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The Babcock Law Firm

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Denver Personal Injury Attorneys (Home) / Car Accidents / Car Accidents in Colorado – 5 Duties Every Driver Has to Act with Reasonable Care

5 Duties Every Driver Has to Act with Reasonable Care

Colorado car accident attorney R. Mack Babcock wants you to know how to keep yourself safe on the road

Looking for the right legal team to help you in an auto accident claim case?

Our Denver car accident attorneys have extensive experience handling injury cases. It doesn’t matter if you have a minor scrape or a major collision, we are here for you.

We’ll fight to recover the compensation you need to heal physically, emotionally, and financially.

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Car accidents in Colorado happen all too often. Maybe someone was following the car in front of them too closely. Perhaps someone dropped a lit cigarette in their lap and lost control of their vehicle…whatever the cause of the accident, they are regrettable situations for everyone involved.

Drivers are responsible for doing all they can do to prevent a car accident in Colorado.

In order to do this and arrive safely at your destination, there are five duties every driver on the road has. If any of these are broken and cause an accident, the offending driver can be found to have been negligent and thus, responsible for the accident.

These five “duties of reasonable care” include:

  • 1. Duty to drive at a reasonable speed

Every driver on the road has a duty to drive at a reasonable, safe speed. What constitutes a safe speed is determined more by traffic conditions, weather conditions, road conditions and visibility.

Posted speed limits are maximum speeds one can lawfully drive provided all road and weather conditions are ideal.

  • 2. Duty to be aware of your surroundings

Drivers also have a duty to remain alert and be aware of their environment around their vehicle. They must be on the lookout for other vehicles, pedestrians and road hazards.

For example, a reasonable and prudent person slows down around a construction or school zone. Those who don’t take steps to be aware of their surroundings put themselves and others at risk – and can be considered negligent as well.

  • 3. Duty to maintain control of the car

Every driver on the road has the duty to maintain control of their vehicle (e.g. being able to stop quickly). If a car loses control for no apparent reason, negligence on the part of the driver can be proven in a Colorado car accident lawsuit.

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  • 4. Duty to maintain and use vehicle’s equipment

Drivers also have a duty to keep their vehicles maintained and in safe operating condition. All lights and brakes need to be working properly.

Worn brakes or non-functioning lights for example pose a danger to other drivers on the road that can result in a terrible accident.

  • 5. Duties imposed by laws in Colorado

Drivers in Colorado and around the country are subject to laws that codify other duties a driver on the road has to abide by. If these laws are violated, a negligence/car accident claim can be made against the offending party. Examples of these include:

  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Right of way laws for pedestrians
  • Driving on the wrong side of the road

These are just a few examples of driving laws that represent a duty on the part of drivers to follow.

If you think another driver that hit you and caused injuries and damage to your vehicle broke any these duties of reasonable care, you have grounds to sue them for compensation. Colorado car accident attorneys at the Babcock Law Firm can help you determine of any of these duties have been broken.

Continue reading these related articles for more information…

  • What to Do After a Car Accident
  • 5 Infractions That Can Reduce the Amount You’re Awarded in an Auto Accident Lawsuit
  • Car Accidents and Cell Phones – A Dangerous Mix
  • Defensive Driving – How You Can Prevent Auto Collisions and Save Money Too

Talk with Us Today – a Free, No-Risk Consultation

Discuss the details of your claim with a Colorado auto accident attorney at The Babcock Firm today. No matter where you are in the state of Colorado, if your case falls within our practice area and we feel our representation can benefit you, an attorney will conduct an in-depth consultation at no charge. We are here to help you secure a successful outcome.

Disclaimer

While the Babcock Law Firm tirelessly works to obtain successful outcomes for its clients, prior positive outcomes are no guarantee of future success. Indicating prior positive results is in no way intended to guarantee future results.

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(303) 683-5033
The Babcock Law Firm
Denver Workers' Compensation Lawyer and Personal Injury Attorney Mack Babcock
4600 S Ulster Street, Suite 800 Denver, CO 80237 United States

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