There is a multitude of factors that contribute to the causes of fatal car accidents in Colorado, but the most common cause law enforcement is seeing is driver negligence. Statistics found that 94% of all fatalities are from negligence, which includes unsafe and reckless driving practices. Call today to speak with a skilled Denver accident lawyer about your car accident injury!
Recent Car Accident Trends in Colorado
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, commonly referred to as NHTSA, released an updated report on fatal accidents in Colorado on August 17th, 2022. In the first quarter of 2022, January - March, traffic deaths increased by nearly 10%. The national average for fatal crashes increased by 7% in the first quarter. The NHTSA has the country divided into 10 regions, with Colorado being in the 8th region along with Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, South and North Dakota. Colorado, Nevada, and Utah had traffic fatality increases, while Wyoming, South Dakota, and North Dakota had decreases in fatalities.
Colorado Car Accidents Statistics for 2022
During the first quarter of 2022, Colorado had 135 driver fatalities, which is a 9.8 percent rise from the first quarter of 2021. In 2021, the state had an average of 123 fatal car accidents during that same time period. This landed Colorado with a rank of 24th in the nation in the first quarter for both fatalities and change in percent. Through July 2022, Colorado saw 316 deadly accidents, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Prior to the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, the number of deaths had been steadily falling for three consecutive years. The Colorado Springs Police Department says that motorcycle crashes, drivers under the influence of alcohol, and drugged driving are the main factors causing the increase in accident numbers. More than one in three traffic crashes are motorcycle accidents that result in death in Colorado Springs alone.
What Happens After a Car Accident?
After a major collision, the individuals involved should, under no circumstances, leave the scene of the accident. Fleeing the scene of an accident may be considered a hit-and-run, which could lead to worsened legal consequences. If the location of the accident puts the individuals involved at risk of injury (if there were no injuries from the accident), moving to a safer location is advised to minimize further risk. If the vehicle is able to be moved, it should be relocated to a safe area off of the roadway, such as the road shoulder.
Following these steps, the police and emergency medical services should be contacted. Hazard blinkers should be engaged in order to alert other drivers of the accident and potential traffic congestion, and the potential for vehicular damage to their cars from debris. The drivers involved in the accident should then exchange information, such as names, contact information, and insurance information. Collecting evidence is encouraged, and this may be done by taking photos or videos of the accident scene with an available camera or cell phone.
If law enforcement is dispatched to the accident scene, it is important to be upfront with them so that the liable party is noted on the police report or accident report. If the police are unable to arrive at the scene, both parties are able to file their own reports at a later date. These reports are then used by insurance companies to delegate responsibility. If there is an injured party, the next step is to seek medical care. Even if there are no injuries suspected, seeking medical intervention is important in the event that injuries arise later on, such as whiplash. Medical care is typically compensated by an insurance agency.
How to Avoid Accidents in Colorado
There is a multitude of ways to avoid motor vehicle accidents. Adhering strictly to speed limits is often the easiest way to avoid becoming the responsible party during an accident. Following the lawful speed that is posted on all roadways, and avoiding faster speeds is a responsible way to maintain control of your vehicle, and can help you make sure your reaction time is accurate in the event of road traffic crashes.
Distracted driving is often one of the main causes of accidents, so it is important to keep both hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road. Distracted driving accidents are all too common throughout the entirety of the United States, and although teen drivers are at the highest risk of this activity, anyone can experience this. Leave mobile devices out of arm's reach while driving in order to avoid becoming distracted.
Alcohol-related accidents, as well as accidents involving illegal drugs and dangerous behavior, are also on the rise. If you plan on drinking or engaging in other illegal activities, asking a friend or ordering a ride share is the safest way to avoid the risk of accidents and guarantees safe driving.
In the event that an accident has taken place, there are a number of ways to protect yourself. Wearing a seat belt is the easiest way to protect yourself from sustaining an injury. Traumatic brain injuries are all too common during an accident, so protecting yourself with restraints and airbags is a great way to ensure that you are the safest you can be. If there is a child in the car, a properly fitted car seat or a booster seat is the best way to guarantee their well-being if the event of loss of vehicle control.
Though not commonly discussed, keeping an eye on traffic trends, and checking a report on road traffic can be beneficial in avoiding situations that could lead to road crashes. Staying up to date on road signs commonly used in your area can be beneficial, as many areas are updating these signs, or getting rid of them altogether.
Contact Denver Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you have found yourself involved in an accident, you should find an experienced Denver Car Accident Lawyer attorney with extensive experience in this area. Legal services from an experienced car accident lawyer could save you a tremendous amount of time and money, and they will fight for you to receive compensation in the event of an injury or if your vehicle has sustained damages. Call one of our Denver, CO personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation!