Causes of Car Accidents in Denver

Car accident victims frequently suffer painful and debilitating injuries that can last for months, years or could prove to be permanent. These injuries can have a wide-ranging impact on a person’s life and livelihood. From mounting medical expenses, lost wages from time missed from work, and coping with physical and mental anguish, dealing with a collision can be stressful and costly.

If you have suffered severe injuries in an accident someone else caused, the experienced attorneys at the Olson Personal Injury Lawyers in Denver want to help. Reach out to us now for a free and confidential consultation about your legal options.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Denver?

Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Denver include:

• Distracted driving – Drivers who are talking on the phone, sending or reading a text message, eating or drinking, fussing with a GPS device, adjusting in-vehicle controls, talking to other passengers, or distracted in some other way could have a more challenging time responding to or recognizing hazards in their path.
• Driving under the influence – Drivers who consume alcohol or drugs before getting behind the wheel could have impaired judgment and dulled reflexes, making them more prone to mistakes.
• Reckless driving – Aggressive merges and lane changes, reckless turns, failing to yield or stop when required, and other reckless driving actions put others at risk.
• Fatigued or drowsy driving – Drivers who are tired or fatigued will have slowed reflexes, dulled cognition, and might nod off while behind the wheel.
• Speeding – The faster a vehicle travels, the less margin for error a driver has if an emergency develops, or someone makes a mistake, which can easily cause an accident.
• Tailgating – Following too closely makes it hard to avoid an accident if the vehicle in front must slow or stop suddenly.
• Failure to yield the right-of-way – Failing to yield to other motorists who have the right-of-way can cause an accident if a driver ends up crossing the path of other traffic.
• Inexperienced drivers – Younger drivers are more prone to make mistakes because they haven’t had as much experience behind the wheel and may panic in an emergency and make the situation worse.
• Unsafe lane changes – Lane-change accidents can occur if a driver fails to signal before merging or if they attempt to move into a lane without checking for other vehicles or having adequate space to maneuver.
• Dangerous turns – Taking turns at high speeds significantly increases the chance of a rollover accident, especially for vehicles with high centers of gravity like trucks and SUVs. Even if the car doesn’t roll, it could slide or spin out.
• Vehicle defects – If a vehicle’s brakes, engine, transmission, steering, or other critical components fail, a driver may not be able to avoid an accident even if they attempt to do so.
• Poor weather or road conditions – Precipitation on the roads (rain, ice, snow, etc.) can make it harder for vehicles to stop, especially at high speeds. Likewise, roads that are not properly maintained can cause accidents due to potholes and other forms of deterioration.

What to Do If You Have Been Hurt in a Crash in Denver

You’re likely to be shocked and confused after a car accident, but you can still take steps to protect your rights and address any injuries to yourself or anyone else involved. Here’s what you need to do:

• Call 911. Calling 911 will bring emergency medical personnel to the scene to treat injured victims. The police can secure the scene and file an accident report as well.
• Document the crash. Use your phone to take pictures of the crash scene, the damage to any vehicles involved, and your injuries. These photos are often helpful in determining who is liable for an accident.
• Get the other driver’s name and insurance information. You’ll need this information to file a claim later.
• Get your injuries checked. If you aren’t taken to a hospital after an accident, see a doctor as soon as possible. You don’t want to run the risk of letting any hidden injuries go untreated. Your doctor can also document all the injuries you’ve suffered, which you’ll need as part of your claim.
• Don’t talk to any insurance companies. If an insurance company tries to contact you, just tell them you’re hiring an attorney. They can speak with your lawyer once you’ve hired someone to represent you.
• Hire a lawyer. A lawyer can get the insurance claim process started while you’re recovering from your injuries. They can deal with the insurance companies on your behalf and prepare a strong case for compensation.

Compensation for Denver Car Accident Victims

Compensation from a personal injury claim could include payments for:

Denver Car Accident Statistics

The Colorado Department of Transportation reports 632 deaths and 3,112 serious injuries from car accidents in one recent year.

How Our Lawyers Can Help Victims of Denver Car Accidents

Here are just a few of the tasks a Denver car accident lawyer from the Olson Personal Injury Lawyers can help with after a crash:

• Gathering evidence to determine who’s liable for your injuries and what compensation you’re eligible to seek
• Working with experts to establish the actual cause of the crash and the extent of your injuries and losses
• Filing an insurance claim against the liable parties
• Negotiating with the insurance companies for a fair settlement
• Bringing your case to court if the insurance companies refuse to accept a reasonable offer

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Denver

Were you injured in a car accident in Denver? Did someone else’s reckless or careless actions harm you?  If so, the Denver car accident lawyers at the Olson Personal Injury Lawyers are ready to fight for you.

Call us or contact us online for a free consultation today.