The Insurance Research Council tracks uninsured motorist claims filed with auto insurance companies. Their recent data suggests that approximately 16.2% of Colorado motorists are uninsured, which is higher than the national average of 12.6%. The state does require that all motorists have vehicle liability insurance of certain minimum levels. Residents are required to present documentation showing insurance coverage for vehicle registration and may impose penalties for driving without coverage. For reasons unknown, the state ranks in the top-ten in this
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Here, we look at accidents that are part of scams orchestrated by criminals. Most citizens are honest and hardworking members of society; however, there is a criminal element that seeks to take advantage of aspects of accidents and insurance. Actions classified as fraud, such as the auto accident scams we will discuss, are among the most common financially-based crimes in the country. Organized Criminal Activity Certain regions of the United States have particularly high rates of such activity. In Colorado
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The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration estimates there are more than 6 million passenger car accidents and another 4 million light truck accidents annually. In light of these statistics, drivers seem to have a false sense of security on the road today: vehicles are increasingly comfortable with many enhanced safety features, offering a feeling of safety. The reality is that each day accidents lead to property damage, injuries, and fatalities. Being prepared with the knowledge of how to proceed after
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This is the first of a four-part series titled Nightmare Scenario Car Accidents discussing the often traumatic implications of car accidents. According to Merriam Webster, the term traumatic is used to describe a disorderly mental or behavioral state that is caused by severe stress or physical injury. In terms of a car accident, the events of an accident could be shocking and result in severe physical harm or death. Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety indicates there were 37,461
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The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that nationwide there were 37,461 fatalities in motor vehicle accidents in 2016. The yearly cost associated with auto accidents is now estimated to be in excess of $240 billion. When considering these statistics, it should come as no surprise that there is a strong demand for new vehicle safety technology. Meanwhile, the automobile industry continues to progress toward autonomous (self-driving) vehicles and many new “smart” technologies have been implemented for safety purposes. Those
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In 2016, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) data indicated that there were 608 traffic fatalities in the state, an 11% increase. This trend continued in 2017 with another rise in roadway deaths and thousands of people who suffered injuries of varying types. Despite widespread awareness in the community about vehicle accident safety, problems such as impaired driving, speeding, and distracted driving have continued to make Colorado roads a dangerous place. How do you know if you need an attorney
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After being involved in a significant motor vehicle accident, it is critical to be examined by a doctor in a timely fashion, even if you feel that your injuries are minor or nonexistent. The following are some things to keep in mind if you have been injured in an accident. If your injury is apparent, take photos following the accident. You should always follow any treatment plan provided for you, failing to do so may hinder your ability to obtain
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In certain situations, such as multi-vehicle accidents or when fault is strongly being challenged, your personal injury attorney may deem that using vehicular accident reconstruction will benefit your case. Deciding to retain an individual or firm that focuses on this type of specialized work is important, in part because the cost of doing so may be significant. What is Accident Reconstruction? The process of accident reconstruction seeks to determine how and why a car accident transpired using various technical methods.
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Photos are impactful as evidence in car accident claims because they can offer illustrative details of the scene of the accident, vehicle damage and injuries that may have been incurred. The majority of U.S. residents have a mobile phone of some kind equipped with a camera. Over 77% of residents have a smartphone equipped with cameras and video capabilities. This technology that we all almost possess can come in handy if you are in an accident and want to memorialize by photo
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Anytime a vehicle is involved in a collision with another vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian that leads to injuries or property damage, law enforcement should be contacted. The police will respond to assess, document, and clear the scene of the accident. One critical function of these responders is the completion of an accident report. The report is typically filed and available within a day or two after the incident for little or no cost. Accident Alert Exception There are rare instances
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This is the first of a six-part series titled Evidence & Proving Your Car Accident Personal Injury Case. There were slightly over 600 traffic fatalities in Colorado in 2016 and 2017 and many more injuries, and the state’s population continues to grow, bringing additional motorists to the already-congested roadways. Most of these auto accidents involved negligence, and many times acts of negligence result in personal injury claims or lawsuits. Personal injury claims are civil matters that require plaintiffs to prove
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Arrests for driving under the influence in Colorado’s ski resort towns continue to persist, placing many unsuspecting drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians in potential danger. Greg Daly, the Avon Police Chief, says that many of those visiting the Central Rockies resorts are simply there to “party.” The 5th Judicial District, which includes Clear Creek, Lake, Eagle and Summit counties, leads the state for drunken driving arrests with a ratio 8.8 per every 1,000 residents. The 9th Judicial District, which includes Garfield,
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Often firefighters face dangerous situations long before actually encountering a blaze. A wreck involving a fire truck occurred recently on I-76 just east of Keenesburg. The engine of the Southeast Weld Fire Protection District was hit by a tractor-trailer sending four firefighters to the Platte Valley Medical Center Hospital in Brighton, CO. Fortunately, the truck was not hauling a trailer at the time of the accident. The department’s Chief Tom Beach informed Denver7 that the injuries ranged from those needing
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We are currently awaiting the 2017 finalized roadway accident data for Colorado. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), we know there was an increase in the number of fatalities compared to the 615 in 2016. Early indications suggest a rise in crashes resulting from impaired driving and among those who were not wearing a seatbelt. Sam Cole, a CDOT spokesman, explained — although the numbers suggest that all was bad — there were some positive results this year,
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