Colorado law says pedestrians must yield to drivers legally moving through traffic lanes. They cannot leave a curb and enter the path of a moving vehicle if it creates an immediate hazard.

Right of way helps determine fault or liability in vehicle-pedestrian injury cases. When a pedestrian is in a crosswalk, the law is clear: drivers hitting pedestrians in crosswalks have broken the law and are liable for injuries.

Pedestrians hit outside of crosswalks could still have a valid claim. Colorado law allows crossing where crosswalks are not available or practical. In these cases, pedestrians must always yield to vehicles. However, drivers must also use caution to avoid hitting pedestrians.

Drivers are not always at fault in pedestrian accidents; pedestrians can be partially or even fully responsible. Colorado uses modified comparative negligence to determine compensation when someone is even partly at fault.