necessary precautions, accidents caused by negligence and recklessness can still occur. A knowledgeable lawyer could investigate their client’s incident to determine all at-fault parties and build a solid case for compensation.

Learn More About Safety Precautions for Loveland Pedestrians Today

When you or a loved one is hurt in a pedestrian accident, you deserve to be compensated for the damages and losses you sustained. A reliable personal injury attorney could determine if you have a claim, who is at fault, and how much you are entitled to recover.

Contact our legal team today to schedule an initial consultation and discover more about safety precautions for Loveland pedestrians.