In an average year in the United States, approximately 210,000 vehicle fires occur, according to the National Fire Prevention Association, many of which happen in the wake of crashes. These fires claim hundreds of lives, injure thousands more, and cause nearly $2 billion in property damage.  

These disturbing numbers raise grave concerns about the severity, scope of injuries, and costs that occur when victims suffer serious injuries or death in car fires. Not only is the permanent scarring from burns a constant reminder, but the pain experienced, the medical care required, and the associated costs incurred can be unimaginable.

Car Crashes and Burns

A car accident alone is a terrifying experience, but the potential for sustaining serious injuries is worse. When considering the working parts of a vehicle, one can begin to understand how many different scenarios could play out and cause injury to an occupant. The first priority, however, is to safely get out of a burning vehicle. Unfortunately, unpredictable and fast-moving fires can cause injuries such as:

Memorial Day is traditionally known as the official summer kickoff. It is also in the middle of the annual Click It or Ticket campaign sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It has been well documented for decades that seat belts save lives in the event of a vehicle accident. While at one time, wearing a seat belt was up to the individual, today, every state has some form of seat belt law in place.

In Colorado, all front-seat occupants must wear a seat belt. Passengers 15 years or younger must be secured with an appropriate safety restraint system no matter where they are sitting in the vehicle. Yet, despite the overwhelming evidence they save lives and the fact that it is the law, there are still many people who refuse to buckle up.

Seat Belt Usage

According to national statistics, at least 27 million people admit to not wearing a seat belt. In 2019, almost 18,000 fatal car crash victims were not wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. It is estimated that over 15,000 lives are saved because of the use of seat belts.

In 2017, a 52-year-old man was struck by two cars as he rode his bicycle through an intersection in Sloan Lake. The cyclist was initially struck by a driver who failed to notice the bicyclist as they turned left in the intersection. The first collision knocked the rider off his bicycle, and a second vehicle ran over the victim as he laid on the ground, dragging him a number of feet on the road. The man suffered severe spinal injuries and now has paralysis in his arms and legs. 

Just over a year later, the man was awarded $52 million in one of the largest civil victories in Colorado’s history. For bicyclists throughout the state, the jury’s decision was an encouraging step toward helping those injured in bicycle accidents due to driver negligence. Still, insurance companies try to fight against providing injured bicyclists the full compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one are injured in a bicycle accident, seek skilled legal assistance immediately. 

On February 3, an SUV driver was fatally injured near Colorado Springs when they lost control of their vehicle, crashed into an oncoming car, and ultimately collided with a concrete barrier. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision after being ejected from the vehicle. A female passenger was in stable condition after suffering injuries in the accident. 

For drivers throughout the state of Colorado, the accident served as a reminder of the importance of wearing a seat belt. Ejection from a vehicle significantly increases the chance of fatal injuries. If you or a loved one are involved in a motor vehicle collision, the use of a seat belt could save a life.