seat belt defense in Colorado

9 Colorado opinions name it 2 courts 1973–2006 0 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Colorado courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (6)

Case	Followed	Cited
Churning v. Staplesgreen coloctapp · 1981 · cited in 3 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 1982–2003 2 sentences 1984See Churning v. Staples, 628 P.2d 180 (Colo.App.1981) (adopting the reasoning in Fischer v. Moore, supra, and holding that the seat belt defense is not available for purposes of determining the degree of plaintiff’s negligence under the comparative negligence statute). 1982Fischer holds that under the doctrine of contributory negligence the failure to use a seat belt “may not be pleaded as bar to recovery of damages in an action against a tortfeasor whose negligence provides the initiating force and is a proximate cause of an injury to a driver or a passenger.” Although the case also stated that the decision should not be construed to apply as a bar to the seat belt defense under the Colorado Comparative Negligence statute, in Churning v. Staples, Colo.App., 628 P.2d 180 (1981), this Court held, “[W]e find the logic in Fischer still compelling and hold that the	1	3
Robinson v. Lewisgreen or · 1969 · cited in 2 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 1973–1973 2 sentences 1973For cases supporting the rule announced, see Derheim v. N. Fiorito Co., Inc., 80 Wash.2d 161 , 492 P.2d 1030 ; Miller v. Miller, 273 N.C. 228 , 160 S.E.2d 65 ; Brown v. Kendrick, 192 So.2d 49 (Dist.Ct.App.Fla.); Lipscomb v. Diamiani, 226 A.2d 914 (Super.Ct.Del.); Robinson 386 v. Lewis, 254 Or. 52 , 457 P.2d 483 ; Dillon v. Humphreys, 56 Misc.2d 211 , 288 N.Y.S.2d 14 . 1973For cases supporting the rule announced, see Derheim v. N. Fiorito Co., Inc., 80 Wash.2d 161 , 492 P.2d 1030 ; Miller v. Miller, 273 N.C. 228 , 160 S.E.2d 65 ; Brown v. Kendrick, 192 So.2d 49 (Dist.Ct.App.Fla.); Lipscomb v. Diamiani, 226 A.2d 914 (Super.Ct.Del.); Robinson 386 v. Lewis, 254 Or. 52 , 457 P.2d 483 ; Dillon v. Humphreys, 56 Misc.2d 211 , 288 N.Y.S.2d 14 .	1	2
Powell v. Bradygreen coloctapp · 1972 · cited in 1 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 1998–1998 1 sentence 1998See Powell v. Brady, 30 Colo.App. 406 , 412, 496 P.2d 328, 332 (1972) (“In order for the [mitigation of damages affirmative defense] to be submitted tó the jury there must be competent evidence to the effect that plaintiff failed to take reasonable efforts to mitigate his damages.”), ajfd sub nom., Brady v. City & County of Denver, 181 Colo. 218 , 508 P.2d 1254 (1973).	1	1
Brady v. City and County of Denvergreen colo · 1973 · cited in 1 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 1998–1998 2 sentences 1998See Powell v. Brady, 30 Colo.App. 406 , 412, 496 P.2d 328, 332 (1972) (“In order for the [mitigation of damages affirmative defense] to be submitted tó the jury there must be competent evidence to the effect that plaintiff failed to take reasonable efforts to mitigate his damages.”), ajfd sub nom., Brady v. City & County of Denver, 181 Colo. 218 , 508 P.2d 1254 (1973). 1998See Powell v. Brady, 30 Colo.App. 406 , 412, 496 P.2d 328, 332 (1972) (“In order for the [mitigation of damages affirmative defense] to be submitted tó the jury there must be competent evidence to the effect that plaintiff failed to take reasonable efforts to mitigate his damages.”), ajfd sub nom., Brady v. City & County of Denver, 181 Colo. 218 , 508 P.2d 1254 (1973).	1	1
Askew v. Geracegreen coloctapp · 1992 · cited in 1 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 1997–1997 1 sentence 1997See Askew v. Gerace, supra (testimony of police officer that plaintiff was not wearing a seatbelt was sufficient evidence to instruct the jury on the seat belt defense).	1	1
Amend v. Bellgreen wash · 1977 · cited in 1 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 1981–1981 2 sentences 1981See Amend v. Bell, 89 Wash.2d 124 , 570 P.2d 138 (1977) (seat belt defense rejected under comparative negligence statute). 1981See Amend v. Bell, 89 Wash.2d 124 , 570 P.2d 138 (1977) (seat belt defense rejected under comparative negligence statute).	1	1

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

Case	Negative	Cited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Colorado. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (12)

Case	Cited	Years
Fischer v. Moore green colo · 1973 2 sentences 1984In Fischer v. Moore, supra, we said that there was no statutory duty to wear an available seat belt and held: “In short, the seat belt defense, under the laws that existed prior to the adoption of our comparative negligence statute, is not an affirmative defense to an action for negligence, and evidence that the injured party failed to wear a seat belt may not be brought before the jury in any form to establish contributory negligence or to reduce the amount of the injured party’s damages.” 183 Colo. at 396 , 517 P.2d at 460 . 1984In Fischer v. Moore, supra, we said that there was no statutory duty to wear an available seat belt and held: “In short, the seat belt defense, under the laws that existed prior to the adoption of our comparative negligence statute, is not an affirmative defense to an action for negligence, and evidence that the injured party failed to wear a seat belt may not be brought before the jury in any form to establish contributory negligence or to reduce the amount of the injured party’s damages.” 183 Colo. at 396 , 517 P.2d at 460 .	2	1981–1984
Brown v. Kendrick green fladistctapp · 1966 2 sentences 1973Compare, Robinson v. Lewis, 254 Ore. 52 , 457 P.2d 483 (1969);Miller v. Miller, 273 N.C. 228 , 160 S.E.2d 65 (1968); Brown v. Kendrick, 192 So.2d 49 (Fla. Ct. App. 1966); with Harlan v. Curbo, 250 Ark. 610 , 466 S.W.2d 459 (1971); Mount v. McClellan, 91 Ill.App.2d 1 , 234 N.E.2d 329 (1968); and Sams v. Sams, 247 S.C. 467 , 148 S.E.2d 154 (1966). 1973For cases supporting the rule announced, see Derheim v. N. Fiorito Co., Inc., 80 Wash.2d 161 , 492 P.2d 1030 ; Miller v. Miller, 273 N.C. 228 , 160 S.E.2d 65 ; Brown v. Kendrick, 192 So.2d 49 (Dist.Ct.App.Fla.); Lipscomb v. Diamiani, 226 A.2d 914 (Super.Ct.Del.); Robinson *386 v. Lewis, 254 Or. 52 , 457 P.2d 483 ; Dillon v. Humphreys, 56 Misc.2d 211 , 288 N.Y.S.2d 14 .	2	1973–1973
Miller v. Miller green nc · 1968 2 sentences 1973For cases supporting the rule announced, see Derheim v. N. Fiorito Co., Inc., 80 Wash.2d 161 , 492 P.2d 1030 ; Miller v. Miller, 273 N.C. 228 , 160 S.E.2d 65 ; Brown v. Kendrick, 192 So.2d 49 (Dist.Ct.App.Fla.); Lipscomb v. Diamiani, 226 A.2d 914 (Super.Ct.Del.); Robinson 386 v. Lewis, 254 Or. 52 , 457 P.2d 483 ; Dillon v. Humphreys, 56 Misc.2d 211 , 288 N.Y.S.2d 14 . 1973For cases supporting the rule announced, see Derheim v. N. Fiorito Co., Inc., 80 Wash.2d 161 , 492 P.2d 1030 ; Miller v. Miller, 273 N.C. 228 , 160 S.E.2d 65 ; Brown v. Kendrick, 192 So.2d 49 (Dist.Ct.App.Fla.); Lipscomb v. Diamiani, 226 A.2d 914 (Super.Ct.Del.); Robinson 386 v. Lewis, 254 Or. 52 , 457 P.2d 483 ; Dillon v. Humphreys, 56 Misc.2d 211 , 288 N.Y.S.2d 14 .	2	1973–1973
McDorman Ex Rel. Connelly v. TEXAS-COLA LEASING CO., LP green txnd · 2003 1 sentence 2006In the court’s opinion, the driver’s citations “were not of the type that a reasonable mind could have anticipated the harm that occurred, a traffic accident.” Id. at 806 .	1	2006–2006
Sours v. Goodrich green coloctapp · 1983 1 sentence 1998The Askew court relied heavily on Sours, 674 P.2d 995 , which concerned permanency of injury rather than the seat belt defense.	1	1998–1998
Taplin Ex Rel. Taplin v. Clark green kanctapp · 1981 2 sentences 1984In our view, under the law of comparative negligence in Colorado, evidence of a plaintiff’s failure to wear a protective helmet is inadmissible to show negligence on the part of the plaintiff or to mitigate damages. 4 Taplin v. Clark, 6 Kan.App.2d 66 , 626 P.2d 1198 (1981) (no legal duty to use seat belt in anticipation of driver’s negligence). 1984In our view, under the law of comparative negligence in Colorado, evidence of a plaintiff’s failure to wear a protective helmet is inadmissible to show negligence on the part of the plaintiff or to mitigate damages. 4 Taplin v. Clark, 6 Kan.App.2d 66 , 626 P.2d 1198 (1981) (no legal duty to use seat belt in anticipation of driver’s negligence).	1	1984–1984
Mount v. McClellan green illappct · 1968 2 sentences 1973Compare, Robinson v. Lewis, 254 Ore. 52 , 457 P.2d 483 (1969);Miller v. Miller, 273 N.C. 228 , 160 S.E.2d 65 (1968); Brown v. Kendrick, 192 So.2d 49 (Fla. Ct. App. 1966); with Harlan v. Curbo, 250 Ark. 610 , 466 S.W.2d 459 (1971); Mount v. McClellan, 91 Ill.App.2d 1 , 234 N.E.2d 329 (1968); and Sams v. Sams, 247 S.C. 467 , 148 S.E.2d 154 (1966). 1973Compare, Robinson v. Lewis, 254 Ore. 52 , 457 P.2d 483 (1969);Miller v. Miller, 273 N.C. 228 , 160 S.E.2d 65 (1968); Brown v. Kendrick, 192 So.2d 49 (Fla. Ct. App. 1966); with Harlan v. Curbo, 250 Ark. 610 , 466 S.W.2d 459 (1971); Mount v. McClellan, 91 Ill.App.2d 1 , 234 N.E.2d 329 (1968); and Sams v. Sams, 247 S.C. 467 , 148 S.E.2d 154 (1966).	1	1973–1973
Dillon v. Humphreys neutral nysupct · 1968 2 sentences 1973For cases supporting the rule announced, see Derheim v. N. Fiorito Co., Inc., 80 Wash.2d 161 , 492 P.2d 1030 ; Miller v. Miller, 273 N.C. 228 , 160 S.E.2d 65 ; Brown v. Kendrick, 192 So.2d 49 (Dist.Ct.App.Fla.); Lipscomb v. Diamiani, 226 A.2d 914 (Super.Ct.Del.); Robinson 386 v. Lewis, 254 Or. 52 , 457 P.2d 483 ; Dillon v. Humphreys, 56 Misc.2d 211 , 288 N.Y.S.2d 14 . 1973For cases supporting the rule announced, see Derheim v. N. Fiorito Co., Inc., 80 Wash.2d 161 , 492 P.2d 1030 ; Miller v. Miller, 273 N.C. 228 , 160 S.E.2d 65 ; Brown v. Kendrick, 192 So.2d 49 (Dist.Ct.App.Fla.); Lipscomb v. Diamiani, 226 A.2d 914 (Super.Ct.Del.); Robinson 386 v. Lewis, 254 Or. 52 , 457 P.2d 483 ; Dillon v. Humphreys, 56 Misc.2d 211 , 288 N.Y.S.2d 14 .	1	1973–1973
Derheim v. N. Fiorito Co. green wash · 1972 2 sentences 1973For cases supporting the rule announced, see Derheim v. N. Fiorito Co., Inc., 80 Wash.2d 161 , 492 P.2d 1030 ; Miller v. Miller, 273 N.C. 228 , 160 S.E.2d 65 ; Brown v. Kendrick, 192 So.2d 49 (Dist.Ct.App.Fla.); Lipscomb v. Diamiani, 226 A.2d 914 (Super.Ct.Del.); Robinson 386 v. Lewis, 254 Or. 52 , 457 P.2d 483 ; Dillon v. Humphreys, 56 Misc.2d 211 , 288 N.Y.S.2d 14 . 1973For cases supporting the rule announced, see Derheim v. N. Fiorito Co., Inc., 80 Wash.2d 161 , 492 P.2d 1030 ; Miller v. Miller, 273 N.C. 228 , 160 S.E.2d 65 ; Brown v. Kendrick, 192 So.2d 49 (Dist.Ct.App.Fla.); Lipscomb v. Diamiani, 226 A.2d 914 (Super.Ct.Del.); Robinson 386 v. Lewis, 254 Or. 52 , 457 P.2d 483 ; Dillon v. Humphreys, 56 Misc.2d 211 , 288 N.Y.S.2d 14 .	1	1973–1973
Lipscomb v. Diamiani green delsuperct · 1967 1 sentence 1973For cases supporting the rule announced, see Derheim v. N. Fiorito Co., Inc., 80 Wash.2d 161 , 492 P.2d 1030 ; Miller v. Miller, 273 N.C. 228 , 160 S.E.2d 65 ; Brown v. Kendrick, 192 So.2d 49 (Dist.Ct.App.Fla.); Lipscomb v. Diamiani, 226 A.2d 914 (Super.Ct.Del.); Robinson *386 v. Lewis, 254 Or. 52 , 457 P.2d 483 ; Dillon v. Humphreys, 56 Misc.2d 211 , 288 N.Y.S.2d 14 .	1	1973–1973
Harlan v. Curbo green ark · 1971 2 sentences 1973Compare, Robinson v. Lewis, 254 Ore. 52 , 457 P.2d 483 (1969);Miller v. Miller, 273 N.C. 228 , 160 S.E.2d 65 (1968); Brown v. Kendrick, 192 So.2d 49 (Fla. Ct. App. 1966); with Harlan v. Curbo, 250 Ark. 610 , 466 S.W.2d 459 (1971); Mount v. McClellan, 91 Ill.App.2d 1 , 234 N.E.2d 329 (1968); and Sams v. Sams, 247 S.C. 467 , 148 S.E.2d 154 (1966). 1973Compare, Robinson v. Lewis, 254 Ore. 52 , 457 P.2d 483 (1969);Miller v. Miller, 273 N.C. 228 , 160 S.E.2d 65 (1968); Brown v. Kendrick, 192 So.2d 49 (Fla. Ct. App. 1966); with Harlan v. Curbo, 250 Ark. 610 , 466 S.W.2d 459 (1971); Mount v. McClellan, 91 Ill.App.2d 1 , 234 N.E.2d 329 (1968); and Sams v. Sams, 247 S.C. 467 , 148 S.E.2d 154 (1966).	1	1973–1973
Sams v. Sams green sc · 1966 2 sentences 1973Compare, Robinson v. Lewis, 254 Ore. 52 , 457 P.2d 483 (1969);Miller v. Miller, 273 N.C. 228 , 160 S.E.2d 65 (1968); Brown v. Kendrick, 192 So.2d 49 (Fla. Ct. App. 1966); with Harlan v. Curbo, 250 Ark. 610 , 466 S.W.2d 459 (1971); Mount v. McClellan, 91 Ill.App.2d 1 , 234 N.E.2d 329 (1968); and Sams v. Sams, 247 S.C. 467 , 148 S.E.2d 154 (1966). 1973Compare, Robinson v. Lewis, 254 Ore. 52 , 457 P.2d 483 (1969);Miller v. Miller, 273 N.C. 228 , 160 S.E.2d 65 (1968); Brown v. Kendrick, 192 So.2d 49 (Fla. Ct. App. 1966); with Harlan v. Curbo, 250 Ark. 610 , 466 S.W.2d 459 (1971); Mount v. McClellan, 91 Ill.App.2d 1 , 234 N.E.2d 329 (1968); and Sams v. Sams, 247 S.C. 467 , 148 S.E.2d 154 (1966).	1	1973–1973

Statutes the citing opinions construe

CO § Colo. Rev. Stat. § 42-4-236 (3) CO § Colo. Rev. Stat. § 42-4-237 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

NY 31 (1974–2015) FL 29 (1981–2011) TX 19 (1969–2015) GA 16 (1987–2024) IL 14 (1972–2020) IN 12 (1977–2023) OH 12 (1985–2023) PA 11 (1986–2025) CO 9 (1973–2006) MI 9 (1969–2003) NC 8 (1968–2007) NJ 7 (1986–2001) CT 7 (1969–2018) NM 7 (1975–2015) WA 6 (1972–2007) WI 6 (1983–2004) KS 5 (1981–2008) AZ 5 (1974–2022) IA 4 (1991–2014) MA 4 (1992–2024) KY 3 (2003–2021) CA 3 (1990–2004) OR 3 (2015–2016) MN 3 (1990–2018) TN 2 (2000–2020) DE 2 (2015–2017)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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