What this video covers
- When a driver has a legal duty to yield to you in a marked or unmarked crosswalk
- Why accepting blame too quickly can reduce or forfeit the compensation you are owed
- What to photograph and note at the scene to show you had the right of way
Video summary
In a Colorado crosswalk with the signal in your favor, a driver has a legal duty to yield, even if they were distracted or speeding and even if they seem apologetic.
People often accept blame too quickly. A driver who hits you in a crosswalk is generally liable for your injuries regardless of intent, and admitting fault early can forfeit compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain.
After a crosswalk injury, photograph the intersection, note the signal timing, and document any visible damage. Those details help show you followed the rules before you discuss settlement.
Transcript
After a pedestrian accident, many injured people assume they were partly at fault because they weren't paying attention or the driver seemed surprised. Here's what the law actually says: if you were in a marked or unmarked crosswalk with the signal in your favor, the driver had a legal duty to yield—even if they were distracted or speeding. The mistake people make is accepting blame too quickly. A driver who hits you in a crosswalk is liable for your injuries, period. That liability exists regardless of the driver's intent or how apologetic they seem. Why this matters: if you admit fault or settle immediately without understanding your rights, you forfeit compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain. Colorado law recognizes pedestrian right-of-way in crosswalks specifically because drivers are expected to watch for foot traffic. After an injury in a crosswalk, photograph the intersection, note the signal timing, and document any visible damage to your body or clothing. These details prove you followed the rules. Don't sign anything or talk settlement before understanding what your case is actually worth.