Reckless driving continues to be a major concern on Denver’s roads, contributing to many traffic accidents, injuries, and fatalities each year. As of 2024, common causes of reckless driving accidents in Denver, CO, have led to increased enforcement efforts and calls for greater public awareness.
What Is the Most Common Cause for Traffic Crashes?
While many factors contribute to traffic crashes, the most common cause of accidents continues to be driver error. This broad category includes a range of behaviors, but one of the most dangerous is reckless driving. Reckless driving encompasses actions like speeding, aggressive lane changing, tailgating, and ignoring traffic signals. These are all behaviors that greatly increase the risk of a collision.
In Denver, speeding is particularly problematic, especially on major roadways where drivers may feel emboldened to push speed limits. Reckless drivers often underestimate the time it takes to react to changing road conditions, resulting in accidents that could have been prevented with careful driving.
Other driver errors, such as distracted driving (texting or talking on the phone), driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and running red lights, are also significant contributors to traffic crashes in Denver.
What Is the Most Frequent Factor Causing Road Accidents?
The most frequent factor in causing road accidents is human behavior, particularly behaviors linked to recklessness. Of all reckless behaviors, speeding is the most frequent factor. When drivers exceed speed limits, they reduce their ability to stop quickly, have less time to react to sudden obstacles, and risk losing control of their vehicles. In Denver, speeding is a leading cause of accidents on busy streets and highways, particularly during peak travel times.
Tailgating is another reckless behavior that contributes to frequent accidents. When a driver follows too closely behind another vehicle, they often have insufficient time to brake if the vehicle in front stops suddenly. Tailgating is especially dangerous in heavy traffic or when weather conditions, such as snow or rain, reduce visibility and traction on the road.
Impaired driving also ranks high among frequent causes of accidents. Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and coordination, making them more likely to engage in reckless behavior. Colorado, including Denver, has seen an increase in accidents involving drivers impaired by marijuana, a trend that has contributed to rising accident rates.
Which Age Group Has the Highest Accident Rate?
Young drivers, particularly those between the ages of 15 and 20, have the highest accident fatality rate. This age group is more likely to engage in risky behaviors, like speeding, texting while driving, or driving under the influence. Younger drivers often lack the experience needed to respond to unexpected road hazards or changes in traffic patterns, making them more vulnerable to accidents.
However, reckless driving is not limited to young drivers. Adults over 65 also contribute to accident rates thanks to a decline in cognition, visual impairment, and declining reflexes.
Impact of Reckless Driving in Denver
In 2024, reckless driving continues to have a significant impact on Denver’s roads. Not only does reckless driving lead to a higher number of accidents, but it also contributes to severe injuries and fatalities. Speeding and aggressive driving are particularly deadly, often resulting in high-impact crashes that cause significant damage to both vehicles and individuals involved.
Denver’s rapidly growing population and increased traffic congestion mean that more drivers are sharing the roads, leading to a greater chance of encountering reckless drivers. Highways, urban streets, and residential areas are all seeing an increase in accidents caused by drivers who ignore traffic laws and put others at risk.
Recovering From a Reckless Driver Accident in Denver
All Colorado drivers are required to have auto insurance that meets the state’s minimum coverage requirements. However, dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, as they will almost always fight back against claims for coverage. It is also possible for your damages to eclipse the scope of coverage provided by the at-fault driver’s policy. Your attorney can help you navigate all insurance-related issues following your accident.
If you must file a personal injury claim against the driver who caused your accident, you will need to prove the full extent of the damages they inflicted. You have the right to claim compensation for all the economic damages that they caused, along with limited pain and suffering compensation. However, when the defendant has broken the law in causing the accident, this may complicate your case, but it may also create opportunities for additional compensation.
You may receive punitive damages in addition to your other claimed losses to reflect the illegal nature of the defendant’s actions. It is also possible for them to be sentenced to pay restitution, along with their other penalties, in criminal court. This type of case can be very difficult for an injured driver to navigate on their own, so it’s vital to have legal counsel you can trust on your side after a reckless driver accident in Denver.
Laws and Enforcement in Colorado
Colorado law treats reckless driving as a serious offense, with strict penalties designed to deter drivers from engaging in dangerous behaviors. In Colorado, reckless driving is defined as driving with a “willful and wanton disregard” for the safety of others. This includes behaviors like excessive speeding, tailgating, and running red lights.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in Colorado?
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for car accidents is typically three years. This means that if you are involved in an accident caused by reckless driving, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If the accident resulted in property damage only, the statute of limitations is two years.
This timeframe is critical for victims of reckless driving accidents, as it provides a limited window to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the crash.
FAQs
How Does Speeding Contribute to Reckless Driving Accidents?
Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react to road hazards, increases stopping distances, and can cause loss of vehicle control, especially in unfavorable weather conditions, making it one of the leading causes of reckless driving accidents. Higher speeds also magnify the severity of collisions, which naturally causes more severe injuries, including permanent disability and death.
Can Distracted Driving Be Classified as Reckless Driving?
Yes, distracted driving, like texting while driving, using a phone, or fiddling with the radio, can be classified as reckless driving. These behaviors endanger others and often lead to fender-benders, low-impact crashes, and severe collisions. Focusing on anything other than driving increases the risk of accidents. It is important for drivers to remain focused on the road at all times.
What Legal Consequences Do Drivers Face for Reckless Driving?
Reckless driving can result in fines, points on a driver’s license, license suspension, and even jail time, depending on the severity of the incident. If reckless driving leads to an accident, the at-fault driver can also face civil liability for damages and injuries, especially if their insurance coverage isn’t sufficient, as wounded parties can file personal injury claims to make up the difference.
What Should I Do If I’m Involved in an Accident Caused by Reckless Driving in Denver?
If you’re involved in a reckless driving accident in Denver, it’s important to contact the police, gather evidence, seek medical attention, and report the incident to your insurance. Consulting a car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and not only pursue any necessary legal action against the at-fault driver but also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
Experienced Legal Counsel for Reckless Driver Accidents in Denver, CO
Cheney Galluzzi & Howard has a strong professional record of successful legal counsel in Denver. Throughout the years of our operation, we have helped many past clients recover from all types of car accidents. Proving fault is an essential first step in resolving any car accident case, and it is natural to have many important legal questions when your recent accident was the result of reckless driving.
Reckless driving can take the form of:
- Speeding
- Dangerous tailgating
- Intentional moving violations
- Street racing
In short, reckless driving involves anything that violates a driver’s duty of care to operate their vehicle safely and responsibly. It’s possible for a reckless driving accident to generate a criminal case against the at-fault driver in addition to a civil claim for damages from an injured victim.
Your Denver reckless driver accident lawyer can assist you with gathering the evidence you may need to prove fault, such as footage captured by traffic cameras, vehicle computer data, and testimony from witnesses who saw the accident happen. If the driver is found to have caused the accident by driving recklessly, they are likely to be arrested, and your attorney can explain what implications this may have on your recovery efforts.
Cheney Galluzzi & Howard: Your Denver Reckless Driver Accident Lawyers
Cheney Galluzzi & Howard has the skills, resources, and experience necessary to resolve the toughest accident claims. If you need to speak with a Denver reckless driver accident lawyer about your case, contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team and learn how we can assist you.
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