Common Causes of Car Accidents in CO

Car accidents happen for many reasons, but most result from some type of driver error. Driving dangerously is a choice — and a bad one. Colorado law allows victims to seek compensation for their losses when a motorist’s reckless actions injure someone else. If you’ve been hurt, getting an experienced car accident lawyer to investigate the collision is critical to identify all negligent parties and demand maximum compensation for your losses.

Talk to a personal injury attorney at Earl & Earl, PLLC today. For decades, our law firm has fought for injured Coloradans just like you. We treat clients like family, providing personalized and professional legal services to help them get the support necessary to rebuild their lives. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.

Causes of Car Accidents in Colorado

Here are some of the most common causes of car accidents in Colorado:

• Distracted driving – Drivers who are absorbed in phone calls, text messages, or other distractions are more likely to cause preventable accidents because their full attention is not on the road.
• Driver impairment – Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol can be dangerous behind the wheel. Impaired drivers often lack the reaction time, depth perception, and safe judgment necessary to steer clear of collisions.
• Reckless driving – Speeding, tailgating, and making unsafe lane changes give drivers much less room for error on the road. Reckless drivers often cause traffic accidents because they don’t have enough time to respond to a dangerous situation.
• Inexperience – Young or new drivers are likelier to make common driving errors, such as failure to yield or running stop signs.
• Vehicle defects – A critical vehicle component or system that fails while the car is driving can cause loss-of-control accidents due to no fault of the driver.
• Poor road conditions – Roads need constant maintenance to stay safe. Large potholes, missing traffic signs, or defective designs can contribute to driver confusion and result in traffic collisions.

Car Accident Statistics

Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of serious injuries and death in Colorado. The most current car accident statistics from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CODOT) show that in a single recent year:

• There were nearly 600 motor vehicle fatalities.
• Speed-related deaths increased by 14 percent. Speeding was a factor in 40 percent of all crash fatalities.
• Alcohol-impaired drivers were involved in 30 percent of all traffic fatalities. Nearly 165 people died in crashes involving an impaired driver.
• Among those who died in Colorado car accidents, 51 percent were not wearing seat belts.

Common Car Accident Injuries

The violent forces of impact in a car accident can cause serious injuries to the car’s occupants and nearby bystanders. Common car accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Whiplash and other neck injuries
• Facial injuries and dental trauma
• Arm, elbow, wrist, and hand injuries
• Leg, knee, ankle, and foot injuries
• Back injuries
• Shoulder injuries
• Seat belt and airbag injuries
• Soft tissue strains, sprains, and tears
• Abdominal injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Dislocated or broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Amputation
• Bruises, lacerations, and puncture wounds
• Road rash
• Burns
• Emotional and psychological injuries
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Death

Types of Car Accidents

Some of the most common types of car accidents include:

• Head-on collisions – Also called a frontal or front-end crash, a head-on collision occurs when the front of one vehicle collides with the front end of another car traveling in the opposite direction.
• Rear-end accidents – A rear-end collision happens when the front end of one vehicle crashes into the rear end of the car in front of it.
• Sideswipe crashes – A sideswipe crash occurs when the side of one vehicle collides with the side of another car going in the same or opposite direction.
• T-bone collisions – A T-bone collision occurs when the front end of one vehicle collides with the side of another, resulting in wreckage that forms the shape of the letter “t.”

Who is at Fault in a Colorado Motor Vehicle Accident?

Depending on the circumstances, any of the following parties could be partially or entirely at fault for a Colorado motor vehicle accident, including:

• The other driver(s)
• Another road user, such as a bicyclist, motorcyclist, or pedestrian
• The driver’s employer, if the accident occurred in a company vehicle
• The manufacturer or seller of a defective vehicle or auto part
• A state or local government agency

In some cases, more than one party may be responsible for a car accident. A knowledgeable lawyer can help identify all liable parties and pursue compensation from all possible sources.

How to Prevent and Avoid Car Accidents

Keep yourself and others safe on the road by following these tips:

• Put away cell phones and other potential distractions.
• Check weather and traffic conditions along your route before leaving.
• Always wear your seat belt and ensure your passengers wear them, too.
• Limit the amount of driving you do at night, in poor weather, or on busy roads.
• Obey posted speed limits and adjust your speed appropriately in congested areas or in bad weather.
• Keep your vehicle well-maintained with regular oil changes and routine maintenance.
• Check your spare tire before departing.
• Carry an emergency crash kit.

Should I Hire a Lawyer if I was Involved in a Car Accident?

Not everyone needs legal help after a car accident. Always contact an attorney if:

• You suffered significant injuries.
• Your crash injuries prevent you from returning to work.
• It’s not clear who caused the accident.
• The crash occurred in a school zone or work zone.
• The other driver involved was uninsured or underinsured.
• The insurance company tries to minimize or deny your claim.
• You feel uncertain about your legal options or negotiating abilities.

Contact a Colorado Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you suffered injuries in a car accident that was not your fault, the Colorado car accident lawyers of Earl & Earl, PLLC, are ready to discuss your concerns and legal options in a free consultation. Contact us today to discuss the details of your case.