Even though lockdowns and quarantines as a response to the coronavirus pandemic have kept many Coloradoans off the roads, the number of driving citations issued by law enforcement for speeding has not reflected this change. In fact, traffic tickets issued by police for exceeding the speed limit have actually increased with the implementation of statewide isolation orders.

While fewer people are currently on the road, incidents of reckless driving have paradoxically increased, according to the Denver-based news agency, FOX31. Not only do they report a rise in the number of speeding citations issued since 2019, but the number of car accidents has also spiked. The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) reported 6,550 car accidents in the first four months of 2019. Just one year later, this number skyrocketed to approximately 9,600 crashes in the same amount of time — a 70 percent increase in one year.

How You Can Protect Yourself

As restrictions begin to ease and lockdown orders come to an end, the roads will gradually begin to fill again. Since many drivers have not been on the roads for the past few months, there will be even more opportunities to get caught in an automobile accident. Cultivating strong, defensive driving habits now may keep you and your family safe even as the rate of accidents grows.

Following a motor vehicle collision, the drivers involved are required to remain at the scene, render any necessary aid to those who have been injured, and exchange contact information with each other. Unfortunately, some drivers choose to flee the scene of a collision, and these hit-and-run car accidents can leave victims suffering from severe or fatal injuries. The Denver Post reports that, as of Thursday, May 28, 2020, the city of Denver has recorded 1,899 hit-and-run accidents since the beginning of the year, averaging approximately 390 incidents monthly. Drivers who have been involved in these types of accidents will want to understand the steps they can take to pursue compensation if the other person leaves the scene.

Four Steps to Take After a Hit-And-Run

An automobile accident is enough to leave anyone dazed, and doubly so if the other party has left the scene. Here are four things you should do in the event you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident:

Although other drivers’ actions are unpredictable, there are two things all motorists can do to help avoid auto accidents, including driving safely and properly maintaining their vehicles. Typically, people are often reminded to obey traffic laws, pay attention at all times, and to stay sober when driving. However, faulty or worn-out auto parts can also cause collisions with minor to serious injuries. Since Colorado is an “at fault” state, a driver who does not properly maintain his or her vehicle can be deemed at fault for negligent maintenance and upkeep. If you have been in an accident that involves broken or faulty vehicle components, you should work with an experienced personal injury attorney to determine your legal options, especially since these types of cases can be more complicated than your average fender-bender.

Essential Vehicle Maintenance

Although many people wait for warnings to appear on the dashboard or for other obvious symptoms before bringing their cars into a repair shop, some preemptive maintenance goes a long way. At least once a year, every motorist should make sure to have a skilled mechanic check the following:

If you have been in a car accident there are a variety of steps you should take to protect yourself in the immediate aftermath. You must first seek emergency medical attention if necessary, then report the accident and exchange insurance information with the other driver. You may be wondering what to do next if your vehicle is significantly damaged. The window of time after an accident can be stressful, but taking the right steps during this time can ensure that you are properly compensated for property damage, as well as any injuries you suffered in the collision. By receiving legal assistance from a personal injury attorney, you can be sure that you will be properly compensated for all of your damages.

What Are Colorado’s Total Loss Laws?

“Totaling” or “totaled” are words that often get used as slang for vehicles that are not functional or are undrivable, but drivers may not understand what these terms actually mean. To "total" a car means to declare it a total loss, which dictates how you and your auto insurance provider will move forward. A car does not have to be a complete wreck to be totaled. Instead, the cost of repairs must exceed a certain threshold, which may differ from state to state. In Colorado, that threshold is 100 percent. That is, Colorado legally requires insurers to declare a vehicle a total loss if the estimated repair costs would exceed the market value of that vehicle.  

Every driver in Colorado is required to carry car insurance in case of an accident. If you or a family member are involved in a vehicle collision, it can be difficult to maintain a clear mind and understand exactly what your policy covers. Most policies function similarly, so the guidelines here will likely apply to you in many ways. However, even when you have a general understanding of your auto insurance policy and relative confidence in determining what the other party’s policy covers in an accident, it is imperative that you obtain sound legal advice from a personal injury lawyer to protect your rights.

Legal Aid When Seeking Damages

Before diving into what your and another driver’s insurance policies cover in a crash, it is important to understand how vital legal guidance can be after you or your loved one are involved in a car accident. In many cases, determining which driver is at fault is not that simple. A police report might not accurately describe what happened, or there may be other mitigating circumstances, like a nearby construction zone. Even if there were just minor injuries and vehicle damage, a skilled attorney can help you establish liability for the collision, and they can negotiate with insurance companies and help make sure that you receive the compensation you need and deserve. That is why it is essential that you contact an attorney first before talking to any insurance company, including your own. 

While many people believe that pedestrians always have the right of way when crossing the street, the truth is that pedestrians are not infallible. They can make mistakes just like drivers do, and this probably occurs more often than you might think. In fact, many pedestrian accidents and pedestrian deaths in Colorado over the last few years have been clear cases that illustrate the pedestrian was at fault. In other cases, the collision may involve a combination of fault by both the driver (or drivers) and the pedestrian. Below are some circumstances in which a motorist may not be at fault, and a pedestrian may be liable for any damages and injuries.

When the Driver Is Not at Fault

Pedestrians might believe that if they are hit by a car, it will almost always be the driver’s fault. However, a driver may not be at fault if all of the following can be proven in court:

Studies show that approximately nine people die and 1,000 more are injured every day in the United States from motor vehicle accidents resulting from distracted driving. This is a serious issue, so much so that nearly every state has laws against distracted driving. With that in mind, it is important to know and recognize the types of driving distractions and understand how they can lead to car accidents.

Distracted Driving Categories

Driving distractions can be divided into three categories, with most distractions overlapping in more than one category. The three main types of driving distractions are:

Even for people who have been involved in a car accident before, there can be many unknowns depending on the circumstances of the crash. A fender-bender may not cause too much trouble, but when your car is severely damaged or you need intensive medical treatment, you may not know where to turn for help. If you are hurt in a vehicle collision, a personal injury attorney can assist you in seeking the financial compensation you need and deserve. 

What Are Examples of Negligence on the Road?

Since 2011, fatal car crashes in Colorado have steadily increased. Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents. There are no restrictions on talking on a cell phone for drivers 18 years and older. However, texting or any other kind of data entry is prohibited for all drivers. When motorists break these laws, they put others in danger, just as they would when drunk driving or speeding. If a driver's negligence was the cause of an accident, he or she can be held responsible for the injuries and damages suffered by other drivers or passengers. In these cases, an experienced attorney can help you determine your best options for pursuing compensation. 

Whether seen on the news, witnessed, or through personal experience, we are all familiar with car accidents. In 2018 alone, 4.5 million people in the United States were injured in car accidents, and 40,000 people lost their lives. Some circumstances increase the likelihood of car accidents, such as poor weather conditions or negligent actions by a driver. No matter what causes a vehicle collision, it is important to understand your rights and your options for seeking compensation if you find yourself a victim of a crash.  

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Generally speaking, many auto accidents take place in rural areas. The likelihood of an accident occurring also increases if it is dark outside, if alcohol is involved, or if a young driver is behind the wheel. Sometimes, car accidents are unavoidable and are the fault of neither driver. However, when someone is responsible for causing a car accident in Colorado, he or she can be held liable for the damages caused by his or her negligent actions. A person may be found negligent if he or she failed to take reasonable care in a situation, and another person suffered injuries as a result.

Although there is no single correct way to react to trauma, being prepared for a car accident can make a tough situation better. Even for safe drivers, it is a smart idea to learn how to respond if you are ever involved in a vehicle collision. Drivers can make their own decisions on the road, but unfortunately, they cannot control the driving habits of others. Knowing the proper steps to take after an auto accident can not only prevent further incidents but can benefit drivers and passengers if they decide to file a personal injury suit. In certain situations, the accident may have been caused by another motorist’s negligent actions. 

Steps to Take After a Crash

Preliminary results from the Colorado Department of Transportation show that fatal accidents have decreased between 2017 and 2019. This was after a steady climb in accidents starting in 2011, reaching a high of 600 fatal crashes in 2017, which was the highest since 2002. Luckily, not all car accidents are fatal, but people can still be seriously injured in car accidents that are caused by drinking and driving (DUI), distracted driving, and reckless driving. 

Last year, an estimated 112.5 million Americans traveled during the December holiday season. No matter what holidays people celebrate, many take this time off work or school to travel to visit family or take a vacation. In many cases, these trips involve traveling via automobile, and due to the increased traffic on the roads, car accidents can become more likely during this time of year. Collisions may occur because of inclement weather, but distracted or impaired driving can also be a factor in accidents that result in serious injuries or fatalities.    

Factors that Contribute to Winter Car Crashes

The holiday travel season begins around December 22 and ends on January 1. The National Safety Council (NSC) typically estimates that around 800 people will die on the roads during Christmas and New Year periods. Cars have the highest rate of deaths per mile versus other forms of transportation. This is true throughout the entire year, so why do car accidents spike during the winter holiday season?

It is no secret that pedestrian accidents often end tragically. Even at slow speeds, a pedestrian can be severely injured or killed after being hit by a car. Last year in Colorado, 90 pedestrians were killed in auto accidents, which was up 40 percent from three years prior in 2015. As of September, official records report 37 deaths so far this year. The final total for 2019 will include this number and likely other pedestrian deaths. Therefore, it is important to be aware of crosswalks and the role they play in pedestrian safety. 

Crosswalk Safety

Last month, a pedestrian died after getting hit by a car at night in Fort Collins. The victim, a 23-year-old man from the area, was hit by a minivan. Although the crash is still under investigation, it is noted that a crosswalk was not being utilized by the pedestrian at the time of the accident. Alcohol and reckless driving were not thought to be contributing factors.

It may feel like there is not enough time in the day to focus on one task at a time, but operating a motor vehicle should be the only thing on a driver’s mind when he or she is behind the wheel. In Colorado, 43 accidents each day are caused by distracted driving. Although it only accounts for 13 percent of all accidents, distracted driving often causes serious injury or wrongful death. If a distracted driver causes a car accident, other parties involved may be eligible for compensation if they suffer injuries, property damage, or pain or suffering. 

Proving Negligence for Distracted Driving

A personal injury case is reliant on being able to prove that negligence was involved in an accident. Under Colorado law, contributory negligence plays a role in determining compensation. A defendant is only obligated to compensate the plaintiff for his or her proportion of fault. If the court determines the plaintiff's negligence is greater than the defendant’s, the plaintiff may not recover any damages at all. 

When a personal injury case is on the table, one of the most difficult parts is proving which party was at fault. This often affects the amount of compensation a person can receive or whether someone has a case at all. In cases involving pedestrian accidents, there are many factors that may have caused the incident. In some cases, a collision can be caused by a reckless motorist who is driving under the influence or distracted. It is imperative to know what rights a pedestrian has and how these rights can impact the ability to recover damages in a personal injury claim.

Proving Fault 

Colorado is what is called a “fault state” in regard to personal injury cases. This means whoever caused the accident may be held liable. Sometimes, there is a clear answer as to who was at fault, but most cases are not that cut and dry. Whether someone is operating a car or a truck or is a pedestrian, there are rules for every person on the road. These laws are to keep each other safe, and when broken, they can lead to accidents, injuries, or even death. Knowing the rights of a pedestrian may help determine whether a person is eligible for a personal injury claim.

From a minor fender-bender to a rollover accident, car accidents can cause emotional and physical damage to a motorist. It may be nerve-wracking to get behind the wheel again, or an injury can completely change a person’s quality of life. Knowing the main causes of a vehicle accident can help a person become a more defensive driver, and it may also help determine if an accident victim is eligible for a personal injury settlement. 

Determining Fault in an Auto Accident 

How much a person contributes to the cause of a motor vehicle accident will determine who is liable and who is eligible for compensation. An important part of proving fault is whether or not the other driver acted negligently when the accident occurred. These common causes of car accidents often have a negligent party involved, and are the result of human error: 

When a car rolls over, the driver and passengers can suffer serious injuries or fatalities. The roof of a passenger car is not built to withstand the weight of the lower half of the vehicle, and therefore, it is likely to collapse. Even a minor car accident can lead to painful injuries, but when extreme trauma is involved, a victim may be temporarily or permanently disabled. In some cases, another driver’s negligence may have caused the rollover crash, and a victim can file a personal injury lawsuit. 

Proving Negligence

Larger vehicles, such as SUVs and commercial trucks, are more likely to roll over than a compact car. This is because the center of gravity is higher on large automobiles. A quick turn or maneuver can easily cause a larger vehicle to flip over. A driver may try to act quickly in response to another driver’s actions, and that reaction may cause their car to turn over. A car may also roll over if forced off the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the most common cause of rollovers is the latter, where a vehicle’s wheels are affected by uneven terrain after colliding with another automobile. 

When it comes to pedestrian accidents involving motorists, both parties can be at fault. However, with vehicles having more protection and power than a person walking down the street, drivers have a different level of responsibility when getting behind the wheel. A pedestrian can be put into a dangerous situation by the actions of a driver, even if the person behind the wheel is following the law. Each year, approximately 5,000 pedestrians are killed in an accident with a vehicle. Many more are injured, and these injuries can have lifelong effects. If a pedestrian suffers injuries due to the negligence of a motorist, he or she may be entitled to compensation.

Safety Tips for Motorists

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the number of pedestrian fatalities went up 11 percent from 2016 to 2017. To help avoid more fatalities, it is a good idea to review safety measures when it comes to sharing the road. Below are some tips drivers can follow to help prevent accidents with pedestrians: 

Rear-end collisions are often considered just fender benders, but any car accident can cause significant damage to a vehicle and the people inside. Rear-end crashes are the most common motor vehicle accident in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Knowing what factors lead to a rear-end collision is not only a way to avoid causing an accident, but it can also help you determine your best options for seeking compensation after such an incident. Not every car accident leads to permanent disability or wrongful death, but if you are faced with difficult circumstances following an accident, you may be able to collect damages. In the state of Colorado, fault in an accident contributes to how much damage can be recovered. 

Factors That Lead to Rear-End Crashes

A rear-end collision occurs when a car hits the back of another car. Sometimes, this just results in some scratches or minor damage to a vehicle, but hitting a car from behind can also cause serious injuries like whiplash or traumatic brain injuries. A rear-end crash can start a chain reaction of accidents by pushing one car into another vehicle or into the opposite lane of traffic. The following are some of the factors that can lead to rear-end collisions: 

Getting hit by a car as a pedestrian can be a dangerous and traumatic experience. A person walking down the street has little protection against a car or truck, and the results are often fatal. Colorado is a “fault state.” This means that whoever is responsible for an accident pays damages to the other party. Sometimes, the fault of an accident is clear. For example, if a drunk driver goes through a red light and hits a pedestrian who is crossing the street at a crosswalk during the appropriate time, the driver will be at fault. However, if a pedestrian was crossing the street at the wrong time or place, and the driver was distracted, fault in an accident can be more difficult to determine. If both parties are determined to be equally at fault, no party may collect damages.

No one plans on getting hit by a car while out for a stroll, but knowing what to do after an accident can not only help you address your physical injuries, it can help protect your ability to recover financial compensation. 

By this time of year, most schools are out of session for summer vacation. For a teenager with a brand-new driver’s license, this newfound freedom is exciting. Operating a car is a privilege and a responsibility that may be overlooked with the long summer nights and lack of supervision. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, car accidents are the leading cause of the deaths of teenagers in the United States.

Colorado Driving Laws for Teenagers

In Colorado, the minimum age for a teenager to have an initial driver’s license is 16 years old. This is only after taking a drivers' education course, having a permit for at least 12 months, and completing a minimum number of hours on the road driving with an adult over the age of 21 who has a valid driver's license. During this time, there are restrictions for new drivers under the age of 18, but a teenager may choose to ignore these rules.