In 2020, the fatal crashes in Colorado were at their lowest number in decades. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), as of November 2020, there were 495 fatal motor vehicle crashes. That was the lowest number since 2015 when 507 fatal motor vehicle crashes were recorded. That was because the traffic on Colorado roads had thinned because of the pandemic. We will look more closely at some Colorado car accident statistics in this article.
During the first six months of 2020, motor vehicle operators traveled 17 percent fewer miles than they had from January to June 2019. However, the fatality rate jumped by over 20% per vehicle mile traveled.
Because of a 16.6 percent decline in vehicle miles traveled, the average number of traffic deaths in Colorado during the first six months of 2020 was 6% lower than it was during the same period of time in 2019. However, the fatality rate per vehicle mile increased by 12 percent. This is primarily because of reckless driving, alcohol involvement, and violation of traffic laws.
If you have suffered bodily injuries following a motor vehicle crash in Colorado, the experienced accident lawyers at DCAL can help recover the financial compensation you need to cover your medical treatment, property damage, pain and suffering, and other financial damages. To schedule a free initial consultation, contact our Denver personal injury attorneys today at 720-770-5454.
Colorado Motor Vehicle Accident Fatality Statistics in 2019
With a combination of snowy mountain passes and congested urban areas, there are many perils on the roadways for Colorado drivers. These dangers, together with other factors, such as driving under the influence or distracted driving, can cause total auto accidents causing severe bodily injuries, such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and even death. A fatality due to someone else's negligence is referred to as a wrongful death. A few car accident fatality statistics in Colorado include:
- The Colorado Department of Transportation reports that there were 469 fatalities caused by automobile accidents in Colorado in 2019.
- Auto accident fatalities were the highest rate amongst older drivers over the age of 65—accounting for 181 of the 469 total fatalities in 2019.
The most dangerous roadways in Colorado are treacherous mountain passes, such as Coal Bank Pass, Red Mountain Pass, and Wolf Creek Pass.
What Affects Highway Safety in the United States?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that several factors affect how safe you're on the highway, including:
- Growth. From 1995 to 2020, the population of the U.S. has grown from 267 million to approximately 330 million. With a yearly growth rate of about 1.85%, Colorado is the second-fastest-growing state in the country. Since 1980, Colorado's population has doubled, rising from 2.9 million to 5.8 million people. More people means more travel miles, which unfortunately means more potential for motor vehicle accidents.
- Older drivers. Since 2010, the number of Americans aged over 65 has exploded. Often, older motorists are over-represented in motor vehicle crash fatalities. Even though they make up only 9% of the population, older Americans are involved in 13% of fatal automobile accidents. The traffic fatality rate of motorists 65 and older is 17 times more than younger drivers aged 25 to 65 years.
- Younger drivers. Nearly 43 million drivers in the US. are aged between 16 and 24. Younger drivers are more likely to speed, drive recklessly, and drive while drunk. Which means more motor vehicle crashes.
- Commuting. The high costs of living and other downsides of denser urban populations have made urban dwellers seek affordable housing away from cities, leading to longer commutes. Also, large corporations are escaping from city centers. Longer commutes translate to a greater risk of traffic accidents.
- Congestion. With nearly one billion motor vehicles traveling the world’s roadways, congestion is an enormous problem around the globe. It’s certainly bad in Denver, Colorado, which, according to INRIX Research, is among the top 20 U.S. cities when it comes to traffic congestion. Some drivers respond to congestion by driving carelessly or indulging in other unsafe driving behaviors.
- Safety features. Many people will pay more for improved safety features, and they're choosing motor vehicles based on individual safety ratings.
- Personal responsibility. Increasingly, drivers are being held more accountable for their own behavior and safety, which affects liability laws and auto insurance coverage.
In Colorado, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death. Excessive speeding and impaired driving contribute 35% and 27%, respectively, to traffic-accident fatalities in Colorado. If you or a loved one has suffered fatal injuries in a traffic accident in Colorado, the experienced auto accident attorneys at DCAL can help you file an insurance claim and recover the financial compensation you deserve.
Which Counties in Colorado Have the Highest Number of Motor Vehicle Accident Fatalities?
According to the CDOT data, the counties with the highest number of fatal auto accidents in Colorado in 2016 are:
- 60 motorists died in Adams County
- 57 motorists died in Weld County
- 54 motorists died in Denver County
- 48 motorists died in El Paso County, and
- 48 motorists died in Jefferson County.
In 2016, there were no traffic fatalities reported in the following eight of Colorado’s 64 counties:
- Baca County
- Cheyenne County
- Bent County
- Crowley County
- Cheyenne County
- Conejos County
- Hinsdale County
- Sedgwick County, and
- Phillips County.
What are Common Injuries in Traffic Crashes in Colorado?
Motor vehicle collisions vary from minor fender-benders to high-speed crashes, and because of this, the range of accident injuries also ranges from minor to major injuries. A few of the most common injuries suffered in auto accidents include:
Head Injuries
Head injuries vary from minor concussions to major internal brain injuries and skull damage. If you think that you might have sustained a head injury following an auto accident, it's imperative to seek medical attention immediately as soon as possible. It's essential to note that symptoms of head injuries don’t immediately present themselves, so it's advisable to be cautious. Head injuries that are left untreated can cause major complications down the road.
Cuts and Bruises
When you're involved in an accident, the items inside your vehicle might become projectiles in an instant. Things, such as house keys, cell phones, or kids’ toys can fly around, causing fatal injuries. Further, accidents that happen at higher speeds often lead to broken glass from windshields, which can cause deep cuts and lacerations in the skin requiring stitches or more serious medical treatment.
Broken Bones
The force generated by auto collisions can cause severe bone breaks. Broken bones may require surgeries and rehabilitation, and even with these measures, can leave accident injury victims with permanent disabilities.
If you have been injured in a fatal accident in Denver, Colorado, seek legal representation. An experienced traffic accident lawyer can help you file an accident insurance claim to recover the maximum compensation to cover your present and future medical bills, property damage, emotional distress, and other financial damages.
Why do you need an Automobile Accident Lawyer?
Each day millions of Colorado residents take the unavoidable risk of physical injury or death by driving a car. It’s an unpleasant thought to carry around with you daily, but it’s a reality Coloradans need to understand and take into account every time they drive a motor vehicle. In 2017, 648 motorists lost their lives in Colorado because of fatal traffic crashes, and thousands more suffered devastating injuries and disabilities from fatal motor vehicle crashes. This adds up to over ten thousand auto accident claims every year filed in Colorado looking to seek compensation for medical bills, property damage, emotional trauma, lost wages, and other financial damages and losses.
Most probably you or someone you know was involved in a traffic accident of varying severities. Even the most minor rear-end accident can involve many legal complexities—insurance companies are notoriously stingy when it comes to paying out accident settlements to car wreck victims in Colorado. The Denver Car Accident Lawyers at our firm have helped thousands of car accident victims recover fair compensation and we can help you too. Our personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means you'll pay us once we win your case. To schedule a no-cost initial consultation, contact our Denver personal injury law firm today at 720-770-5454.