Our country is a patchwork of many distinct states, all of which have different cultures, social norms, and laws.
As a motorist, it’s important to understand the differences between laws across states, and this is especially true in regards to driving laws in states like Colorado.
Colorado’s driving laws aren’t terribly hard to follow. This means that you shouldn’t feel any shame for being in an accident with a driver who wasn’t following them.
If you did end up in an accident with someone who wasn’t obeying Colorado’s laws, then consider contacting a personal injury lawyer to determine what to do next.
Specific Rules in Colorado
When driving in Colorado, these are just a few of the laws that you’ll want to know about.
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Seatbelt law: In Colorado, any front-seat passenger has to be wearing a seatbelt. Additionally, children up to forty pounds have to be in a child safety seat, and kids over forty pounds who are under the age of eight must be sitting in booster seats.
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Drunk driving laws: Anybody 21 and over driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over 0.08 is breaking the law. Moreover, anybody under the age of 21 with a BAC over 0.02 is also technically driving under the influence. An interlock ignition device is mandatory for first-time offenders.
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Open container laws: Open containers of alcohol aren’t allowed in any part of the car that is meant for passengers. In practice, this means that you have to keep all opened containers in the trunk of your car.
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Distracted driving: Colorado defines distracted driving as “anything—texting, looking after children or pets, talking on the phone or to a passenger, watching videos, eating, or reading—that takes a driver's focus away from the road.” Not all of those activities are illegal, but texting while driving is prohibited for drivers of all ages.
Distracted Driving Scenario in Colorado
You’re pulling into an intersection in Colorado when a driver T-bones into your car. Later, you learn that the driver was texting while driving when you were hit. That driver’s negligent behavior could be the grounds for a personal injury claim.
Colorado used to be a no-fault state, but it has since changed to an at-fault state. This means that before you file a claim, the person who incited the accident has to be held liable for it.
After that, that person’s insurance company will pay out the appropriate damages. However, this means that you have the extra burden of having to make sure that you prove that the driver is liable for the accident, and that alone may make it a good idea to hire a personal injury attorney for your claim.
Find an Attorney Who Can Help You
The driving laws in Colorado are not particularly unreasonable, which is why it’s so egregious when a driver causes an accident because he wasn’t following them.
If you end up in an accident because a driver wasn’t obeying Colorado’s laws, then talk to a personal injury lawyer about what your options are.
An attorney can help you put together a successful claim, which could make your recovery--and your life--much more manageable.
