I-25 Crash: A Tragic Reminder of Colorado’s Move Over Law

 Posted on December 04, 2024 in Car Accident

I-25 outside Colorado Springs was the site of a tragic pedestrian accident on November 27, 2024. After a two-vehicle collision, two drivers were outside their cars on the shoulder of the interstate when a speeding Subaru struck one of the pedestrians, throwing him into oncoming traffic and killing him. Colorado recently revised its "Move Over" law to encompass any disabled vehicle on the road, not only emergency vehicles. Unfortunately, the Subaru’s driver apparently did not comply.

Does a driver need to be charged with a moving violation for you to get compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death claim? Your Fort Collins, CO lawyer from Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. can help you hold the at-fault driver accountable. Se Habla Español.

What Does Colorado’s Move Over Law Say?

Drivers who approach any stopped vehicle with its hazard lights flashing must first attempt to move over by at least one lane to allow plenty of room when passing it. If moving over is not possible, drivers must slow down to 20 mph under the posted speed limit. Drivers who do not comply with this law can face a Class 2 misdemeanor charge along with a 3-point license violation and a potential $150 fine.

Accidents and Injuries When Vehicles Do Not Move Over

Whether a person is inside or outside a vehicle that is stopped on a road shoulder, he can be injured if another car strikes. Pedestrian accidents typically produce severe or fatal injuries because the pedestrian has no protection against the impact:

• Head and traumatic brain injuries

• Multiple fractures

• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis

• Joint and nerve damage

• Organ damage

Even at lower speeds, pedestrian accidents can be fatal. Injured victims may qualify to file a personal injury claim for compensation. Eligible survivors of fatal pedestrian accident victims could collect compensation through a wrongful death claim.

Can I Get Compensation If the At-Fault Driver Was Not Charged?

Although a criminal charge could serve as evidence of a driver’s wrongdoing to support your compensation claim, personal injury and wrongful death cases are civil matters. No criminal charge has to be filed against a driver for you to seek compensation if his negligence is directly responsible for your accident and resulting injuries and damages. Negligent driver errors that frequently lead to collisions include:

• Failing to comply with traffic laws

• Speeding and driving too fast for conditions

• Distracted driving

• Driving while drunk or high

Working with an experienced attorney from Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. dramatically increases your chance of collecting as much compensation as you deserve. We understand Colorado’s laws and how they apply to your case, and we are prepared to aggressively fight insurers who do not want to pay your claim to achieve the best outcome for you.

Consult Our Knowledgeable Fort Collins, CO Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you are injured or a loved one lost their life in a motor vehicle collision, you can trust Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. to advocate for your best interests. Contact us online or call 970-225-2190 to request your free case review with our skilled Larimer County, CO wrongful death attorney.