Denver Car Accident Statistics - Traffic Fatalities
- Car wrecks are among the leading causes of death, injury, and property damage in the United States and can result from driver impairment, distraction, reckless behavior, traffic-law violations, road defects, and vehicle malfunctions.
- In the first half of 2024, Colorado saw 294 roadway fatalities, down 9% from the prior year, with pedestrian, impaired-driving, and unbuckled fatalities all declining.
- If you were hurt in a Denver car accident, an attorney can explain your rights, identify liable parties, and help you pursue a claim for compensation.
If you or a loved one has suffered in a car accident in Denver, you are likely feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what the future holds. Car wrecks are one of the leading causes of death, injury, and property damage in the United States, and they can come about for a multitude of reasons. Looking at Denver car accident statistics can show you the potential risks you might face on the road and how to avoid some of them.
In a busy area like Denver, car accidents can happen suddenly. Keeping up with the latest statistics can help you identify common causes of accidents and prevent them when avoidable. This can not only save your own life but also the lives of others you love. If you have already suffered a car accident, knowing these statistics can still provide useful information, should you pursue a claim for compensation against the liable parties who caused the accident.
At Cheney Galluzzi & Howard, our attorneys are here to represent your interests, inform you of the latest statistics, and work to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Denver
In Denver, car accidents can occur for many reasons. The Colorado Department of Transportation, or CDOT, tracks the most common causes of these accidents, both fatal and nonfatal. Understanding these reasons can enable you to avoid these situations and keep you and your fellow drivers safe. The most common causes of car accidents in Denver include the following:
- Driving While Impaired: When an individual gets into their vehicle while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or even some prescription medications, their ability to drive is severely impaired, which causes them to pose a higher risk to other drivers, especially for fatal accidents. Individuals who drive impaired do not have good judgment or fast reaction times, which could lead to accidents.
- Driving Distracted: One of the leading causes of car accidents in the country is drivers operating their vehicles while distracted. Distractions are any actions or behaviors that cause your eyes to come off the road and your hands to come off the wheel. These can include texting, eating, drinking, or grooming while driving. They can also include interacting with other passengers or stretching for something out of reach.
- Reckless Driving: Speeding, or otherwise driving too fast under certain conditions, can increase your risk of being involved in a car accident. Other examples of reckless driving can include racing, engaging in road rage, or tailgating other drivers. All these can increase your chances of experiencing a car wreck and suffering a fatality.
- Traffic Law Violations: There are many traffic laws that individuals must follow in Colorado. These laws are put in place for a reason; when they are violated, it can increase the risk of severe harm and even fatalities. If a driver breaks these laws, they can cause severe accidents. Actions that would violate certain traffic laws can include running red lights or stop signs and ignoring right-of-way laws.
- Road Defects: In some situations, car accidents in Denver can be caused by road defects rather than driver error. Examples can include potholes, missing guardrails, uneven pavement or shoulders, malfunctioning traffic lights, and missing signage. In these cases, the local government might be liable for the damages that occur.
- Vehicle Malfunctions: When a vehicle breaks down due to an equipment malfunction, such as tire blowouts or bad brakes, the product manufacturer or designer could be held liable for the resulting damages, especially in cases where these parties knew of the defects and put the vehicle on the market anyway.
If you were injured by any of these causes, a Denver car accident lawyer can review the facts and explain your legal options.
Recent Trends in Denver Car Accident Fatalities
Halfway through the year, the Colorado Department of Transportation, or CDOT, puts out certain data on the status of car accidents or traffic fatalities faced on state roadways so far. Looking at this data and the applicable trends can help you stay safe while driving.
In the first half of 2024, the state saw 294 fatalities on the roadways, which was down 9% from the previous year. These statistics were broken down into the following subcategories:
- Pedestrian fatalities were down 24%, at 47 in six months.
- Impaired driving fatalities were down 16%, at 91.
- Unbuckled fatalities were down 6% from last year, with 90.
- There were 52 motorcycle fatalities, down from 5% the previous year.
- Children and teen vehicle fatalities were down 23% from the previous year, at 36.
Even with these improvements, thousands of people are injured on Colorado roads every year. Understanding the car accident injury claims process can help you protect your rights if you are involved in a crash.
What Should You Do Following a Denver Car Accident?
If you have been involved in a car accident in Denver, there are several steps you will want to take if you are physically able. These can protect your rights to a future claim and preserve your own health. First, move yourself to a place of safety, and contact the authorities and medical services. You will want to take photos of your injuries, the accident, and your surroundings, like missing or malfunctioning signage. All this can provide vital evidence for your claim.
You should also contact an attorney as soon as possible. Evidence fades quickly, witnesses can become harder to locate, and certain deadlines apply to injury claims in Colorado. A Denver car accident attorney can review the circumstances of the crash and advise you on your next steps.
What If You Lose a Loved One in a Denver Car Accident?
If you lose a loved one in a Colorado car accident, you have the legal right to file a wrongful death claim against the liable party. This is similar to a personal injury claim and allows you to seek certain forms of compensation, such as:
- The loss of companionship
- Medical bills that were incurred by the deceased
- Funeral or burial costs for your loved one
Wrongful death claims have their own deadlines and legal requirements. Contact CGH to understand how these rules apply to your specific situation.
Contact Cheney Galluzzi & Howard
Understanding the traffic fatality and car accident statistics of Denver can reduce future accidents. By knowing the common reasons for these events, you can take extra precaution when hitting the open road. If you were involved in a Denver car accident, the team at Cheney Galluzzi & Howard is here to help. Contact us today for a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common injuries in a car accident in Colorado?
If you suffer a car accident in Colorado, there are several injuries that you may sustain, depending on the cause and nature of the accident. These injuries can include broken bones, fractures, muscle strains or sprains, bruising, lacerations, internal bleeding, internal organ or nerve damage, concussions, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and traumatic brain injuries.
How many car accidents happen every year in Colorado?
Thousands of car accidents occur every year in Colorado. The impacts of these accidents can range in severity, from mild damage to your car to severe injuries and even devastating fatalities. If you have a reason to suspect that another party is liable for the damages you have suffered in a car accident, you need to consult an attorney as soon as possible.
What should I do if I lose a loved one in a car accident?
If you lose a loved one in a Colorado car accident, you have the legal right to file a wrongful death claim against the liable party. This is similar to a personal injury claim and allows you to seek certain forms of compensation, such as the loss of companionship, medical bills that were incurred by the deceased, and funeral or burial costs for your loved one.
What should you do after a car accident in Denver?
If you have been involved in a car accident in Denver, move yourself to a place of safety and contact the authorities and medical services. Take photos of your injuries, the accident, and your surroundings, like missing or malfunctioning signage. All this can provide vital evidence for your claim. Then contact an attorney to understand your rights and options.
This article is general information for Colorado injury readers. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and does not promise that any rule or remedy applies to your situation. Car accident, wrongful death, and personal injury claims require case-specific legal review.
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