What are the Speed limits and Regulations in Colorado Springs?

Speed regulations in Colorado Springs

The Colorado Revised Statutes discuss several issues relating to speed regulations in Title 42, Article 4. Amongst other things, it lays down the various speed limits for different types of highways and also prescribes penalties for violations. This section of the statutes is replete with exceptions, complications and various other ramifications of the rules that require an experienced Colorado Springs Accident Attorney to sort out. If you're in trouble with the law regarding speed regulations, it's best to get in touch with one immediately.

Speed Ranges

There is a larger range of maximum speed limits that apply to different types of paths. For example, mountain paths with blind curves have a limit of just 25 mph. This is in contrast to a full blown four lane interstate highway where the limit is 65 mph. Speeds limits are also carved out for certain types of vehicles such as single rear axle vehicles transporting trash.

An important concept relating to vehicle speeds is "reasonable and prudent" speeds. Vehicles that violate the speed limits are automatically held to have violated the reasonable and prudent limits by the very fact of speeding alone.

Speed limits are relaxed when there is an emergency and if it's necessary to go faster in order to save a person's life or to prevent some public injury. Whether or not the situation called for such an excessive speed is left to the individual judgment of  the law authorities.

Litigation Issues

When two parties are engaged in an accident, one can sue the other for civil damages. A factor that might play a role in the case is whether or not the party being sued was violating the speed limits. However, for civil damages to be awarded, the person who is claiming negligent driving is still required to show that the accident was caused because of the extra speed.

One can't defend oneself against a speeding allegation by claiming ignorance of the exact limits or even by claiming that one didn't know the speed the vehicle was travelling at. Some have even tried to claim that maximum fuel efficiency required a higher speed. Needless to say, that defense didn't work!

Getting a Colorado Springs Accident Attorney

The statutes are quite complex and if you're involved in an accident, you must have a competent lawyer in order to avoid getting a terrible judgment against you. Our Clawson & Clawson attorneys are the best at what they do and will be able to take your case to a satisfactory conclusion. Contact us for a free initial consultation.