Car Accidents Basic Moments
Nowadays, no one is safe from getting into a car accident. A car accident brings disruptive changes to our daily lives. Injuries and property damage are common consequences of road accidents. Not everyone can overcome such problems alone. That’s why there are Denver car accident lawyers near you who are always ready to help. They will take care of all legal issues related to the accident. This will help you return to your normal life as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Data on Car Accidents in Denver
According to the Colorado Department of Transportation for 2023, the following accidents occurred in Denver:
- Fatal – 61
- Suspected Serious Injury – 575
- Suspected Minor Injury – 1550
- Possible Injury – 1826
- No Apparent Injury – 11154
Information on victims in car accidents in 2023 is also provided:
- Fatality – 65
- Suspected Serious Injury – 644
- Suspected Minor Injury – 1983
- Possible Injury – 2733
- No Apparent Injury – 26116
Factors and Causes of Car Accidents in Denver
The Colorado Department of Transportation provides a good classification of the factors and causes of car accidents.
TOP 15 causes of traffic accidents in Denver in 2023:
Careless Driving | 3717 |
Following Too Closely | 2762 |
Failed to Yield ROW | 2349 |
Lane Violation | 1665 |
Failed to Stop at Signal | 1019 |
Other Contributing Action | 790 |
Improper Turn | 391 |
Disregard Stop Sign | 328 |
Improper Backing | 284 |
Too Fast for Conditions | 248 |
Turned from Wrong Lane or Position | 224 |
Reckless Driving | 195 |
Disregarded Other Device/Sign/Markings | 114 |
Speeding | 69 |
Improper Passing on Left | 56 |
TOP 15 factors leading to traffic accidents in Denver in 2023:
Looked/Did Not See | 2221 |
Aggressive Driving | 1259 |
Other Factor/Description in Narrative | 1044 |
Distracted – Other Interior | 992 |
Driver Inexperience | 615 |
Distracted – Other Exterior | 546 |
Driver Unfamiliar with Area | 444 |
Age/Driver Ability | 428 |
Asleep or Fatigued | 166 |
Distracted/Other Occupant | 160 |
Driver Unfamiliar with the Area | 93 |
Medical | 80 |
Distracted – Manipulating Vehicle Control | 59 |
Distracted – Manipulating Electronic Device | 44 |
Evading Law Enforcement Officer | 41 |
In car accidents, not only vehicle drivers but also pedestrians are involved.
TOP 15 actions of pedestrians that led to traffic accidents in Denver in 2023:
Cross/Enter at Intersection | 178 |
Failure to Obey Traffic Signs, Signals, or Officer | 83 |
Cross/Enter NOT at Intersection | 78 |
Other/Described in Narrative | 55 |
Failure to Yield Right-Of-Way | 29 |
Dart/Dash | 22 |
Traveling Along Roadway Against Traffic | 21 |
Traveling Along Roadway with Traffic | 19 |
In Roadway Improperly Standing/Lying/Working/Playing | 14 |
Traveling on Sidewalk against Traffic | 12 |
Traveling on Sidewalk with Traffic | 10 |
Improper Passing | 4 |
Entering/Exiting Parked/Standing Vehicle | 4 |
Working in Trafficway/Maintenance Activities | 2 |
Panhandling | 1 |
Car Accidents Lead to These Injuries
A variety of injuries can result from car accidents, but the most common are:
Head injuries
Head injuries are common and can be serious. Typically, these types of injuries occur in a high-speed accident. Hitting your head on objects in the car interior leads to a concussion, fracture of the skull bones, and damage to blood vessels and brain tissue. This can lead to irreversible consequences and even death.
Neck and back injuries
Cars can collide in various ways, but with any impact, there is inertia in the body movement of the driver and passengers. At the same time, the load on the neck increases sharply and repeatedly. The most common neck injury is whiplash. Neck and back injuries can also include muscle strains, slipped discs, and fractures. The degree of injury affects the recovery period and the possibility of full recovery as such.
Chest and limb injuries
As with head injuries, hitting objects inside the car can cause injuries to the chest and limbs. The chest is characterized by rib fractures and injuries to internal organs such as the lungs, heart, and others. Limbs are subject to dislocations, fractures, and, in the worst cases, amputations.
Lacerations and burns are also common in car accidents.
In addition to physical injuries, there are also psychological ones, such as stress, depression, loss of sleep, and others.
Types of Car Accident Cases Most Frequently Handled by Lawyers in Denver
To understand the types of car accident cases in Denver, let’s look again at the Colorado Department of Transportation’s 2023 report. It provides statistics on types of accidents. The most common ones reflect the types of cases that Denver car accident lawyers have to work with:
- Front to Rear
- Front to Side
- Side to Side – Same Direction
- Parked Car
- Front to Front
- Pedestrian
- Curb
- Bicyclist/Motorized Bicycle
- Concrete Highway Barrier
- Light Pole/ Utility Pole
- Side to Side – Opposite Direction
- Overturning/Rollover
- Rear to Side
Why Hire Denver Car Accident Lawyers
Not all car accidents have serious consequences. Such accidents can usually be resolved quickly and without the need for legal assistance. But sometimes situations may arise in which you cannot do without the professional help of car accident lawyers in Denver.
Such cases include the following:
Serious injuries sustained
Having serious injuries can severely limit your ability to pursue a car accident case. A car accident lawyer can help you focus on your recovery and get the compensation you deserve.
The insurance company denies the claim or offers insufficient compensation
Insurance adjusters work on behalf of the insurance company. They may find various reasons for refusing a claim or underestimating the amount of compensation due. Experienced car accident lawyers in Denver know all the intricacies of the laws and will be able to conduct successful negotiations with the insurance company. Usually, as a result of these negotiations, it is possible to achieve a decent result.
Most of the blame is placed on you
To determine the true degree of guilt of each participant in an accident, it is necessary to conduct a high-quality investigation and collect all the necessary evidence. A good Denver car accident lawyer has investigative skills and access to a variety of resources that make it easier to uncover the true causes of an accident.
The accident case has been sent to court for consideration.
A successful car accident lawyer in Denver knows local laws and has extensive positive experience handling car accident cases. By entrusting the management of your case to such a professional, you can significantly increase the likelihood of success.
Basic Requirements for Denver Car Accident Lawyers
Specialization
Compensation for injuries makes up a significant portion of settlement amounts. Therefore, knowing the ins and outs of personal injury laws gives Denver car accident lawyers an advantage. They can estimate the cost of injuries and consequences, and determine and prove the causal relationship between injuries and the accident. The lawyer’s specialization in personal injury will be one of the main criteria.
Experience
A car accident lawyer’s experience handling car accident cases is important. To successfully conduct a case, it is necessary to conduct an investigation and collect evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and ensure the protection of the client’s interests in court. A good lawyer should have experience in all stages of a case.
Fee structure
Most Denver car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. They receive a percentage of the settlement amount. This fact becomes an incentive not only to win the case but also to achieve maximum compensation for the client.
Reputation
A car accident lawyer in Denver builds his reputation by winning legal battles, obtaining fair and significant compensation for clients, and successfully reaching a settlement at the negotiation stage. A lawyer with an impeccable reputation is respected by colleagues and recognized by insurance companies. This can have a positive impact on case management.
Ways to Find Denver Car Accident Lawyers
First, turn to relatives, friends, and acquaintances for help. They may have had a successful experience hiring Denver car accident lawyers. This way you can get the first candidates for consideration. They will already contain recommendations from those you trust.
Check out local advertising publications. They will likely contain information about Denver car accident lawyers and law firms in your area. Write down contact information and look at reviews from previous clients.
Visit local law firm websites. You can find out a lot of information that interests you there. Reviews from clients, a list of successful cases, amounts of compensation received for clients, and the opportunity to sign up for an initial consultation.
Listings of car accident lawyers can be requested from the Denver Bar Association or the Colorado Bar Association. It may also be helpful to search in specialized directories such as Avvo, FindLaw, or Martindale-Hubbell.
The most important step will probably be attending the initial consultation. There you can communicate directly with a car accident lawyer in Denver. Ask questions about your case and evaluate whether the lawyer is right for you.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Usually, you want to have a ready-made action plan for all unforeseen situations. Car accidents fit into this category because they happen unexpectedly and have bad consequences. After a car accident, it is advisable to follow a simple plan of action:
- check for injuries to all participants in the accident
- seek medical help if you need it
- move to a safe place
- record all information about witnesses to the accident
- take a photo of the accident scene, and damaged vehicles, and write down the details of the participants in the accident
- call the police to the scene
- notify your insurance company about the accident
- consult a Denver car accident lawyer
Don’t Do This After a Car Accident
When you are stressed after a car accident, you may take unwanted actions. Here is a list of some actions to avoid after a car accident:
Not to seek medical help
Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but can have serious consequences. Therefore, it is advisable to seek medical attention immediately after an accident to accurately determine the absence or presence of injuries. This will allow you to begin rehabilitation on time and link your injuries to the accident to receive compensation for them.
Agreement for a quick settlement
It is not always possible immediately after a car accident to correctly assess the extent of the damage, both material and emotional. The insurance company may offer a quick settlement that does not adequately cover the damages from the accident. Therefore, it is a smart move to consult with experienced Denver car accident lawyers. He will be able to more accurately estimate the value of your case.
Guilty plea
Admitting guilt would be the most unwise thing to do after a car accident. You should not evaluate your actions and question your innocence yourself. It is up to professionals to assess the degree of guilt when they conduct an investigation. Report only the facts that you know.
Compensation Possible as a Result of a Car Accident
In Denver, compensation can be paid for economic and non-economic damages, as well as punitive damages.
Economic damage includes the objective costs of the victim:
- material damage
- lost wages
- medical expenses
- rehabilitation costs
Non-economic damage is subjective:
- pain and suffering
- emotional trauma
- loss of pleasure from life
Punitive damages
Punitive damages are awarded to the at-fault party if he has shown hostility or outright disregard for the safety of others.
Do This to Avoid a Car Accident
Follow traffic rules
Keep a safe distance
Practice responsible driving
Be aware of blind spots when making maneuvers
Signal your intentions with turn signals
Avoid aggressive driving
Don’t drive while drunk or under the influence of drugs
Keep your car in good condition
FAQs
The statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim in Colorado is three years from the date of the accident.
Colorado has minimum liability insurance requirements. Minimum insurance requirements:
$25,000 personal injury coverage per person
$50,000 for bodily injury coverage in a car accident
$15,000 for property damage.
The law does not require hiring a lawyer. Enlisting the help of experienced car accident lawyers in Denver will improve your chances of receiving fair compensation.